Delaney isn't usually nervous when attending formal events. He's typically the epitome of cool, calm, and collected, but tonight, he's nervous. He knows meeting Eli's parents can have heavy implications for their...situationship...and as much as he's still trying to come to terms with how he feels about the alpha, he wants to make a good impression.

"Did you really need to take off the entire day for this?" Tristin asks with an eye roll as he sits in Delaney's walk-in closet, watching him get dressed.

Delaney finishes buttoning up his dress shirt and nods. "Yes. I had to get fitted for slacks and find the perfect shoes." He slips on the pair of velvet loafers and turns to face Tristin. "What do you think?"

"You wear entirely too much black."

"I always add a pop of color," Delaney sounds uncertain as he looks down at his outfit. He is wearing a black dress shirt and black, slim fit, tapered slacks, yet his loafers are the color of red wine and he has matching cuff links he has set aside.

"Be that as it may, let's get your hair together." Tristin checks his watch and clicks his tongue against his teeth. "We only have an hour to make you look presentable. I'm not a miracle worker, dear."

Delaney flips his best friend off as he pushes past him to sit at the vanity. "If I wasn't so nervous, I would thoroughly curse you out." He avoids Tristin's mirrored gaze.

"I would ask why you're nervous, but you're meeting his parents, at a formal dinner, three months into–," Tristin pauses, his head tilting to the side as he purses his lips. "Have you guys defined the relationship?"

"There is no relationship," Delaney states. "We just enjoy each other's company."

Tristin mumbles under his breath, "Sure." With more confidence, he points out, "You spend a lot of time with him. Even on our days."

"That was once."

"Thrice," Tristin emphasizes his correction by pulling the brush through Delaney's hair with no regard to his scalp. "But, who's counting? Do you think he's—,"

Delaney quickly interrupts, "If the next words out of your mouth are 'the one' I will cause you great bodily harm."

Tristin grin is a slow spreading, shit eating grin as he finishes his sentence, "—the one?" The scuffle that ensues leaves Delaney huffing for breath while Tristin nurses a bite to his wrist. "Feral," he pouts.

"Finish up my hair and then leave. He should be here any minute."

Tristin finishes Delaney's hair with seconds to spare, however, he takes his time leaving. Delaney is dragging him to the front door to push him out, just as Eli is walking up.

Tristin's eyes go wide as he looks over at Eli and back at Delaney. "He is your alpha?!" His tone is high with disbelief and Delaney really doesn't feel like dealing with any sexually charged commentary from his friend.

He shoves Tristin out of the doorway and pulls Eli in, closing the door quickly.

"Wait!" Tristin yells, "I have so many questions!"

"Ignore him," Delaney insists. He turns to face Eli and when he does, his stomach dips and flutters. The alpha is staring at him with a look that makes Delaney's skin warm and his face flush. He jokes, "If you keep looking at me like that, we won't make it to your parent's for dinner."

"I'm perfectly fine with that." Eli moves in close, easing Delaney back against the door. "I really don't feel like going."

Delaney's hand comes up to rest on Eli's chest and he pushes lightly, stopping him in his tracks. "As much as I would enjoy stripping every article of clothing from your body, you said tonight was something you couldn't back out of."

"Not without good cause," Eli argues as he grips Delaney's wrist, moving the hand from his chest, before pressing in closer. "And I would say that taking you on nearly every surface in your home is good cause."

Delaney exhales a shaky sigh. He's almost always easily swayed by Eli's sexual advances, but tonight... "You can have me however you want me when we get back."

"I'll hold you to that, Dee," Eli threatens.

"As if I would need you to," Delaney scoffs. He gives Eli a light push, moving the man away from him. "Let's go before we go from being fashionably late to rude."

It's hard to describe what Delaney feels as they pull into the gates of the large estate. He's more than likely feeding off Eli's nervous energy, the alpha having become increasingly more agitated the closer they were to the home, but deep down inside, Delaney knows that's not it.

"Young Master," one of the staff acknowledges Eli with a courteous bow after opening the driver side door.

Delaney narrows his eyes in Eli's direction, but the "young master" is actively working to avoid his gaze.

"We'll inform your parents you and your guest have arrived," the same staff member states.

"There's no need," Eli rushes out. "I'll find them."

"As you wish, sir."

Delaney is led forward by a warm hand placed at the small of his back. Breath fans out across his ear as Eli heatedly whispers,

"I know you have questions and I promise I'll answer all of them as soon as we leave."

Delaney opens his mouth to speak, but he's rendered silent once they cross into the foyer. Beautiful vaulted ceilings boast crystal chandeliers that throw glittering rainbows on the white marble tile flooring. A double staircase is the focal point of the room and large vases of red, orange, pink, and champagne peonies rest on every other step. Staff wait off to the side with silver trays topped with champagne flutes and hors d'oeuvres. Centered between the double staircase are three harpists whose gentle music is somehow still audible over the buzzing conversation of the party goers. Double doors are open behind the musicians and Delaney can catch a glimpse of a large, sprawling garden, complete with ornately decorated tables, a dance floor, and a live band. He turns on his heels to face Eli.

"You—," he starts, but before he can finish, a man bearing a striking resemblance to Eli sidles up next to the alpha.

"I'm surprised you actually came, brother." His light brown eyes slide over to Delaney and a wicked grin curves his mouth. "And you actually brought a plus one." His laugh is cold, causing Delaney to shudder a bit. "Our parents will be delighted to make your acquaintance, I'm sure." He extends a hand as he introduces himself. "I'm Jackson. Nice to finally meet the man that has caught my dear brother's attention."

Out of politeness, he quickly takes Jackson's hand. The stark contrast between the warmth of Jackson's hand and his frigid personality, along with the insidious undertone in his introduction, leaves Delaney feeling off balance. "Delaney," he quickly introduces himself, careful to not snatch his hand back once the exchange is done. "You have a lovely home."

Jackson looks around the room, his gaze coming back to Delaney as he shrugs. "Our home in the countryside is more lavish, but too far for Elias to drive to apparently."

Delaney has to school his expression as he comes to learn that "Eli" isn't actually the alpha's real name. He can feel Elias' eyes on him, practically boring a hole into the side of his face. "Not everyone is up for a long drive," he offers, hoping the subject will change.

However, Jackson slaps a hand on Elias' shoulder as he laughs, "He wouldn't need to drive. Any one of our staff would gladly pick him up from that place he has the audacity to call 'home'."

"Enough, Jackson," Elias finally cuts in, pushing the man's hand away from his shoulder. "Where are mother and father?"

"Oh, I'm sure you'll run into them soon. Please come find me before you do. I would love to be there when they meet your partner." He smiles over at Delaney before turning the same smile up at Elias. However, the smile melts from his eyes, replaced with disdain and a hint of loathing. "Enjoy yourselves tonight," Jackson states before taking his leave.

Elias rushes out, "Before you ask—,"

"I wasn't, Elias," Delaney cut him off. Anger is sparked by a sense of betrayal, creating a chill that blooms in the pit of Kaoru's stomach. For three months, he believed Elias' name to be "Eli", and why shouldn't he have? What type of person doesn't tell someone their actual name?

Probably the same type of person who hasn't told the man he has feelings for that he can't have children...

Delaney pushes the thought aside, arguing within himself that his omitted truth is different. Elias willfully hid something pertinent, like a name, on top of the fact that his family is extremely wealthy. Delaney is simply holding onto his truth because he's uncertain if the relationship will become serious enough to even divulge his medical condition.

"I promise I will explain," Elias sounds weary as he takes Delaney hand. "I will tell you everything when we leave."

"How much of everything?" Delaney snaps.

Elias winces a bit as he looks down at Delaney. "Dee—,"

"Oh no," Delaney hisses, "Absolutely not."

Elias pulls him through the party, moving into an area that isn't as crowded, and rounds on Delaney. "You have every right to be upset but can we not—,"

"Darling! There you are!" A loud, melodious voice calls out and any expression that was on Elias' face melts away instantly, leaving a blank mask.

Delaney watches as Elias tenses up and stiffly turns to greet the woman. She's tall, well over 6 feet and with the stilettos on, easily over 6'6". She's absolutely gorgeous, her skin a light olive and her curls the same loose pattern as Elias'. Her eyes are the same honey brown but the shape is more almond, accentuating her other delicate facial features.

"Mother," Elias hesitantly addresses her.

"How nice of you to actually attend!" She wraps Elias up in a tight hug. "Your father will be most pleased." When she pulls away, the corners of her mouth turn down as she frowns. "Why are you wearing that god awful choker and bracelet? I thought I told you to get rid of it."

"Last time—," Elias begins, but she interrupts him with a wave of her hand.

"Last time was thirteen years ago."

"Last time was a few weeks ago. And it was humiliating for me and—,"

"Speaking of a few weeks ago," she pushes past Elias to smile down at Delaney. "You must be the man that has caught my son's attention." She lightly sniffs the air, which causes Delaney to grow uncomfortable. "Interesting," she hums softly. "Anyhow, dear, there is a bit of unfinished business you have to attend to. Your father and I allow you your dalliances, but now it's time for you to put away childish things."

Delaney bristles, anger spreading melting away the earlier chill as his pulse races. "Childish?"

"Yes, dear. No offense to you, but Elias has always rebelled against the natural order of things and insisted on dating alphas or betas. Now that he's 25, it is time for him to settle down with an omega." She smiles over at Elias. "Wouldn't you agree, son?"

Delaney hates how quickly his anger shifts to pain as he points out, "I'm not a beta."

Elias' mother turns to face him again, her eyebrows pinched together and eyes narrowed slightly as she stares down at him. "No? Do you have the same god awful scent blockers as my darling Elias? I can barely pick up your scent."

Delaney's stomach twists into knots and his mouth runs dry as he blinks over at the woman. "No, I don't own any type of scent blocker."

She arches a brow as she appraises Delaney. "Nevertheless, like I previously stated, Elias has unfinished business to attend to. We shall return shortly. Elias?"

Elias stares down at Delaney, his eyes pleading silently, but Delaney ignores it, pettiness overriding any desire he felt earlier to be a comfort as Elias dealt with his family.

He's more hurt and disappointed in himself than anything else. Delaney vowed, from the very beginning, that he was only going to keep whatever was between them light and casual. He should have known that he wasn't going to be able to do that. He was never the type to keep things casual. But admitting that to himself would be admitting that he has deep feelings for Elias.

Delaney meanders through the party, moving through the different rooms aimlessly as he contemplates calling Tristin and begging the alpha to come and get him. He wants to put space between him, Elias, and the growing sense of irrational betrayal he's feeling, but before he can do so, Jackson is approaching him again.

"I've been tasked with bringing you to the study to meet father." Jackson offers his arm and Delaney hesitantly takes it. "I sense your shock."

He hums offhandedly, not wanting to engage in conversation with Jackson, but not wanting to be impolite.

"I assume Elias hasn't told you about our family? Shame, really. I can't understand why he's so embarrassed about his lineage."

"Everyone has their reason," Delaney replies and he realizes this answer is more for himself than Jackson.

"What reason can one possibly have of being embarrassed about their wealth and biology?" The question is rhetorical, yet Delaney answers anyways.

"Embarrassment can be the result of a lot of things, but in terms of wealth, I've found some are embarrassed once they learn how their family amassed their fortune."

Jackson leads them away from the party and into a quiet wing of the house. "Are you implying our family might have been involved in unsavory business practices?" He asks with a light chuckle.

"I'm simply offering you a reason." Delaney slides his hand from Jackson's arm, pretending to fix the cuff links at his wrist.

"And in regards to his biology?"

The pain returns as Delaney articulates, "Our biology isn't perfect. There can be conditions he hasn't disclosed to anyone that would cause him to feel the way he does."

Jackson stops walking and slowly turns to face Delaney. His expression is unreadable as he breathes out, "He hasn't told you, has he?"

Delaney's head cocks to the side as he clarifies, "Told me what?"

Jackson smiles broadly. "Oh my. This makes my night that much more interesting."

"He hasn't told me what?" Delaney stresses, but Jackson raises a hand to silence him as he gestures towards a door that is slightly ajar.

Delaney feels like the world is slowly coming to a stop as he pauses at the door, listening. His heart drops to his stomach as he hears Elias arguing with his parents.

"You told me to bring him here, so I brought him. And yet you pull this shit? Again?" Elias sounds exasperated.

"We believed you were dating an omega, son," a rumbling voice responds. "We weren't going to ask Taylor to come, but your mother thought it would be appropriate to have him here as an alternative. You need to weigh your options and being with a beta isn't one of them."

I'm not a beta...

"He's not a beta! And if he was, why would that be an issue?"

"Because," Elias' mother replies, "You need to fulfill your duties as head of the family. You know beta's who procreate with alpha's struggle to carry to full term, let alone birth multiple children."

"He's not a beta!"

Another voice, one that's sultry and low, speaks out, "You say that, yet I cannot identify his scent."

"It doesn't matter what you can identify, Taylor. Why is he even included in this conversation?"

"Because of the two of them, Taylor is the better choice for you. We can announce the engagement later this evening."

Delaney takes a step back, gasping softly. "Engagement?" He looks over at Jackson.

"Ahh, he also neglected to tell you our parents have found him a suitable spouse?" He tuts softly as he shakes his head. "He's always been so secretive."

Delaney's breath quickens as he continues listening.

"If an omega doesn't have a strong scent, I doubt he'll be able to give you children," Taylor drawls.

"What if I don't want children?" Elias fires back.

A loud bang precedes his father bellowing, "Don't be preposterous! From the time you've presented you've been nothing but an insolent, spoiled, self righteous, brat. You've rebelled against the natural order of things and paraded alpha's and beta's in front of your mother and I for years. The one time you bring an omega home, you bring one here who barely releases pheromones and you dare to question why he's not suitable for you?!"

"Honey," Elias' mother cautions.

"No," his father snaps. "I'm tired of you coddling him. You have always said you want children, Elias. Always. And now you question it? Why? Because we're telling you it's time to settle down with the best choice for you?"

"I haven't discussed a future with Delaney, but I want to... can't you let me decide for myself what's best for me? Can't I talk to him about what he wants?" Elias' tone has softened as he pleads with his parents.

"And if he says he doesn't want children?" His mother asks.

"Then—,"

Elias is interrupted as Jackson chooses that moment to push open the door. He sidesteps around Delaney to gesture to him. "Sorry we're interrupting, but your date was looking for you Elias."

Delaney feels like Elias looks—devastated and confused.

"Dee—Delaney?" Elias takes a step towards him, yet he takes a step away.

"Engagement?" Delaney asks softly. "When were you going to tell me?"

"I wasn't. Wait, no," Elias rushes out as Delaney winces. "I meant to say that I wasn't going to tell you because I'm not engaged. I don't intend to agree to an arranged marriage."

"See," Elias' mother whispers, "There's no scent and you can clearly see he's distressed. He's obviously a beta and I wouldn't want the poor dear to suffer unnecessary loss if our Elias does have children with him."

I can't...

Delaney's vision swims as he turns on his heels to leave. He can hear a commotion, but he pays the yelling and swearing no mind as he struggles to compose his emotions.

"Delaney! Wait!" Elias yells after him, but Delaney keeps going, having to apologize as he loses the grip on his emotions and bumps into a few party goers once the tears start flowing.

Empty.

You're empty.

His chest tightens and his heart races as waves of sadness and anger crash into him. It's his fault after all, isn't it?

Elias grips his bicep, stopping him from walking into the driveway. He wrenches his arm free and turns into the darkness, stalking away from Elias and into the yard.

"Goddamnit, wait Dee!"

Delaney whips around, his tone of voice matching Elias' as he bites back, "For what?! So you can lie to me about other trivial shit?"

"I didn't lie. You didn't ask me," Elias defends.

"Oh bullshit," Delaney yells. "Am I supposed to ask a person for their actual full name? When is the appropriate time to ask if someone's family is filthy fucking rich or if they're in the midst of an arranged marriage? The first date? Or after you fucked me on your dining table?"

"I can explain," Elias tries again.

Delaney takes a step forward. "Can you?! How? Let me guess, because I didn't ask, it's just you omitting the truth, right?"

Elias matches Delaney's ire, becoming indignant as he argues, "As if you've told me everything. You won't even admit your feelings and you expect me to be honest with you?!"

"I told you—,"

Elias' voice is unusually loud, scaring Delaney slightly as he bellows, "Maybe isn't a yes, Delaney. You find these little loopholes and ways to avoid being honest about your feelings and yet you stand here trying to admonish me about not telling you my 'actual full' first name and withholding the fact that my parents are wealthy?"

Delaney deflates a bit, shrinking back as he's confronted with his hesitancy to share his feelings with Elias. "I have my reasons," he softly counters.

"And what are they? Hmm?"

Everything he's been holding in for months—the pain, the grief, the utter despair— wells up and he lashes out. "You've always wanted children. Right? That's what your father said? That's the natural order of things, right?!" His fists ball at his side as he screams at Elias. "I can't ever give that to you, Eli. Even if I want to, I can never give you what you've always wanted. So pray tell, what's the point of me sharing how I feel about you when as soon as you find out that I'm fucking empty, that I'm broken, you'll just end up leaving me anyways?!" He can feel the tears streaming down his face yet he does nothing to stop the flow.

"Wait, what?" The fight immediately leaves Elias as he stares down at Delaney with a slightly pained expression. "What are you talking about?"

Delaney avoids his question by asking one of his own, "Will I ever be just enough for you? Can you imagine a future where it's just the two of us? No one else?" He swipes at his eyes, quickly wiping away fresh tears. "As an alpha would you ever be okay with coming home to an empty house? As an alpha can you honestly look me in the eyes and tell me you would be fine with never having a child?"

Elias' silence is deafening.

Despite doing all he can to protect his heart, Delaney feels bits and pieces of it chipping away as he looks up at Elias, waiting for an answer. As the seconds pass, each one feeling like an eternity, Delaney eventually states, "You don't have to worry about answering me. Your silence is answer enough. I'll leave first." He wipes his eyes, inhaling a shaky breath as he walks away from Elias. When the alpha calls after him, he ignores the man. He pulls his phone out and dials Tristin.

He answers after the first ring, "I have so many questions. The main one being how the hell did you happen to meet the Elias Bordeaux?"

"Can you come get me? I'll text you the address."

Tristin's tone changes when he hears Delaney's voice. "Of course. I'm on my way."

The bright lights of the party blur together as large tears cling to his eyelashes and spill to his cheeks. "Thanks," Delaney quietly says before ending the call.