Page 77 of Omega's Refuge

He shrugged. “So long as you’re the one taking advantage of me, I’m good with it.”

I grimaced. “I don’t want to use you.”

“I don’t see this situation that way. What I see is an omega who needs an alpha, and an alphawho wants an omega and a family.” He took my hand in his again, a little line between his brows. “Say yes, Tanner. We could be happy together. I just know it.”

“Rex,” I whispered, “this is crazy. We’re practically strangers.”

“You knew Steve much of your adult life and look how that turned out.” He sighed. “Might as well try a new approach.”

My cheeks warmed. “It’s true knowing Steve a long time didn’t guarantee a happy ending. But I still worry you’ll regret this if you meet an omega you’d rather be with.” My thoughts drifted to Vance and jealousy ate at me. “Maybe you’ll decide you should have been with Vance instead.”

He scowled. “No way. Vance isn’t anyone I’d ever be serious about.” He leaned closer, his eyes glittering. “I want to be your alpha so that I can protect you and the baby.”

“Why? Why do you care what happens to me and this baby?”

“I just do,” he said quietly. “Who cares why?”

I studied him, taking in the sharp angles of his handsome face and the fullness of his lips. He was stunning. Kind. He could have anyone, why fixate on me? Why didn’t the thought I was pregnant from another alpha upset him? “You really don’t care that this baby is Steve’s?”

He grimaced. “I mean, I wish it were anyone’s butthatguy, but it’s not the baby’s fault his father is a jerk. I’ll take care of your baby like it’s my own, if you give me the chance.”

Once more excitement shivered through me. The idea of being his omega had my body thrumming with anticipation. Being Rex’s omega would provide me so many things I craved: security and a family of my own. If I said yes to Rex, those things would be mine.

I swallowed nervously. “Do… do you really think your brother could help me sell my art?”

His face changed instantly and his whole demeanor lightened. “Absolutely,” he said reassuringly. “I’m positive Jack will be able to help you make money selling your art.”

“If you’re wrong, then what? I don’t want to do this if I don’t have any income.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Tanner, if I have to convince Mrs. Rodwell to hire you to wash dishes, I’ll do it. But I’m sure Jack will come through.”

“I guess so long as I have some income, maybe it would work. But I definitely need to contribute to the finances. That's not negotiable.”

He bit his bottom lip, seeming to struggle to keep his emotions in check. “Does this mean you’re truly considering my offer?”

I let out a shaky breath. “I… I can’t believe I’m saying this, but yes. I'm seriously considering your offer. If… if you really want me.”

“IfI really want you?” He shook his head and moved closer, slipping his hand to the back of my neck. “YouknowI want you, Tanner.” He gently pulled me forward and he kissed me.

The warmth of his mouth excited me, and I kissed him back. Was this really happening? Was I actually going to take this crazy chance and be Rex’s omega? We were going to raise this childtogether? I was in shock, but also in a happy sort of dreamlike state. Because of Rex, this horrible situation was turning into something good.

I shivered at the idea of Rex claiming me. If I agreed to this, there was no way that wouldn't happen. He wasn't going to be with me if I wore Steve's bite. No, he'd replace Steve's bite with his own, and I'd be proud to wear his mark on my neck. But it wouldn't end there. Once this child I carried was born, Rex would want to have more babies with me. He was an alpha and he'd want to continue his bloodline. My body throbbed with lust at the thought of carrying his offspring. If he were my alpha, instinctively I'd need to experience that with him.

When the kiss ended, he said, “Thank you for putting your trust in me, Tanner.”

“Thank you for offering to help me and the baby.” I sighed. “But I want you to know, this won’t be a one way street. I’ll do my best to please you and make you happy. I’ll be a good omega to you, Rex.”

He smiled. “I already know that. We’ll take care of each other and the baby, okay? We’ll make a happy home for the child.”

“Okay,” I whispered.

Looking pleased, he lowered his head and kissed me again. Only, this time, his mouth was hungry and possessive. I could already feel a change in him now that he knew I wanted to be his. His energy was different. More territorial. My inner omega relished that change in him. I yearned for his protection, guidance, companionship through whatever came next. With him by my side, I wouldn’t have to navigate parenthood alone.

His hands slid over my body, and I could feel him restraining himself from pushing for more. He pulled back, giving a sheepish laugh. His eyes were a light blue and his cheeks flushed. I suspected his alpha was trying to take over.

He blew out a shaky breath and stood. “I need to leave, or I’m gonna claim you right here.”

“You sure this is what you want, Rex?” I asked softly.

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