Page 91 of Omega's Refuge

“Fine. Boring, actually.” I gripped the sheets, wishing I had the nerve to outright ask him if he’d seen Vance tonight. But I was terrified he’d tell me he had, and then I’d have to contend with all the feelings of jealousy that would bring up in me.

“I truly am sorry I wasn’t here earlier.” He moved closer, his gaze apologetic.

“You were tending to the guest’s needs.” My voice was stiff. “It wasn’t like you were off galivanting, right?”

Right?

He didn’t directly respond to my question, instead he shrugged and pulled off his shirt. “They’re night owls and I wanted to keep them happy. Catering to the guest’s needs is part of the service we provide.”

“Of course. I remember what great customer service you give.”

He laughed, looking a little confused. “We do our best.”

“Uh, huh.”

He tilted his head, looking like he wanted to say something, but he just turned away and tossed his shirt into the laundry basket. He went into the bathroom and spent the next ten minutes washing up. When he returned, he wore only his underwear. His muscular body took my breathaway, and I could see his half-hard dick through the thin cotton material of his briefs.

He'd probably expect sex. After all, it was our first night together in our new home. We were supposed to be starting a new life together. He was supposed to claim me and be my alpha. And while the idea of that made my cock throb, I was so confused about what to think, I felt sick to my stomach with stress.

For all I know he already fucked Vance tonight.

The thought of that was repugnant to me. But since I had no idea if he’d actually even seen Vance, it would be weird if I rejected his advances. He didn’t know I was freaking out after talking to Vance. Unless Vance had told him he’d run into me today. Would Vance have mentioned that to him?

As those tumultuous thoughts raced through my head, Rex studied me. He’d hesitated about climbing into the bed, instead opting to stand next to the mattress, watching me with a funny expression. I had no clue what he was thinking. Maybe he didn’t want sex after all, and he was trying to think up excuses about why he wasn’t in the mood.

Maybe he’s trying to figure out how to tell me he’s changed his mind about claiming me.

I held his enigmatic gaze and my breathing picked up. I’d have killed to know his expressions better, then maybe I’d have known what he wasabout to say. Had he met with Vance and realized his feelings for the other omega were stronger than he’d originally thought? My chest felt tight as paranoia snaked through me. Steve had made so many promises, purely because he hadn’t wanted anyone else to have me. Was that what Rex had done, but now he regretted that?

Why had I taken him up on his offer? He probably hadn’t really expected me to. I felt light headed as I held his gaze, and anxiety washed through me when my chest constricted even more. Perspiration broke out on my face as I struggled to get a full breath. When he’d asked me to be his omega, he’d probably been overcome with pity for me. But now, he’d had time to think things over and he’d realized what an insane plan it was to claim an omega he barely knew.

“I’m sorry, Tanner,” he said softly, watching me intently.

“You’re sorry?” I asked hoarsely, still struggling to breathe. “Why are you sorry?”

“Because I let you down. I… I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He watched me like I was a bomb about to detonate. “I planned on being with you, but it just didn’t work out.”

So I was right?He’s changed his mind about being my alpha, and now he feels sorry for me?

“I didn’t ask you to claim me,” I rasped. “That was your idea. I’d never have asked you to do that.”

“I… I know that.” He frowned. “I wanted to help you.”

“But now you don’t?”

He screwed up his face. “What?”

“I don’t understand why you’d lead me on,” I mumbled, trying desperately to control my roiling emotions. I felt foolish. I’d accepted his offer of help like a sap, and now he wanted out. “Why would you do that to me, Rex? You… you know what I’ve been through.”

He blinked at me, looking muddled. “Lead you on? How did I lead you on?”

“By making promises you couldn’t keep.”

He blinked at me. “I mean, I didn’t reallypromiseyou anything.”

“Of course you did. God, Rex, don’t lie to my face. I don’t need that shit right now.”

“Tanner—”

---