Page 16 of Omega Inked

"Fuck me," I mutter. "What's keeping him?"

"Probably just taking the long way around to make sure he isn't being followed," Liam says. "You know...I was actually thinking..."

He pauses.

"What?" I ask.

"No," he says, shaking his head. "It's stupid."

I snort and cross my arms. "Now I gotta hear it."

"Okay," he says. "I was thinking it might be nice to like...get Olivia some stuff for a nest."

My jaw drops. I can't help it.

"Liam, are you kidding me?" I ask. "We aren't her pack."

"I'm not saying we are," he cuts in. "But she still deserves the best, right? I mean, this is her first heat and she's on the run in some shitty dingy."

I roll my eyes, trying to keep myself from lashing out. Liam is always so damn noble, putting everyone else's needs before his own. I know he means well, but right now, I can't handle his selflessness. Not when Olivia is so close, her scent driving me mad.

"And," he continues, "You need an excuse to get off the boat and get some air, and you'll seem less suspicious if you're acting like an alpha would. So like...go get some stuff at the nearest store, take in the air, walk. I can keep an eye on her."

I nod, considering his words. It's not a bad idea, really. And maybe getting some distance from Olivia will help me clear my head. "Alright," I say. "I guess it couldn't hurt."

Liam grins, clapping me on the shoulder. "That's the spirit," he says. "I'll text you when Mercer arrives."

I take a deep breath as I leave the boat, trying to regain my composure. The air is cool and salty, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore is soothing.

But nothing is enough to distract me.

Because on some level, I know that Olivia is already mine.

I'm not sure how long I wander the streets, my mind consumed with thoughts of Olivia and what I want to do to her. I know it's wrong--I shouldn't be thinking like this--but I can't help it. It's like a switch has flipped inside of me, turning off any sense of logic and reason, and turning on a primal, animalistic desire.

As I walk, I come across a small, unassuming store. The sign above the door proclaims that it's a gift store for omegas, and I feel like a fool as I walk across the threshold with my hands shoved in my pockets. A pang of guilt hits me as I step inside, knowing that Liam's words have influenced me more than I care to admit. But the moment I see the plush blankets, cushions, and pillows lining the shelves, I know that I'll be doing this for Olivia.

I gather what I can find, trying to choose the softest fabrics and the comfiest cushions. I even grab a few candles like I'm trying to set the mood, scented with vanilla...just like her.

It's only when I'm at the checkout, paying for my purchases, that I realize what I'm doing. I'm not just buying Olivia things to make her more comfortable--I'm buying her things to make her mine. And as guilty as I feel, I can already feel myself losing all resistance.

She wants a claiming mark so bad...we could give her one.

Right?

Me, Liam, and Mercer are basically already a pack. Sure, we've sworn off omegas--and it would be hard to convince Mercer, most of all---but we can take care of her. We have the resources to get her out of Solstice Bay, and then we could all...I don't know.

We could be a family.

Help other omegas.

Be with her.

Fuck, I don't even know this girl and she's already changed everything for me.

And when I get back to the boat...I'm going to show her.

7

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