Page 46 of Outback Mate
How can I tell her that she’s set me free from my icy prison?
She pulls back to look into my eyes and she must see what is happening, because her eyes widen and her hand presses to her sternum. She can feel it in our bond. The waves of repressed emotion. Years of trapped feelings spilling forth.
Poppy presses a palm to my cheek, brushing away the wetness with the pad of her thumb, and whispers to me. “Let go. It’s alright, Alpha, I’m here.”
She pulls my head down and tucks me back into the safety of her body. I hold on as I let the wave take me under. I drown in the warmth of her body as I cling to my beautiful mate. I let everything I’ve been holding back come forth, and it feels cathartic as I mourn my old self and rejoice in the new. I feel light, free from my emotional cage. I feel reborn.
It’s terrifying.
I hold Poppy tight as she rocks me in the quiet darkness of our cocoon. I cry for the loss of my friendships and relationships, those who I’ve pushed away. The pain and loneliness from years of isolating myself from the highs and lows of life. For the time wasted.
My eyes feel raw, my throat parched, and I’m completely exhausted by the time the rush of emotions finally peters off, my tears spent, and all I’m left with is my new bond singing through my body, the sound is like the purest music. I can’t stop the smile stretching across my lips or the happiness filling my chest, making my heart sing in harmony with our bond.
Poppy leans back and grins back at me, and she’s stunning.
“I think the curse is lifted.”
“What curse?”
“My bad luck.”
“Don’t you mean your aura sickness?”
“To-may-toe, to-mah-to.”
I raise a brow at my new mate.
“Only one of those is based on scientific evidence.” I join her playful mood, leaving out my recent epiphany regarding existence of fate for the sake of the lighthearted banter. I think we both enjoy riling each other up with our differences.
“Maybe. Either way, I think you should let me drive. To test the theory. For science.”
“We’re not going to ‘test the theory’ in the middle of a dangerous storm, Omega. You have a poor track record with driving.” I give her ass a swat, enough to have her squeal and clench on my knot. We both tilt our heads back and moan.
“Bloody hell, you’re a handful.” I affectionately nuzzle my mate. The love and contentment I feel radiating from her is a balm and I know without a doubt she’ll keep me on my toes. I also know she’ll never give up on me. Even if I’m acting like a grade-A idiot.
“And you love it.”
“I do.”
Epilogue
Poppy
4Months Later
The bell over the door tinkles, echoing down the hallway of the small shop. The building is old, the outside walls stained red with dust, and the roof leaks when it rains. It’s perfect for my little salon.
“Hang on a minute. I’ll be right with ya,” I holler to the customer, stirring the dye for Ida’s monthly touch ups. The older Omega has been one of my biggest supporters, resolutely encouraging me to open this salon in Bodella despite its lack of clientele. I’m open three days a week and I get a mix of clientele.
Every third Monday of the month, the older ladies in the Women’s Institute have a ‘spa day’, and I never know when a dusty station-hand with an overgrown shaggy mop will arriveasking for a mullet. I love getting to know the community and hearing their stories.
My favourite days are when the Bodella Omegas get together.
There’s a squawk followed by a cooing sound which signals June’s arrival.
Her little baby boy was born healthy in the arms of Doc. The storm abated at the same moment little Leo arrived. Doc delivered him with a big grin on his face and tears in his eyes as he’d placed the squirming infant into June’s waiting arms.
The last few months haven’t been a walk in the park. We’re newly mated, but still practically strangers. We have a lot of learn about each other, but we’re both trying, and that’s what matters most to me.
