Page 98 of Omega's Refuge

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Returning to Billings wasn’t nearly as depressing as I’d expected. As I entered my old apartment, I felt nothing but relief at the idea of ending that tumultuous chapter of my life with Steve. The small space smelled stale, and felt more cluttered than I remembered.

I moved through my apartment, surrounded by my things, but there was no pang of regret that Steve was no longer in my life. To be honest, I felt like a stranger in my old apartment. I didn’t belong there anymore because I now felt bonded to Rex. The ranch felt like home, not this cramped, stuffy apartment.

Steve had taken all of his stuff, and even some of mine. But I wasn’t going to worry about that. I could replace CDs and knickknacks. It was well worth losing those material things to get Steve out of my life for good. Whatever connection we’d shared over the years was truly severed now. Since Rex had claimed me, I felt nothing for Steve but pity.

“Did you ever get a confirmation from the movers?” Rex murmured, interrupting my thoughts. He was by a corner bookshelf, carefullyplacing my books in a cardboard box. I found it amusing that every now and then, he’d pause and start reading, seeming to forget all about packing.

“Yep. They’ll be here any minute to take the remaining stuff to storage.” I surveyed my furniture and stacks of boxes, feeling a pang that I couldn’t bring it all with me. But I comforted myself with the knowledge that one day Rex and I would buy a home together and I’d once more have all my things around me. “Hopefully the fact I’m on the third floor won’t be a problem.”

Rex smiled. “They’re movers. I’m sure a few flight of stairs isn’t going to deter them.”

“I hope not.” I ran my hand over the back of the couch, caressing the soft brown suede material. “I remember when I bought this sofa. It was the first thing I purchased when I moved into this apartment.”

Rex stopped what he was doing to study me. “Is it weird being back here? Does it make you homesick?”

I shook my head. “I’m not exactly homesick. I do miss having my things, but I don’t have any urge to stay here. I… I like living on the ranch.”

He smiled, looking pleased. “Yeah?”

I nodded. “Absolutely. The fresh air and beauty of the ranch makes me happy.” I patted my stomach. “It’s good for the baby too.”

He nodded. “Much healthier than living in the city.”

“Yes.”

“We shouldn’t stay here any longer than necessary. I should get you back to the ranch as soon as possible.”

His gaze was so intense, I laughed and looked away. “I’m not going to spontaneously combust just because I breathe some smog.”

“No,” he said softly. “But it isn’t good for you. As your alpha, I need to keep you safe.”

My cheeks warmed at the heat in his eyes. Ever since he’d claimed me he’d become much more possessive. Not in a creepy controlling way, but in a protective way. I wasn’t used to an alpha looking out for me the way he did, but I kind of liked it. It made me feel special.

There was a knock on the door and I startled slightly. Pressing a hand to my chest, I laughed sheepishly. “That must be the movers.” Since I was closer to the door, I went to open it. When I found Steve standing on the front stoop, my first reaction was shock, which quickly morphed into anger.

“What are you doing here?” I demanded. I hadn’t been sure how I’d feel running into Steve. After all, we’d been friends for so long and then lovers. I’d worried if I saw him in the flesh, there might be lingering feelings toward him. He’d been my alpha, after all. But the only thing I felt was irritation. He’d managed to destroy the fondness I’d had for him.

He didn’t look as cocky as usual. He looked tired and there were lines beneath his eyes. But he forced a bright smile. “Come on, babe, is that any way for you to greet me?”

I grumbled, “I’m not yourbabe.”

“Sure you are.” His smile faltered. “You’ll always be my babe.”

I squinted at him. “Are you drunk? I don’t understand what you’re doing here. You already got your things.”

“I came by to talk to you.”

“Well, we have nothing to talk about.” I frowned. “And how did you even know I was here?”

He shrugged. “That’s not important.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Are you stalking me or something?”

He laughed. “No. I’m not stalking you, T.” He leaned against the door jamb, giving me one of his most charming smiles. “Look, I know I fucked up, okay?”

“Okay, well, thank for acknowledging that.” I started to close the door but he blocked it with his foot. I was worried Rex would overhear us and come to check things out. The last thing I wanted was Steve and Rex coming face to face right now.

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