Page 33 of Generation Omega: Claimed
CHAPTER 19
MACKENZIE
I follow Tillie toward the stairs leading to the top of the yacht. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was floating, something a person of my stature is incredibly unlikely to do. Midway up the steps, I realize the tiny woman who is my home has paused, her hand reaching toward me, seeking the connection of our touch.
Once my hand is intertwined with hers, she continues, her heart fluttering in time with mine, a dance felt by the first alpha who adores her. I’ve never known love, so I can’t be surprised that there is no jealousy, no selfishness, no need to claim and own—just a heartfelt desire to accompany this amazing woman on the journey life chose for us, no matter where it leads.
At the top, she turns, her eyes a shockingly lovely blue, their grey obscured by the brightness all around us. I’m suddenly imagining how the reverse would be true if I ever have the chance to introduce her to Scotland and the grey granite and equally grey skies so common in Aberdeen. Joy fills me at the thought of Tillie meeting my sister and my best pal. Maisie and Dougal, wherever they are, would be so thrilled to know her and that I am where I’m meant to be at last.
“I thought this might be a good place to take care of those…” Her words fade, but her gaze fixes on my many bites. “I’m prettymuch done being inside—it’s all a little too stuffy right now, but here…” She smiles at the expanse around us, both above and below, and then waves her hand toward the mattress meant for sunbathing, though it’s currently covered by a shade.
“I’m glad to be with you, anywhere is fine.”
Tillie points at the awning. “I’m guessing you’re no better with the sun than I am, though I probably need some.” Her attention lingers on the bed that’s covered with a blanket and pillows, surely provided by Ethan at her request. “Will you sit with me? I have some questions before we…”
“Of course.”
She stares down at our joined hands and then playfully tugs me as though her light pull could move my much larger body. The truth is that I’ll be wherever she needs, the lure of her presence the only force necessary. Together, we walk toward the space and sit, our hands remaining linked.
Tillie’s worrying her lip as she looks at me with such interest, like she might be able to read my thoughts if she just stares hard enough.
“Just ask, Tillie—I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
Sweet dimples form as she stares up at me. “I love how my name sounds when you say it. I love your accent. I hope you don’t mind, but one day, when all the chaos falls away and we’re safe, I expect you to read me to sleepeverynight.”
“Why wait? We have your books here.”
She releases a deep, rueful laugh. “Oh, no, not those ones. They might get your innerOryall worked up and violent. The alphas are definitely a work in progress in those books, but best groveling ever.” Tillie exhales and studies our hands. Still looking down, she adds, “I know what I want to ask, but first, I need to make sure you know that you’re allowed privacy. You don’t have to answer just because I’m…”
Freeing myself to follow my instincts, I release her hand and reach for her, setting her on my lap. “Listen to me, Tillie. I want to know you, and I want you to know me. I have no walls, nothing I want to hide from you. My worst secrets, my best memories—if you want to know them, I want to share them.”
I want to smooth away her frown, but I’ve taken enough liberties already. I just wait for her to speak, while the water laps pleasantly against the ship and a light breeze blows.
“I felt something earlier, and I want to understand. Was your heart really locked before you touched me, and if so, what did that mean for you? Have you ever been in love?”
“I’ve felt such shame around this topic, what was always missing in my life.” I gently stroke her cheek, as she leans into me. “But I can’t find shame now, only relief, as I confess this truth. I’ve never loved anyone romantically, because it would have been wrong and also impossible. I didn’t have a full heart to share, and what kind of man would risk another person’s heart just to avoid being alone?”
Not wanting to give a false impression, I quickly add, “I dated and such when I was younger, before I had the sense to know that I wasn’t like other people. But once I got older and understood that a question inside me needed answering, I took better care to avoid relationships.”
The sorrow in her eyes, the absolute empathy directed my way, only makes me love my new home that much more. “I’m sorry you were alone for so long. I would never wish that on you, though…” A spark of something amusingly sinister lights her face. “… maybe this is better. I’m much less likely to enlist Ory to help me hunt down all the women who hurt your heart, since it appears there weren’t any. It’s actually a good thing I didn’t have Ory around when I was a kid, because I totally would have sent him after the bullies.”
Then she laughs freely. “That’s totally a lie—I enjoyed making those boys cry and run home to their mommas.”
“Well, just know, Ory and I are available for whatever you need, no matter what level of violence is involved.”
Her hands tentatively raise and move over my face, learning my features, discovering the texture of my beard, even gliding along my lips. She’s pleased with my appearance and not at all afraid of my size, which is a relief. Her gaze grows softer as she continues to stare at me, while our hearts beat together, their cadence gleeful.
“Mackenzie…”
“Yes, Tillie?”
“I just realized something.” Her thoughts obviously darken but then bounce back a moment later. “There’s somethingIwant.” This beautiful lassie appears mystified by whatever she’s about to say, and I don’t interrupt, trusting she’ll find her way through whatever maze has trapped her.
“I want to bond you, and I want you to bond me—likeright now.” Her words fly so quickly, taking me completely by surprise.
“But, lass, you just said you weren’t ready for more bonds, and I would never want to rush you into anything.”
“I know that.” Her hands remain on my face, as though she can’t remove them. “But I want this. My inner omega bonded Ory, and all I feel about that is jealousy. She dug her teeth into you a dozen times, and I’m feeling downright possessive. I want my teeth in you. And I want your teeth in me.”
