Page 66 of Generation Omega: Claimed
“Right, but your alphas won’t allow you to conduct our firstsuper-secretmission—retrieving clothes from a van that will make Ory less noticeable.”
I’ve officially contracted the giggles. “When Ory’s in charge, he looks about twice as huge as when he’s Mackenzie.”
Ethan’s head is bobbing in agreement. “I know, right? Not subtle at all.” With absolutely wicked intent, Ethan muses, “Maybe your next ten alphas will include some gamers who never leave their basements and are only known by mysterious handles. That would be great, huh?”
I almost choke on my muffin. “Bite your tongue, dude. No more alphas—I’m putting my foot down about that. So, what’s the plan then?”
“Alpha Commandis still working that out.” His humor settles, and I know we’re moving toward the not-fun part of the plan. “You ready for the rest?”
I nod, already grimacing.
“It won’t be for long, but we’re going to have to split up at first.”
My stomach lurches and drops. “What?”
Ethan moves toward me, kneeling in front of my chair. “It’s okay. You’re going with Ory in one car, and the rest of us are taking another. If everything goes well, we’ll meet at a small airport, but if not, you and Ory will take off, and we’ll catch up with you somewhere else.”
“We shouldn’t split up,” I whisper, hoping to hide my trembling.
“Hey, just breathe. We have to do this. The cars that are waiting in the lot aren’t big enough for all of us. Ory will protect you—you know that.”
I flinch. “I’m not worried about me. I’m worried about you and our pack. It’s bad enough that we’re leaving without our designated assassin, but to split up too…”
Wafting love vibes slam me through my alpha bonds. I don’t fight their support. I seek more by running my fingers over Gideon’s bondmark, which releases the tension in my lungs, allowing me to breathe. But still, dread is squatting on my chest and seems unlikely to ever leave its post.
“The last time we were in the real world together, you got shot.”
He thankfully doesn’t dismiss my concerns or attempt to laugh them off. “I know, but our circumstances are different now. We have a pack, and these guys mean business. We’re more prepared now, and I’m with the omega legacy on this… you need to trust your alphas.”
Baby girl, it’s time.
“Are you ready?” Ethan asks, studying my face.
My heart is pounding like a war drum played by an anxious rookie. “I have to be, don’t I?”
Clearly conflicted, Ethan nods. “We all have to be ready. It’s what we’re all here for.” He rolls his eyes and reaches, grabbing something I didn’t notice until he presents me with a black baseball cap. “Your disguise.”
I gape at the hat and then Ethan, not bothering to conceal all that’s dubious and uncertain festering within me. “We need to get better at this.”
“We will, Till. Promise.”
I release a shaky breath and put on the hat, adjusting my ponytail so it comes out the back. Ethan stands and I join him, and together, we leave the suite and head up the circular stairs to the main level where my alphas, except one, are waiting.
I immediately search for Jameson. In response, Gideon tilts his head toward the dock. I turn, my attention locking onto myinfamous alpha, now wearing a baseball capanda hoodie. How the hell is theFirst Songoing to be anywhere without attracting a crowd? This is crazy.
I’m squeezing Ethan’s hand so hard mine aches, as Jameson approaches a white van in the parking lot. He leans down near the back tire and then rises and opens the sliding door. After grabbing a duffel bag, he shuts the door and walks casually back to the yacht.
When I try to rush toward him, Ethan gives me a tug to keep me in place. Only after Jameson is inside the cabin with us does Ethan release me to lunge toward my wily, complicated alpha. Jameson tosses the bag to Ory and then snatches me in his arms, setting my feet on the couch before kissing me as possessively as ever.
I think you missed me, sweets.
His invisible lasso constricts around me, and I abandon my stress as he claims my mouth and my soul at once. I’m dizzy when he pulls back, his hands holding me to keep me steady.
“Now, princess, I don’t want you getting too fussy about being away from me. I know your life didn’t really begin until you met me, but you should be able to muddle through a little distance without too much suffering.” His glittering amber eyes assess me shrewdly. “But if you don’t show some sorrow about my absence, I’ll be tanning your ass at our reunion.Miss me or else—that’s what I’m saying.”
“Yes, alpha,” I breathe, desire warring with my unruly nerves. But I’m also struck again by all that doesn’t make sense. I have Jameson’s bondmark that’s currently zinging with need for him to go down on me like his life depends on it. He’s definitely hearing all my thoughts as I imagine him doing exactly that. We’re forever bonded, and yet, I still can’t smell any distinct scent from him.
I don’t understand it, and I’m seriously miffed because it’s not just Jameson. Neither Mackenzie nor Ory have scents either, and I don’t know whether they’re defective or I am. Or, worse, whether the omegaverse is punishing me by denying me scent matches that matter to me, maybe more than they should.
