Page 66 of Omega's Refuge

“Don’t mind if I do.” I inhaled the delicious food and took a seat near the fire.

Rex joined me, and he dug into his breakfast like a starving wolf. I smiled, watching him enjoying his food. Even though we didn’t talk much while we ate, the moment was companionable and the silence comfortable.

“Did you sleep okay?” he asked, looking up from his meal.

“I did.” I finished off the last bite of eggs, and sipped some coffee he’d handed me earlier. “I was surprised how well I slept.”

“I always sleep better out here.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Not sure why.”

“I love the quiet,” I said. “It’s such a nice change.”

“If you stay here long enough, the noise of the city will affect you even worse.” He smiled. “I hadto go to Boise Idaho one time to pick up some equipment for the ranch, and I don’t think I slept a wink the whole two days I was there.”

“I’m sure you’re right. The noise and smog will bother me more once I go home.” My heart sank at the thought of retuning to Billings. My depression wasn’t because I’d miss the fresh air and lack of traffic though. It was the thought of never seeing Rex again that made my chest ache. “Before I know it I’ll be back in Billings. Time is going quickly.”

“It sure is.” He watched me and his expression softened. “At least we still have the rest of the week.”

“Yeah.” I met his gaze. “I’m glad I stayed.”

A muscle worked in his lean cheek. “Me too.”

I dropped my gaze to my mostly empty plate. “But, soon the real world will come calling.” My stomach twinged uncomfortably.

“Unfortunately.”

Thoughts of returning home and possibly having to confront Steve swamped me, and my earlier nausea slowly crept back over me. I touched my stomach as sweat prickled my face. Why did the thought of going home always make me feel sick?

“I think I ate too much.” I set my plate on the ground near my feet, praying the queasiness would go away.Ireallydidn’t want to lose mybreakfast in front of Rex. “My stomach is acting up.”

His gaze intensified. “You feel sick?”

“Yeah. It’s probably just stress.” I winced as another wave of nausea hit. I blew out a shaky breath, trying my best not to give into the sick feelings.

He frowned. “You felt nauseous last night when we were cooking too.”

“Yeah, I guess I did.” I grimaced. “I’m not usually someone who gets sick. But then again, I don’t usually have my alpha run off with another omega and leave me stranded.”

He nodded. “Sure. It could be stress.” His tone was uncertain, and there was a line between his brows. “Did this ever happen back home when you were stressed?”

“Not really,” I murmured, closing my eyes. “It’s happened a few times since I’ve been at the dude ranch. I’m sure it’ll pass. It always does.”

“You want to head back to the ranch?” He sounded worried. “Just to be safe?”

I opened my eyes quickly. “No. I… I want to stay out here… with you, Rex.” The last thing I wanted was to cut our trip short. Unless he wanted that? Did he want to go back because I was a boring companion?

He smiled, although he still looked worried. “You sure? If we head back, I could have the doctor come in from town and take a look at you.We could always come back out if nothing is wrong.”

“I don’t need a doctor,” I said. “It’s just a little belly ache.”

“If you’re feeling bad though, it might be better to head back and get checked out by the doc.”

“You tired of my company already?” I frowned.

“No. Of course not.”

I laughed gruffly. “Then stop trying so hard to get me back to the ranch.”

He grimaced. “I don’t want to go back, but I am concerned about you.”

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