Hazel had drifted into the living room, too. She sat with Wyatt on the couch, pulling her phone out to film the interview. Wyatt didn’t bother to do the same.
”Honored to have you with us today on Highton Breaking, Chief Fleming,” the news anchor said. ”On behalf of Highton, we’d like to thank you and your team for solving the McArthur case.”
Wyatt’s heart squeezed. The McArthur name had never sat well with him—probably because that was Max’s last name, too.
Raph slanted a glance at him. Then he held Wyatt’s hand, and Wyatt relaxed.
”It’s disgraceful that omega trafficking has plagued our country for more than a decade.”
On the TV, Stan Fleming nodded, his gaze solemn. ”It would have been impossible without my team—much of the credit goes to the officers who have been working on this case for years.”
To Wyatt’s side, Hazel said, “I didn’t know you could traffic omegas. Isn’t that only with drugs?”
“It happens with all kinds of things,” Wyatt said. His dad had been quiet about that case, but he usually was with most cases until they’d been solved. “Shh. Aunt Penny said to listen.”
”I’m sure we’re on the same page, but what are your views on omega trafficking?” the news anchor asked. At the bottom of the screen, a line of words scrolled by. Meadowfall Police Chief Stan Fleming answers questions on the McArthur case. An exclusive interview by Cam Brown and Highton Breaking.
”Omegas are an important part of our society,” Chief Fleming said, looking into the camera. ”I have two omega children. It would break my heart if they were ever involved in the omega trade.”
Wyatt’s heart warmed. Stan Fleming had married his second wife, taking Wyatt and Penny into his own family. They were his stepchildren, but he’d always considered them his own flesh and blood. And it was bittersweet, watching the interview with Raph’s fingers stroking his neck.
In a lighter tone, the news anchor said, ”I hear that your children were in a band once. Is that true?”
Chief Fleming blinked, as though surprised. Then his chest swelled, and Wyatt groaned. “Dad, no,” he said. “Please don’t boast about us.”
Raph frowned. “Looks like he might.”
“We weren’t in a band,” Wyatt said.
“Shh! I’m recording,” Hazel hissed, glaring at them both.
On the TV, Chief Fleming beamed. ”My eldest, Raph, plays the violin. My second boy, Wyatt, plays the piano. And my youngest, Penny, she does amazing vocals. They’re incredible together—their music moves me to tears. It’s been such a long time since they’ve played together.”
The news anchor brightened. ”Do you think they might volunteer to play for the Highton Children’s Charity? The HCC has recently put out a call for musical auditions. They’ll be doing a fundraiser in a few months’ time.”
Chief Fleming beamed. ”I’m sure they would—watch out for them! They used to be called the Fleming Trio.”
Wyatt covered his face, groaning. “Dad, no. Really. Tell me he didn’t just say that.”
“It’s a repeat telecast,” Hazel whispered. “So Grandpa didn’t just say that. He did it hours ago.”
Wyatt turned, burying his face in Raph’s shoulder. Playing in front of not just his parents, but a crowd? “Save us all, Raph.”
Raph set a comforting hand on Wyatt’s back, rubbing his spine. “Not sure what I can do.”
“Convince him not to sign us up. Oh, gods—has he already?” Wyatt curled his fingers into Raph’s sides, shaking his head. Dad had been hinting that Wyatt should show up with Raph at their family dinners. “He’d totally do it, too. And say it’s for charity.”
Not only had Wyatt been avoiding Raph in front of them—his pregnancy would show as time went on. And he and Raph hadn’t planned to reveal that yet.
“What’s wrong with going to perform?” Hazel asked. Wyatt assumed she’d finished with the recording. “I’ve seen you play the piano, Dad, but I didn’t know you guys played together! I wanna watch Uncle Raph play the violin. I love violins.”
“I love your kid,” Raph said, laughing. “She’s great.”
Wyatt’s heart fluttered. Not only had Raph accepted him so readily into his life, but he’d accepted Wyatt’s daughter, too. And Wyatt had never heard Raph say he loved anyone, not this easily.
“You love her, huh?” he murmured into Raph’s shoulder. “You’ve only known her a day.”
“Yeah. I love you, too.”
And all of Wyatt’s thoughts fled his mind, leaving those little words echoing in his head. He couldn’t possibly deserve Raph’s love.
“You shouldn’t.” His pulse thudded. He’d gotten into so much trouble with Max, just by wanting affection. Max had shoved him away, had said You’re just some shitty omega. Beg me if you want me to touch you.
And Wyatt had begged, ashamed by how much he’d wanted his stepbrother. Max never found out about Raph. For that, Wyatt was grateful.
“I don’t care if I should or shouldn’t,” Raph said. He slipped his fingers through Wyatt’s hair, pressing a kiss to his neck. “You’re my omega. You deserve my love.”
My omega. Wyatt’s cheeks prickled. That was intimate, too. And maybe he could get used to it.
“Oh,” Hazel said.
Wyatt groaned. She heard that?
Face burning, he lifted his head, almost afraid to look at his daughter. “What is it, Hazel?”
“You’re a lot better than those alphas Dad goes on dates with,” Hazel said to Raph, her face deadpan. “You’re really sappy, but that’s fine. Those guys are full of themselves.”
Wyatt wanted to burrow into a hole. Next to him, Raph snorted. But his hand tightened in Wyatt’s hair, almost possessive. “Other alphas?”
“Yeah. Aunt Penny says she doesn’t trust Dad to go on dates. So we tag along and sit at another table.”
“The fuck,” Raph said. “Penny chaperones your dates? Seriously?”
“Not all the time.” Wyatt grimaced. He didn’t know which was more embarrassing—Penny spying, or Raph finding out about this. “On the bright side, I lose interest in them by the end of the date. Penny and Hazel come up and rescue me, and we go home.”
Raph chuckled, his fingers trailing along Wyatt’s scalp, a slow massage. “You gonna go on any more