Page 89 of The Rejected Omega
It’s a lie, but this is the last place I want to linger.
Mac’s eyes hover on me for a beat, then he nods. “Alright. But we’ll fix this, you hear me? This isn’t how it ends.”
I shrug. “I’m used to being disappointed.”
I’m sidling down from the too-tall bar stool when I hear the front door open.
I smell Connor instantly; I’m still hyper-attuned to his scent.
I whip my head back to Mac.
"Stall for me. I'm not ready to see him yet."
“Mac!” Connor yells. “Where are you?”
Mac sighs. "Thought I was finally done playing secret-keeper."
"Please, Mac."
"Fine. Guess it's time to face the music."
Mac goes into the entry hall and swings the kitchen door shut behind him.
"Son. Wasn't expecting you."
"She's here? Where? I can smell her." Connor’s voice is rough.
"Just missed her.”
I hear Connor stride into the living room, his boots heavy on the hardwood floor. Mac’s softer steps follow.
I let out the breath I was holding. I can sneak out the back door and walk to the bus stop, but curiosity stills me.
“Listen, I know you’re angry?—”
“Stop. We're done. No more holidays, no more birthdays, no more calling ‘just to check in.’ I've been trying to preserve my relationship with you because of Mom, but this—my mate?—"
"I know."
"Shut up. Let me finish. You lied to me. Every time I asked about her. Every time I came to you asking for advice, told you I felt discordant with my alpha?—”
"I'm sorry, son."
“Sorry doesn’t mean shit. I can’t believe you. I lostyearswith my mate. You only had Mom for twelve. You know how important time is. What it means to me. Yet you’d steal ours? How dare you?”
The part of me that still aches for Connor wants to announce my presence. Instead, I hover near the door, cracking it just enough to see a sliver of the living room.
Connor is pacing back and forth, his movements tight with barely leashed energy. He looks like he hasn't slept since he left yesterday. Is he wearing the same clothes?
“I played my part, but you need to take ownership of this, too. You told me you would be at that ceremony. Toldher."
Connor spins on his father. His jaw tightens. "And I’ll be punishing myself for that for the rest of my life. But you had no right to keep this from me.”
“I was protecting her."
“She didn’t need your protection! She neededme.”
“You weren’t there. She nearly died, Connor.Icarried her out of those woods. She wouldn’t have come out on her own. The amount of guilt I felt—I owed her my silence more than I owed you answers.”
