“It’s very nice.” Penny glanced at the doorway. In a muted tone, she said, “I’m really sorry about this. If I’d known earlier, I’d have turned the invite down.”
“No, I don’t blame you for that. No worries.”
But Penny squirmed, her gaze darting down to his abdomen. “The baby...”
“As far as you’re concerned, it’s my alpha’s,” Dale said, his heart skipping. He hadn’t said that to anyone other than Greg. My alpha. A tiny part of his chest swelled—he belonged to someone, he belonged to Greg—but he also knew that this relationship couldn’t last.
Dale rubbed the scar on his wrist, wondering what it’d be like if Greg bit him there. If Greg marked him permanently. The knot sat inside him, soothing as a promise.
“I understand,” Penny said, glancing up at the doorway. Dale felt the moment when someone stopped behind him, a warm palm settling on his shoulder. Greg.
Dale almost leaned into his touch. Greg squeezed him lightly, as though he meant I’m here, and Dale could have cried with relief.
Greg’s hand lingered for a second. Then he pulled away, settling back into his chair.
“I really do mean it,” Penny said, smiling at them both. “Congrats on the baby. I’m sorry I didn’t realize it before.”
Dale touched his belly, cradling the life that nestled in him. “Thanks. We’re looking forward to it.”
When he looked up, he found Greg staring at him, his eyes solemn, intent. Dale’s throat tightened.
“I feel like a third wheel,” Penny whispered. “This is really weird.”
Dale almost laughed. He dragged his gaze away from Greg, looking down at his salad. It was an artful display of lettuce leaves, with sliced olives and cherry tomatoes dotting the plate, and prosciutto petals tucked between the greens. “This is beautiful.”
“You’ve never eaten here?” Greg asked.
Dale shook his head. “I’ve never even thought about it—it’s all the way across town. But it’s a stunning place.”
“It’s a first for me as well,” Penny said, glancing at the doorway again. “What’s your favorite dish here, Greg?”
Bernard Hastings rounded the table, glancing between Greg and Dale. Dale forced a smile, the plug a distinct weight inside him. If you knew about your son’s knot in me right now, you wouldn’t still be sitting down to dinner.
Pregnant or otherwise, Dale had no doubt that the college president remembered his past mistakes—the botched presentation months ago, the one time Dale had drunken too much at a staff party, the nanoparticle fire during Bernard’s lab visit.
Greg chatted with Penny about politics, education, and travel. Before long, Bernard’s attention had returned to Penny and his son. Dale was content to fade into the background, quietly eating courses of braised lamb with mint, pasta splashed with truffle oil, and duck confit on a bed of mashed potatoes.
It wasn’t until the dessert course, during a conversation on post-grad studies, that Bernard said, “I’m pleased to see you aren’t associating with many older omegas, Greg. Of course, Penny is a delight to have around.”
The peppermint ice cream in Dale’s mouth turned tasteless. His heart thudded slow and loud. From the corner of his eye, Dale watched as Greg stiffened. For a moment, Dale almost wanted Greg to stand up to his father, to say Dale’s my omega. Except Greg also knew the risks involved. Greg’s lips thinned, and Dale couldn’t breathe.
“I really like older omegas,” Penny said. “And older alphas, too. I’ve dated an alpha ten years my senior in the past—it was really nice. She provided a whole new perspective on things.”
Greg breathed out. Dale scooped another spoonful of ice cream, his hand trembling as he brought it to his mouth. Don’t look up. Don’t catch Bernard’s eye. Let’s get through the next ten minutes.
“Age doesn’t make a person,” Greg said, his voice low, tempered with anger. “I want someone I’m comfortable with. That’s all.”
“And I’m sure you’ll find one,” Bernard said. “Don’t you agree, Dr. Kinney?”
Dale forced a smile, but it felt like a porcelain mask on his face. “Yes, of course.”
Greg narrowed his eyes.
“When you go on that lab tour, Gregory, start with omegas in your class first.” Bernard wiped his mouth on a napkin, signaling to the waiter for the bill.
Dale remained frozen in his seat, Bernard’s words echoing in his ears. I’m pleased that you aren’t associating with many older omegas.
The waiter brought the bill. Dale scooped the rest of his ice cream into his mouth, just so he had something to do with his hands. He needed to get out of here. Maybe leave Greg for a while, let him clear his head. They’d been living together for weeks, and maybe that had tainted Greg’s perspective on what he really wanted.
Dale climbed to his feet when the rest of them stood. Greg and Penny talked as they took the elevator back down to the first floor, with Bernard occasionally joining in.
At the foyer, Bernard turned to Dale, extending his hand. “Thanks for joining us, Dr. Kinney. Do pass my congratulations along to Charles.”
Hearing Charles’ name felt like a slap. Dale couldn’t look at Greg, but he could feel the waves of possessiveness roll off his alpha. When Bernard glanced at his son, Dale said, “I will pass it along to Charles. Thank you, Mr. Hastings.”
Bernard’s nostrils flared. Could he smell Greg on Dale? But Bernard nodded and turned, stepping out of the establishment, the omega host pulling the glass door open for him.
When the door closed, Greg growled, “I can’t believe you went through that.”
“I’m really sorry as well,” Penny said, her eyes downcast. “The food was delicious. I just wish... it had been under better circumstances.”
Dale pulled her into a hug. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll see you in the lab tomorrow?”
She gave him an uneasy smile, hugging him back. “I will. Goodnight, Professor, Greg.”
Penny disappeared past The Apex’s glass doors. It was only after she’d gone that Dale sucked in a breath—the first deep one he’d managed all evening. “That was an
