Page 81 of Omega's Refuge

“It is what I want.” I stood. “So long as it's what you want.”

“It sure is.” He gave a happy little smile and rose. As he headed to the door, he said over his shoulder, “Take a nice long nap and I'll bring dinner later. We can eat together.”

“Okay.” I was happy he wanted to spend more time with me. “Say hi to my biggest fan, Mrs. Rodwell.”

“Will do.” He chuckled and left the cabin.

****

I woke up early the next morning feeling horribly nauseated. It was still dark when I stumbled to the bathroom and spent the next tenminutes retching into the toilet. Covered in sweat, I returned to the bed.

The night before, Rex had brought dinner as promised, but he hadn't spent the night. We'd made out some, but then he'd insisted on leaving so I could go to bed early. My welfare had been his only real concern.

I stared up at the ceiling as the morning light shifted from gray to pink, then to gold, thinking about what a good person Rex was. If Rex had spent the night, he would’ve been concerned about my morning sickness. Steve, on the other hand, would’ve just been annoyed that I was ruining his beauty sleep.

There was a sweetness in Rex that had been completely lacking in Steve. I’d put up with Steve’s selfishness because I’d been so used to it, but the contrast between an alpha who actually treated me like I mattered and one who only thought of himself was stark. I already felt spoiled by Rex, and we’d barely scratched the surface of what our relationship could be.

When I was sure the nausea had passed, I got up and got ready for the day. Rex had invited me to join the staff for breakfast this morning, and I'd agreed. I wasn't looking forward to seeing Mrs. Rodwell, but I couldn't avoid her forever. We were going to be around each other plenty, whether I liked it or not. I was hopeful that she'daccept the situation sooner rather than later. It would be very awkward if she didn't.

Rex had mentioned a new batch of guests would be arriving later today, which meant he’d be busy taking care of them. I’d have to amuse myself, which was fine. I had plenty to handle. I needed to arrange to move some of my things from Billings to the ranch and terminate my lease back home.

In the coming days, I’d have to return to Billings to sort through my belongings and decide what to keep and what to toss. Rex had offered to drive me on his day off since Steve had taken my car, and I’d accepted.

I wasn’t looking forward to going back to Billings, but having Rex with me would be a comfort. Although, it could also make things more awkward if we ran into Steve. He’d be twice as obnoxious if he found out about Rex and me. His pride would be bruised at the thought of me moving on with another alpha. It wouldn’t matter that he’d cheated on me with Tony. He’d only see his own side of things.

I’d finally decided not to tell Steve about the pregnancy. He’d flat out said he didn’t want kids, so why tell him about the baby? It would only complicate things. Plus, Steve could be vindictive when his pride was hurt. If he found out about the baby, odds were he’d then also know Rex and I were together. He might stir up trouble justbecause he was angry about me and Rex, not because he wanted to be a part of the baby’s life.

“I can't worry about Steve right now,” I muttered, pulling on a navy-blue hoodie.

After breakfast, I planned to head into town to look for art supplies. Since I didn’t have my car, Rex had asked Mrs. Rodwell if I could borrow one of the ranch vehicles, and she’d given her permission. I was relieved because if Jack decided to commission some artwork from me, I’d need to create new pieces that matched his clients' specific styles and themes. That meant I’d need some art supplies. The idea of selling my art was both exciting and nerve-wracking. If it actually worked out, it would be a dream come true—and I’d have Rex to thank for it all.

Feeling anxious about breakfast with the staff, I left my cabin and made a beeline for the main house. When I entered the dining room, many ranch employees were already seated at the long table. My nerves jangled as I took a seat near Rex, who was in his usual spot at the head of the table. He gave me a warm smile, and I tried to reciprocate, though my face felt tight as Saran wrap.

“You made it,” Rex said, patting my leg under the table.

“I did.” I glanced down the long table, meeting the curious stares of some of the staff. Many of the faces were familiar to me, but someweren't. Mrs. Rodwell sat almost across from me, and when my gaze met hers, she gave me a polite smile. “Morning,” I said brightly, forcing myself to appear as if I hadn’t a care in the world. I didn't want her knowing how nervous she made me.

“Good morning,” she replied. There was no warmth in her voice, but at least she hadn’t flat out snubbed me.

The guy next to me was an omega around my age named Seth. He had auburn hair and light green eyes. I'd met him a few times when the ranch had taken us on trail rides. He hadn’t been the friendliest of the staff, but this morning he honored me with a smile.

“This must be weird for you,” he said, gesturing to the table of people. “You're usually on the guest side of things.”

I smiled. “It is a little odd, but I’m looking forward to getting to know you guys.”

“Yeah?” He chuffed. “You want to mingle with us? Get to know us personally?”

“Of course.” I blinked at him. “Why wouldn’t I?”

He sighed. “Well, guests don’t usually look at us as realpeople. We’re simply here to cater to your needs.”

I laughed. “But you are real people.”

“Are we?” He smirked and took a bite of bacon.

“You seem pretty real to me.” I put my napkin on my lap, feeling a bit self-conscious because I could feel people staring at me.

He chuffed. “Bet you don't know half of our names.”

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