Appetite for an Alpha (Omega Quadrant #4)

Chapter 13

13

B rett pulled his car in front of Avery’s house and turned off the engine. He sat there, still trying to think of what he was going to tell his best friend. On the way over, he’d played out everything he wanted to say—and ask—but he had no idea how to even begin with everything that had transpired. The fact he didn’t know for sure he was an omega only added to the problem.

Perhaps he should’ve waited until after the doctor’s appointment so he could explain it better, but he’d allowed too much time to pass as it was.

He jumped when someone knocked on his driver’s side window. Brett turned his head and saw Avery glaring at him, arms crossed and expression grim. He inhaled deep and let it out before opening the door.

“What in the hell is going on, Brett? Have I hurt you in some way and made you not want to be in my life anymore?” Tears glittered in Avery’s eyes. “I realize you were ill, but it’s been a week since you went to the hospital. If Pierce hadn’t texted me that you were okay, I’d have no idea if you lived or died. I’ve been texting and calling you all week with no reply.” Avery sobbed. “I’ve been so worried about you.”

Brett hated that he’d put Avery through all that. Tears welled in his eyes, too. He opened his mouth, but wasn’t sure what to say, other than, “I went into heat.”

Avery blinked a few times before smiling with bewilderment in his eyes. “Come again?”

“I went into heat. The night I got out of the hospital, it appears I went into heat. That’s why I haven’t called. I left my phone in the office, and I couldn’t get to it while—you know—so I never saw your calls or texts.” Tears rolled down his cheeks. “I love you, Avery, and I never meant to hurt you.”

Avery closed the gap between them and wrapped his arms around Brett, hugging him tight. Brett leaned in, squeezing Avery just as tightly.

A car roared into the circular driveway, and Wilder stepped out, a curious look on his face. Brett let go of Avery and stepped back. Wilder got out and strolled closer, his worried expression not changing. He looked from Avery to Brett and back to Avery. “Should I be concerned?”

Avery shook his head. “We’ll be inside in a moment. Can you check on Emory when you go in?”

“Of course, my love,” Wilder murmured, leaning down to press his lips to Avery’s.

Every time Brett had watched the two of them kiss or cuddle, he’d felt a tiny pang of jealousy. For the first time, he felt nothing but joy in Avery’s happiness and how well Wilder treated him.

Wilder turned toward the house, before spinning to face Brett again, his eyes wider. He frowned and scented the air.

Brett inwardly gasped. Could another alpha tell?

Wilder looked at Avery. “Why does he smell like an omega?”

Avery’s gaze flipped to Brett’s. “I’m in the process of finding out. Go inside.”

“Yes, sir,” Wilder said, grinning at Avery. He turned his focus on Brett before he left. “The alpha’s scent seems familiar. Do I know him?”

Avery’s gaze whipped to Brett’s.

Brett’s face burned under their scrutiny.

“Alpha?” Avery asked.

“I hadn’t gotten to that part yet,” Brett said under his breath.

Avery pushed Wilder’s arm. “Scram.”

Wilder saluted and strode to the door.

Avery eyed Brett. “I’d ask you inside, but we have a crowd in there. We don’t need an audience for this conversation. It’s a bit chilly this evening, but we just got a new firepit in the backyard if you want to join me there.”

“That sounds perfect,” Brett said.

Avery glanced down at what Brett was wearing. Brett’s cheeks flamed again. He’d apparently been so desperate to be bare at the start of his heat that he’d torn his clothing in his efforts to get them off. He’d had to borrow a couple of things from Pierce that were way too big. The minute he’d gotten into his car, he’d contemplated home or Avery’s, and the latter had won out.

“Let me go inside for a second. I’ll grab us a couple of jackets and let Wilder know where we are.”

“You have to check in with your alpha?” Brett snapped. He immediately regretted it. “I didn’t mean that. It’s something I’m dealing with, not you.”

Avery grasped his shoulders. “I’m a breastfeeding papa. Wilder needs to know where I am in case Emory gets hungry. That’s all.”

Brett nodded.

He stood outside, crossing his arms and noticing the chill to the air for the first time. Avery was in and out in a flash. He smiled, already wearing a coat and carrying another. He held it out for Brett to slide his arms into before leading them to the backyard. Avery grasped his hand and squeezed it tight. “Was it Pierce?”

Brett nodded. “Yeah.”

The corners of Avery’s lips curled up.

“Oh, and he told me you said I was in love with someone else.”

“I never said someone else. I was trying to hint that it was him and he wasn’t getting the message,” Avery said. “He was so worried about you when he came here. He was virtually screaming overprotective alpha in his body language and every word out of his mouth.” Avery eyed him. “Now maybe I know why.”

When they reached the backyard, Brett noticed the fire was already going. Wilder was outside. He’d apparently come to prepare it for them. How alpha of him.

Wilder noticed them and nodded at Avery. “All set. It should warm up in no time.” He leaned in to kiss Avery before waving and disappearing again.

Once he was gone, Brett turned to Avery. “Who’s watching the baby?”

“I said there was a crowd inside, and there is. They’re all fighting over who’s going to hold Emory or arguing who’s had too long a turn.”

“I can see Gray, but your brothers? I never expected them to jump at the chance to play uncle.”

“It’s not just them, but that’s a whole story. If we have time once you’ve explained yourself, maybe we’ll get into it tonight.” Avery rubbed his arms. “I’m sure you’re exhausted after what you’ve just gone through, so if you get too tired, we can drive you home.” He shook his head. “No, I’ve heard about where you live. I’ll set up a room for you here. It’s a bit of a hotel these days, but there’s always room for you.”

“Pierce told you about the apartment, hmm?”

“Yep. He refused to take me when I demanded he did. I wanted to talk some sense into you and get you to a hospital that very night.”

Brett winced. “I’m sorry about that.”

Avery motioned to one of the large wicker chairs near the fire. He sat, and Avery sat next to him.

“So, spill.”

Brett inhaled and released it. “The hospital originally told me they thought it was a GI issue. A chronic one. They released me and sent me home with medications. I forced Pierce to take me back to work to finish something with the promise I’d go home an hour later. I was so exhausted when I was done that I planned to nap in the office before I drove myself home. Pierce wasn’t having it. He made me go upstairs and sleep the night in his guest bedroom.”

“As he should have,” Avery murmured. “I saw how you looked before the hospital. I’m mad that he let you go back to work at all.”

“Oh, he didn’t want me to. I had to convince him,” Brett murmured.

“You said it was that night? The night after you went to the hospital?”

Brett nodded. “I had no idea what was going on. I was terrified. Writhing in bed, on the edge of pain. I was sobbing. And then Pierce came in to check on me… and I wasn’t scared anymore. All I knew was need. It was like I was starving for his touch. Starving for a lot more than that.” He gazed at Avery. “I didn’t like feeling so out of control. Yet at the same time, it was thrilling. I don’t know how something can be both terrifying and beautiful, but it was.”

Avery brushed back his bangs. “And the hospital never mentioned you were an omega?”

“Looking back, I think they missed that I was beta on my information. They asked certain questions that should’ve alerted me but in the haze of my pain, it didn’t click. Pierce thinks they assumed I knew I was an omega and that’s why they never mentioned anything.”

“It was the AQ medical center,” Avery murmured.

“What does that mean?”

“They cater to alphas. Omegas know to avoid it unless it’s their only hope.” Avery smiled. “They know little about omega care, let alone a latent one.”

Brett’s eyes widened. “You’ve heard of latency?”

“Oh yeah. With Uncle Gray one of the leaders in the Omega Rights Movement, I’ve learned a whole lot more about our class and our bodies. Things they never taught us in the omega schools. And that poor latent omega that was claimed in broad daylight on the streets of the AQ? I’m so heartbroken for him. The guard had to tear them apart—and they tossed him into a jail cell where he had to endure a heat alone with strangers watching him.”

Brett shivered at the thought. “I suppose I should consider myself lucky.”

“You should. Especially with your alpha being the man you love.” Avery paused a moment, sitting a little straighter. “Though, I guess I shouldn’t assume he’s your alpha.”

Brett fought a smile.

Avery noticed and grinned. “So what happens now? Are you two getting mated?”

Brett growled. “No mating talk!”

Avery frowned.

Brett sighed. “Pierce has mentioned us getting mated multiple times this week. My head is spinning. I just learned that I might be an omega. I’m not ready to pledge the rest of my life to Pierce just yet.”

“But there’s a voice inside your head telling you that you should, right?”

Brett met Avery’s stare before grudgingly admitting he did. “I keep hearing the word mine in my head every time I look at him—but he’s tossing out commands already. I don’t want you staying in that apartment another day. You’re going to move in with me now. You’re not going to wait tables anymore. Now you’re going to stay in your tiny little office five days a week. ” Brett sighed. “I refuse to be forced into making decisions I’m not ready to make.”

“And now you understand why I pretended to be a beta and went to college. I didn’t want to depend on my alpha, whenever he might eventually swoop in to save me from the Omega Quadrant.”

“I do get it now,” Brett said. “I’m sorry I ever questioned your motives.”

“It’s okay. You couldn’t see from my perspective. Now you can.”

Brett chuckled. “I couldn’t understand because all I wanted was what you had.”

Avery frowned. “You said that once and I assumed it was because you didn’t want to work. You wanted someone to take care of you.”

“I’d dreamed of being an omega my entire life. From a young age, it’s all I wanted. And there you were giving it up. I couldn’t comprehend that.”

“Funny,” Avery murmured. “I said the same thing about you. I wanted the freedom a beta had to do whatever he wanted.”

“Well, thanks to you, I’ll have freedoms you’ve fought so hard for. If I am indeed an omega. So, thank you.”

“It wasn’t me,” Avery said. “It was nearly all omegas in the province coming together and standing up for what they wanted. One collective voice. Keep standing up to Pierce. He’s a good, kind man, but alphas often fall back on certain habits. They get bossy. I still have to remind Wilder to back off a bit on occasion. Sometimes, the instinct takes over—even outside the bedroom.” He grinned. “But also give Pierce a little grace. As you just learned that instinct is often impossible to ignore. Most of the commands they bark out are because of their need to protect what’s theirs. Pierce’s might be even stronger given he’s already lost one omega. He’s going to be overprotective of you.”

“I hadn’t considered how that loss might impact how he interacts with me.” Brett fought back tears. “And then there’s the doubts. Can an alpha have two omegas?”

“Brett? Have you met my uncle?”

Brett shook his head, suddenly feeling foolish. He’d completely forgotten that Gray was Rohan’s second omega. “I’m so dumb. Why didn’t that come to mind?”

“You’ve been through a lot. Your brain’s focused on a lot of other things right now,” Avery said, squeezing his hand.

“Is their bond strong? You know, with Gray being the second?”

“It seems so. Rohan appears to adore Uncle Gray. Uncle Gray’s never complained, but then, I don’t know if he would complain to me.” Avery leaned forward. “Maybe the two of you should talk? I can ask him to come out if you want.”

Brett nodded. “I think his insight might help with all the doubts swimming in my head.”

Avery smiled, concern in his eyes. “I’ll be right back.” He paused a few steps from the fire. “Do you want to talk with him alone? I can stay inside if it’s easier.”

“You don’t have to stay inside,” Brett lightly chided. Avery knew more about him than anyone on the planet. Why would he not want his best friend there? “Unless the baby needs you, of course.”

Avery smiled before turning back to the house.

Brett watched the crackling fire, enjoying the warmth of it—though his back was a bit chilly. When he spied the back door of the house opening, he saw it was Avery, Gray, and Wilder. Wilder led the pack, marching briskly toward Brett. He carried a bunch of blankets over his arm.

“Up,” he said to Brett.

Brett rose, and Wilder laid a blanket over the cushion before gesturing for him to sit back down. He added blankets to the chair Avery had been sitting in and draped another over the one on Brett’s opposite side.

Avery rounded the fire, a small bundle in his arms. “I thought you might like to finally meet Emory.”

He placed the infant in Brett’s arms without warning. Brett tensed, scared to hold the little one—but as soon as he looked down into that sweet little face, he melted inside. Tears welled in his eyes. He looked back up at his best friend.

“He’s beautiful, Avery.” He bit back a sob. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when he was born. I hope you can forgive me.”

Avery wiped a tear that slipped down Brett’s cheek. “There’s nothing to forgive. You’ve been through a lot, and I’m sorry I wasn’t able to be there for you.”

“If there’s a who’s been through more shit contest, you’ll win,” Brett said. He glanced back down at Emory and couldn’t help but sob. He’d wanted a family for so long, thinking it would never be. One day, he might have the chance to have a child of his own.

Gray sat beside him and smiled.

“Is this an omega thing? Crying? I never cried before, but I can’t seem to stop the last week.”

“It’s not an omega thing, per se,” Gray said. “We do have hormones that kick in, sometimes at the worst of times. You weren’t producing any—or such a low level of them—that it’s never impacted you before. Now you are and your system is out of whack. They’ll balance out in time, and you’ll feel more like yourself.”

“How long?” Brett asked. “Before I feel normal again?”

“There’s no set timetable. It happens when it happens—just like the change itself,” Gray murmured. “And you might never feel like your old self again. Learn to accept your new normal.”

Wilder suddenly wrapped another blanket around Brett’s shoulders. Brett had almost forgotten the alpha had been outside. Wilder did the same for Avery and Gray before disappearing with a nod. As he departed, a white-haired omega appeared with a tray of steaming mugs.

“It’s getting chilly. I thought you all might like some cider while you sat outside.” The omega smiled at Emory and then Brett.

“Brett, have you met my papa-in-law, Wynter Jaymes?” Avery asked.

Brett’s eyes grew wide. He’d never met the man, but the stories he’d heard weren’t great. His gaze whipped to Avery’s and then back to Wynter. “Ah, I haven’t. Nice to meet you?”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Brett,” Wynter said before he grinned solemnly. He set the tray on the small table between Brett and Gray.

“Thanks, Wynter,” Avery murmured.

“You’re quite welcome,” Wynter whispered before returning to the house.

“What’s the story with that? I thought you hated Wynter Jaymes?” Brett asked.

“After Warden died, Wy?—”

“Wilder’s dad died?” Brett asked, forgetting he was holding a little one. Emory let out a wail, and he felt terrible he’d caused it. He cradled the babe and patted its bottom. “Shit, I’m sorry, Em.” Then he felt terrible for cussing in front of the baby. “I’m going to be the worst papa in the world.”

“I highly doubt that,” Gray said.

Emory wouldn’t calm in his arms, so Avery took over.

Brett felt defeated. “I’m sorry.”

“That cry isn’t for you. It’s almost feeding time. I think that’s his I’m hungry cry,” Avery said. “You only woke him a few minutes early, so don’t blame that on yourself.”

“You can tell what he wants from his cries?” Brett asked as he watched Avery open the jacket and slip Emory inside it.

“I’m still new at this, but I think I’m starting to hear a subtle difference between certain cries. The hungry one I hear most often, so I think I have that one down.” He chuckled. “It doesn’t hurt that I let down soon after.”

“Let down?” Brett asked, frowning.

“I can feel the sensation of my milk filling the ducts, ready to feed him. It’s a bit tingly and warm,” Avery said.

“I know none of this. I have no idea how to be an omega,” Brett said.

Gray lowered his mug of cider. “Most of us barely knew how to be an omega until we were thrust into it. You’ll be just fine. And you have us to ask questions.” He placed his mug down and patted Brett’s hand. “And I understand you have some questions for me?”

Brett nodded, feeling a sense of relief that he had someone to talk to who’d been in similar shoes. They sat outside for a couple of hours, Brett picking both of their brains as darkness fell around them. Gray gave him wonderful advice and helped calm his nerves. After he’d exhausted all of his questions, he finally learned the story about Wynter Jaymes’s appearance there.

“Not only did you get mated and have a baby, but your alpha’s supposed father died, his bio dad made an appearance at the funeral and learned he had a son, and you’ve all forgiven Wynter?”

“Forgiven might be a strong word choice,” Gray said. “I’m giving him a chance to further redeem himself, if he can.”

“He’s really trying,” Avery murmured.

“He is,” Gray said. “He came to dinner last week with Cav and did his best to show our children affection. It’s not exactly natural to him, but he’s clearly making the attempt.”

“Affection sure is natural when he’s with Cav,” Avery said. “Wilder and I have heard the two of them in the guest house inside. He doesn’t need to hear his parents banging.”

Brett chuckled but then remembered what Pierce had mentioned. “Speaking of overhearing, it appears that the kitchen staff might’ve heard… things.”

Avery’s gaze whipped to his. “No.”

“Maybe. We’re not sure yet, but they clearly know more than we want them to. Pierce is ready to just come clean and announce we’re together before we’ve barely had two seconds to settle into this. I’m not ready for them to know yet.”

“He’s proud,” Gray said. “It’s his alpha nature to let the world know you’re his. It’s also that he’s made his claim, and he wants to ensure no other alpha considers touching you.”

“Yep,” Avery said. “I also think that’s why he doesn’t want you waiting tables anymore.”

“Well, Brett might be pregnant, so I think that’s the reasoning,” Gray said.

“You haven’t seen Brett flirt with the customers to get better tips,” Avery said to Gray. “If Wilder had to stand back and watch me flirting with other men? He’d lose his mind, even if he knew why I was doing it.” Avery’s gaze flipped to Brett’s. “An alpha is territorial.”

“Very,” Gray chimed in.

“If he sees another man interested in you, he’s going to go into attack mode. He’ll try to control it, but it won’t be easy, and he might slip. If it’s one of his customers, it could spell doom for the restaurant.”

“If he’d simply told me that, I could’ve understood and I would’ve agreed,” Brett said.

“But would you?” Avery asked. “Or would you have argued with him like you usually do?”

“We don’t always argue,” Brett muttered.

“It’s practically foreplay between you two,” Avery said. “I’ve personally seen the fire roaring in both your eyes and his when you go toe-to-toe.”

“It’s not like that,” Brett debated.

Avery stared at him, lifting a brow.

“Okay, maybe it’s a little like that,” Brett said.

“Did you know the kitchen set up a betting pool once you started in the office? Even some of the servers got in on it,” Avery said. “T-Bone told me all about it when I was there the other day.”

Brett frowned. “A betting pool for what?”

“They gave it a year. Everyone picked one week when they thought it would happen, and they’re all pissed off it took longer than a year. Not much longer, though.”

Brett shook his head. “They gave what a year?”

“For the two of you to finally fuck,” Avery said.

Brett’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“Yep,” Avery replied. “I doubt they had any idea you were an omega, but they already knew you and Pierce were going to get together. It was only a matter of time.” Avery shrugged. “I wouldn’t worry about what they think they know. They’ve been expecting canoodling for a long time, so it won’t be that much of a surprise that you two are mates.”

“I doubt everyone will be pleased,” Brett said.

“Ignore those that aren’t,” Gray said. “They’re not in your relationship. You and Pierce are—and as long as the two of you are happy, that’s all that matters. Everyone else can die mad.”

“How did I not know you were this cool until now?” Brett asked Gray. While he’d known Gray for years, it was mostly in passing or family events filled with people. He couldn’t remember a time they’d had a chance to talk so intimately, but he sensed there would be more conversations to come.

“I heard some of the stories about you while you and Avery were in college,” Gray said. “I told him you were a bad influence and to limit his time hanging out with you.” He smiled and squeezed Brett’s hand. “I’m glad he didn’t listen to me. Not that he listens much anyway. If he had, he never would’ve gotten to where he is today.” Gray stared at Avery, smiling with a shine in his eyes. “Look at him now.”

Avery grinned broadly. “Well, I didn’t want you to be a surrogate but look where you are now.”

Brett looked between the men, sad that he’d never had that kind of figure in his life.

“In all honesty, you were probably right to tell him to stay away from me, Gray. I was in a semi-self-destructive time in my life back in college,” Brett said. “I wasn’t happy with who I was or what I was expected to do with my life. It was easier to drink, party, and fuck around than face the future others told me I’d have to live.” He smiled. “And I didn’t have a wonderful papa or an Uncle Gray in my life.”

“I hate your parents more now than I did before,” Avery spat. “But you know what? They’re the ones missing out on this new journey of yours. You might have kids one day and they’ll lose out even more.”

“A journey,” Brett repeated before smiling. “Before all this I was so scared to lose you. I saw that you were on this amazing path, and it felt like it was pulling you away from me.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I think that’s some of the reason I didn’t reach out to you for help. You’re finally in a good place, in a loving relationship, with a kid. I was just some beta who could never understand where you were going. I suspected it might be the end for us.”

Avery reached for his hand. “Never. Even if you hadn’t learned you were an omega, I never would’ve turned my back on you. I adore you, Brett. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

Brett held back tears before chuckling. “Well, it’ll be harder now that I’m a needy omega with lots of questions.”

The back door of the house opened, and two figures neared in the darkness outside the light of the dancing flames. One, he was almost sure was Wilder. The other? It took him a moment before he recognized the shoulders.

“What are you doing here, Pierce?” Brett asked.

“It’s getting late, and you haven’t answered my texts. I was getting worried,” Pierce murmured, glancing at the omegas at his side and nodding before his gaze landed back on Brett. “As tired as you’ve been, I thought the worst.”

“You couldn’t have just called Avery to check before coming all the way out here?” Brett asked, but Gray squeezed his hand, hard. He turned to look at Gray and saw the note of worry in the man’s eyes.

Gray leaned closer. “He’s an alpha. Once the warning bells go off, he’s not going to think as logically as he would otherwise. He’s going to track you down and make sure you’re safe because that’s an alpha’s single-minded focus. It’s how he’s wired. Now that he knows you’re safe, he’s going to cool down. He’ll cool down faster if you help calm him down instead of riling him up more with an argument. This is the perfect time to test some of those things we suggested.”

Brett eyed Gray a moment. Surrender wasn’t in his nature, but Gray swore you could sway an alpha through little acts of submission. It felt close to manipulation to Brett, but Gray and Avery both agreed that allowing an alpha to think he was in control at certain times was the middle ground that would keep peace between them.

Apparently, that was one of those times.

He turned to Pierce, who’d been frowning while he watched the two of them whispering together. From the look on his face, he was ready for Brett to fight. He inhaled. Exhaled. Then met Pierce’s stare.

“I’m sorry I worried you. I forgot my phone was in the office and left without it. I didn’t get your texts. If I had, I would’ve answered them to let you know I was okay.” He eyed Gray and Avery before returning his gaze to his alpha. “It’s late, and I’m getting tired. If Avery and Wilder are okay with me leaving my car here for the night, can you drive us home?”

Pierce narrowed his eyes, as if he suspected what Brett might be up to. “Of course I’ll drive you home.” He turned to Wilder. “Can he leave his car here?”

“Absolutely,” Wilder replied, faintly grinning at Brett.

“I apologize for interrupting your conversation,” Pierce said in Avery and Gray’s general direction. “That wasn’t my intent.”

“Oh, we know why you’re here,” Gray said with a grin. “And there’s nothing to apologize for. You wanted to ensure your mate was safe, as any good alpha would.”

Pierce nodded, appearing ever so slightly off balance. He turned his focus on Brett. “Ready?”

Brett nodded. He rose from the chair, almost glad he didn’t have to drive back. He’d slept a day and a half straight, yet still felt tired. Hopefully that wasn’t the new normal Gray was talking about. After he’d hugged both Avery and Gray, he skirted the fire and slipped his arm over Pierce’s.

“You can call anytime,” Gray called. “And perhaps we can all get together for lunch sometime soon.”

“I’d like that,” Brett replied with a grin. He lifted his gaze to Pierce, and for some reason the man took his breath away all over again. This was his alpha. He smiled.

“I’m ready.”