Page 25 of Omega's Refuge

“If? I think it’s pretty clear at this point that has to be what happened.”

“I’ll admit it looks that way, but maybe Steve just dropped Tony off at the bus station. I can go back there and ask if Tony bought a ticket?”

I squinted at him. “You seriously think that’s what happened?”

He bit his bottom lip. “No.”

“Me neither.” Pain jolted through me and I grabbed my pint and chugged. Once I’d downed half of it, I wiped my mouth and met Rex’s gaze. “Steve would have called me by now if this was nothing.”

He sighed. “Probably.” He tapped his finger against his glass and then said, “From some of the things you’ve said, I got the feeling you two were broken up before the trip, but reconciled?”

“Yes. We’d been back together for about a month before we came here.” My stomach felt warm from the whiskey, but the cold ache in my chest remained. I closed my eyes, painful memories shifting through me. I remembered so clearly the day Steve had come crawling back, asking for a second chance. I’d been afraid to try again, but he’d talked me into it. He’d seemed sincerely repentant, and I’d given in like a sap.“I knew I shouldn’t have given him another chance.”

“It’s hard to turn people you love away,” he said quietly.

I met his gaze. “Do you speak from experience?”

His cheek twitched. “I’ve given a few omegas more chances than they deserved on occasion. We all want to find true love, right?”

My laugh was curt. “Yeah, and that pipe dream makes us do stupid shit.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Lots of people end up happy together.”

I leaned back against the booth, holding his gaze. “Lots might be an exaggeration. I think a few people get lucky.”

“I don’t think it’s always luck.” He rubbed his jaw.

“No?” His comment intrigued me. “What do you think it is then? Fate?”

“Sure. Why not?”

“Why not?” I smirked. “How about because fairy tales aren’t real?”

“Judging by that remark,” he said, “I take it you don’t believe in fated mates?”

“Not really.”

He cocked his head. “Even though there are numerous documented stories about it happening?”

“As you say, they’re just stories.”

He looked like he wanted to say something else, but instead he took a sip off his beer.

“Are you secretly a romantic, Rex?” I asked softly.

He flicked his gaze to mine. “What if I am?”

“It’s surprising coming from someone like you.”

“Someone like me?” He lifted his brows. “What does that mean?”

“I don’t know.” I gave a slight smile. “You’re a rugged cowboy type. I’d think romance and love were the furthest thing from your mind.”

“That’s silly. Everyone wants love.”

“I don’t,” I rasped. “Not anymore.”

His gaze was assessing. “You’re hurt right now. Makes sense you’d feel that way.”

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