Page 102 of Omega's Refuge

“You can’t force me to be with you.” I clenched my fists, not sure what to do. If he sued for custody, I wasn’t confident I’d win. None ofwhat he’d said about the courts favoring him over me had been wrong. He wasn’t rolling in money, but he was better off than me financially.

“I don’t want to have to force you.” Steve wrinkled his brow. “I don’t believe you’ve fallen out of love with me. You’re just hurt and confused right now. I can forgive you for turning to Rex, so long as you come back to me.”

“Steve.” My voice wobbled. “Why are you doing this? You don’t really want to settle down. Is your ego really so huge you can’t just let me be happy?”

“I want you happy.” He gave Rex a surly glance. “But I want that to be with me, nothim.” When his gaze returned to me, it softened. “I know I fucked up, like I said before, but it’s not too late. Do the right thing, T. Let’s keep this out of court.”

Rex’s stayed quiet, but his frustration radiated off of him in waves. All he could really do was watch everything unfold. While he was my alpha, he couldn’t force me to do what he wanted—any more than Steve could.

I gritted my teeth. “You’re not listening. I don’t want to be with you anymore. I can’t trust you. I want to raise my child with Rex. He’s stable and he’d never pull the crap you pulled.”

“You’re making a huge mistake.” Steve’s voice was harsh.

“I don’t think I am.”

Rex hand once more settled on the small of my back. “If we have to fight to keep the baby away from you, then we will. But if you’re smart, you’ll realize suing for custody, when you’re not mature enough to raise a kid, is foolish.”

“I don’t need a lecture from you,” Steve hissed, his dark eyes pinned on Rex. “You know nothing.”

“I know you need to grow up,” Rex muttered.

“Yeah? Come out here and say that.” Steve narrowed his eyes, taking a step back. “I’d love to smash your face in, asshole.”

“Try it,” Rex rumbled.

“Asshole.” Steve lunged forward.

I pushed against his chest, grating,“Knock it off.”I stepped out onto the stoop where Steve was to keep him from getting to Rex. “You’re making a fool of yourself, Steve. Just calm down.”

“Am I just supposed to stand here and let him steal my family?” screeched Steve. “I don’t think so. Not if I have anything to say about it.”

Rex followed me out onto the small porch. “I can’t steal something you never had.” His shoulders were bunched as if he was ready for Steve to throw a punch.

“I would have it if it wasn’t for you.” Steve clenched his fists, glaring at Rex. “You’ve ruined everything.”

“By letting Tanner know he has options?” Rex scowled.

“In my opinion,” Steve rumbled, “he doesn’t have options. His place is with me. I’m the child’s father.”

“No, his place is with a stable alpha,” snapped Rex. “Not a cheating jerk like you.”

“Oh, yeah?” Steve’s eyes bulged.

I was worried he’d take a swing at Rex, so I stepped closer to him. “Please, Steve, just calm down. Getting angry about this stuff isn’t going to fix anything.”

“Go inside,” Steve snarled. “Rex and I will settle this like alphas should.”

Frustration shot through me. “You’re seriously going to fight over me? This isn’t high school, Steve. Come on. Calm the hell down.”

Steve’s angry gaze slide to mine. “Come back to my place with me and I’ll calm down. We can talk. We need to talk, T, without this asshole butting in constantly.”

Stomach churning, I shook my head. “I don’t want to go to your place. I just want to get my stuff and get back to the ranch. You and I don’t have a future, Steve. Please, I’m begging you, just accept that and move on.”

“And what about my kid?” He jabbed his thumb against his chest. “You think you can just cut me out of the picture?”

I swallowed hard. “If… if you really want to be a part of the child’s life, then you can be. I’m not opposed to that.” That was the last thing I wanted, but it was his child and I just needed him to calm down.

“That’s big of you,” Steve said sarcastically. “Meanwhile, this asshole would be around my kid andmy omega day and night. I don’t think so, T. I’m not going to just roll over.” He grabbed hold of my wrist. “You’re coming with me.”

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