Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56786 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56786 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Lucien didn’t know whether to laugh or punch his father. He did neither.
“Thanks for your input,” he said, very dryly. “I’m so glad you are not judging me.” His father’s expression didn’t change, so Lucien had a feeling the sarcasm had flown right over his arrogant head. “I’m surprised you aren’t angry because of the broken engagement.”
His father’s lips twisted. “I would be, if Cleghorn didn’t offer to pay my debts. Frankly, this is more advantageous. I’ve received another excellent offer for your brother. He will accept it.”
Lucien shook his head faintly. For the first time, he pitied his brother, whose opinion on his own future wasn’t relevant as far as their father was concerned. For better or for worse, Lucien had never been treated like that. Before his first heat, his father had still treated him like a child. Sure, given Lucien’s small build, it was practically expected that he would present as an omega, but he’d still been a child—a beloved, spoiled child.
“Maybe it’s for the best that I never got to see you treat me like a tradeable commodity,” Lucien said softly.
His father’s throat worked. “Don’t be an idiot,” he ground out. “What happened to you was—” He cut himself off, his scent turning bitter with fury. With anguish?
Lucien stared at him, his mouth falling open.
Before he could say anything, his father’s arrogant mask was back on his face.
“I’ve done my part tonight,” he said stiffly. “It’d be best if we never speak again.”
Lucien blinked rapidly, his throat closing up. He told himself it was for the best. This man was part of his old life. This man was the reason he’d been thrown out of that life. This man was heartless and cold-hearted.
“Dad?” he said, the word slipping out of his mouth before he could stop himself.
Lohlan Deveraux froze. He looked at Lucien wordlessly, without saying anything, but his expression was full of questions. And doubts.
“Have you ever regretted it?” Lucien whispered.
He knew it was stupid. He knew it wouldn’t change anything. But he needed to know. He needed to know, for the sake of the fourteen-year-old boy whose world had come crashing down on him when the person he’d trusted more than anyone had turned his back on him.
His father’s jaw was stiff, unyielding. After a long moment, he said testily, “Yes. But it was too late.” And he strode away before Lucien could say anything.
Not that he had any clue what to say.
He had no idea what he was feeling: a confusing mix of grief and relief. There was gratitude too. Not to his father; to Aksel. For doing this for him. For giving him this priceless gift. It wasn’t about the money or his social standing. It was the closure Lucien hadn’t even known he needed. It felt bittersweet, but he felt curiously light, as if a heavy burden he’d been carrying in his heart for decades was suddenly lifted. And it was all thanks to Aksel. Aksel, who’d done this for him despite being rejected and pushed away over and over and over.
Lucien looked around the large room, searching for Aksel among the guests, suddenly desperate to see him.
Where was he?
At long last, he found Aksel at the other end of the room, close to the door. It seemed he’d just arrived. He was speaking to another alpha, but as if sensing Lucien’s gaze, he turned his head.
Their eyes locked across the room, and Lucien’s heart squeezed painfully, aching with gratitude and love. From the day they’d met as children, Aksel had always been there for him, no matter how hard Lucien pushed him away. And now Aksel had parted with a fortune for his sake, without any expectation of recognition, without asking anything in return. Lucien had to thank him. Just thank him. He could thank him, right? That would be only polite.
He walked forward.
“Jerome, you know Lucien, right?” Aksel said as Lucien approached them.
The alpha next to him gave Lucien a smile. “I think we’ve crossed paths a few times but have never been properly introduced.” He shook Lucien’s hand. “Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Cleghorn. I’m Jerome Adams. Aksel and I served together.”
Lucien gave a polite nod and murmured something noncommittal, but his gaze gravitated back to Aksel.
Aksel’s blue eyes were watching him intently. “All right?” he said, his voice low and careful, his pheromones soothing Lucien’s frayed nerves. God, he was such a good alpha, the sort of alpha Lucien’s father could never be: steady, utterly dependable and fiercely protective. Lucien wanted to move into his personal space, tuck his face under Aksel’s chin and just be, knowing that he’d be taken care of, always.
His throat thick with fierce affection and yearning, Lucien could only nod. “Thank you,” he whispered, looking Aksel in the eyes. “You shouldn’t have done it.”