Page 41 of Redeeming His Omega Mate

I didn’t know why that last thought lingered in the back of my mind, but after seeing the way people looked at him, I couldn’t ignore it. There was so much anger here, so much resentment, and Damian was putting himself right in the line of their fire.

I’d lived in these slums for nineteen years. I knew how brutal they could be. But I wasn’t going to tell him to stop. He wouldn’t listen,anyway. I just hoped there would come a time when he could walk these streets without someone trying to throw a plate at his head.

I noticed a few stares as I walked down the path that led to Gina’s tea shop. Then came the hushed whispers and murmurs. I didn’t expect anything less. It seemed I had made enemies out of not just the Betas but the Omegas, too.

The scent of dried herbs and freshly brewed tea wrapped around me when I stepped into the small space. The hut-like shop was built from wood and bamboo, with a straw roof that let in slivers of light through the gaps.

It was mostly empty, except for a young man sitting in the corner, staring into nothingness. He didn’t even seem to notice me.

Behind the counter, Gina was rolling up her sleeves as she poured hot water over a blend of chamomile and mint in a small clay teapot. Steam curled into the air, carrying its rich, soft floral scent with a hint of apple. She glanced up at the sound of the door, her eyes scanning my face.

“Well, you look a mess,” she said, setting the strainer aside. “Good thing I was just making chamomile tea. You need it more than anyone.”

I let out a slow breath as I reached the counter and sank into a chair behind it.

Gina ducked down to grab a cup, then poured the chamomile tea and stirred in some honey. “Here,” she said, passing it to me.

I wrapped my fingers around the ceramic, letting its warmth seep into my skin. The steam curled up, carrying its soothing scent, and I took a slow inhale before bringing it to my lips for a sip.

“You first,” I said. “How are you? And Aiden and Rowan?”

Gina let out a smile. “I’m trying to think of a time when Aiden wasn’t fine. He’s so full of life and energy, and I guess that just rubs off on Rowan and me.”

I smiled. “I’m happy you’re happy, Gina. Really.”

“Thanks,” she said, but her expression turned into a frown. “But I’m not happy that you’re not. You look downright exhausted. You even have bags under your eyes.”

I exhaled, taking another sip of my tea. “I haven’t really slept wellin the past couple of days,” I admitted, rubbing my temples as exhaustion gnawed at me.

She leaned on the counter and crossed her arms. “Is it because of the outreach?”

“Well, that’s one thing.”

She tilted her head. “What else is there?”

I hesitated, staring into my tea. The words felt heavy like saying them out loud would make them more real, which was ridiculous because they already were. I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it—how wrong it was, but also how right it felt. I sighed. “Damian and I kissed.”

Gina’s eyes flew open for a fraction of a second before her expression melted into something far too knowing. “I don’t even know why I’m surprised,” she said, shaking her head. “I saw this coming from a thousand miles away.”

I frowned. “You don’t understand, Gina. I shouldn’t be kissing him. And I sure as hell shouldn’t be thinking about wanting to do it again.”

Gina’s gaze softened slightly, like she understood my plight. “Is it because you’re going to be leaving town after this whole alliance thing is done?”

“No.” I shook my head, the words catching in my throat. “It’s because, in about three days, he’s going to be mating with Serena.”

The air between us stilled as Gina drew back, confusion etched on her face. “Serena?”

“Yeah. Kael’s sister.” My voice was flat. “Those were the terms of the alliance.”

Gina stared at me for a long moment, then clicked her tongue, rubbing her fingers over her chin. “So, do you and this Serena happen to be sworn enemies?”

I let out a humorless chuckle. “I guess you can say that.”

She nodded to herself, then tilted her head. “Hmm. Does she look like she was sculpted by the Moon Goddess herself?”

I nearly choked on my tea as I scoffed. “With that attitude of hers? No way.”

“Well…is she blonde? Tall? Slim?” she probed.

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