Page 38 of Generation Omega: Claimed
“That really happened, didn’t it?” I whisper, sharing the most memorable details about our time in his inner garden.I remember everything so clearly, the garden like nothing I’ve ever seen or imagined—more like something out of a movie created by amazing artists using sophisticated computers.
“It did happen. It’s where I go when I’m not in control. It’s heaven, and the fragrance is yours.”
I nod. I knew it instantly. “Mackenzie, show me more about your life. Our introduction was cut short. I saw your sister and some hulking friends of yours, but I want to see everything.”
Mackenzie strokes my cheek so tenderly as he opens his past to me, taking me on a guided tour of his life. He told me the truth, but experiencing his loneliness, grief, and shame is harder than I imagined it would be. Even now, there’s a hint of worry that his lack of experience in love is somehow a weakness.
No, Mackenzie—I say that right into his head and urge my heart to send that message directly to his heart. Your love is an undiscovered vein of gold.
Darn it. I need better words. I’m not a poet. I’d rather show him with my hands in clay or some other medium that will last forever. But since he’s hearing all my frustrated thoughts, I might as well continue.
“Romantic love is messy, and it often costs as much or more than it gives. But your heart and your belief in love are pure. Your heart has never been damaged or broken. You haven’t installed another row of barbed wire after each heartbreak, like the rest of us. You’ve never been betrayed or experienced the absolute crime of being taken for granted, and you’ve never been left behind when your lover’s heart grew cold. Honestly, I haven’t experienced all of that, but I’ve seen enough to know exactly how rare you are.”
I place my hand over his heart. “I’m sorry you felt such loneliness and even invisible as the world seemed to leave you behind. But your pure heart is an incredible gift to me, this pack, and our mission.”
The full picture forms in my thoughts, an image I share, and then I explain to Mackenzie while knowing Ory is listening too.
You are my reflection, Mackenzie, and I’m yours. You’ll give me the strength and courage to hold my own when alpha sensibilities clash with my omega heart. That’s why it’s so important that Ory keeps you safe and away from the darkness. I have five other alphas—plus Ethan—to handle all the violence that comes our way, but I only have you to remind me of the garden we’re meant to create for everyone.
I gasp, panic igniting like a lightning bolt striking dry brush.
“Tillie, what’s wrong? Your thoughts are moving too quickly. I can’t understand.”
The omega legacy arrives to run interference, keeping Mackenzie out of my thoughts.
It’s true.That’s all it says, and I’m living in the quicksand of guilt.
The push of Gideon’s thoughts reaches me.Are you okay?
Meet me in the master suite. I need to talk to you.
Of course.
“Hey,” I say to Mackenzie, whose eyes are brimming with concern. “I know we still have some serious bondmark tending to do, though our alter egos did their part, but…”
“It can wait. Will you tell me what’s wrong? I didn’t do something…”
“No, of course not. It’s about me, but I need to talk to Gideon, so…”
Mackenzie immediately sits up, helping me back into my wrap dress that the feral duo managed not to destroy. Before I leave him, I lean and kiss his lips.
Still kissing him, I think my next thoughts quite strongly. I know we just met, but I want you to know that I love you, and I’m so glad you’re here.
Thanks for being my home, Tillie.
Walking away from Mackenzie is a serious challenge, but I do it, hurrying down the stairs and through the main level, ignoring everyone on my way to the spiral stairs. I’m still rushing when I enter the master suite where Gideon stands beside the bed, looking imposingly gorgeous—occupational hazard, for sure.
“Baby girl, your thoughts are out of control. I can’t decipher anything, but it’s clear something is wrong.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, attempting to completely stop my thoughts. When that fails, I consider what I don’t know about how my mental alpha links work. What’s the range? If I’m with one alpha, can they all hear me? Is there any way, other than chatting incessantly with the omega legacy, to get some privacy?
I’m too agitated to think, so I try something different. I slip my fingers just beneath my dress, running them over the new bondmark on my breast. Ory, shield Mackenzie for me.
I don’t know whether he heard me, but then a booming voice enters my thoughts.He’s safe. Carry on. Let me know when I should bring him back.
My exhale explodes out, and my shoulders slump.
“Tillie,” Gideon says roughly, “what’s going on?”
