Page 97 of Omega's Refuge

“I don’t think it is a fairytale.” He leaned toward me, his expression earnest. “It’s not just the mark. I’m telling you, something was different the minute I met you, Tanner. I wouldn’t say that if it weren’t true.”

Judging by his tone and expression, he absolutely believed what he was saying. “I’ll admit our attraction was instant, and it’s not like anything I’ve felt before.” I wrinkled my brow. “But I find it difficult to believe we weredestinedfor each other.”

He lifted one shoulder, seemingly unconcerned by my skepticism. “I get why it’s hard to believe. But my grandmother always said I was destined for a blond, blue eyed omega with a birthmark shaped like a perfect star.” He hesitated. “She also said that omega would be with child.”

“She actually said that to you?” I blinked at him in disbelief.

“Yes.” He grimaced. “I didn’t believe her at the time. I was just a kid, and the idea of a pregnant mate didn’t thrill me, fated or not.”

I studied him, mulling over his words. To be honest, the idea of being fated to him didn’tbotherme. While I found it hard to believe, it wasn’t an unpleasant thought. In some ways, it was almost comforting. It had unsettled me how quickly I’d moved on from Steve. I’d felt shallow for bonding with Rex so easily and guilty that my connection to him already felt stronger. However, if wewerefated mates, there’d be no reason to be guilty.

Do I actually believe his theory?

“You sincerely believe we’re fated?” I touched the star on my hip, frowning. “Simply because of this mark?”

“As I said, it’s not just the mark. There’s also the pregnancy, and the way I feel about you.” His voice was hushed. “The pull toward you is intense. Unshakable. I’ve never felt this way about any other omega.”

My chest tightened as our eyes met. “I know you believe what you’re saying, but it’s still really hard to accept. I see why the universe might pick you, but I… I don’t see why the universe would deemmeworthy of a fated mate.”

He scowled. “Of course you’re worthy.”

“But there are so many braver, smarter omegas out there. Whyme? Why give me a fated mate? If fated mates truly do exist, shouldn’t thatsort of thing be reserved for the best of the best among our kind?”

He sighed, reaching out to take my hand. “Tanner, you really don’t see yourself clearly at all. You’re amazing.”

“But I’m really not,” I muttered.

He tilted his head, his gaze intent. “I don’t agree.”

“I can’t imagine what would make me fated mate material.” I rubbed my jaw. “I’m nothing special.”

He frowned. “Do you know why fated mates would exist?”

I considered his question. “I assume fated mates are designed to pass on the best qualities of our species.”

He nodded. “Yes. Exactly. I believe the best qualities we can have are kindness, loyalty, natural intelligence, creativity. You possessallof those things, Tanner.”

I cupped my stomach, frowning. “But… how does all of this work if I’m carrying the child ofanotheralpha? Wouldn’t that mess up the whole fated mates theory?”

“Why would it?” He frowned.

“Well, if I’m supposed to be with you and we’re supposed to pass on the best qualities, how does that jibe with me giving birth to Steve’s kid? He most certainly doesn’t possess great qualities.Why would the universe allow me to get pregnant with his child?”

He hesitated. “I’m not sure. I… I don’t pretend to have all the answers, Tanner. But I will say this, that child will be half yours too. We can make sure your qualities are encouraged.”

“I guess,” I muttered.

He smiled. “In the long run, whether we’re fated or not is of no consequence. I’m officially your alpha now, so who cares if you believe in fate? No matter what, I’m going to take care of you and the baby.”

My chest squeezed. “There you go being nice again.”

His smile faded. “You seem to think you’re the only one getting something out of our arrangement. You accepted my bite and now I get to have what I’ve wanted for so long: an omega and kids.” He moved to lie down again. “Now, come here. We need sleep. You especially.”

I slipped into his arms, allowing myself to relax against his warm body. Despite all the drama of the day, I felt surprisingly content. I’d never felt anywhere near this peaceful when I’d been with Steve. Was this how an omega was supposed to feel when they were claimed by their alpha?

It occurred to me that, if Steve hadn’t run off with Tony, I wouldn’t be in Rex’s arms. Steve’s betrayal had brought me this new foundhappiness. If Steve hadn’t been a cheapskate, or if he’d been faithful, Rex and I would never have reached this point with one another.

So, in a twisted way, I owed Steve for the joy I now felt.

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