Page 40 of Omega's Refuge

Rex was obviously the main reason I was tempted to stay. My heart had been broken by Steve, but I knew Rex could help me heal faster than if I tried to do it alone. Nothing helped the ego after being dumped like the attention of another sexy alpha. Rex made me feel good just being in his presence. If we ended up sleeping together, sex would just be icing on the cake.

My heart raced at the idea of sleeping with Rex, but I was also conflicted. I was so damn attracted to him, it was scary. However, my breakup with Steve was so new, it felt wrong to even think about being with another alpha. Not counting Rex, I hadn’t really even looked at any other alpha since Steve had given me his bite. I’d done my best to be a good and faithful omega. Unfortunately, Steve hadn’t given me the same respect.

After a bit, Gus gathered up the fishing poles and we mounted our horses for the ride back. I pushed away all stressful thoughts, instead focusing on the natural beauty around me. It was early afternoon and the sun hung high in the clear Montana sky. The scent of sage mingled with the earthy scent of the horses, and overhead a red-tailed hawk circled above the swaying tawny grass.

I’d hoped Rex might make time for me on the ride back and was disappointed when he didn’t. He seemed preoccupied as he led our group through the beautiful wilderness. Despite appearing distracted, he still pointed out things of interest, like a small herd of pronghorns grazing peacefully near the edge of the trail. Their distinctive reddish-brown coats, white underbellies, and rumps made them easy to spot, while their dark horns, unlike the antlers of deer or antelope, gave them a unique appearance.

I tried a few times to smile at Rex, hoping he’d get the hint to come talk to me, but it didn’t work. He avoided me the entire ride, and I went to my cabin feeling confused and demoralized. I didn’t understand why his warm attitude toward me had changed so drastically. He’d been fine one minute and cold the next.

I took a short nap and then showered for dinner. After stepping out of the hot shower, I stared at myself in the steamy mirror. I lookedtired, which surprised me since I’d slept so well last night. Perhaps it was just stress making me look paler than usual. I was definitely feeling a lot of anxiety, not only about Steve, but now also with Rex.

I shaved and patted on some cologne, trying to ignore the melancholy pang because the fragrance had been Steve’s favorite. I’d have to face many moments like that on my way to healing. After knowing Steve for so long, there were so many things we’d shared—favorite movies, foods, and songs. It would take a long while to become desensitized.

I left my cabin, shivering in the cool night air. Somewhere in the big oak trees above the main house, an owl hooted. When I entered the dining room for dinner, I was frustrated to see Gus sitting in the seat next to Rex—the one I usually occupied. I was forced to sit all the way at the other end of the table. At least I was seated near Tanya, Peter, and Joe and Martha, so I was in good company. Still, I was disheartened that I wouldn’t get that extra time at dinner with Rex.

There was no buffet tonight, so I didn’t even get a chance to stand near Rex in line for food. He did watch me a lot during the meal, but he didn’t address me or even smile. He still looked preoccupied. I couldn’t help but wonder what he had on his mind that had caused his usually friendly demeanor to turn so introspective.Perhaps I could corner him in the bar later and try to find out why he suddenly seemed so glum.

When dinner ended, I was anticipating going into the bar to hopefully chat with Rex. But when I entered the back porch, Ronny was the one tending the bar, not Rex. I tried to hide my disappointment as I searched the area for Rex, to no avail. I was too self-conscious to ask where Rex was, but luckily Joe had no such qualms.

“Where’s Rex tonight?” he asked, taking his beer from Ronny. “Doesn’t he usually tend bar?”

“Yeah, he asked me to fill in for him.” Ronny was a nice-looking, congenial omega with brown hair and brown eyes. “He went into town. He’s got the night off, and I think he might have a date.”

My stomach dropped like a sack of cement.A date?Rex had a date? Jealousy shot through me and before I even realized what I was doing, I asked, “Who’s he got a date with?” It was a silly question, seeing as we were only guests on the ranch and knew nobody in town. But the question just burst out of me before I could stop it.

Ronny shrugged as he filled a shaker with ice. “You wouldn’t know the guy. He’s a townie named Vance. He and Rex have been off and on for years. I guess they’re back on again.”

I felt like I’d been sucker punched at the news that Vance and Rex were lovers. Remembering how cool Vance had acted toward me the day Rexhad taken me drinking, I now knew why. He’d been jealous. I struggled to keep my facial expression pleasant, and prayed I didn’t look as stricken as I felt.It was hard not to feel foolish when, apparently, I was the most gullible omega in Montana.

Rex had seemed so personally invested in getting me to extend my stay. His warm smiles and flattering words had made me feel special. While he’d never flat out said he wanted me to stay so we could be together, his actions had certainly implied that was what he’d wanted. Had I really misread him that completely?

When Joe gave me a sympathetic look, I wanted to flee to my cabin in embarrassment. Instead, I plastered on a fake smile and said flippantly, “Good for them. It must get lonely out here in the middle of nowhere.”

“It surely can be.” Ronny nodded as he poured an icy beverage into a margarita glass for Tanya. He pushed the glass across the bar to her with a wink. “Enjoy.”

“Thanks.” Tanya smiled.

Despite my best efforts to remain unaffected by news of Rex’s date, I felt flustered. I was starting to think I should give up dating altogether and become a hermit. Steve had blindsided me, and now Rex had too. It seemed I no longer had any ability to read alphas.

If Rex had a lover in town, there was no point in me staying. Rex had been the reason I’d been tempted, but I had no desire to get involved in some weird love triangle. Rex hadn’t acted like an alpha with an omega, so maybe his relationship with Vance was just sex. But from the possessive way Vance had acted at the bar, he seemed to think it was more. I didn’t want to get between them just because I thought a holiday fling might boost my ego.

Perhaps it would be best to just leave for home in the morning. I’d seen a car rental agency on my travels through Red Mine the other day. I could rent a car and go home early to lick my wounds. The ranch had lost its charm for me now. I didn’t know why Rex had flirted with me if he had an omega in town, but I’d had my fill of phony, philandering alphas.

I didn’t drink much during the evening, because I didn’t want to get a headache. But I stayed in the bar with Joe, Martha, Tanya, and Peter until midnight—mostly because I didn’t want to be alone. I was relieved Joe didn’t bring up Rex. I had no desire to talk about him, and certainly not in front of Tanya and Peter. I didn’t mention that I might leave in the morning either. I wanted to sleep on it before making a decision.

I left the bar first, and headed to my cabin, feeling dejected. I was getting tired of the highs and lows of my emotions the last few days. Ididn’t want to be depressed or angry all the time, but things kept happening that were messing with my feelings.

I entered my cabin and as I started to close the door, I noticed Rex’s red truck pulling up in front of the main house. I intended to close the door, but instead found myself spying on him through the crack of the half open door. Even though it was silly to care, I was happy he hadn’t stayed in town with Vance all night.

The minute he exited the truck, it was obvious he was inebriated. I watched as he made a zig-zagging trajectory toward the guest cabins. I knew for a fact the ranch staff slept in cabins on the other side of the main house. “Why is he coming to the guest cabins?” I mumbled, still watching him.

When he got closer, I didn’t want to get caught snooping on him, so I closed my door and leaned against it. I listened to his footsteps on the gravel path outside, still confused about why he was approaching the guest cabins. I gave a sharp intake of breath when I heard the clomp of his boots on the stairs tomycabin.

I stepped back from the door, my eyes widening when, just two seconds later, Rex pounded on it and growled, “Open up, Tanner. I have something I want to say to you.”

Chapter Seven

I stared at the door like the boogieman was on the other side. But there was no point in cowering inside my cabin. I wasn’tafraidof Rex or anything that dramatic. I was simply nervous about talking to him.

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