Page 1 of Omega's Refuge

Chapter One

“Can you at least tell me what you have planned for our vacation?” I asked my alpha, Steve, keeping my eyes on the road ahead. “I’ve been driving for over an hour.”

When we’d begun our trip, I’d held out hope we’d end up on a sandy white beach, drinking ice-cold Mai Tais. But that hope was quickly fading as we continued to drive through Livingston, Montana. Because, while Livingston was less arid than our hometown of Billings, it was a far cry from an island paradise.

“If I tell you where we’re going, it’ll ruin the surprise.” He glanced up from his cell, giving me a fleeting smile. “Be patient, babe.”

I frowned. “Well, are we driving the whole way, or are we flying somewhere? Can you at least tell me that?”

“No, we’re not flying anywhere.” He grimaced at my dejected expression. “Sorry. I thought you’d realize that since, if we were flying, we’d have left from Billings Logan Airport.”

I frowned. “I guess that’s true.”

“We’re almost to our destination, though.” He said cheerfully. “It’s just a little farther.”

“Okay.” I did my best to stuff down my disappointment as my hopes of an exotic island vacation were dashed. Even if we weren’t flyingto Hawaii, at least he was putting in some effort for once. I had to hold on to that and try to keep a positive attitude. We needed to have a good time together, wherever we ended up. Our relationship had been rocky the last three months, to put it mildly.

We’d been friends since high school, but officially together as a couple for the last year. However, despite giving me his bite a year ago, I’d caught him cheating on me with multiple omegas. I’d broken things off, but he’d come crawling back last month. My trust had been horribly damaged, but I still loved him and wanted things to work out.

I stared out the windshield at the landscape that surrounded us. The open plains of Billings had long ago given way to hills covered in a patchwork of green grasses and scattered clusters of juniper and pine trees. I was mystified by where we were going. I wasn’t a skilled camper, and neither was Steve. So where could we be headed?

I sighed. “So, you won’t even give me a hint about where we’re going?”

“I told you, I don’t want to ruin the surprise,” he murmured.

“I get what you’re saying, but I’m starving and my back hurts from sitting in the car for so long. Will I at least get to shower and eat when we arrive at our destination?”

“You think I’m taking you somewhere where you can’t shower or eat?” He gave a sardonic laugh. “Why would I do that?”

I gripped the wheel tight, trying not to let his mocking tone annoy me. “I’m just really tired and curious, that’s all.”

“Fine.” He sighed. “I’ll spoil the surprise, if you insist. I booked us into the Rambling Cow Dude Ranch for a week.”

I didn’t speak for a few moments because I was so shocked.

He glanced over. “Aren’t you happy? I booked us a vacation. You’ve been nagging me to do that.”

I sputtered, “But…a dude ranch?” I couldn’t for the life of me understand why he thought that was something I’d be happy about.

“That’s right.”

I scowled at the road. “But, why would you take me to a dude ranch?”

“So we could get away together. You’re always bitching I never do anything romantic for you.” He grabbed a bag of sunflower seeds from the center consol and popped some in his mouth. “So I did this for you.”

“With me,” I corrected him.

“Huh?” He looked confused.

“I usually complain you don’t do anything romanticwithme, notforme. There’s a difference.You’re not doing me a favor by spending time with me.”

“Now, don’t go getting all touchy, Tanner.”

“You’re definitely acting like you’re doing me a favor,” I muttered.

“I didn’t mean for it to come off like that.” He rubbed my shoulder. “Come on, don’t be mad.”

I grimaced and grudgingly said, “Okay.”

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