Page 44 of Claiming Their Omega

I look toward the stables where we keep the horses. Grace is great with the animals, which warms my heart in a way I don’t want to look at all that closely. I’m doomed enough as it is. But usually she doesn’t just go out there and spend all day with the animals.

Grace is clearly determined to pull her weight and do her part around here, so she helps out with the chores she knows, and tries to learn the ones she doesn’t. There isn’t anything to be done with the horses right now. The stables are cleaned out, they’ve been fed this morning and won’t get fed again until the evening, nothing needs repairing…

I think she might be hiding out there, seeking comfort.

Something was off with her when she came back from the bar last night. I don’t know what it is, but I can tell. She seemed to have something weighing her down. I just can’t guess what it is.

I turn back to the machine. At least finish your damn chores, I tell myself.

When I step inside the ranch house to grab a snack, I find Grace in the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of water.

“Thirsty too, huh?” I ask, trying to keep it casual.

She nods. Quieter than usual.

“Horses treatin’ you right?”

“Yes. They’re so sweet. Nervous though, I didn’t think they’d be so… anxious all the time.”

“That’s why it means a lot when they trust you. And they sure do like you.”

Grace blushes, but it doesn’t seem to really lighten her mood.

I sigh. “Look, if something’s up, you’ve gotta tell me.”

Grace scowls, the stubborn woman. “I don’t have to tell you anything, actually. You’re not really my Alpha and even if you were, I’m allowed a little privacy.”

I put my hands up. “I’m not trying to start a fight, but come on, it’s clear something’s going on. I know you like being a little wildcard but I’m trying to sit down at the table with you, play fair.”

“You and your convoluted poker metaphors,” Grace mutters.

I give her my most charming grin. “Most people like it.”

“I’m not most people.”

And don’t I know it. Grace has never been impressed with me. It’s part of why I was so shocked when she asked me to take her virginity.

I gentle my voice. “Grace, I know when something’s wrong with you. You know you can trust me. I get this situation is… unusual and difficult. But you’re not in it alone. You asked us for help. Let us help you. Let me help you.”

Grace bites her lip. God, she’s gorgeous. She’s got her blonde hair tied back in a braid but some of it is a bit loose around her face from the physical exercise. Her cheeks are flushed, and her eyes shine where they catch the sunlight pouring in through the kitchen window. She’d look gorgeous wearing a potato sack and covered in mud, honestly.

Finally, she sits down in a kitchen chair, her shoulders slumping. “No, I’m… you’re right. I’m not okay.”

“Okay.” I try to keep my tone even so that I don’t betray the way my heart starts racing. There are so many things that could be wrong. Maybe because she presented late she’s got health problems. Maybe there’s a serious issue with her hormones or her reproductive system. I try not to picture the worst options, like cancer. I know it’s probably not that. Grace is young and healthy. But my dad was young and healthy too. You never know what fate might have in store, and how soon and suddenly it can take someone from you.

I sit down at the table with her. “Talk to me, wildcard.”

Her lips twitch up into a begrudging smile. I wink at her, glad I could amuse her even if only for a moment.

“My body… it feels wrong.”

Oh god. It is the worst. “Wrong in what way? You feel sick? We can take you into the city—”

“No, no, not like that. Just like it’s not mine anymore.”

I could scream with relief. I slump in the chair. “Christ, you just about gave me a heart attack.”

Grace glares at me. “What are you talking about?”

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