Page 65 of Omega's Refuge

“It’s okay,” he said softly. “A lot of people are. Hell, it took me thinking I was going to die to make the change I wanted.”

I gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks for not judging me.”

“Nah, I don’t have that right.” He leaned toward me. “But I can tell you this, change can sometimes bring the happiness you’ve been looking for. Just look at me.”

I smiled grudgingly. “True. But maybe you’re the exception. Maybe most of us are destined to plod through life, taking whatever we’re given. Nobody ever promised that being a grown up would be fun.”

“Why can’t growing up be fun?” he asked. “Who said being an adult has to be a drearyexistence? You should be happy with the life you’ve been given. You shouldn’t have to get a terrifying diagnosis just to live the life you want.”

“I know.” I frowned. “But to be honest, I have enough on my plate right now after breaking up with Steve. I probably don’t need to throw moving and starting a new job into the mix.”

“It just hard for me to accept that you’re so unhappy,” he murmured. “I want to fix that for you.”

“You don’t need to worry about me, Rex.”

“Yes, I do.”

I laughed because he sounded so definite. “Why would you?”

He held my gaze so long, I thought for sure he’d give me more details, but then he looked away. He scooted down to lie on his back, avoiding my gaze. “You’re a good omega. You deserved better than Steve. That’s all I was trying to tell you.”

I could tell he was holding something back. “You never liked Steve.”

He glanced at me and his lips thinned. “No, I didn’t. He was boorish and self-centered. He proved me right too, when he ran off with Tony. I knew you were too good for him.”

I lifted my brows. “Tell me how you really feel, Rex.”

He smiled sheepishly. “Am I getting carried away?”

“Well.” I laughed gruffly. “You’re very passionate on the subject of Steve.”

“Sorry.” He sighed, and rolled onto his side, facing me. His expression noticeably softened as he studied me. “Thanks for coming out here with me, Tanner. I’m happy I got to share this with you.”

“It’s my pleasure.” I leaned forward and kissed him.

When the kiss ended, he reached up and brushed my hair off my brow. “Life sure does take some funny twists and turns sometimes, doesn’t it?”

“It does.” I stared into his eyes, heart squeezing. “But if I’m honest, I kind of like this twist, Rex. I’m having fun with you.”

“Just you wait, Tanner,” he said quietly. “The best is yet to come.”

Chapter Eleven

When I woke the next morning, Rex was already up and I could hear him outside the tent moving around. I winced when my stomach gave an unhappy twinge. I assumed my recent stomach issues were stress related, but hoped they weren’t a sign of something more serious, like an ulcer. That was all I needed, health issues on top of all my other problems.

I did some deep breathing until the nausea passed and my stomach felt better. Then I got up and pulled on some more clothes to face the chilly morning. I left the tent, toothbrush in hand, and headed straight for the water so I could brush my teeth. I didn’t want to greet Rex with morning breath. Once I’d washed up, I headed to greet Rex.

Rex was cooking something over the fire, and when I approached, his face warmed and he smiled. “Morning, Tanner.”

I loved the way my name rolled off his tongue and a little shiver went through me. “Morning.” I’d been so vulnerable with him last night, I felt a little shy. But he’d trusted me with his story about his health scare, so I’d felt compelled to be open with him too. Hopefully I hadn’t overshared?

My insecurities were eased when Rex grabbed me and pulled me in for a kiss. His kiss was affectionate, and I loved the feel of his bigwarm body wrapped around mine. No other alpha had ever made me feel so protected. I truly felt like nothing could hurt me when Rex was near.

He released me, and his cheeks were flushed. “Hungry?” he asked, turning away to get me some food.

“Yep. Starving.” Thankfully, my nausea had faded away once I was up and moving about.

“Well, I have just the thing to fill your belly.” He handed me a plate with scrambled eggs and country potatoes. “Dig in.”

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