Page 53 of The Omega Archives: Part Two

He made another gruff noise in the back of his throat. “Do you not like anything?”

I shook my head, biting the inside of my cheek. “Not really.”

For a long time, I couldn’t really have any opinion. What was cheap and tasted decent were my favorite things to eat.

Marko headed towards the large fridge.

Rufflingthrough thecabinetshe pulled out eggs and some other ingredients from the drawers.Just likeoutside in the garden, I didn’t say a word as he worked, mixing eggs into a bowl and dipping bread into the cinnamon-heavy mixture. The moment it hit the pan on the stove, my mouth started to water.

Marko flipped the bread in the pan. It must’ve been French toast, though I never had it before.

Whenever I managed to eat breakfast, the closest I’ve ever gotten was pancakes. Yet somehow, Marko whipped it together like it was nothing, going as far as laying out whipped cream and berries on the counter for me before sliding the three slices onto a plate.

When eyes widened.

When I didn’t move to grab it, Marko took his time to add toppings before pushing the plate toward me. He handed me a fork. “Eat.”

“You like to cook,” I whispered. By the looks of it, it wasn’t a question. “Like gardening.”

“It keeps me focused.”

“What are you trying to not focus on?”

Marko paused as he started to clean up. He took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, " I saidagain,quickly. “You don’t have to talk to me.”

He shook his head, pointing back down at my plate. “Eat.”

Before he could give me another order, I took a piece of French toast smothered in whipped cream and raspberries. I nearly moaned at the flavor. It was amazing.

I quickly took another bite and then a third. I couldn’t stop.

I never was this hungry.Ever.

Marko’s lips pursed, curving to the side.I wasprettysure that might’ve been the closest I’d ever seen him smilebefore.

I covered my mouth to hide the sounds I was making. “This is so good.”

Marko took another deep breath as our eyes met. “I have some things that I’ve takena lot ofsteps to move forward from.”

“What kind of things?” I asked.Though I didn’t want to be rudeandIneeded this place to stay.I was still a little on edge.

Who were these kind alphas willing to take me in where I was staying with now?

Who was I soblindlyable to trust?

“I was...” Marko blinked as he tried to find the right words to explain. Acrease formed between his eyebrows. “In the military, I went on some pretty dangerous missions. I was a POW before I finally retired.”

A piece of french toast caught in my throat. “You were captured? Is that what that means?”

Marko nodded.

“For a long time?”

“About five to seven months.”

Nowitwas my turn to look confused. “You don’t know?”

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