Page 108 of Generation Omega: Claimed

Ethan’s attentively watching us while dishing up some takeout from an Italian restaurant. It smells fabulous, but it’s not cupcakes. When Gideon is apprised of my day, he seems to be struggling with something.

Rather than listing all the things that might be bugging him, I just ask, “What is it?”

He only debates for a second before answering. “It’s been such a long day. Are you really up for another round ofwhateverthis is with Ory? I’m not doubting him or his intentions here, but I’m an alpha and, even with my enhanced constitution, it’s been adamnlong day.”

I enjoy looking at my first alpha, while our hearts clamor for more contact and he sends a steady stream of energy my way. Even as he questions whether I’m up for more, he’s providing the support I need—instant sunlight, this guy. “Let me ask you this,” I murmur playfully, “would you ever be too tired to get naked with me?”

“Hell no.”

“Right.”

Uh oh, I’ve awakened hisexasperated professor of unruly mutantsmojo—I’m beginning to think that role required no actual acting from Mr. Blake. “Okay, but…” He glances atthe others in the room and then back at me, clearly seeking permission before sharing my naughty business aloud.

I lean around Gideon and look at Ethan and Thatcher. “I’m not just going to climb Ory and make him mine. I’m going to go through some trials from the dawn of the omegaverse that are allegedly freaky, dirty, nasty, and raunchy. They’re supposed to facilitate greater range in my omega existence.”

I shrug. “I’ll let you know how it goes.” When a memory strikes, I grin. “There’s definitely a chance I’m about to flip the script on myslutty with a side of feraltoferal with a side of slutty.”

Ethan beams at me. “Don’t limit yourself, Till. I say you go with anall feral, all slutty, all the timetheme. You’re the omega, and this is your omegaverse. If it wasn’t meant to be your party, it would be called thealphaverseor thepackverse, right?”

“That’s a great point!” My joyful mood travels around the room. It’s only then that I remember I’m supposed to be frosty to Thatcher and hate him for being a murdery creep. What is it about getting laid in the back of a truck by aCupcakethat makes it so difficult to hold grudges?

Gideon’s pleased with my transparency, which is surely beneficial to pack cohesion. “And you are certain you’re up for all of that?”

I consider what Gideon needs from me and use that as my guide. “If the only thing in an omega’s life was bonding her alphas, then I would wait to be with Ory until I was fresh on a new day. It’s my wish that omegas in the future just worry about finding and connecting with their alphas. For them, I want it all to be scent matches, sweaty first heats, and bondmarks they nuzzle so their adoring alphas know how much they mean to their devoted omegas.”

I level a sassy glare at him. “But we’re not there yet, and I know this needs to happen tonight. After that, I plan to be so lazythat I’ll expect to be carried everywhere, maybe on a litter lifted by some burly, shirtless guys, while someone feeds me dozens of mini cupcakes.”

There is nothing more beautiful than indulgent love shining in your lover’s dark eyes. “That can be arranged.”

“It better be—I’m prepared to summon a potent whine.” When I realize something Gideon caught during my recap, I whisper, “Are you worried that I might betoodifferent after I’m with Ory?”

“Not at all, because I know you, and all you’ll do is become more of who you are. You won’t let the omegaverse or any experience change you into someone you’re not.” Gideon’s perfect faith in me is exactly what I needed, without even realizing it. Even without my thoughts always available to him, he still knows exactly how to care for his omega.

“It’s ready,” Ethan calls after placing a full plate in front of Thatcher, who’s either glaring at him or grimacing from his steady dose of inner misery. Regardless, Ethan doesn’t seem bothered as he pulls out a chair for me.

Seated at the table with my first alpha, a beta prince—at least, as far as I’m concerned—and a rogue alpha, it’s impossible not to see how many aspects of my pack are unique in the entire history of the omegaverse. Those not joining us for this meal include a world leader’s son, a member of the organization dedicated to wiping out the omega lineage, and the soul of the first alpha to ever exist. It’s not that I didn’t already know their bios, but with every moment that passes and each event that brings us closer, our pack puzzle is beginning to crystalize for me.

Earlier, I was so stressed and obsessed about the lack of depth in our connections, but now I’m viewing our situation differently, maybe seeing us the way Sage did—a group of strangers who’ve come astonishingly far in a ridiculously short amount of time. Healing my bond with Jamie and preparing togoall the dang waywith Ory are what transformed my fears about us into a belief solid enough that I’m practically glowing. This sudden progress also proves how crucial it is that I listen to my instincts about my pack and confront whatever cracks form as soon as I can.

While I mow through a couple breadsticks and a small helping of chicken parmigiana, Ethan asks Gideon about filming locations, plot details, cast drama, and the many stunts Gideon performed. All of it is engaging and exactly what Ethan knew I needed, without a word being said. This is a taste of normal, what it will be like when we don’t have to live with enemies closing in all the time—when we can just be ourselves together. I want that so badly.

When I push my plate away, it’s not because I’m ready to leave the table, but because I don’t want Ory to wait alone any longer than needed. I don’t want him to wonder whether I’ll change my mind. It takes me a little while to realize that the thread between us is still there, its soundtrack now made of distant drums.

Ethan notices everything about me. “It’s time, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I need to go.” I first look at Thatcher. “Are you okay?”

He nods, swallowing painfully. “May I…?”

“Of course.”

“I’m impressed with you, your courage, and your dedication. What you’re doing next—if other omegas would have had this chance, it might have changed everything.” Even with his obvious agony, there’s something earnest about him, the way he’s looking at me like he’s seeing me for the first time.

Kazimir’s words return.Immature, ignorant, headstrong omega who must be managed for the greater good.I guess it’s always helpful to remember where you began, so even baby steps seem huge. It would be valuable to the pack if Thatcher figuresout he doesn’t already know everything about everyone. But now is not the time to worry about that.

“What I’m wondering about is the omega prophecy itself.” I have his complete attention. “That thing is all about an omega’s empathy superpower. It glossed over the true origin of the omegaverse, which is, according to our first ever alpha, prettysmutasticin a base and violent way.” Should I add the bit about rutting the omega for the clan’s viewing enjoyment? I take a pass on that. “If I tap into my primal side, will that affect me as an omega in a bad way? Omegas aren’t supposed to be alloff with their headsand such, but primal omegas areprimal, bloodthirsty, and unapologetically feral, so…”

The yearning in Thatcher’s eyes surprises me, but it shouldn’t. He’s realizing he didn’t just miss the chance to get to know me—he’s missed the opportunity to learn firsthand what I know about his beloved subject. Thatcher doesn’t know much about my primal inner omega, because I didn’t know much before he ditched me. He doesn’t have a clue where I’m at with all of this or even what’s about to happen in the basement with rituals not included in any omegaverse textbook. My instincts are bellowing, pointing to his insatiable thirst for knowledge as our greatest resource for fully integrating him into the pack.

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