Page 96 of Omega's Refuge

“Because it’s the truth.”

I narrowed my eyes. “But, of course we both had achoice.”

He hesitated. “I don’t think we did, Tanner.”

“What are you talking about?”

He stared at me for a few seconds, then he sat up. I did the same and we sat facing each other. His expression was solemn and he made no move to touch me.

“Why do you look so serious?” I asked.

He grimaced. “I’m afraid you’ll think I’m nuts if I tell you my true thoughts.”

“Why would I mind hearing what you really think?”

“Because it’ll sound crazy to you. You’ve already told me before that you don’t believe in fate.”

“I did say that, that’s true.”

He hung his head. “To be honest, I didn’t either.” He peeked up at me warily. “Not until I met you.”

My pulse picked up. “What does that mean?”

He rubbed his jaw. “Minute I laid eyes on you, something seemed to come alive inside of me. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I felt obsessed.”

I’d had trouble getting Rex off my mind as well. I’d been consumed with thoughts of him. I’d been guilty about it because I’d been with Steve at the time, but unable to stop the feelings. Once Steve had run off with Tony, my heart had healed remarkably fast. I’d barely thought of Steve once Rex began to truly pursue me.

“What exactly are you saying, Rex?” I asked quietly.

A muscle worked in his tanned cheek. He avoided my gaze at first, but then he lifted his eyes to mine. “I believe we’re fated mates, Tanner, and I think I can prove it.”

Chapter Seventeen

“Are you serious?” I asked, voice wobbling. He didn’t look like he was joking, but what he was saying seemed outlandish.

“I’m completely serious.” His cheeks were flushed but his gaze unflinching.

“Why would you think we’re… fated mates?” I felt foolish even saying that out loud. “And how would you prove such a thing?”

His gaze dropped to my birthmark. “Because of the mark on your hip.”

I laughed gruffly. “My birthmark makes you think we’re fated mates?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

“Why?” Rex had always struck me as a practical type. It was hard to wrap my head around the fact he was now telling me he believed in fated mates.

“My grandmother was deeply into folklore and the concept of fated mates. She wholeheartedly believed the old stories passed down through generations. In fact, she insisted that she and Granddad were fated mates.”

I frowned. “Did she?”

“Yep.”

“I guess the older generation definitely believe in that stuff.” I hesitated. “However, people our age don’t usually believe in fated mates.”

“It’s true our generation is far more skeptical,” he murmured. “But since meeting you, I’m a believer.”

“Rex,” I said, feeling confused. “I don’t get why a random physical mark on my body would convince you to believe in fairytales.”

---