Page 56 of The Omega's Unexpected Bounty
“Hence why we’re here. If everyone knew about them, they wouldn’t be forgotten.” I blinked fast while speculation filled my mind. Graden knew about them, and I hoped Balo didn’t or at least wouldn’t think about them for a while.
“Why–”
“–the tunnels?” I finished. “Somebody bombed the Presidential Palace and Balo’s area.”
Tiny shoulders rose. “What? Why would they blame you?
I took in a deep breath and clarified everything that had gone on. Most notably the fight with Balo then how there wasn’t any proof afterward. I recapped my quicker gestation and how that threatened Balo’s kingship. One advantage of somebody wearing your face is you can see the emotions clearer. Something bothered him and thus me. There was still so much I didn’t know. Did I consider staying? Hell, yes. Graden was somewhere, and I wouldn’t have left if his guard said he wasn’t okay.
After that, if I stayed, I’d be within Balo’s striking distance.
The light in the distance grew brighter, and Tiny spoke. “What about the guard? You trust him?”
“Yeah,” I said quickly.
“Well sorry for asking, but I’ve been off. If you turned me back on, I could have either protected you against Balo or provided proof.” He drew out the next word. “And, tell you if you could trust Rodion.”
“I know I can trust him.” I shifted in my chair. They were made for comfort and to transport pregnant Omegas, but there was a limit. Only delivery would make me not pregnant. For now, I was carried like cargo while my spine throbbed with pain. Why I trusted Rodion was hard to explain to Tiny, and I think he just wanted to argue the other side, but I knew. His job is to protect the kingdom. I knew law enforcement like that back in New Texas. They didn’t involve themselves personally but had a code of justice. They’d arrest the governor’s son for stealing despite the repercussions. Just the same, they’d send two people in a fight on their separate ways so they wouldn’t have to sit in jail in the heat. It was instinct, but I had history and my Omega intuition. I explained it as best I could.
“I think you’re convincing yourself because you’ve got nobody else to turn to.”There is that…
The hoverchair stopped just inside the cave entrance. Through the hanging vines and plants, I saw the blue ocean. Tiny’s eyes glowed bright silver. “Holy shit! The Royal Palace.”
“I told you already.”
“Yes, but now I can see the images and news reports.” His connection came first, and mine followed. Images superimposed over my vision, and I saw the smoking ruins of the tower and Balo’s wing. My throat closed, and I hoped Taleen wasn’t injured.
We ‘listened’ to the damage reports, probable attackers, and I awaited death announcements, but I heard none. It was goodandbad; no reassurance but no confirmation that my love was dead.
The report repeated. It wasn’t a reporter like they had on Nate’s birth planet. More like an automated message for anybody that wanted to tap in. Again I heard there were speculations about the anti-secession movement and thankfully they didn’t update it to include my name. I rubbed my stomach for encouragement and to not stress out the baby.
Tiny’s voice deepened, “You know what I’ll say.”
I did but disagreed. “I can’t go back and tell them I had nothing to do with it.”
“It’s not too late. Yes, youran, so to speak.” He gestured with both hands to the chair.
“Balo slapped me around,” I said through gritted teeth. “He attacked me like I was nothing!” My eyes widened to keep the tears from dripping down my cheeks.Goddamn hormones.“Do you have any idea what that feels like? For years I could defend myself against the bullies and the occasional Alpha male if they got too close. Somebody came in and just…” My nose flared while my voice trailed off. “It was everything I feared. I wouldn’t say he had his way with me although in some ways he did. The intent was to promote his Soturi supremacy, and he succeeded. I fought with kicks and punches, and it didnothing.
Tiny’s voice was a whisper. “I’myou.There’s no other me, I’d rather be, but I know what you feel. You made me small, but I don’t hate you for it. You compensated with enhanced strength, computer connection, VR personal neural links. I could go on, but I get why it’s bothering you. You fought your whole life against what it meant to be an Omega and two men reminded you of what you are.” He pushed my stomach slightly, and I felt the ‘butterflies’ within. “One was good to you, and the other wasn’t.” He didn’t breathe in deep – he didn’t need to – but he mimicked it. “Why are you running? To prove you can do all yourself? One last great adventure?”
I spoke slowly. “Therearesituations where thiscouldbe true,” I said. “This is not one, I’m on record as threatening Balo. If I stay, I’m at a disadvantage. Balo attacked me, and he knows my child is a threat to his kingship. Staying around him is not safe for anybody.” I rubbed my stomach back and forth for the last part.
Tiny nodded as if I had a point and I knew I did. “So what now?”
“You said I have nobody else to rely on.”
“Your father?”
My lips mashed together hard at that word but I said nothing. “If something happens, I need to see him again.”
“You’re a pregnant Omega and you don’t blend in.”
I smiled. “Who said anything about blending in?”
I was only milliseconds for my copy to get the idea. “Oh!”
***
