Page 80 of Omega's Refuge

I laughed outright, and he looked surprised. “Rex, I’m not that easily swayed. If… if I didn’t want this, I’d have rejected your offer.” I straddled him, and his breathing quickened. “I’d have no trouble telling you I didn’t want you to claim me.” Leaning forward, I whispered against his ear, “IfI didn’t want you to claim me.”

He shivered. “Okay.”

“And I want to live with my alpha.” I touched his cheek, loving the little contented sigh he gave. He was so much more responsive than Steve. I could tell I affected him, just like he did me.

“You don't know me well yet, and I don't want to make you uncomfortable.”

I shrugged. “We'll get to know each other faster if we're living together.”

“True. But maybe you want some space. Somewhere you can retreat to at the end of the day if it all gets to be too much.”

I smiled. “If it all gets to be too much, that's when I'll need you most. I don't want to have to walk across the ranch to get a hug.”

“You make a good point.” He looked thoughtful. “I could ask Mrs. Rodwell for a two-bedroom cabin? We could share the living spacebut have our own rooms. Then you wouldn't have to walk across the ranch for a hug, but you’d have your privacy.”

I frowned. “Are you the one who needs space and a place to retreat, but you're trying to be tactful about it?”

“What?” He laughed. “Hell, no. I don't need space. I'm trying hard to be considerate. I want to share your bed, Tanner. Don't get confused about that. But I realize we don't know each other well. I'm trying to be cognizant of how that might bother you.”

I took hold of the front of his shirt. “Stop trying to second guess me every two seconds. It's going to cause issues. If you keep that up, I'll start thinking you're having second thoughts about claiming me.”

He grinned sheepishly, looking boyish as a lock of blond hair fell onto his forehead. “I ain't having second thoughts. I'll stop being so thoughtful because I can see I'm confusing you.”

“You are. I'm not used to a nice alpha. You need to remember that.” I leaned forward and kissed him.

He responded, slipping his hands up under my shirt. I shivered at the warmth of his rough hands on my skin. He pushed his tongue into my mouth, and I moaned. We kissed for a few moments more, then he said softly, “We're definitely moving in together. I want to be able towake up in the middle of the night and feel my omega’s body against mine.”

“Yeah?” I rocked against him, feeling turned on. “I like the thought of waking up with you every morning, Rex.”

“Same,” he rasped, scraping his blunt nails down my spine. “How’s your hand feeling?”

I smirked. “I forgot I even had hands.”

He grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Chapter Fourteen

Our kisses grew more passionate, but when I started to clumsily unbutton his shirt with my good hand, he stopped me. “Wait, Tanner.” He gave me a weak smile. “You should rest.”

I frowned. “You don't want sex?”

He laughed gruffly. “Uh, of course I want sex.” He looked pointedly down at his raised crotch. “But I’m trying to be considerate. You’re recovering from a snake bite, and you’repregnant. You should sleep and heal your body. There’s no rush to jump in bed. I’m not going anywhere.”

I squinted at him suspiciously. “You sure you’re just not interested?”

“Are you insane?” Rex scowled. “You think I’m not interested in sex with you?”

“It's possible,” I mumbled.

“No. It's completelyimpossible.” He sighed at my wary expression. “Tanner, I’m always going to put you first. Don’t you get that? Do I want to fuck you right now? Damn straight I do. But I’m trying not to think with mydick.”

I gave an embarrassed smile. “Steven would have jumped my bones with no thought at all to the fact I'm pregnant and recovering from a snake bite. It’s going to take me a minute to get used to having an alpha who puts me first.”

“Well, this is all part of us getting to know each other, right?” He gave me a gentle smile. “Trust me, I want to be selfish right now. It's painful not giving into that.” He nuzzled my throat. “But your well-being matters more than me getting off.”

To be honest, my hand was throbbing and I probably needed to take more pain medication. A nap was the smart thing for me, regardless of whether my dick agreed or not. “I'll try not to be so suspicious.”

“Good.” He pulled back to study me. “Now, if you're sure it's what you want, I'll talk to Mrs. Rodwell about getting us moved into a bigger cabin.”

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