Sorcha eyed him quizzically.
“Cards on the table, the reason I came over is that my nanny and I were in our kitchen a little while ago, and we heard some loud noises and some…not-so-nice words. I wanted to check on you and make sure everything is okay.”
A flash of embarrassment crossed Sorcha’s face before he gestured to the table.
“My uncles were in a bad mood this morning. This project is taking longer than expected because I found some water damage that needs to be addressed. I tried to explain, but they don’t really listen to me. They just want it done.”
Teal frowned. “They should be grateful you do such careful work.”
Sorcha shrugged. “I don’t think they care, as long as they get paid. Abe said I should mask the damage with stain. He didn’t want me to waste time doing the actual repair.”
“I’m sorry,” Teal said, not knowing what other words to offer. Dale and Abe surely weren’t the only business owners to place profit over quality workmanship, but their lax attitude put their nephew in a tough position.
“It’s alright,” Sorcha said. “I told them I’m going to do it my way. That’s why they got so mad.”
So the little omega had some limits when it came to his overbearing uncles. That was good to know. But Teal was concerned about the price Sorcha paid for his principles.
“Not to pry,” he began gently, “but there were some loud thumps against the wall.”
Sorcha peered down before explaining. “Like I said, they were mad. Abe got frustrated and grabbed his coat off the rack before he left for work. He pulled so hard the rack fell. Instead of picking it up, he…uh…kicked it against the wall.”
Teal didn't know whether to worry or roll his eyes that a beta in his forties could have such a temper over something so trivial. Sorcha didn’t seem cowed or frightened. And he’d stuck to his insistence on making the repairs. Teal supposed those were positive signs.
But Teal had also never seen Sorcha laugh, and the younger omega was always wary.
Teal wanted to gain his trust and offer support. It was past time he and Ronan got to know their little neighbor better.
Teal circled the table. “Looks good.”
“Thanks.” Sorcha pointed to one of the table legs. “You can see here where I made the repair.”
A section of the wood looked like it had been replaced with a separate piece. Although Teal knew nothing about furniture restoration, he scrutinized the area closely before nodding. “It’s beautiful. I’m sure it will be fantastic when it’s done.”
“I hope so.” The two men locked gazes and Sorcha grinned timidly.
The younger omega's innocent expression sent a jolt straight to Teal's heart. Without warning, a surge of protectiveness raced through him. Urgent and raw.
He blinked, swallowing roughly as a newfound awareness coiled unwittingly in his gut.
That smile.Teal had never seen it before, and it…affectedhim.
As Sorcha sucked shyly on his bottom lip, the tightness in Teal’s chest threatened to steal his breath. His physical reaction to knowing he’d made the younger omega smile was like nothing he’d ever experienced before.
What was happening?
Teal switched the subject abruptly. “Have you always lived with your uncles?”
Sorcha's smile faded into a neutral expression. “Since I was ten. Technically, I’m only biologically related to Dale, since myalpha father was his brother. But he and Abe have been married forever, so I’ve always called them both ‘uncle.’”
“Your parents are…gone?” Teal asked gently.
“Yeah,” Sorcha replied with a degree of sadness, although he didn’t appear overly emotional. “Boating accident. My two alpha brothers as well. After that, I came to live with Dale and Abe.”
Teal assumed there was more to that story, but it seemed imprudent to ask for details when Sorcha hadn’t offered them. Especially considering this was the first meaningful conversation they’d ever had.
“I’m sorry about your family,” Teal said. “And I’m glad to know the noises this morning weren’t anything more serious.” Although, he thought, knocking over furniture in a fit of rage didn’t exactly indicate a stable mind. He put his hand on Sorcha’s shoulder. “Please remember you can always come to me and Ronan, or even our nanny, Niall, if you need anything. Anything at all.”
“Thanks.”
