“We signed an agreement some time ago,” Harold said, glancing at Ian. “One that concerns your position at the college.”
It was the one that allowed Ian a job, as long as he promised to cut off all ties with Brad.
“That’s fucking blackmail, Dad,” Brad snarled. “I can’t believe you did that to him. Didn’t think you’d sink so low.”
“McMillan has given me his word. This is an agreement between two adults.” Harold looked disdainfully at his son. “I expected him to hold his end of the deal.”
Ian’s breath rushed out of him. “This was a one-off meeting. I have no plans to see Brad again. I can explain.”
“I’m leaving,” Brad said, stepping away from Ian. “There’s no need to fire him.”
Harold snorted. “Bullshit, son. You’ve been seeing him this entire time. I heard rumors. The surveillance cameras have recorded you with him, multiple times.”
Ian’s blood grew cold. There’d been cameras installed?
“What?” Brad growled. “When?”
“Early enough for me to witness this filth.” Harold spat.
Ian trembled. There had been a time or two, in the past couple weeks, that Brad had crowded behind him at the teacher’s desk. He’d pushed his fingers into Ian, and Ian had come in his pants. If Harold had seen those clips...
“I’ll return to the college at once,” Ian said. “I have classes in the afternoon—”
“Save your breath.” Harold waved dismissively. “I’ve told Kindling to take over your lessons. I will not have you treat the classrooms as your bedroom again. You’re fired.”
Ian swayed, Harold’s words ringing in his ears. Harold had seen Brad touching him. Ian had relented when Brad fondled him, and he’d arched against his alpha, hungry for more.
To have Harold witness that... Ian no longer had a job.
“Please, Harold,” Ian choked, his throat so tight he couldn’t breathe. “I have a child to support—”
“Then you should’ve known better.” Harold turned to leave. “I will not have someone so incompetent on my staff.”
Ian swayed. He couldn’t think. Couldn’t even breathe.
“Dad!” Brad growled, his eyes burning. “You can’t do this to him.”
“I’m doing what’s best for the department,” Harold said. “And you, too. You’re too naive, Brad. Do you think you can support an omega like that? You’re too young to even father a child. What makes you think you won’t endanger your children’s lives?”
Brad froze. Ian looked shakily at the ground. He needed to leave. Needed to hide before Brad saw just how useless Ian had become. I’m surprised an alpha even wanted to take you as their own, his mother had said.
Harold sneered. “I have no use for an employee like that.”
“It was my fault,” Brad said, prowling toward his father. “I forced it on him.”
“You dare tell me that?” Harold scoffed. “You should see the surveillance footage, son. McMillan’s behavior—that’s repulsive. Disgraceful. I hesitate to even say he belongs on the staff.”
Ian’s skin crawled. How much had Harold seen? He’d writhed against Brad, he’d tugged on Brad’s hair. He’d thought the classrooms had been safe.
“He’s worked there for decades,” Brad snapped.
“All the more reason he should know the rules.” Harold sneered at Ian. “He’s a disgrace to the department.”
“That’s enough, Harold,” Ian said. “I’ll remove my things from the office.”
Ian couldn’t face his superior. Couldn’t begin to imagine the rest of the staff’s ridicule, their scornful looks. All he had left was a debt. How could Brad stay with him now, when he was helpless, jobless, and a drain on resources?
How could Ian even support Gwen?
“Ian?” Brad asked, his voice unsteady.
“I’m—I’m leaving,” Ian said, looking away. “I won’t be seeing you anymore.”
Brad sucked in a sharp breath.
Ian climbed into his car, his hands shaking so hard he couldn’t fit his key into the ignition. Took him several tries, the key skidding across the keyhole.
“Ian,” Brad said.
He reached into the car, warm fingers circling around Ian’s wrist. Ian choked, his chest so tight he couldn’t breathe.
“I’m seeing you later, right?” Brad murmured, his eyes uncertain.
Ian felt the weight of Harold’s stare. Then he thought about Sue, and Olivier, and all the other omegas Brad could be dating. If Brad weren’t bound to someone like Ian, who only had debt to bring to a relationship...
You could be so much better off.
And then Ian knew what he had to do, when he looked up at Brad, all honey-brown eyes and concern on his face.
Brad could afford a family. Ian couldn’t, not right now. He’d lost the one job he’d spent decades working on. He could no longer promise Gwen a roof over her head, or food on the table. With how old he was... how long would it take for him to find another job?
I’m surprised an alpha even wanted to take you as their own.
“Do you want—want Gwen?” Ian asked, his heart splintering.
“Yeah,” Brad said, confused.
“Okay. Okay, I understand.” Ian swayed, his thoughts whirling so fast he couldn’t think. “She’ll be home when you get there.”
“What about you?”
Ian shook his head. “I won’t be seeing you.”
Brad’s eyes widened. Then he glanced sideways, where his father stood. “Is this...?”
“No. I mean it.” Ian bit his lip hard, sliding his arm around his belly. He didn’t know if Gwen could forgive him. Brad would be pissed, but he would move on. He’d have a better life with an omega who was good and wholesome and who could take care of himself. Ian was certain of it.
He tugged his wrist away from Brad.
“Ian!” Brad really looked at him then, his eyes growing wide with understanding. “You can’t—”
“I am.”
“I marked you,” Brad said.
Ian shook his head. “I never marked you back.”
Brad’s mouth fell open, horror flashing through his eyes.
“I’m sorry,” Ian choked. He reached for the car door; Brad stopped him from closing it.
“You can’t do this.”
“You aren’t good enough for me,” Ian said, his voice breaking. “What if you fail me like you failed those children in the fire?”
Brad flinched; his eyes flashed with pain. Ian knew he’d hurt his alpha, and his heart ached. I’m sorry.
Ian shoved his foot against the
