Page 47 of The Wronged Omega

With one last deep breath, I stepped back out of the bathroom. Mine had removed the covers from over her legs, and she was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor.

“Are you okay?” What a stupid question, but it popped out before I could stop it.

Mine looked at me and quirked a brow, but it all melted into a smile, then she shook her head and gave an exaggerated shrug as if she was saying, No, but it is what it is. I thought understanding her now would be more of a challenge, but even with her silent treatment over the last two weeks, I had gotten to know her body language well enough.

I smiled back, but mine was due to realizing how much I understood her even without her having a voice.

“Let’s get you clean.” I helped her up off the bed and across the room to the bathroom, letting her walk with aid for now.

Mine was still in a large T-shirt and nothing else, but getting her in with her being safe and comfortable was going to be a hassle.

Helping her sit on the edge of the tub, I turned off the water, then she spun so her feet and calves slid into the water. A small groan led to a sigh, and it drove me crazy, but I was so glad those small sounds were outside of the curse. My muscles bunched with the effort to not touch her and spill every detail right here. Her pheromones were building, and even if she had some training from Ellie, I doubted she’d be able to control them very much. Until then, we were going to be at her relative mercy. If she so much as whined on accident, I was done for.

Before I could make any suggestions on how to do this, Mine pulled the shirt over her head, tossed it toward the hamper, and slid in with a small splash. The water covered as much as possible without getting her bandages wet, then she spun around to look at me and shoo me away with her knees bent and covering her naked body.

“If you’re going to act like that, I’m not making you any snacks,” I said with a smile to prevent a meltdown. She faux gasped, and I added, “I’ll be right back. Use whatever you want, and take your time.”

Once again, I ran from the room. Instead of taking my time making snacks, I sped through the process, making a couple sandwiches, slicing some cheese to go with crackers and jam, peeled an orange, and cut up an apple. In all, I was gone for maybe ten minutes, and that felt like too long.

Mine didn’t know it yet, but I was doomed and smitten beyond belief. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like when she was aware of what she was doing to me.

Chapter 23

Mine

The hot water felt amazing, and as much as I wanted to sink all the way in, I kept my bandages above the water. I would need Odie’s help in wetting and washing my hair without soaking them, but sitting here alone in the steamy bathroom was plenty for now.

The itch was still there beneath the surface, but it had simmered down slightly. I felt like myself, but there was something else too. With the blood loss and everything else, I didn’t want to dwell on it too much until I was healed, but thanks to Odie’s help and blood, maybe that would be sooner than expected.

I didn’t know why she was being so nice to me and caring for me like this. This wasn’t their fault. They could kick me out and shoo me to a hospital now if they wanted to. Odie had mentioned needing to tell me something, so there had to be more to the story than Gerard letting me off the hook because he was such a kind and caring man.

My thoughts wandered, then Odie returned with a tray filled with snacks. My appetite wasn’t fully back, but I had to try and get something down. The sandwich and apple slices looked the most appealing.

Odie didn’t say a word as she balanced the board on the corner of the tub and then went and got my water bottle. I took a few bites, then sipped the water as Odie sat on the toilet seat, watching me. It was a strange sensation, and I kept my knees up and angled to block as much of myself as possible. I knew she had already seen plenty from before, but I was unconscious, and it didn’t count.

What?

Without my notebook, I was back to signing the simplest questions.

“What?” Odie echoed. I glared at her and went back to my snacks. “Maybe a bath wasn’t a great idea.” I side-eyed her as I stuffed a piece of orange in my mouth, but it didn’t agree with me, so I spit it out. “No orange, then?” I shook my head, and she laughed. “Give it to me.” She took the saliva covered piece and tossed it in the trash. “I meant with the bandage, but a shower wouldn’t be any better. We will have to change them when you get out anyway, so don’t worry too much about getting it wet. It’s more about a possible infection than dirty bandages. Do you want me to help? How’s the pain?”

I wanted to tell her yes but only if she was going to spill the beans on what else was happening around here, but I couldn’t figure out how to get that across without writing it down. I chewed on my apple and stared at her, trying to think of a way to do it. The pain wasn’t really on my radar at the moment, so I didn’t know what to say about that. It was an irritation but more like a rug burn that you could ignore under the right circumstances. I knew it was due to whatever they did and had given me, so for that, I was thankful.

“Is that a no?” If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Odie’s shoulders drooped a little.

I caved, asking for my notebook. If it got wet, then fine, but not being able to communicate was hell. She grabbed it for me and placed a towel on the edge to ensure it got as little water damage as possible.

I’d like your help but only if you tell me what you’re keeping from me.

“Ah, well, you’re in luck because that was already the plan. I’d like to give you some more blood first though.”

How?

“The easiest way is straight from the source, but I know that’s a strange thing for Humans.” Sucking her blood like some vampire didn’t sound appealing, but what else was she going to do? Let it drip in a cup and serve it up? Inject it into a capsule? None of it sounded good, but at least this would speed it along.

However, the thought of her slicing her skin to get the blood flowing made me want to throw up. I felt the blood rush from my face, and the apple and ham sandwich tried clawing their way back into the world.

“Shit.” Odie somehow kept me upright without toppling over the food board or the notebook. “What happened?” I had no way to answer that. My arm felt too heavy to even try. I wanted to go back to sleep, but I fought to stay awake because I was too damn curious about what she was supposed to tell me, plus I needed to be clean.

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