Page 27 of The Omega Trials: Part Two

Her uncharacteristic niceness is still making me uneasy, so I let Paisley answer first as I try to read the situation.

“Not today. Thanks for the invite though,” Paisley says with obligatory politeness, but there’s nothing friendly or grateful in her tone.

Merigold turns to me. “Sinclair?”

“I’m good.”

“Are you sure? I bet your alphas would appreciate it if you put in a little effort. You’re not living in some ramshackle whorehouse anymore. It’s okay to actually care about how you look.”

I laugh, my unease evaporating. “Ah, there she is. That’s the Merigold I know.” I look her in the eyes, and she glares back. “Have fun though, maybe they can do something about your personality too.”

I push off the dock and spin away in my tube. I hear Paisley laugh as I close my eyes and smile.

“Whatever, I was just trying to be nice.” Merigold huffs, and I listen to her heels stomp away.

I ask Paisley to bring my cup of water before she floats out to meet me, then I return to my peace.

I’d rather be ugly than a bitch.

“I think I might call it a day,” I tell Paisley, picking up my water cup and disappointed to find it empty. My stomach cramps and gurgles as I sit up to paddle to the dock. “I’m not feeling too great.”

“What’s wrong?” she asks, sliding down to the edge of her raft to kick her way back.

“Eh, it’s just a stomachache.” I blow it off, but I actually feel a little queasy.

When I climb out of the water, a spell of lightheadedness comes over me. I stagger, almost falling over.

“Whoa, are you okay?” Paisley asks, concerned, hurrying up the dock ladder.

I steady myself. “Yeah, just a head rush. I haven’t eaten much today.”

She doesn’t look convinced, but there’s nothing wrong with me. It was probably just too much sun on an empty stomach.

I bend over to pick up my towel and try to hide the grimace from a wave of nausea as I stand back up. “I’m probably a little dehydrated, that’s all.”

“Okay, you head back, and I’ll handle tying these up.” She nods toward the floats.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course, go on and let your alphas take care of you.” She gives me a wink and an encouraging smile, but for some reason, the thought of Bishop and Ecker fussing over me makes my stomach churn even more.

“Yeah, okay.” I try to keep the distaste in my mouth from seeping into my voice and throw on my sundress over my suit.

The walk across the lawns feels twice as long as it did this morning. My stomach is still unsettled, but I don’t get any more lightheadedness, which is promising. I’ll take a nap when I get back, and by the time I wake up for dinner, I’m sure I’ll be feeling fine.

Stepping into the cool building of the Estate is a breath of fresh air, making me even more convinced it was just a touch of heat exhaustion. I curse this giant ass place and its winding hallways. I just want to be in bed already.

I cut through a drawing room that leads to a back staircase. Penelope has shown me all the shortcuts, and the doors to thisroom are always propped open. I’m halfway across the room when the sound of the doors closing startles me.

Three figures loom in front of the now closed doors.

A cold, mocking voice fills the room.

“Where are your alphas now?”

Chapter 10

Tipsy Tales

---