Page 115 of Omega's Refuge

I was sitting close to Rex and felt his body stiffen. I gritted my teeth, frustrated and not sure how to react. As usual, Vance was trying to get my goat, and I had no idea how to respond. I didn’t want to make a scene, but Vance was definitely out of line.

“That’s flattering and all, Vance, but I’m afraid Tanner is the only one allowed to tie me down these days,” Rex said nonchalantly, slowly moving his arm away from Vance’s hand. He used the pretense of grabbing his beer, but it was obvious he wanted Vance to stop touching him.

Relief washed through me because Rex had handled the situation without me having to say a word. Not only had he shut Vance down, he’d also made it clear he was loyal to me. I’d been through similar situations with Steve in the past and he’d usually flirted back with the omegas, and then been pissed at me later if I’d dared to be upset.

But Rex had put my feelings first.

As usual.

My heart ached with emotions so strong, it was a bit overwhelming. In that moment I realized I loved Rex. I didn’t just feel grateful to him for coming to my rescue in the hospital. I truly loved him. All of him. He made me feel safe and cherished. He was the most respectful, sexy, kind, alpha I’d ever known. And he wasmine. Hewanted me. Not Vance. Not anyone else. He wanted me.

I slipped my hand into his, and he turned to look at me. As our eyes met, I think he recognized what I was feeling. He squeezed my hand and the smile he gave me made my toes curl.

Vance watched us with a pinched face, but instead of addressing Rex’s snub, he turned to Jack. “It’s been a while since you visited. How’ve you been, gorgeous?”

Jack had recovered from almost choking on his drink. “I’ve been absolutely fantastic.” He showed off an expensive looking gold watch on his wrist. “Still making bank and dominating the art world in Dallas.”

Vance bit his bottom lip. “Nice. I think I went after the wrong brother.”

Jack laughed. “I tried to tell you that years ago, but you were fixated on my big bro.”

“Hindsight is 20/20, right?” Vance murmured. “Rex isn’t fun anymore now that he’s hogtied himself to that city boy over there.”

Jack nodded. “Rex never was as fun as me. He doesn’t know how to let loose.”

Rex frowned. “Hey, I do too. I can be plenty… you know… loose… when needed.”

“Yeah.” I spoke up to defend him. “Rex can be super loose.”

Vance gave me a peevish glance. “You have no idea what he was like before.”

“Well, I… I like the version I know now.” I hooked my arm through Rex’s. “He’s perfect.”

Rex smiled at me. “I ain’t perfect, but I appreciate the compliment.”

I shrugged. “You’re perfect for me. That’s what matters.”

Vance gave us a disgusted look and he addressed Jack. “Jack, if this lovefest gets to be too much for you, I have a table at the back with some friends. You can come party with us. It probably sucks to hang out with these two lovebirds.”

Jack hesitated. “I would, but I’m leaving tomorrow and I want to spend more time with Rex. Who knows when I’ll be back in town again?”

Vance frowned. “I guarantee, our table will be a lot more fun. I’ll make sure you have a good time.”

“Tempting but, maybe next time?” Jack smiled up at Vance.

Vance’s mouth thinned. “Your loss, Jack.” He turned and strode away, back stiff as a rod.

Jack waited a few seconds, then gave a furtive glance over his shoulder as if to make sure Vance was gone. When he saw the coast was clear, he let out a long breath. “Vance is cute and all, but I don’t go where my brother has been.” He shuddered. “That isn’t a line I’m willing to cross, even for a fine piece of ass.”

I scowled. “He was so shameless. Where does he get off hitting on Rex right in front of me?”

“That’s just how Vance is.” Rex grimaced. “He doesn’t take rejection well.”

“I keep hoping he’ll fixate on some other alpha,” I murmured. “His dislike of me makes it awkward to come into town in case I run into him.”

“His ego is hurt,” Rex drawled. “He’ll get over it eventually.”

Jack laughed. “He was definitely pissed. He acts like you gave him your bite, and then reneged.”

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