Page 16 of Generation Omega: Revealed
I blurt a goofy laugh. “And you gave me permission to invite my new buddy, Gideon Blake, over to meet the tutu-wearing bears, which issogenerous of you. Maybe we should head back to his table after this and see if he’s into poly relationships.”
Ethan chuckles, completely at ease. “It’syourbirthday weekend. If you want an action hero, you should have an action hero.”
I rest my hand over his on the armrest. “I already have an action hero. An MMA fighter, omegee, best friend and lover any girl could ever dream of—that’s you. And you are more than enough for me.”
Ethan exhales and leans closer, kissing my head. Then he flinches away. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Yeah, why?”
He gently sets his palm on my forehead. “You are warm, like seriously warm.”
“I feel fine.”
Ethan squints as he gives me his lie-detector stare. I clearly pass because he relaxes again. “I know you want to go to the rave tonight, but if you…”
“Actually, I don’t want to go to the rave tonight.” I didn’t know until I said it, and he’s as surprised as I am.
“What do you want?”
“You and me in the tub and then in a round room with the lights low holding onto each other until morning comes.” A strange and unexpected sorrow hits me, inspiring a few rogue tears to get loose, sneaky little jerks.
“That sounds amazing.” He brushes my tears away, frowning at his hand and then feeling my forehead again. “Till, you arereallywarm.”
I feel my own cheek, aware that isn’t the best way to test for a fever. “I bet Auntie Jem’s bears are sick all the time, with all that unrestrained dancing. I’m sure she has a thermometer and I’m more than willing to let you play doctor.”
Ethan’s exasperation is adorable. “Right after this ends, we’re going back and you will listen to your doctor’s orders.”
If he were an alpha, that would have been an alpha bark. “Yes, alpha.”
He mutters under his breath, “I think my omega is unruly. She might need a little discipline.”
“Oh…” I audibly gasp at that sexy suggestion. “Yes, please, alpha. I definitely need a spanking.”
Ethan’s face reddens and I don’t think it’s from embarrassment. “If you want to see this lecture and not be carried out over my shoulder, I suggest you tone it down,omega.”
My giggles are a little louder than I intend as the lights in the packed auditorium flicker to alert us that the lecture is about to begin. My focus turns to the stage as a woman walks toward the podium.
“That’s billionaire boss lady, Sage McGee. She’s the conference organizer, not the professor,” I murmur to Ethan as the truly stunning and confident woman stares out at the immediately silent crowd.
Sage begins by welcoming us and ensuring that we understand the rules about not recording the lecture.
While she’s sharing safety tips about the exits, I whisper, “She’s a legend in the omegaverse community. She’s a big part of why events like this exist and the reason for all the movies, books, and music, all the mainstream hype for such a counterculture belief—it’s all her. The omegaverse existed before her, of course, but it wasn’t like this.”
Ethan appears impressed as he studies Sage. “What’s the deal with not recording the lecture?”
“The professor probably wouldn’t come if it were recorded. It’s a huge deal that a professor of omega studies would even attend an event like this. The omegaverse movement has never had academic legitimacy… until now.” I smile at Ethan. “And we are here for it.”
“Yes, we are.”
Sage begins introducing Dr. Thatcher James Wellington the Third, which is possibly the snootiest name ever. I’m expecting a crusty guy wearing mismatched socks and a plaid bow tie.
Ethan hunches to be closer to me and keeps his voice low. “Why wouldn’t a professor of omega studies want to be here? These are his supporters, right?”
“That’s the thing. There’s a difference between studying omega myths and actually believing this is real. Most professors lean on the side of the historical importance of the myths, not the fandom’s belief that it’s all true and going to happen any second. Think about it—you can study Norse myths without believing Thor is going to show up and invite you to tea. Academia believes we are just a silly, superstitious cult, but if Professor Wellingtonthe Thirdis here, then he probably believes what we believe and that could wreck his career.”
“It is my true honor to introduce my good friend and fellow believer, Dr. Wellington.” Sage glances toward the side of the stage, where the professor emerges and walks toward her.
“Well, dang,” I blurt, bowled over by just how incorrect my assumptions were about the good professor.
