Page 8 of Omega Island
“Yes.”
“That bird?” I gestured toward a pink and green parrot squawking as it flew overhead.
“As much as one can own wildlife. They are guests as well.”
“Each and every building, gazebo, bench and volleyball?”
“Every one.” He let out a short laugh.
I blinked. “It must be kind of heady.”
He leaned back, folding his hands in his lap. “Like a power trip, you mean?”
“Maybe.”
“And the fact that I’m an omega?”
“I didn’t mean that.” I sat forward. “Never even thought about it.”
He sighed. “Some do think about it. I can’t count the offers I’ve had over the years, and the meetings with powerful alphas who have already decided before ever introducing themselves that as an omega I will be happier and better off if I sell it all to them. It must be far too much for a little old omega like me to handle.”
“It is a lot, though.” I shut my mouth, terrified I’d spoken my thoughts without thinking and my body tensing for a slap. I knew better. No slap was coming. But deep inside my cells there was still a bracing, as if time had not moved forward at all and Straten was hovering nearby.
Quickly, I added, “I mean for anyone. I didn’t mean for what I said to come out like it was too much for you specifically.”
“Well, you’re right. It is a lot. We oversee a lot of troubled people. I have responsibilities to everyone, but I love my work. I have a wonderful staff. I hand-pick them all. They are my family and I let them know that when they come to work here. Every staff member from maintenance to the cooks to the therapists are all precious to me. More than employees. They love this place and have made it their home.”
As I listened to Senta talk about family and home, my heart lurched. If not for my brother taking me in, I would have had nowhere to go. Straten had a firm hold on all my money. I’d been stupid about that, letting him have access. When I left, I’d taken only a few clothes, nothing more.
After this little vacation, I had no idea where I’d end up. I had a degree in humanities, which left my future an unknown. I’d stumbled about with odd jobs and promiscuity before Straten, which had made me ripe for him to latch onto. I’d wanted an alpha-on-alpha experience. I’d been so naively impressed with his charm and strength.
“It’s a wonderful place you run here. On my first day I can already see that. Again, I thank you for letting me come here. I promise I won’t be a burden to anyone. I’m here to relax.”
“Yes, I know. But if you need it, I can offer more. Counseling. There’s swim therapy. A yoga class. Meditation. And more.”
I knew I wasn’t ready for classes. Nothing with groups. Nothing where I had to conform to any schedule.
“Thank you. I’m fine.”
“I just want to make sure you know everything here is available to you.”
“Even though I’m not an omega?” I asked.
“Yes. We’re not that different, you know. As people.”
“I didn’t mean—”
Senta held up his hand. “I know you didn’t.”
“I only meant I don’t want to make the omega patients uncomfortable.”
No response.
I bowed my head until my chin nearly touched my chest. Maybe I’d said too much.
The next thing I knew, a gasp came from Senta. I turned my head and saw him hunched over himself, his mouth open.
I straightened, starting to reach out. “Are you all right?” My hand went to his back but didn’t touch. My body trembled as it refocused from my own self-centered thoughts to something outside it.
