Page 11 of Omega Island
I knew he needed time alone, yet I didn’t ask if I could sit with him. I simply sat.
He was a gorgeous alpha, actually. I certainly noticed. He sat with his muscled arms outstretched over the back of the bench, the sleeves of his kimono stretched up to expose his biceps, feet out, ankles crossed.
His blond hair blew back from his face in a gentle, humid breeze. He looked flayed in the sun, broken open yet guarded at the same time. This man Luca had sent to me was intriguing, hurt by another alpha as so many of the patients on this island had been. But Raimi wasn’t an omega. His strength and scent was without a question pure alpha force but without the conceit. I knew he didn’t see himself that way right now, but if he’d been a surrogate looking for a job, I’d have hired him on the spot.
Our conversation was casual and brief. Raimi thanked me again for letting him stay and we exchanged pleasantries. More than pleasant. I couldn’t deny being drawn to him in a way I hadn’t been to an alpha in a long time.
As we spoke, a heat wave came out of nowhere and nearly took me down. Momentarily disoriented, my instinct was to turn to him, to reach out. Sheer will kept me from making a major mistake, especially with an alpha who was recovering from trauma.
“Are you in pain? What can I do?”
“It’s nothing. Nothing major, at least.”
I made my excuses and nearly ran.
I headed for my private house and marched straight into the shower, shedding my kimono and underwear along the way.
I wasn’t a prude. I’d had my days in the sun. I enjoyed sex like anyone both in and out of heats, but when my heats ended, I was secretly glad not to be at my lovers’ beck and call anymore. My change of life had left me somehow freer and, strangely, more whole. I didn’t feel a need to gaze adoringly at alphas. I enjoyed being single and having time to myself. The urge to seek a mate had left me and I didn’t miss it one bit.
So why had I almost thrown myself at Raimi. I knew better. Raimi was still raw and vulnerable. I would never take advantage of someone like that.
The pain of the heat wave left me quickly. The cold shower took down my erection and the slick stopped running down my thighs. I was fine again. As if nothing had occurred. But I couldn’t trust myself right now.
Maxim was right. I needed to take a few days off.
6
Raimi
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Senta sitting next to me on the bench at the volleyball courts doubled over in pain. It threw my mind into a complete spin. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
I went back to my cabin and decided to go to the dining hall for dinner. If he was there, at least I could speak to him. I had the strongest longing to make sure he was all right. As if his pain were my own.
I dressed in a fresh dark blue kimono. I found I liked the robe-like feel of the island attire. It allowed air to flow freely, especially below the waist. The softness of the material was gentle against the skin and breathed well in the humidity.
I fastened on dark leather sandals, pulled my hair back in a tight tie, and left my cabin with a renewed purpose.
The sea breeze had picked up, coming salted and briny off the ocean hidden behind thick trees. As I headed for the dining room, I passed by a small lagoon sparkling in the gentle light of early evening. Sunset wouldn’t be for another hour or so, but the water gave off a blue iridescence that filled me up with awe.
I moved toward the edge of the lagoon where I could see the long, narrow channel that led out to the sea. Suddenly, two dark shadows darted beneath the surface. Together, they came up fast and did a synchronized leap through the air.
Dolphins!
I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. Instantly, it brought me back to the pure delight of childhood, of being alive and happy and secure.
As if knowing they had an audience now, the dolphins leaped out of the water again. One let out a chittering sound of merriment as he splashed back into the depths. I could feel my body react with their joy, my heart softening, my entire being caught up in the moment.
Swimming with dolphins—I’d heard it was the cure for just about anything. I couldn’t deny the endorphins suddenly coursing through my system while watching them.
The dining room, up a couple stories in a building next to the administration offices, was like a huge restaurant overlooking the lagoon and the sea. There was what looked like a soup and salad buffet. I was greeted by a host and a waiter and handed a menu.
“Are you meeting friends?” asked the host.
“No.” I glanced about and saw one person I recognized from my flight and I didn’t know his name.
“How about a small table by the window?”
“Yes, thank you.”
