Page 118 of Generation Omega: Revealed

He appears a mix of nervous, hopeful, and mischievous. “And will you benaked?”

I groan. “Did you hear what I just said about taking thingsslowly?”

“Yes, so? Aren’t youMr. In Control?”

“I’ll take my shirt off, but only after the lights are out.”

Ethan’s intrigued but he doesn’t ask, which is good because I won’t explain. He flicks off the light and I remove my shirt and climb onto the bed, holding the blanket up for him to join me. He does without pause, spooning against me and, for the three hours I hold him, I almost forget what it feels like to hate myself.

CHAPTER52

THATCHER

It’s quiet and dark as we move farther from land, from trained and equipped fighters, from Sage. I never once imagined that I would be an alpha—that’s the story I’ve told myself so many times it almost feels like truth. But it’s not. Of course, I imagined being an alpha. I was a child when I learned about the omegaverse, and it quickly became my favorite fantasy. When others worshiped superheroes, I spent my free time lost in omega comics, books, and legends.

It was the connection that drew my devotion more than anything. The loyalty ensured by biology and the uncontrolled expressions of passion—the freedom, trust, and safety of belonging to a pack. I’ve failed at every step of this journey so far, from my feral behavior at the penthouse to my reliance on Sage’s plans. I’m mortified by the way I’ve treated Tillie.

Gideon isn’t wrong. I’ve been operating in this role as though the script is written and in my hand and, of course, I’m the director of the show. I’m the one who’s spent my life seeking knowledge about the omega legacy. I’ve earned all the degrees possible and spilled blood protecting the legacy. I should have been first alpha—that’s the story my ego tells, regardless of all the evidence to the contrary.

I can’t lie to myself and pretend that my studies are responsible for my missteps or my inability to adapt to an actual omega reveal.This isn’t how it was supposed to be—what a silly thing to think about something so rare, as though any book or first-hand account could ever capture the whole experience. Maybe every single reveal was unique, and all my knowledge is irrelevant because I’ve spent so much time forming generalities where none existed.

But that is not at the heart of my misery. I know the source like it’s a blinking dot on a map. I’ve lost something I can never reclaim, and I’m suffering for it. I’m a fool to have allowed such glorious fantasies to endure long enough to watch them die the moment they meet reality. This isn’t how I dreamed it would be, how Ibelievedit would be. My expectations are the knives drawing blood this time. Sage and Gideon are right.

It seems that they are all right and I’m all wrong. It’s not the first time that’s been my life. But there is one hopeful aspect to this. I’m here. They haven’t given up on me. I’m still pack, and this isn’t over yet.

Gideon Blake is our pack leader and he deserves that position, regardless of his prior career choices. And he’s willing to guide me.

Three rules so far.

Rely on the pack, not anyone else—I can do that.

Accept Ethan—I will try.

Let go of my rage and vengeance involving Kazimir Volkov—Never, but it can wait.

By morning, our pack may be complete, the first pack to fully form in centuries. The heat will follow soon after, and then we’ll be ready to fight back.

For all its imperfections, I wouldn’t choose to be anywhere but here.

CHAPTER53

TILLIE

The moment Gideon nurses my bondmark, I moan and arch into him, already reaching for his cock. It’s ready for me and he doesn’t hesitate, sliding inside me. This isn’t our feral designations set free. This is a sweet, lazy, wonderfully pleasant way to connect. His smooth thrusts feel so good, while his mouth on my bondmark drives me wild.

I kiss the bondmark I gave him, licking and tending just like he does, while our bodies continue their rhythmic dance. Sex with absolutely no awkwardness and barely an effort—I approve.

“Gideon.”

“Yes, baby girl.”

“You haven’t kissed me enough.”

“Is that so?Hmm, I guess I need to step up my game.”

Gideon Blake, alpha extraordinaire, is an incredible kisser, but I’m definitely going to have to call for a do-ever when I can stay awake. Right now, I can’t. I fall back to sleep as he’s kissing me, making love to me, and tending our bondmark. The safety he represents allows me to fade into the most decadent bliss I’ve ever known… until my alarm-clock heart goes off with a vengeance.

The brash thumping is like the first cannon blast of a war. I bolt upright and then flail when I can’t escape my mountain of blankets.

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