Page 13 of Manny's Surprise Baby

He shrugged. “You wouldn’t be the first dad to do that.”

“That didn’t happen.”

“I guess it seems weird her mom wouldn’t have reached out sooner. Kids ain’t cheap. Why wouldn’t her mom at least have hit you up for some child support?”

My face felt tight as I gave a little smile. “I didn’t shirk my responsibilities toward Emily. I didn’t know about her. Period.”

“Okay.”

“I’m kind of insulted you’d think otherwise.”

“Don’t get pissed. Alphas aren’t known for their selflessness.”

“Bullshit. Alphas take care of their omegas.” I scowled. “Look at Riley and Colin.”

He chuffed. “Jury is still out on that one, if you ask me.”

I shook my head, trying to stamp down my irritation. “They’re solid. Riley treats Colin like gold.”

He gave a raspy laugh. “What a surprise, an alpha standing up for an alpha.”

“Colin was my friend first. If I’m biased toward anyone, it’s Colin. But I can see how great Riley is.”

“I don’t want to argue. I only wanted to reassure you that, odds are, Emily will warm up to you eventually.”

“Thanks.” He’d just spent the last minute insulting me, so it took a little work to force that word from my tight throat.

He moved closer and his eyes were a deep blue in the dim light. “Maybe tomorrow we can go buy the paint and some curtains to decorate her room. She needs a space of her own. Oh, and she’ll need some clothes too for school.”

“Okay.” I frowned. “Shit. Wait… I have to work.”

A little smile touched his full lips as he held out his hand. “Give me your credit card. I’ll take care of everything.”

I pulled my wallet from my back pocket and handed him my American Express card. “Remember, you’re shopping for Emily, not yourself.”

He wrinkled his brow. “Don’t worry. I don’t let alphas buy me things. Otherwise they think they own me.”

The firm press of his fingers against mine, and something about his husky voice, sent an odd shiver through me. I was perplexed by why he seemed to affect me physically, when I wasn’t usually in the least bit attracted to guys. “I don’t want to own anyone.”

“That’s what they all say.”

His playful tone coaxed a grudging laugh from me. “I’m serious.”

“Uh-huh.”

Putting my hands on my hips, I shook my head. “Are you always this annoying, or am I just special?”

“Being an alpha, I’m sure youthinkyou’re special.”

My lips twitched. “Jesus, I have to endure a week of this sass?”

“Looks like it.” He smirked as he turned to leave. “Good night, Seth.”

“Night, Pierce.”

I made a point of not watching him leave. No matter how tempted I was.

Chapter Three