Page 22 of The Alpha's Son

“Why?” William asked.

“Because she is older than me.”

“I know. There will be some judgment, but not because of the age. Some women will be jealous because they wanted to be your mate. There are some men as well who will hate you.”

“I know that.” Darcy may not see it, but there were quite a few men that admired her from afar. She had been on disastrous dates, and no one wanted to add their name to the pile. Darcy was a catch. Joe knew he was lucky.

“So, you have your mate, and from what I saw last night, you and Darcy were getting on well. You also didn’t return to the party, and I know you arrived early this morning. Why do you seem miserable?” William asked.

Joe looked at his dad, and he didn’t want to talk about it, but at the same time, he didn’t know what to do about it either. He was at a loss in all directions. This was so fucking unfair.

“I … I ruined last night, well, this morning. Last night was amazing, but this morning, I sucked, big time,” Joe said, feeling like his lips were pushed out as he pouted.

William laughed. “Talk to me.”

Joe groaned. “You can never tell Darcy that we had this discussion. This is completely a father and son private conversation. Right?”

“Sure.”

“I … Darcy and I were both virgins.”

“I figured you were,” William said.

He glared at his dad.

“What? You think I don’t know what my son is up to? I am the alpha of this pack, or have you forgotten that?”

“No, I know, but how do you know?”

“You just do, and I also noticed you had a crush on Darcy when you were younger.” William shrugged. “Anyway, carry on with what you were saying.”

Joe wasn’t sure if he wanted to. “Well, we were both virgins and this morning, we went all the way, and it was incredible and amazing, and I … messed it up.”

“How did you mess it up?” William asked.

“I…” He dropped his head down, lifted his hand, and presented three fingers. “That is how long I lasted.” He hated having to admit this.

He had completely messed up.

“And?”

This time, Joe lifted his head and looked at his dad. “What do you mean,and?”

“Men, on their first time, don’t last long. Neither do mates. In fact, I’d say mates last less on their first time than men on their first time.” William shrugged. “I know it doesn’t make sense, but there is sense.”

“And then I ran,” Joe said.

This time, William looked at him. “What do you mean, you ran?” he asked.

“I ran. You know, we did it, and then I lasted three times, and I saw the blood, and I freaked out, and I ran, and I’ve not seen or heard from Darcy since.” Joe blew out a breath. “I’m a terrible mate and boyfriend, or whatever the hell I am.” He collapsed his face onto his hands and wanted to sob.

“Okay, I didn’t think I had raised you to run away.”

“It’s not like I meant to run away. I don’t know how I’m going to face her.” Joe groaned. “She’s used to men rejecting her because she thinks she’s boring.” Just thinking that made him groan even more. “Ugh, she is going to think I don’t want to be with her, and that I was bored, which is why I didn’t last.”

William put a hand on his shoulder. “Stop.”

Joe already knew he had said too much just by looking at his dad.