Page 115 of Generation Omega: Revealed
“Let’s go up top, sit together, and make some decisions.”
Gideon drives his dinghy closer and throws me the line. I tie it off. As soon as Gideon’s aboard, he grabs the professor’s rope and offers the professor a hand. The professor declines to be touched and makes his way onto the yacht.
Before we head to the bridge, there’s one thing we must decide. “In my opinion, we should keep moving. Our proximity to that estate is problematic at best, and, at worst, it’s deadly.”
Gideon looks to the professor, who nods his agreement. “Then let’s keep moving.” He points at the dinghies. “Catch or release?”
“More likekeeporsink—I don’t want two unexplained boats floating around. I have others if we need them.”
Gideon considers and I wait, making room for him to decide.
Gideon’s expression once again mimics his mutant principal role, which seems to amuse him. “I think this is an excellent opportunity for our first team-building exercise. Let’s keep them—we don’t know what’s coming next. If we have to abandon this fine yacht in a hurry, we may need them. Kazimir, you’re the teacher now. Tell us what to do.”
I never knew dinghy deflation and storage could be perceived as sinister, but the vibe coming from the professor is about as pleasant as noxious fumes.
I wonder how painful I can make this for him, without even touching him. Weapons come in all shapes and sizes, including sarcasm.
CHAPTER51
KAZIMIR
To get underway as quickly as possible, I restrain my evil impulses regarding the professor. I can’t credit my newfound maturity though—it had more to do with the gaping void in my connection to Ethan, a sure sign that the legacy was speaking to him. My curiosity may prove lethal if I don’t discover the direction of the legacy’s guidance soon.
On the bridge, I claim the captain’s chair, while Gideon and the professor sit together on the L shaped couch to my right.
As I turn on the engine and we begin to move, the professor speaks in a hushed tone. “Is she alright?”
Gideon frowns. “You can feel her heart, can’t you?”
I keep my eyes on the sea as the professor shares that he’slosthis connection to the omega. He’s bereft about something I never wanted, but I take no joy in his suffering because the thought of losing my link to Ethan is horrifying. If it can happen to an omega’s alpha, then the same could certainly happen to a beta’s alpha. I’m rattled by even the awareness of such a threat. But I’m bonded to Ethan. The professor isn’t bonded to the omega. Surely, that makes a difference, and yet, it doesn’t ease my concern at all.
Gideon is predictably kind. “She’s fine. They’re having a picnic right now, and she really likes the cupcakes. Strawberry frosting is her favorite.”
The professor gapes at Gideon. “Youknowthat—that level of detail?”
“Yes.”
The professor considers the information and then turns his focus on me. “And you—you bonded the beta. Do you know what they’re doing?”
I don’t want to share anything about Ethan with the professor, but this is important. “I see through his eyes if I want. The omega just licked frosting from her fingers. Ethan’s happy to be with her, but he’s also nervous about what comes next.”
The professor’s impatience travels from me to Gideon. “What does that mean?”
Gideon thankfully answers, probably sensing the danger in direct discussions about Ethan with the man who doesn’t think he belongs with us. “They’re working to find their way back to each other, bravely facing everything that’s happened.” He shakes his head, briefly stewing about something. “In honor of their courage, I have something to share.” Gideon pulls aside the collar of his shirt, revealing a small omega-sized bite.
Thatcher lurches forward to get a closer look. “She did that? It was only rumored. I’ve never heard of an omega actually doing it. How? I mean… how did youearnthat?”
Gideon doesn’t answer at first, and I understand his dilemma. “It’s important that you understand our omega, so I’ll share a few details. One, she loves Ethan. You think I’mbreaking protocolby declaring him a member of the pack. But the truth is that there’s no pack without Ethan—end of story. Two, I earned her trust by helping her to break free from the omegaverse.”
“You… you didwhat?” the professor stammers.
“I know, Thatcher. This is all happening in ways that don’t fit your preconceived ideas about the omega legacy. It’s becoming abundantly clear why you’re struggling with everything—connecting with her, adapting to unexpected alpha selections…” He tilts his head toward me. “… and gaining control over yourself and your alpha urges.”
“Abundantly clear? What do you mean by that?”Professor Angstyis about to get the wake-up call of his life, and no one could deliver it better than Gideon Blake.
“You’re the only member of our pack who came into this with a mountain of expectations for all of us, including yourself. You’re definitely judging yourself for not living up to what an alpha should be—whateverthat is. You’re judging Tillie for not being what youthinkan omega should be. You’re judging Kazimir for not being an appropriate choice, even though his skills and knowledge are invaluable.”
My shock is not hidden at all.
