Page 9 of Omega's Refuge

The atmosphere was awkward once it was just the three of us. Rex kept busy cleaning up behind the bar, but I still felt conspicuous because Steve was being so touchy feely. I wouldn’t haveminded if I’d thought he was doing that because he couldn’t keep his hands off me. But I knew him well enough to know he was putting on a show and laying claim to me. It was embarrassing because I was fairly certain Rex knew what he was up to as well. Steve wasn’t exactly being subtle.

I put up with the awkwardness for about ten minutes. Then I decided I didn’t want Rex to have to stay up any longer just because we were up. I got the feeling he was required to stay as long as we were in the bar area.

I slid off my stool and turned to Steve. “Ready for bed?”

“Sure, T. Can’t wait to get you into bed,” Steve said loudly. He stood unsteadily, and drained his drink. When he swayed a bit, he grabbed hold of the bar and cackled. “Fuck. I’m drunk.”

Rex glanced over. “Need help getting him to the cabin?”

I frowned, struggling to hold Steve upright. “I don’t know.”

“No, he doesn’t need your help.” Steve scowled at Rex. “I’m notthatdrunk.”

Rex’s expression was dubious, but he stayed where he was. He didn’t speak, he just shrugged and went back to restocking the bar area.

“You don’t need to be rude,” I muttered to Steve as I led him to the steps that led off of the porch. “Rex is just trying to help.”

“Pfft, yeah. He wants to help himself toyou, dude.” He moved unsteadily down the stairs.

“You’re nuts,” I mumbled, embarrassed that Rex might have heard him. “He’s just being nice.”

“I’m not nuts. He’s been eye-fucking you all night.”

I was relieved we were far enough away now that Rex wouldn’t have heard that inappropriate comment. “You’re just drunk and acting stupid, Steve. Knock it off.”

“You’re going to pretend you don’t know he’s into you?” Steve laughed.

“I’m not pretending. I think you’re wrong, that’s all.” The gravel crunched beneath our feet as we made our way through a grove of trees that separated the main house from our cabin.

“Well, he better keep his fucking distance,” rumbled Steve. “You’re my omega.”

I sighed, but didn’t respond.

“What?” Steve said, his tone accusing. “You don’t agree?”

I frowned. “That I’m yours? Of course I agree. I just don’t understand why you’re acting so jealous.”

“I don’t like that guy.”

“Well, you’d better suck it up because we have five days here with him.” I rolled my eyes.

“I’m just saying you’d better not flirt with him a bunch or I’ll be pissed.”

“I wasn’tflirting,” I rasped.

“Seemed like you were to me. The asshole couldn’t stop watching us.” His tone was surly.

“Well, you were putting on quite the show,” I said drolly.

“Show? It wasn’t a show. You know I’m always horny—for you, babe.” He put his arm around my neck, and we stumbled slightly.

I know you’re always horny. Not sure it’s always for me.

“Careful,” I groused, struggling to keep us both upright. “Or we’ll both end up on the ground.”

We’d finally reached our cabin, but we were on the back of the structure. I started to head around the side toward the front entrance, bringing Steve with me, but he dug his heels in.

“What are you doing?” I asked, tripping over my feet.

---