deserve so much more than this. You deserve a parent who’d protect you. A lover you chose for yourself.”
“Had I known you before, I would’ve chosen you.”
The pain Micah’s words caused Travis was exquisite.
“Micah, I’ll help you. I have money and connections. Whatever you need from me, I’ll give you. Even if we’re not lovers anymore. You won’t be in a situation like this ever again, I swear.”
A few seconds went by. Had he said something wrong? Micah’s hold on him loosened.
“Money and connections,” Micah repeated, sounding distant. “I’m not sure I heard my father right. But he recognized you, didn’t he?”
When Travis said nothing, Micah leaned back and looked up at him.
“He said your name is Travis Whitehall.”
“Yes.”
“Is Benjamin Whitehall your father?”
“Yes.”
“And Jared Whitehall is your brother, then.”
Travis only nodded. When Micah stepped out of his embrace, fear squeezed Travis’s chest.
“So when you say you have the money and connections to help me… The Whitehalls have three sons. Jared and Oscar run the family businesses and charities, but the oldest, the only alpha, was said to have withdrawn from public life.”
“You were still in high school then. I’m surprised you remember. It barely made the evening news.”
“Yeah. But your dad was the first omega to become the mayor of Dalton City. I’ve followed him since I was ten. They say he’s going to run for governor office in the spring. I’m voting for him if he does.”
Travis tried to smile.
“Nobody knows what you look like anymore, but people say you still hold the strings, that you’re behind your family company’s strategies, and that you plan your dad’s campaign. There isn’t supposed to be a single lobbyist in Dalton City who doesn’t fear you.”
“I do work for the company, yes. But Jared is the CEO, and Dad does his own thing. Conservatives simply have trouble believing an omega could have a successful career without an alpha holding his hand through it. First, they thought it was my alpha father’s doing. Now, it must be me.”
“Why didn’t you tell me who you were?”
“I didn’t even think about it, Micah. It didn’t feel important.” Seeking connection, Travis squeezed Micah’s hand. “It was just you and me.”
But Micah didn’t meet Travis’s gaze. He seemed caught in his thoughts. “My father recognized you. He knows I’m in heat and that the man fucking me is one of the most powerful alphas in the Northwest. So he just left.” Micah’s voice sounded bitter. “He didn’t even care if I was here voluntarily. Didn’t ask how I was.”
“No, Micah. He didn’t ask. He took Peter and left.”
Micah pursed his lips and looked out the kitchen window. He was quiet for a long time.
“I think I’ll be safe when the heat is over. Peter only wanted me because I was a virgin, and he wanted my first heat. He won’t wait around for two years for the next.”
“And your father? Will you return home?”
Micah blinked. When he spoke, he sounded hollow. “I want to finish my master’s. The tuition is being paid for from my dad’s inheritance, so my father can’t touch it. I can move out. I’ve already applied for a room on campus. I’ll stay there until I find something permanent.”
“But now, in the summer. Where will you live?”
“I’ll room with a friend. It’ll be fine.”
“Stay here with me,” Travis blurted out, and Micah turned his head abruptly, staring at him with wide eyes, mouth gaping open.
God, they’d said they loved each other. Micah had told Travis he wanted him forever. He’d practically promised he’d marry him. But it didn’t mean anything. Promises of eternal love said during a heat wave were worth nothing. They only meant the fucking felt that good.
“Stay however long you want, Micah. Please.”
“It’s only three days until the heat ends.”
“I know. I’m living in the chalet and working from home for the time being. At least until September. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want.”
“Even if we won’t fuck anymore?” The blunt question held a painful edge.
Micah wouldn’t want him after the heat was over. Travis’s heart fluttered helplessly, defeated. He didn’t know how he’d deal with having Micah in his home and not being allowed to touch him, but Micah’s comfort and well-being were more important than anything else.
“You can have the guest apartment downstairs. There’s a bedroom with a bathroom, and the balcony door leads to the patio. I’ll have your things delivered. Just give me instructions on what you need and from where. Judging by