Saving Rhys

By Fel Fern

I can’t decide if falling for my best friend’s son is the best or worst decision I ever made in my life.

I always had a thing for Rhys but he’s out-of-bounds. At 40, I should have everything figured out. I’m a retired cop, an Alpha shifter with too much time on his hands. My life is a mess. When the wet and homeless Omega turns up at my doorstep, I offer him a place to stay the night.

Rhys is an unnecessary complication. The longer he stays, I become more convinced he’s mine to keep. Who am I kidding? We both need each other. But sooner or later, Rhys will leave. Being on the road makes him happy. Once that happens, he’ll take my heart along with him. Can I give him a reason to stay?

Saving Rhys is a standalone age-gap Mpreg novella that features a reluctant but sweet older Alpha and a lost but persistent Omega hoping to win his heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fern Publishing
• Release date: Sep 23, 2020

Fel Fern

Felicia loves writing sizzling MM romances.Join Felicia's VIP club and receive free books and bonus content: https://bit.ly/3hGLAkQ

Book preview

Chapter 1

Rhys

My teeth clattered as I raised my fist to the door. Hesitation swamped me. I froze.

Unease unfurled in my belly. Cold seeped past my soaked hoodie and jeans. My inner wolf whined inside me.

What I wanted was a hot shower and maybe a warm meal. I didn’t relish going back into the dark streets.

I doubt I’d be able to survive another night in a mixed shelter. Sure, there were shelters in town that were specially catered to Omegas, but they were all booked. Hence the reason I was here.

Bolstering my courage, I knocked. I did it a few times, but there was no answer. Maybe he was working overtime.

Perhaps he went out drinking with his friends. Then again, I remembered my Alpha dad telling me that Nolan wasn’t the most sociable guy in the world.

I glanced at my wristwatch, the only memento I had of my two dead dads. There was a crack right through the middle of the clock face, but I could still tell the time.

Close to midnight. Did I have the wrong address after all?

I glanced at the empty corridor, at the peeling paint and wallpaper. The fuzzy carpeting beneath my feet was marked with cigarette marks. It smelled musty here.

A baby cried from a couple of units down the hall. I could hear a couple arguing next door.

This place was a shit hole, but it was better than sleeping in a room filled with warm bodies. What if Nolan had forgotten me?

I knocked again. Frustration festered inside me.

The backpack I was carrying—the backpack that contained all of my belongings, weighed like a ton of bricks. I dropped it by my feet.

Exhaustion made me slide to the floor. I pressed my back against the door. Closing my eyes for a few moments, I imagined I was somewhere else. Far away from this wretched and rainy town.

I pictured myself sun tanning on a deserted beach. I was only wearing swimming trunks.

Nolan walked towards me. He wore a knowing smile on his face. I let out a laugh. I was being ridiculous.

Hearing the click of a lock, I leaped to my feet. The door opened. Suddenly, I stared into the face of a grumpy and unhappy Alpha. Nolan was exactly how I remembered him.

Huge. Every inch of Nolan was padded with muscle. Last I heard, he retired from the police force, but he kept himself in shape.

He narrowed his eyes at me. I’d always remember his eyes. They were a green so dark they sometimes appeared black under the right light.

Nolan was shirtless, only wearing boxers. He was holding a beer in one hand.

At a more appropriate time, my dick would’ve thickened at the sexy sight of the Alpha. Now, I just want to get warm inside his apartment.

All six-foot-six of Nolan seemed unhappy to see me. He furrowed his brows, as if he was thinking deep thoughts.

My heart was in my throat. Ever since I was old enough to want someone, I knew it was wrong to desire him.

Nolan was my Alpha dad’s best friend. He must be twice my age. I told myself often enough that my silly crush would go away. It never did.

Uh, hi. I’m not sure if you remember me, Nolan, I began.

Suddenly, this seemed like a bad idea. I haven’t seen Nolan since the funeral. That was two years ago.

Rhys, he said, voice husky. What are you doing here?

I need— I faltered. I wasn’t exactly sure I knew what I wanted.

Come inside. You’re soaking wet, he said, much to my relief.

Nolan ushered me inside. Before I can get another word out, he said, I’ll get you a towel. Wait right there.

I set my backpack down. The inside of his apartment looked so much better than the corridor outside.

The walls were painted white, making the studio apartment appear larger. His taste in furniture was simple. Minimalist and light.

The Alpha returned to me, towel in hand. He rubbed me down. I stilled, unable to believe this was happening.

Part of me wanted to know where this would lead. Nolan halted, breathing hard.

Disappointment filled me, but I shook it off. Now wasn’t the time to break down in front of him.

To my relief, Nolan took a hesitant step backward, and I stared at him. I wasn’t sure what to say next.

Did something happen? He asked me.

Nolan ran a hand through his short hair. There were more gray strands than gold in there now, I noticed.

He was like fine wine. Nolan was the guy whose looks only got better with age.

The last time we spoke— He continued.

Plenty of stuff had happened since then, I interrupted. I wasn’t in the mood to talk, not yet. Can I use your shower?

There was only one other door in his tiny apartment. I guessed that led to the bathroom.

Once I was alone in the bathroom, I could think about my next move. I’d be able to gather my thoughts and decide what I should tell him.

Wait a damn second, Nolan said, grabbing my elbow.

It was crazy, but his touch sent electric currents up my arm. I pulled away, deciding that it was better to keep a safe distance from him. For now.

You arrived on his doorstep like a drowned rat, a nasty voice inside my head said.

Nolan had every right to be worried.

Rhys, tell me what’s going on. He insisted. Nolan searched my eyes. Are you in trouble?

I liked he was concerned about me. Thankfully, I found my tongue.

I need a place to crash for the night. Please. I added that last word because I couldn’t bear the thought of Nolan tossing me out.

God. I was pathetic, but one night was all I needed.

Of course, he replied. Bathroom’s through there. There are additional towels in the cabinet next to the sink.

Thank you, I told him, meaning every word. I was about to touch the door handle when Nolan spoke