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“You’ve spent your time filling his head with vicious gossip about Jamie?” his papa asked.
“He didn’t have to fill my head with anything. Gray’s my uncle. I met Jamie before his passing. I’m aware that you attempted to steal those babies from my uncle and Rohan. I know what you did and how ashamed youshould be,but likely aren’t.”
Wynter nearly vibrated with anger. “We wanted to give those babies a stable home. Rohan was in no condition to care for twins after Jamie’s death… and Gray was a surrogate. Legally, his responsibility ended the moment they were born. How were we to know that there was a budding romance between the two? And even after we did, how long might it last? We didn’t know.” His papa paused. “I recognize that I made poor decisions as a parent when I raised my own, but for once, I wastryingto do the right thing by Jamie’s children.”
Wilder sensed a nugget of truth in his papa’s words and expression. Maybe they had thought they were doing the right thing, even if it had turned out so wrong. Thankfully, the twins had gone home to their parents—where they belonged.
“Wynter, I think it’s time we left these two alone.”
Wynter glared at his alpha before flashing another at Wilder. “You’ll simply stand there and allow your omega to mistreat me?”
Wilder shrugged. “He was polite to you and you started an argument. I don’t think he’s wrong, so why would I intervene? He’s quite capable of handling himself without my interference.”
His papa huffed before storming out, with his father trailing behind. Warden paused at the door and eyed Wilder. “It wasn’t completely out of greed like you think. I gave you the shares because…” He shrugged. “You’re my son.”
Wilder eyed his father, but struggled to find words.
Warden sighed before exiting and closing the door behind them.
Silence hung for a few seconds before Wilder spun to face his omega. “I’m sorry about that. They showed up unannounced. I was trying to get them to leave when I opened the door and found you there.”
“I’d have to meet them, eventually.” Avery winced. “I’m sorry if I overstepped there. I remember feeling angry about everything that happened with Jamie and Gray and Rohan and… I guess the adrenaline from the Tribunal is still racing through my veins. I’ve spent the day speaking hard truths, and I apparently wasn’t quite done yet. I’ll likely regret talking to your papa like that. Talk about first impressions.”
Wilder laughed. “My parents are due for a little straight talk.Overdue, in fact. I’ve spent as much time as possible avoiding them since Jamie’s death, too afraid I’d lose my shit and unload on them. It was kind of nice sitting on the sidelines and seeing you do it instead.” He drew Avery into a hug. “I’m so happy you’re finally here.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever get here.”
“I’m sorry about the paperwork… I was urged to get home and prepare for your arrival. I forgot about the form.”
Avery hugged him harder. “Don’t worry. It wasn’t as big a deal as they made out. It took one phone call… like maybe fifteen, twenty minutes extra.”
Wilder released a breath. “Good.”
“Seems like you went to a lot of trouble to get ready for my arrival, too.”
Wilder followed Avery’s gaze toward the table. “Our celebration? You like?”
Avery glanced up. “I just want you. Food can wait for later, right?”
“Pierce said I could start it as soon as you got here, so I guess we can delay that a bit.”
Avery grinned. “Pierce was here? Oh, I’m glad. Did he say anything?”
“Wanted you to know he’s glad you’re not in prison. He seems to hold you in high regard.”
Avery grinned, pulling the knot at the front of Wilder’s apron. “Pierce is a good guy. I enjoyed working for him.”
“Brett seemed to enjoy working for him, too.” Wilder hedged. “Or rather, enjoyedlookingat him.”
Avery gasped. “Was Brett staring?”
“I picked up on a few longing glances.”
Avery grinned. “Iknewhe had a thing for Pierce.”
“Guess what?” Wilder asked, dragging off the apron.
“What?”
