Page 4 of Omega Island
“I understand. No, it doesn’t disturb me. Luca probably told you I don’t respond like a normal alpha anyway.” It made my chest hurt to admit it. But Senta owned this place and he deserved to know my truth. Never once was I under the impression I was coming to a Caribbean version of Disneyland.
“He did tell me you are seeking rest. And healing.” He turned to face me, stopping me in my tracks. “He gave me a brief background on you. But he also informed me you are a complete gentleman. Luca is my best friend and I trust him. So that’s all I needed to know.”
My face reddened and I glanced away.
Senta cleared his throat. “Anyway, to continue your orientation, you can take meals in the dining hall at any hour of your choosing. Snack and drink carts are open from nine a.m. until sunset. The drinks are non-alcoholic, just to remind you. Except for special occasions, this is an alcohol-free zone.”
“That’s fine. I don’t drink.”
Senta’s smile merged into his features and for a moment he had an almost supernatural handsomeness. My vision blurred. I’d been kept away from such kindness and the beauty of the world for so long that sometimes my emotions started flooding to the surface without warning.
Senta’s eyebrows quivered a bit. He must have noticed my quick flash of emotion.
“Are you tired?” he asked. “Would you like to see your cabin now?”
“Yes, please.” My fingers, damp with nervous sweat, wrapped tightly around my satchel handle.
He led me down one of the thinner blue pathways and through some shade trees whose leaves clapped quietly in the wind.
This cabin was painted a soft blue and was quite small, but perfect for my stay.
Senta led me inside where there was a living room with an open kitchen design, and a single bedroom toward the back. Against pale peach walls, the curtains fell in dusky lavenders and grays. My bed was filled with pillows of all colors, and a lovely dark gray comforter.
Senta stood in the bedroom doorway, watching as I set my satchel on the bed. He pointed toward the closet where a suitcase stand was set up. My luggage sat on it, waiting for me. “Those were delivered before you disembarked the plane. We’re quite efficient here.”
“Thank you.”
He leaned against the door frame. “You have a fully stocked fridge for sandwiches and breakfast foods. But again, I suggest the dining hall mainly because we have a great chef. The food here is amazing.”
“I will definitely check that out,” I said.
“If you need someone to talk to during your stay here, we can arrange a therapist for you. We have both alpha and omega therapists, your choice.”
I shook my head. “I have my own back home. We’re in touch by text and Zoom. I wouldn’t wish to impose.”
“I wouldn’t offer if it was any imposition. We are a healing facility first and foremost. All of our staff has access to therapists if needed. It’s what we do well. But of course, we would never interfere with any current therapy you have.”
I couldn’t help but be reminded that they did sexual surrogacy, too. I had no judgments about it, but it had me curious. That was as far as it went with me. I certainly didn’t need that sort of therapy. I wasn’t an omega and I didn’t have heats.
“I’m fine. This is a beautiful place and I feel fortunate to be here.”
Senta nodded. “All right. If you need anything, text me. Along with the map, my personal phone number has been sent to you. As Luca’s brother-in-law, you are like family here. Remember that.”
“I’m honored by the first-class treatment.” I forced a smile. “I really appreciate it.”
That smile again. Like liquid sunlight lighting up his sharper features.
“I’ll leave you to unpack and rest, then.” Senta turned and walked out the bedroom toward the front door.
Something about him drew my gaze beyond my ability to comprehend. I walked to the threshold and watched him leave, unable to look away until he disappeared around a curve in the pathway and beyond the shade trees of my cabin’s front yard.
I blinked hard, then looked back across the living room to the bedroom. Exhaustion came over me all of a sudden. I staggered to the bed and collapsed on the mattress fully clothed.
3
Senta
After seeing Raimi to his cabin, I headed straight for the check-in area. I liked to be present for the orientation of every omega patient who came to the island.
