He narrowed his eyes. “No. Omegas aren’t made to be alone.”
“Says who? Busybody alphas?”
He looked annoyed, but he kept his voice even. “Says all the research.”
“I’m fine alone.”
“You’re most definitely not fine.” His tone was stern. “You’ve been here six months. You should be getting better, but you actually seem worse lately.”
I met his gaze directly. “I lost a child. I can’t just go on dates and pretend that didn’t happen.”
“Of course not. But you can’t judge all alphas by Jacob. Most alphas are good. They’d never harm their own child.”
I stood, feeling sick. “I don’t want to talk about that,” I growled.
He held out his hand. “I’m sorry. We don’t have to talk about what Jacob did.”
“Then why do you always bring it up?”
“Because you frustrate me. You have such potential, but you won’t deal with your demons.” He scowled. “There’s no excuse for Jacob’s behavior. But he was unusual. Unstable.”
I stared at him feeling nauseous and angry. “Joining a singles group won’t bring back my baby. I can’t be well because you want me to be.”
“I know. But you have to try.”
“I don’t actually. I just have to do my job better.”
His exasperation was obvious. “Which I don’t think you will be able to do, unless you deal with your pain and loss.”
“I can’t be around alphas I don’t know.” My legs were shaking so bad, I had to sit again. “I can’t stand it.”
“There are so many quality alphas. I think you’d benefit from spending time with some good alphas.”
“No.” I shook my head sharply. “I’ll go into town. I’ll join a damn book club if that will make you happy. But don’t expect me to date or find a mate. That will never happen again.Never.”
His shoulders bowed, and his eyes darkened with empathy. “Okay. I guess it’s still too soon.”
“Yeah.”A million years would be too soon. I curled my hand into a fist, trying to control my resentment. What right did he have to butt into my personal life? I worked for him, that was all. Typical alpha, trying to control all omegas they came into contact with. Even the good ones couldn’t seem to help that impulse.
“I want you to take tomorrow off.”
“But… tomorrow isn’t my usual day off.”
“I know that, Dylan.” His voice was firm. “But I want you to take the day off regardless.”
I scowled. “This is ridiculous.”
Ignoring my peevish comment, he continued. “Go online tonight and see what local groups interest you. Then take a trip into town tomorrow, and meet some new people. I know you hate the idea of that, but it will be good for you. I’m sure of it.”
I exhaled roughly. “Fine.” I couldn’t even imagine doing any of that, but I didn’t want to piss Dr. Peters off. I needed to at least pretend to do what he wanted so he’d let me stay at the compound.
He looked pleased when I acquiesced. “Good. I know you don’t agree with me yet, but you’ll end up thanking me in the long run. No omega should be alone and cooped up at the compound day in day out. Omegas need companionship, and I think you’ll come to see that I’m right.”
I stood, my mouth a hard line. “I’ll go into town, but I have no intention of dating.”
He sighed. “Just try not to be too prickly. If an alpha wants to talk to you, be nice.”
I pressed my lips together. “May I be excused?”