Zinn chuckled. “You didn’t choose the lifestyle, the lifestyle chose you?”
“I guess.” Valentin smiled.
“Well, to answer your question, I’m okay with it. At least this way I know they’re with one of the two best alphas in the state.”
Valentin laced their fingers together. “Wes and Assa aren’t the only generous ones.”
Zinn grinned. “Plus, this way, I’ll get to pet Decoy every once in a while.”
Since their talk, ithadbeen a little strange for Valentin. Acclimating to everything he’d learned. Nevertheless, each daywas better than any he’d had since leaving prison. Wondering about Zeller was his constant condition for nearly a decade. With that onus gone, he could finally forge a path forward.
Bergam was still an annoying gnat in the background, and the club wasn’t the smashing success he wanted it to be, but those were minor annoyances compared to having Zinn and their child back in his life, and now Wes and Assa.
Even Calder was a surprisingly welcome addition. The other alpha had been considerate and approachable with Valentin, never seeming resentful of his presence. He’d never gloated about havingwonZinn like some alphaholes might have done.
Valentin understood Calder’s appeal. He’d experienced the tragedy of his first husband’s death and lived a full life before meeting Zinn. He had incredible perspective. Valentin thought he could learn a lot from him, even though Calder was only eleven years older. Valentin’s alpha father had been a grumpy, stoic man, and Keyes Parkenson was literally evil. But Calder was the type of alpha Valentin could admire.
It was Calder who opened the door for him at Wes and Assa’s house. He took the present from beneath Valentin’s arm, lurching when he grabbed it. “Whoa. I wasn’t expecting it to be heavy.”
“It’s the best toolbox I could find for someone Ryde’s age. Steel and aluminum.”
“I’m sure he’ll love it. Bet he’ll be just as handy as his alpha father.”
Valentin smiled. How could he not appreciate Calder when the man said things like that?
They went into the dining area and found Wes, Ryde, and Zinn engaged in a fierce game ofGo Fish.
“Assa’s in the kitchen finishing dinner,” Wes said. “Sorry I made Calder open the door for you, but I was afraid to leave mycards in case these guys decided to help themselves. I’ve won two in a row and I’m about to make it three.”
“Dad! I would never cheat,” Ryde said indignantly.
“I know, nugget. But I’m keeping my eye on Zinn.”
“Daddy Z would never cheat either!”
Zinn winked at the boy, then lifted his chin at Valentin in greeting. Valentin loved that Ryde had christened Zinn ‘Daddy Z.’ He knew it meant a lot to him. He’d been surprised when Ryde dubbed him ‘Papa V.’ Surprised, but thrilled. Calder was still just ‘Calder,’ but he imagined he’d be ‘Papa C’ soon enough.
Wes was down to one card. On his next turn, he drew the five he needed and declared victory. “Maybe next time,” he teased Zinn, waggling his eyebrows.
Ryde glanced up and greeted Valentin. “Hey Papa V—did you bring me a present? Daddy Z and Calder brought one too.”
“Yes. We didn’t get a chance to give you anything for your birthday last month.”
Above Ryde’s head, the four men exchanged a pointed look. Today was Ryde’s actual birthday—April 30. Someday, they would tell him the truth, but as far as the world was concerned, they’d decided to stick with the March 30 date. Asher knew too, obviously, but he wouldn’t say anything.
Zinn had recently reached out to his brother, to tell him he was safe and that he had connected with Ryde and the Pashuks and Valentin. He also told him about Calder and the baby. But he wasn’t ready to speak to Asher in person yet. For the first time, Zinn’s life wasn’t filled with negativity, and he wanted to wait before reconciling with the brother he still believed had betrayed him.
With Zinn’s approval, Valentin maintained his friendship with Asher, who showed up every week for Beta Night at The Cracked Heart. Their conversations made Valentin realize how isolated he’d been since getting out of prison. Decoy had been doing alot of heavy lifting as far as emotional support went. Even his friendships with Ang and Xan hadn’t penetrated much below the surface.
Now that he had Asher’s friendship, and was in love with Wes and Assa, Valentin felt like he was coming out of a long, dark tunnel onto a road filled with possibility.
April 30 would always mean something to the five men. The day was a reminder of the unique bond they shared—connected by Ryde, but also by the many ways in which they’d landed in each other’s paths. Valentin hoped they would always celebrate it, even if they had to do so subtly.
“Can we open my presents before we eat?” Ryde asked him hopefully.
“That’s up to your dad.”
“I think it’s fine,” Wes said. “Once Pop is back in the room.”