Page 26 of Whole in His Arms

Cal shrugged. “I guess so. We’re the only two here in any case.” He drew in a breath, then let it out slowly. “I’m not sure who’s on the outside. They only keep the omegas. Once they find out you’re an alpha, they put you into foster care. At least that’s what we’re told. Who knows?” Cal shrugged and looked away. “I suppose the alphas are the lucky ones.”

Nix felt a weight settle heavily in his chest. “I’m so sorry.” Nix reached out and touched Cal’s arm. He waited until his brother met his gaze. “If it’d been my choice.” Emotion threatened to choke him, so he cleared his throat, “I would have never left my family if I’d been given the choice.” Nix squeezed Cal’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry you’ve had to endure this … all of this. I wouldn’t wish it on any omega, but especially not you two.” He fought hard to keep the tears at bay.

“Nix … I don’t blame you. When Jacobi gets older, he won’t either. I have no ill feelings for you at all. You’re my blood. My brother. I’m excited for a future where I can get to know you.” Cal squeezed his hands and shot him a small smile.

Nix wanted that for his Cal. A life spent smiling. It wouldn’t make him forget what he’d been through but a mate, happiness, he so badly wanted that for Cal. And he swore Jacobi would never go through any of this.

It was on the tip of his tongue to ask about his Papa, but for some reason every time he started, he couldn’t bring himself to finish. Cal not mentioning him … taking care of Jacobi told Nix everything.

But maybe if he didn’t ask, he could pretend a little longer.

Nix managed to smile back at Cal. It felt good to hear that, but he still hated that he’d gotten out of harm’s way when his brother had had to deal with so much. “I have a mate back home. He’s looking forward to meeting you.” Nix knew he was stalling, but every time he thought about saying he was leaving, his tiger roared his displeasure.A little longer won’t hurt.“He’s pregnant too, so you two already have that in common.”

Cal’s free hand cupped his belly protectively. He wasn’t sure Cal knew he’d done it. “I look forward to meeting him.”

Nix felt so at ease in his brother’s presence. It was like not a day had gone by that they hadn’t known one another. He couldn’t help wondering what it would have been like if they’d grown up together in the same house.

As much as everything in him screamed,Don’t go there,he knew he had to.

“Tell me about your family.” He took a breath and smiled. “Tell me aboutourfamily.” He looked forward to hearing about his Papa. The one that should have raised him. But Cal’s face fell, and he wanted to kick himself.

“You don’t have to,” Nix was quick to add. Although he wasn’t sure if that was more for his sake or Cal’s. That twisty feeling when something bad was about to happen took up residence in his belly.

He watched as Cal drew in a deep breath and let it out. Like he was bracing himself. He finally said, “Papa died during childbirth.”

Nix had known. He’d known from the moment he’d told Cal who he was, and the next day, there his Papa hadn’t been there ready to meet him. The dread that he’d felt earlier was even heavier in that moment. “Just four months ago?” Nix’s voice was barely above a whisper. Rage and despair battling for top spot.

I’ve just missed him.

Cal nodded. “The doctors were tending to someone else, and by the time they got to Papa...” Cal’s voice broke, and in a whisper, he added, “He didn’t make it.”

“And I’m guessing you don’t know anything about our alpha papa?” Nix asked.

Cal shook his head. “I don’t know about yours,” He admitted. “But with me … I was born here.” Cal didn’t need to say more.

Nix’s tiger roared his pain, clawing to get out, and it was by sheer force of will he held his beast back. He wanted to maim and hunt everyone that did this. His vision blurred as he swallowed down the tears. He pulled Cal in for a hug when the door opened suddenly, and he shot a look toward it. Tre stood there, a mistrustful look in his eyes. “It’s time for you to leave.”

“What? I’ve barely had time here.” Nix shoved the emotions down and jumped to his feet, blocking Cal with his body. “I’m just getting somewhere. Besides, we still need to talk numbers and other details to make sure it happens.”

Tre shook his head. “You’ll have to come back tomorrow.”

Nix turned to Cal. “Leave,” he said, making his voice harsh. His brother stood and lowered his gaze. Without a word, Cal slipped out of the room, having to squeeze by Tre. That ball in his gut tightened. He didn’t want Cal or Jacobi, fuck any of the omegas here one more night.

“He’s the one.” He folded his arms. “Just have to get back to my client,” he said. “But I still have a few more questions to go through. The client is very thorough,” he tacked on.

Tre shrugged. “Not possible. The omegas all have quiet time now, and that means no outside visitors. You can either leave on your own, or I’ll have you thrown out. Your call.”

Nix narrowed his gaze and wondered why the man was hiding behind his guards. There was something bothering him about Tre. His scent was off, and his body looked like that of someone who practically lived in a gym. He’d known guys like that in the army. Steroids. For a moment, he wanted to say he’d like to see them try, but he put his hands up, “Don’t worry, I’m leaving.”

He slowly left the room and heard Tre close it behind him. “You’ll be back tomorrow then?”

Nix looked over his shoulder and he nodded. “I will.” But as he left the warehouse, every step he took felt heavier than the last. When Dax saw him, he knew immediately that something was wrong.

“What’s up?” he asked, scanning the area.

Nix looked up at his friend, trying to put on a brave face, but he’d just gotten the news that his omega papa had passed on, and it was a pain he’d never even known he could feel. There’d always been a part of him that thought one day. “Just not feeling all that well. I think I need to lay down.”

Dax frowned and studied him, “You sure? You seem upset about something.”