Page 35 of Temporary Omega

Luca couldn’t help it, he wrapped his arm around Lincoln’s waist, comforting him from the loss he had clearly yet to deal with. Linc cleared his throat, “Come on, I’ll show you the spot I used to hide in and no one could find me.”

Luca knew now wasn’t the time or place to address Linc’s burying his feeling, so he followed Lincoln as he led him to yet another part of the house.

Before they could go any further, Lincoln’s papa made an appearance looking refreshed after having a shower. From the misty look in his eyes, Luca suspected he’d witnessed the moment Lincoln just had in front of his father’s office, and Luca could see the flash of pain that passed before he concealed it. Or tried to anyway.

Linc was right, his papa definitely needed something to lift his spirits. Luca wasn’t sure if he was it, but he knew that he would do his best to make sure that… well he wasn’t sure what he could do, but he would certainly try not to let Lincoln down.

“Lincoln, for goodness’ sake, why haven’t you offered him anything to drink?” Jules scolded Lincoln.

Luca shook his head. “Oh, no thanks. I’m totally fine.”

Linc looked him in the eye, “Are you sure? The doctor did say you should keep hydrated.”

“Doctor, is everything okay?” Jules’s brow wrinkled, concerned.

“Oh, uhh, I’m fine,” Luca stammered, trying to cover up Lincoln’s blunder.

He gave Lincoln a pointed look, warning him. If the man didn’t want to explain to his papa about Luca’s pregnancy he better tread carefully.

“He’s pregnant and refuses to take it easy even though the doctor said he should,” Lincoln said, putting the information out there like it was no more important than the weather. Not like he had just dropped a bomb.

“Crap,” Luca whispered. “Well that was unexpected.”

Luca blinked and it took an effort not to allow his mouth to fall open when Lincoln dropped that tidbit. His shock must have been apparent, because Jules turned to Luca and said, “Oh, is everything all right, dear?”

“I, uhh… we decided,” Luca began.

“Luca and I decided to keep it under wraps but I couldn’t keep it from you,” Linc finished for him.

Luca’s face heated from the scrutiny he received from Jules.

“Son, this is wonderful news,” Jules face lit up like Christmas came early.

Luca waited for Lincoln to tell his papa the baby wasn’t his but nothing came, instead Linc and Luca were enveloped in a hug from Jules even though the man’s arms couldn’t reach around the two of them.

“Oh I’m so happy, this is excellent news, I’m so pleased,” Jules stepped back and Luca saw how his eyes sparkled.

Luca met Linc’s gaze and raised an eyebrow, but Linc simply shrugged and mouthed “later.” Well okay then.

“It’s still so hard to believe Reese is gone.” Jules fell silent. “But this, this just makes me… Lincoln’s baby. Oh, I’m so happy, look at me, I’m crying.” The older man wiped his tears and smiled, his hands clasped to his chest like he was trying to keep his joy there.

Luca felt like dirt, lower than dirt. How could he lie to a man that looked like all his Christmases, birthdays and everything good had just happened?

“Come on,” Jules said, linking his arms with Luca’s. “We can talk about all the pregnancy stuff that alphas just don’t understand. I bet he’s driving you crazy, his papa was the same when I was pregnant with him.”

Luca walked alongside Jules, and Linc followed behind. Jules chattered on and Luca could see why Linc was doing all this. He got it, but he hoped they didn’t end up breaking Jules’s heart when the truth came out.

Sometimes good intentions weren’t enough.

19

Linc

His papa and Luca set off, leaving Lincoln to follow. On the patio, a table was already set for lunch.

Lincoln had always loved the garden in his parent’s home. It was beautiful and inviting, and even as a kid he’d come and sit with his legs in the large in-ground pool. And just appreciate his surroundings.

As they sat down at the table Linc heard Luca say to his papa, “Your home is beautiful, but this—” he motioned with his arms. “This is stunning.”