Page 45 of Omega Tricked
“You’re being silly. I’m happy to take care of you,” I said softly. “I owe you my life, Lex. Let me do this.”
He met my gaze, and shame seemed to wash through his eyes. I knew how prideful alphas were, and assumed he didn’t like feeling weak. “You’re a good omega,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
I gave a stiff laugh. “Sorry for what? Being sick? You can’t help that.”
He dropped his gaze. “I suppose.”
“Come on. Get your clothes off.”
He slowly unzipped his jeans, and I averted my eyes. There was the swish of clothing, and then he moved under the blankets. When I looked back, his cheeks were flushed, and his shoulders were bare. That familiar nudge of lust went thorough me at the sight of his muscled torso, but I made sure not to show my feelings. What kind of a jerk lusted after someone who was sick?
“I’m going to call Charles, and then I’ll make you some chicken broth.”
He rolled over onto his side, his blue eyes darker than usual. “I don’t want you to go to a bunch of trouble for me.”
“Stop.” I pulled the covers up higher on his shoulders, feeling a need to comfort him.
He closed his eyes and whispered, “Thank you, Dylan.”
I patted his hip and moved to the door. I glanced back at him and found him watching me. I smiled and left the room, closing the door behind me. It had been such a long time since I had anyone to take care of. I’d almost forgotten how nice it felt to care about someone. And I was beginning to truly care about Lex. I had to be careful though. I didn’t want to fall for him because he’d be going soon, and he’d never return my feelings. But it was a relief to realize I actually might be capable of falling for someone again someday. Lex was reminding me that there were good alphas in the world too. Alphas you could depend on, who would protect you, not hurt you.
My hands shook as I dialed Charles’s number.
“Charles Pederson here,” he said curtly as he answered.
My stomach clenched, but I forced myself to speak. “Uh… hey… Charles. It’s Dylan.”
There was a short silence and then, “Yes?”
“I’m afraid we’ll have to postpone your interview with Lex.”
“Why?” he demanded.
“He’s sick.”
There was a gruff, unpleasant laugh on the other end of the line. “What kind of bullshit is this?”
“It’s not bullshit. He’s sick, and he needs to rest.”
“Dylan.” He sounded tired. “He’s faking. I’d bet my left nut on that.”
Anger rose inside me. “He’s not. You’re just too suspicious for your own good.”
“And you’re gullible,” he snapped.
“No. He’s sick, and you’ll have to wait to grill him.”
He exhaled roughly. “Fine. But if he tries to stall longer than a day, it better be because he’s on his death bed.”
“God, you’re a hard man.” I scowled.
“I don’t want him hurting you or anyone else in the compound. He’s a dangerous man, Dylan. I’m not sure why you’re so attached to him, but it’s a mistake. I can see him clearer than you can. You have rose-colored glasses on.”
“He saved my life!” I growled. “He’s the reason I’m not still kidnapped. You weren’t there. You have no idea how awful and terrifying that was. He got me out of there, and I’m grateful to him. You should be too. But instead, you’ve been a dick to him from the moment you met him.”
He didn’t speak immediately, but when he did, his tone was patient, almost indulgent. “I’m just worried for you, Dylan. I know what you’ve been through, and I don’t want you hurt again. Lex is the kind of man who will use people to get what he wants. I know his type on sight. You’ll see. When I finally have the chance to get his actual information, I have little doubt I’ll find a treasure trove of deceit and lies that will make your head spin.”
“You’re wrong.” I gripped the phone so tight, my fingers hurt.
