“It’s not so bad.”
Zeller made a face. “You don’t need to sugarcoat it. I know better than anyone how strict they can be.”
The Parkensons were demanding. Valentin worked long, tiring days, and the job only paid enough for him to rent a studio apartment in town.
“They are very exacting,” he said. “But besides striving to meet your parents’ expectations, there’s something else you and I have in common. Something more important.”
Zeller’s jaw ticked. “What’s that?”
“Since I got this job, I spend all day here and there’s not really anyone to talk to…other than you, of course. I’m sure you’ve noticed that the other staff are betas and they’re all a lot older than me. It can be a bitisolating.”
The omega frowned. “We are not the same. You get to go home at night. And you have Sundays off.”
Valentin sat down in the chair next to him. “You have it worse. No question. I’m just saying I understand—a little—what you’re dealing with. And I see how hard it is on you. To be honest, it’s wild that nobody else seems to realize how frustrated you are.”
“They don’t notice a lot of things,” Zeller mumbled. “Maybe Antoni and Asher do, and now you.”
More than anything, Valentin wished he could take the pain from the omega’s voice. “I hate that you’re so confined here. The world needs more people like you in it.”
“Like me?” Zellerpffted.
“Yeah. People who are smart and funny and easy to talk to—…You would have made a great chem lab partner.”
Zeller laughed lightly. “Thank you.” He stretched his arm out, almost placing his hand on top of Valentin’s before pulling back.
“It’s true. Like I said, obviously you’ve got it worse with your parents. I just relate to feeling…lonely.”
“I see,” Zeller whispered, and this time, his fingers landed on Valentin’s knuckles.
A cough sounded from the doorway. Valentin snatched his hand back, peering up to find Antoni.
Neutrally, the butler told Zeller, “I heard your fathers’ car in the driveway. You should go and get ready because they’re expecting guests. The agriculture minister and his husband.”
Zeller nodded, heaving himself from the chair. He tapped a slender finger on top ofMy Summer by the Sea,as though reminding Valentin to take it, then exited without another word.
Antoni walked over to the shelves. “This is excellent craftsmanship,” he said, running his hand along the wood. “The new pieces fit in seamlessly with the originals.”
“Thank you.” Valentin slipped the book into his pocket while the beta’s back remained turned.
“It’s interesting how they blend so well. Once you’ve finished, no one will be able to tell.”
“That’s my goal.”
The butler hummed. “It’s commendable that you always do your best work. But I hope you understand that, even if the old wood and the new wood seem perfectly in sync, they’ll never be a true match.”
Valentin froze.
Antoni turned around. “It’s fine for them to be side-by-side. The old wood has needed propping up for a long time. But it’s important that you never forget.” He captured Valentin’s gaze. “No matter what you do, you can never make it so they were cut from the same tree.”
Valentin nodded. “I understand.”
“Good. Be careful.”
Chapter Four
Calder
Denni walked around the main room of the vacant restaurant space, gesturing animatedly.
