Page 100 of Omega's Refuge

I widened my eyes. “Jesus, Steve. We didn’t just hit bumps. We crashed off a cliff and burstinto flames. We’re never going to fix things. You have to accept that.”

“I don’t want to accept it.” He exhaled and his gaze dropped to my throat. His expression slowly changed from dejected to furious. “What the fuck happened to my bite?”

Instinctively, I covered the bite mark on my neck, uneasiness shifting through me. I hadn’t expected to run into Steve so I hadn’t bothered hiding Rex’s mark. Now, seeing the rage in his eyes, I regretted being so careless.

When Steve’s gaze shifted behind me, I knew Rex must have finally joined us. Anxiety spiked through me at the fear things would escalate now. When I turned, sure enough, Rex stood behind me, his face a cold mask. He didn’t speak, he just put his hand on the small of my back, studying Steve.

Steve glared at Rex. “You’re a long ways away from your ranch, cowboy.” His surly tone made the word “cowboy” sound more like “asshole.”

Rex gave a hard laugh. “Yeah, I’m not actually chained to the ranch. Believe it or not, I’m allowed to leave.”

“Well, maybe you wouldn’t mindleavingright now while Tanner and I talk about our relationship. This isn’t any of your business.”

A muscle worked in Rex’s cheek, but he didn’t correct Steve by saying he was my alphanow. I had a feeling he was waiting for me to set Steve straight. I, however, was hesitant to say anything that might get Steve more worked up. All I really wanted was for him to leave.

“We don’t have a relationship anymore, Steve. I told you that. You should go. The movers will be here soon and we still have a lot of stuff to box up before they arrive.”

Steve’s mouth thinned. “Wow, T, you’re cold-hearted as fuck.”

My face warmed. “Sorry, but what is there really left to say?”

“Seriously?” He chuffed. “You don’t think we have stuff to talk about?”

“No,” I said stiffly.

He leaned in, his lip curling as a malicious gleam lit up his eyes. “You don’t think maybe we should discuss the fact that you’repregnantwithmybaby?”

Chapter Eighteen

I stared at Steve, feeling as if the wind had been knocked out of me. Rex stiffened behind me, but he didn’t say a word. Once the shock wore off, I wanted to wipe Steve’s snide smile off his face with my fist, but I restrained myself.

“You have nothing to say?” Steve shook his head, looking smug. “Were you just not going to tell me, T?”

I shook myself, finally finding my voice. “I didn’t think you needed to know.”

“You didn’t think I needed to know about my own kid?” he rasped.

Struggling to calm my nerves, I responded, “That’s right. You made it clear you had no interest in settling down. You told me that on the phone the day you left me at the ranch.”

He waved his hand dismissively. “You can’t hold me to anything I said on that phone call.” He scowled. “I was upset and emotional. I have no idea what I said to you that day.”

I gave him a disgusted look. “Well, your words are burned into my brain. You said you’d lied about being ready to settle down with me. You said you weren’t ready for thatorkids.”

“Those were just angry words of frustration, T.” He gripped my arm. “I’m here now and we’re going to be a family, just like we planned.”

I moved away from his touch, stomach churning. “No.”

He narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean ‘no?’ That’s my kid. You can’t just keep me away.”

Anger bubbled inside of me. “You have no interest in this baby. You just want to use the pregnancy to get control over me again. It’s not happening, so just go. We both know you have zero desire to raise a kid, with me or anyone else.”

“You’re wrong,” he said softly. “I’ve missed you, Tanner. I’ve been lost without you.”

I stiffened, feeling frustrated. He was toying with my emotions, just like he’d always done. I needed to be strong and ignore the guilt I felt at rejecting him. I was happy with Rex. I didn’t want to go back with Steve. “You’re just being territorial. This isn’t a game. This baby is real and I need an alpha I can depend on.” I glanced back and met Rex’s gaze. “Rex is that alpha.”

Rex’s jaw tensed, and he gave a sharp nod.

“Oh, really?” hissed Steve. “And you think I’m just going to let that stand? The baby ismine. I have parental rights. If you try and keep me away, I’ll take this to court.”

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