Page 43 of Omega Scarred

I find her on the deck, looking out at the ocean. We're about a week out from the mission, when we'll all head into Solstice Bay and hunker down in a safehouse until it's time to hit Matthias Winslow's mansion compound.

I clear my throat to get her attention and she turns around, giving me a small smile. I can feel my resolve slipping as I look at her, but I push it down.

This isn't about me, it's about the mission.

I wish Rafe and Fallon would remember that too.

"Jade, we need to talk," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. I already feel stupid, unsure of what I'm here to say. She can't help it--I know that. But I've tried chastising Rafe and Fallon, and they don't seem interested in anything but fucking her into next Tuesday.

"Of course, what's up?" she asks, all business.

"It's about the guys," I say, keeping my voice low. Rafe is still possessive; he would be pissed if he saw me talking to her like this, especially when half the time he's mad I'm being rude to her, and the other half he's trying to convince me we should all just pack up. "They're distracted, and it's because of you. I know you can't help your scent, but we need them to focus on the mission."

Jade's expression changes from one of understanding to one of annoyance. "I'm an omega, Hawk. I can't exactly control how they feel about me."

"No, of course not," I say quickly, not wanting her to take this the wrong way. "That isn't what I--"

"You know," Jade says, interrupting me. "Back in Solstice Bay...this is exactly how alphas talk. Like omegas make alphas crazy, when they could showa little more self-controlif they really wanted to."

She steps closer, looking me boldly in the eye. "Do I make you crazy, Hawk?"

I stiffen, trying desperately to ignore the way my hormones are raging at her simple proximity.

I lick my lips nervously, feeling my palms start to sweat. This wasn't supposed to be about me, but her question has me doubting everything. My self-control, my motive for approaching her...this was all just an excuse, wasn't it?

For the past couple weeks--ever since Jade took Rafe and Fallon as her mates, as her pack--I think I've been jealous. I've never been the type. I've never cared about an omega like this, I've never been impulsive.

But Jade makes me all those things, and I'm terrified of the effect she has on me.

"It's not just me, Jade," I say, trying to regain some composure. "Rafe and Fallon...they're both struggling to stay on track. We need to be meticulous when we go to the Winslow house."

"Mychildhood home," she says. "I know how dangerous it is, and I want you to know that I care about Rafe and Fallon...and you too, even if I can tell you don't like me."

"It's not that I don't like you," I tell her.

She raises an eyebrow at me, clearly skeptical. "Really? Because you've been pretty cold to me since day one."

"It's not personal," I say, my voice softening. "I just...I can't let my feelings get in the way of the mission."

"And what feelings are those?" she asks, taking another step closer. Our bodies are almost touching now, and I can feel the heat radiating off her skin. My body is screaming at me to just give in, to stop worrying about the mission and focus on the omega in front of me, but I know I can't.

"I don't know," I say honestly. "I've never felt this way before."

Jade reaches up, her fingers trailing down my cheek. It feels incredible. Better than sex.

"You can't help how you feel, Hawk," she murmurs. "And neither can Rafe or Fallon. But we all agreed to this mission, and we're going to see it through."

I nod, staring into her eyes.

"You're right," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "We can't let our desires get in the way of what's important. We have to stay focused."

Jade smiles softly at me. "I'm glad you understand."

We stand there for a moment, just looking at each other. The tension is thick, but we both know what we need to do.

"I should go check on the others," I say, taking a step back. "Make sure they're on task."

"Of course," she says. "I'll see you later."

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