Page 70 of Evan and the Alpha

“I will turn them out.”

Evan opens his mouth to protest, but I shake my head. “They are offended by our conduct, by me fulfilling my oath to take care of my omega. They have called our baby a monster. They have made you cry. And your phapha attacked me in my own home last night.”

I frown deeply. “It will not do for me to be seen harboring them. People will talk. They will say I am weak, that I tolerate such abuse from others. They will say that I do not protect my omega.”

I lean over, sliding my fingers under his chin, mindful of how thin and fragile his skin is. He tilts his head up a bit, his lips parting around another complaint. I slide my thumb over his bottom lip. “I will not let them hurt you any longer, Evan. I will not let gossip start. If they are so offended by us, then they can stay somewhere else.”

“But.”

“No buts. I will not let other alphas think I am weak, that they will challenge me for this territory. I will show my might. And besides …”

Evan’s gaze remains pinned to my face; I grin. “If they’re not here, I can’t murder them while they sleep.”

“Oh!” Evan snaps, his face going white and then red. “Don’t you dare, Sobek.”

I kiss him gently. “I won’t,” I say as I pull away. “Them staying elsewhere will reduce the temptation. How could I ever want to leave when I have such a pretty omega here?”

Evan flushes brilliantly; it looks strange, because his skin is already mottled red from his crying. “I don’t want them here either,” he admits in a low voice, like it’s something shameful.

I pat his cheek, then stand. “Rest. Drink some water. I will be back soon.”

***

It takes me longer than I’d like to corral all of Evan’s relations together. Yafir and the one alpha, the gentle one, were easy enough to find. They were in the nest, looking after Rex. I frown at that; I knew Evan was taking on too much responsibility when he promised my omom that he would care for this hatchling.

There are other reasons I am suspicious of the situation between Yafir, Rex, and this brother of Evan’s. No matter; it is not my place to comment until I am asked for advice.

They come willingly, quietly. Ge-Ro finally returns from the ship with Evan’s other brother and Darwin. Evan’s omom is already sitting at the table, mouth pinched in a frown. She looks very old, I think.

Evan’s phapha is the missing one. I finally find him near the river. I have half a mind to tell him not to bother to come back to the house. But then, the rest of the clan is gathered at the table and they will be given food and drink so I can see them on their way. Bad news is eased by good tastes and full bellies.

Evan’s phapha is very reluctant to come with me; he argues with me. He seems perturbed by something. More than once, I see his gaze drift to my groin.

Perhaps he is concerned that I am more alpha than he is? Probably. Some alphas are very petty like that.

At last, I convince him to return. Yafir is serving drinks when we arrive. “You took a while,” he apologizes, ducking his head.

I sigh; it should be Evan’s job to serve food and drink in my house, not some beta brother of mine. I remind myself that this conversation will be too much for Evan to bear. He’s already not well after today, and we must think of our child. Too much emotion in the omega is bad for the child.

I sit, which is enough for Yafir to continue handing out clay cups full of grog. When he finishes, Yafir resumes his seat by Vince, who is cradling Rex. Rex has his limbs and his tail draped all over the sun spirit’s arms; his jaws are wide open and he looks quite content, like he’s basking in the sun. His first few fangs are coming through his skin, giving the hatchling a smile as Vince runs his fingers down the velvety scales on either side of his spine. In time, the hatchling’s scales will harden, becoming armor like. For now, they are soft, pleasant to the touch.

“What’s this all about?” Evan’s phapha asks, slamming his cup down. He glares at me.

I fold my hands. “Let us share a meal first,” I say.

Yafir grimaces; he might have a guess at what’s coming next.

“Never mind that,” Evan’s phapha says, waving a hand. “Out with it. I haven’t got all day.”

I wonder what he thinks he has to do, that he’s in such a hurry. “Very well then. You’re all to leave my house. Immediately.”

Yafir points at himself, his eyes going wide. “Even me?”

I roll my eyes. “No—not you, Yafir.”

Yafir glances at Vince, who shrugs. Then Evan’s brother looks at me. “What happened?”

I forgot he was not involved in last night’s incident. I don’t think he was involved in this afternoon’s either, not from the look he’s giving me. I clear my throat. “I have been insulted and attacked in my own home. Apparently, my conduct with my mate gives these—humans—such offense that they think it their right to attack and belittle us.”