Page 26 of Omega's Refuge

I finished my beer, considering his words. “I can’t imagine ever trusting an alpha again.”

“I get it. If Steve truly did abandon you and run off with Tony, I absolutely understand why you’d never want to put your faith in anyone again. From the things you’ve said, you’ve known Steve since you were teens. That’s the kind of betrayal that hits deep.”

My eyes stung. “Damn straight. If someone I’ve known half my life could do this to me, why would I ever trust anyone again?”

Rex sighed and signaled to the bartender for more drinks. Then he leaned forward on his elbows. His gaze was intense, and it was impossible to look away. “Not everyone isworthyof our trust, Tanner. Just because you love someone or have known them a long time, that doesn’t mean they’re a good person or even a good fit for us.”

I blinked at him, unsure of how to respond.

He didn’t seem to need an answer because he continued. “It’s like I told you the other night, I never could see you and Steve as a good fit. Not as friends, and certainly not as a mated pairing.”

Heat rose from my neck to my face. “What would you know about that?”

“I have eyes. You weren’t in sync. He’d zig and you’d zag, frankly, it was painful to watch. You were trying so hard to keep him happy, and in the end, how did he repay you? By running offwith another omega?” He shook his head, looking almost angry. “You deserved so much better than him.”

I scowled. “What I don’t need is a lecture. I’m feeling shitty enough, Rex.”

He winced, appearing a bit guilty. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to lecture you. That wasn’t my intention.”

“Then why are you telling me what a fool I’ve been to put my trust in Steve?”

He grunted. “I’m not saying things right. My point is simply that you’re a quality omega, Tanner, and you deserve a quality alpha. Someone who will stick by you no matter what. Someone who works hard to makeyouhappy, instead of you having to jump through hoops just so they don’t cheat on you.”

“Steve made me happy.” More so in the past than recently. It was true things had been tense between us lately. I’d been on edge constantly worried he’d stray again, and he’d seemed annoyed that I couldn’t seem to relax and trust him.

Rex huffed. “The two people I saw the last few days weren’t happy. Neither of you were.”

“We were working through some things, yeah. But ultimately, I wanted to be with Steve and I thought he wanted to be with me.” I gave Rex a frustrated look. “You keep acting likeyou’re an expert on relationships. Are you even in one?”

He opened his mouth to respond, but the bartender arrived at the table with our drinks.

The bartender was a handsome brown-haired omega, around my age, with green eyes. “Can I get you two anything else?”

Rex smiled. “Not at the moment, Vance. Thanks for bringing the drinks to the table.”

“No worries.” He gave Rex a warm smile, and he touched his shoulder. “We’re not that busy yet, and I like spoiling you.” Vance turned his gaze to me, and it wasn’t lost on me the smile he gave me wasn’t nearly as warm. In fact, it bordered on unfriendly. “Are you a guest at the dude ranch?”

If I wasn’t going back to the ranch, did I qualify as a guest? I ignored the question and held out my hand, “I’m Tanner.”

He took my hand. “Welcome to Red Mine.”

“You don’t usually work the early afternoon shift,” Rex said.

“Nah, Josie called in sick.” He gave Rex another warm smile. “Youdon’t usually come in drinking during the day.”

Rex grimaced. “Not often, no.”

“Does Mrs. Rodwell know you’re in town getting sloshed with one of the guests?” His tone was teasing, and he once more touched Rex’s shoulder.

Rex laughed. “I don’t plan on getting sloshed. I’m driving. Tanner, however, can drink as much as he needs to.”

“Needs to?” Vance murmured, looking at me. My face warmed, but I said nothing. “Not enjoying your stay at the dude ranch?” Vance frowned.

I cleared my throat. “No, the ranch is great. I uh—”

“He just has some personal things going on right now, and I thought a drink might help him relax,” Rex interjected.

My face warmed at Vance’s curious look.

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