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A cacophony drifted through the huge amphitheater. Down below, he saw the uniformed betas in their graduation regalia and searched the faces as they turned here and there, all animated with excitement. There was only one beta he was interested in seeing that day. His body tensed as he thought he’d ferreted Abraham out, only to realize it was a similar-looking chap.
“Unkka Wile?” Silver asked, grasping both sides of his face with tiny hands and forcing his attention away from the graduates.
“Yes, my love?”
Silver giggled. “I wuv you.”
Wilder grinned, rubbing the tip of his nose to Silver’s. “I love you, too.”
Silver pressed a kiss to his lips before spinning and seating himself on Wilder’s lap.
Gray handed the toddler a small bag of cereal snacks and eyed Wilder. “Hopefully that keeps his attention for a while. I’ve got more if you need them.”
Wilder brushed the boy’s hair back and smiled. “Silly’s a good kiddo. We’re going to be fine down here, aren’t we?”
Silver nodded, shoving a piece of cereal between his lips. “Yup!”
“You say that now,” Gray whispered loudly. “Give them a few minutes and chaos will likely commence.” Gray searched the crowd. “I’m praying we don’t have to exit before we see my nephew get his degree.”
“I know you’ll be happy to witness it.”
Gray smiled. “I’m so proud of him. He’s so capable. So…brave.”A wistful look came to Gray’s face. “Braver than I could ever imagine being.”
“Taking on the responsibility of his younger brothersissomething special,” Wilder replied. “I know they’re living with you now, but I assume he’s going to see to the contracts when Auggie and Lake are mated?”
Gray eyed Wilder, an odd look to his face. “I haven’t even thought that far ahead. I suppose we’ll figure it out when we get there.” Gray tilted his head. “My nephew and I… we’ll figure it out later.”
My nephew… Gray had already said it multiple times that day, as if he was afraid to slip again in Wilder’s presence and say something wrong.
That name had haunted his days and his nights.
Avery.
“As far as I understand, he’s yet to accept.” While he attempted to say those words casually, Wilder had been badgering the poor HR department, waiting for news of Abraham’s official acceptance since seeing Gray days before.
“Hestillhasn’t accepted?” Gray ground his teeth and shook his head. “Damn that boy! I’ll talk to him after the ceremony and get him on board, or else.”
“If he doesn’t want the job, we can’t force him to take it. I looked at his transcripts… his grades are incredible, and his letters of recommendation speak very highly for him. He’ll likely have multiple offers of employment. Likely something more enticing than an entry-level accounts receivable clerk.”
“Heneedsto be at J&A.”
Wilder’s shoulders tightened again. There was a desperation to Gray’s voice that had his inner alpha screaming to get out.
“He’s capable and brave, as you just said. I think he can manage without J&A, if that’s where life takes him.” Even as the words were out of his mouth, Wilder knew he wanted Abraham under his roof. Not just the one at work.
“No!” Gray said. “Well, yes, he is… but…”
Once again, Wilder sensed Gray was about to lie to him. He didn’t like it. Not one bit. His hackles rising, he sensed there was more to the story than he was hearing. What the hell was going on with Abraham?
Avery.
Wilder’s throat tightened, his heart beating a little faster.
Before he could ask another question, a handsome, young beta arrived to take the last seat in the row beside Wilder.
“Sorry I’m late,” the young man said across Wilder and Silver.
“You’re not late, Brett,” Gray said, offering a wide smile. “I’m so glad you’re here. Abraham will be glad to see you, I’m sure.”
