Zeller’s expression brightened. “You talked about high school.”
“Oh, right.” Valentin guffawed. “My chem lab partner who set the counter on fire and tried to blame it on me.”
“Uh-huh.”
“You know I finished that story? The school called the fire department and the other kid eventually told the truth. Not much more to it.”
“That’s not what I meant.” Zeller sighed. “I’ve spent so much time in this empty house, even when I had tutors. I love hearing about public school.” He emphasized the wordpublicwith a hint of awe, as though Valentin had survived getting lost in the jungle. “My brothers’ stories from private school are not nearly as interesting.”
Valentin felt bad for Zeller, who brimmed with color and vibrancy and yet seemed to have been confined to this estate for most of his life. The world had changed. It wasn’t perfect for omegas. But it was a lot better than it used to be. He didn’t know why the Parkensons treated their omega son the way he would have been treated a generation or two ago. He only knew Zeller hated it, as much as he tried to keep a brave face.
Valentin shrugged. Maybe it was a rich people thing. The wealthiest citizens in the state always fought the hardest against omega rights.
“Alright…” Valentin began, assembling the wood in front of the shelving units. “If you liked the story about chem lab, wait until you hear about my swimming unit in PE. I had a classmate who was notorious for suit slips…”
Valentin spent the next hour talking about his classes and being on the yearbook committee. The omega asked all sorts of questions about things Valentin thought were mundane, but Zeller found fascinating.Did he get to leave campus to go tolunch with his friends? Did he have a locker? Did he go to dances?
When the conversation turned to literature class, Zeller’s interest was even more pointed.What books were they assigned to read? Did the class discuss the books? Were they good discussions?
The exchange gave Valentin an idea. “What was the last book you read?” he asked.
Zeller picked up the hardback he’d been holding when Valentin came in. “This one. I just finished. It’s calledMy Summer by the Sea. It’s about a beta who travels across the state and all the people he meets along the way.”
“You said you’re done?”
“Yes.”
“Well, how about you loan it to me—I’m assuming your parents and Antoni won’t notice—and then we can talk after I read it?”
“Really?” Zeller sat up in his chair. “And no, they won’t notice. It’s one I keep in my room.”
“Just to warn you, I’m a slow reader, but I promise to finish. We’ll have to be careful of course—” His gaze darted to the library entrance. “But I’m sure we can find bits of time, like we have been.”
“Thank you!” Zeller exclaimed.
Valentin was playing with fire, but he was helpless to do otherwise. His inner alpha stirred, brought to life by the joy he’d given this omega.
Zeller bounced over and hugged him. It was quick, a hint of an embrace really, but it was enough to confirm for Valentin what he already knew.
He didn’t just like being around the Parkensons’ son. He was attracted to him.
Yet as Zeller stepped back with his eyes shining, Valentin couldn’t be mad about it. No matter how dangerous it was.
How could he deny himself this piece of brightness? And how could he deny Zeller the companionship he so obviously craved?
Valentin could control his baser desires. The omega was innocent, only eighteen. And Valentin knew better than to push for something he could never have.
An hour later, the damaged boards were replaced, and he had added decorative carvings to the shelves. He would sand and stain the wood tomorrow.
“It looks great,” Zeller said. “Where did you learn to do all this handyman stuff? Another class in school?”
“No. I’m the oldest of eight. My family didn’t have a lot of money, so every dollar had to stretch. My papa taught me how to build things and take care of our house and yard. Back then, it was annoying. Not a fun way to spend your weekends when you’re a teenager. But now that it’s helped me get this job, I’m grateful.”
Valentin didn’t think Zeller needed all the details about how harsh his upbringing had been. After he graduated high school, his fathers asked him to leave the family home and provide for himself. With their financial situation, college had never been in the cards. They still texted periodically to check in, but those messages were growing fewer and farther between. For all intents and purposes, Valentin was entirely on his own.
“I moved across the province and picked up temporary work until I saw an ad for this position three months ago,” he told Zeller.
“Well, I’m sorry your situation growing up was rough, but selfishly, I’m glad it led you here. Even though my fathers are difficult to work for.”
