Omega’s Refuge (Rambling Cow Dude Ranch #1)

Chapter Six

The next morning, I woke feeling refreshed. It didn’t make much sense, considering I’d slept in a tent on the hard ground, but the fact remained—I’d had the best night’s sleep in months.

The morning was chilly, so I put on some layers of flannel and stepped out of my tent. As I neared the group gathered around the fire, Rex approached with a red enamel cup of coffee. “How’d you sleep?” he asked.

“Like a baby.” I smiled sheepishly, taking the cup from him. “A coyote could have snuck in my bag and joined me in my sleeping bag, and I wouldn’t have noticed.”

“Glad to hear it.” His expression was congenial, but there were lines beneath his eyes, suggesting he hadn’t slept as well as I had.

“How about you?”

He avoided my gaze. “Oh, I slept like a log.”

“Great.” He was lying; that was obvious from the lines under his eyes, but there was no point in calling him out. For whatever reason he didn’t want me to know he’d slept poorly. I inhaled the scent of the cooking food. “Do I smell bacon?”

“Yep. We’re having campfire bacon, biscuits, and gravy.” Rex moved away from me to refill the others’ coffee. “Should be ready in a minute. ”

Martha and Joe waved me over to sit with them. We chatted about fishing and the plans for the day as Rex and Gus served us plates of hot food. I cleaned my plate, consuming every crumb, and had another cup of coffee to round things out.

Once breakfast was over, Rex, Gus, and Ronny packed up everything but the fishing poles. Then we went down to the river and took another crack at fly fishing before we headed back to the ranch.

After such a great night’s sleep, I was in better spirits and feeling more energetic than the day before. Rex helped everyone bait their hooks, and he kept watch over us as we fished.

I was happy when he came over to me, even though his presence also made me nervous.

He leaned over my shoulder, watching me flick my line back and forth. “You’re getting the hang of it,” he said. “Good job, Tanner.”

“Yeah?” I grinned at him. “I still haven’t caught anything, though.”

He squeezed my shoulder, sending tingles down my spine. “You will. Even if you don’t catch anything today, you’ll have more chances in the next few days.” He grimaced. “I mean, if you stay, that is.”

I’d been thinking about whether I should stay or go home, and I’d come to the conclusion I didn’t want to leave yet. I hadn’t told anyone my decision, and I wanted Rex to be the first to know. “I’ve decided I’ll stay,” I said quietly.

“Yeah?” Rex’s face lit like a kid on Christmas morning.

“Yep. I finally made up my mind.” My face warmed because he looked so happy it made me feel happy too. “Why not, right?”

“Absolutely.” Rex dropped his head as if trying to get his glee under control. “Joe and Martha will be happy you’re staying.”

I laughed. “Just them?”

He lifted his gaze. “Obviously I’m glad. But you already know that.”

He was right. I’d known that Rex would be glad I was staying to finish my vacation. That was why I’d wanted to tell him first. His reaction was everything I’d hoped it would be too. “I mean, there’s only two days left, so it’s not that big of a deal.”

Rex nodded. “I guess we just need to make the best of the last few days, right?”

“Absolutely. Time is flying by.” The day Steve left had been traumatic and felt like a total waste. I’d spent the first half angry and emotional, and the second half still angry and emotional—but also sloshed. The only good part was that I’d been able to spend that time with Rex.

A muscle worked in his cheek as he studied me. “You can always extend your stay if you want to. Past the two days you have left. ”

I wrinkled my brow. “Wouldn’t I have had to book that in advance?”

He shrugged. “I’d make sure you’re taken care of.”

My gut tumbled at the way he watched me. He looked so hopeful, I was tempted to stay, even though it seemed like a crazy idea. “I have to go back to the real world some time.”

“This is the real world too.” He gave a coaxing smile. “Just think about it. No pressure.”

“I’m nervous about doing something that impulsive,” I murmured. “I need to go home and find a job.”

“You have your whole life to work. How often do you come to a place this amazing?” His voice was husky.

“I could always come back for a vacation once I’m employed.” I smiled.

“Yeah, but you won’t return,” he said softly. “You’ll get busy with life, and forget all about this place.”

“No, I won’t.” I met his gaze. “I’ll always remember this trip. This experience. I’ll… I’ll always remember you too, Rex.”

“Yeah. People say that, but then they never come back.” His smile was strained. “Anyway, you keep fishing and I’ll let you guys know when it’s time to leave.” He walked away toward the pack horses .

I went back to fishing, but found it difficult to forget Rex’s disappointed expression. In his line of work, he met new people all the time, but then they left and he probably never saw them again. That’d be hard on a person, especially if some of those connections were more personal in nature.

I disliked the thought that the attraction Rex and I shared might be something he experienced with other guests. But it probably got lonely here on the ranch. Was that why he’d given me so much attention—to break up the monotony? Was I just another omega in a long line he flirted with?

Does it matter?

I was being silly. What I needed to focus on wasn’t Rex, it was Steve. What drama would I face when I got home? Was Rex correct that Steve would regret how he’d treated me on this trip? Did I care? The pain and anger I felt were still very raw, and I couldn’t imagine giving Steve another chance. Not that I thought he’d want one. He was probably happy as a clam screwing Tony day and night. Fucker . Had he taken Tony back to my place and had sex in my bed? Nothing would surprise me at this point.

I felt like puking at the thought of them in my bed. Gritting my teeth, I pulled in the line of my fishing rod, and dropped my pole on the grass. I wanted to escape my tumultuous thoughts, but they went everywhere I went. With a harsh breath, I sat down on the ground, feeling dejected and angry. My earlier happy mood had vanished.

I was surprised when Joe came over and sat down beside me. “How are you holding up, kid?” His expression was sympathetic, and I suspected he hadn’t bought the story about Steve being called away for work.

I hesitated. “I’m fine.”

“That’s good.” We sat in silence for a bit, with just the sound of the river and birds in the cottonwood trees overhead. Then he said, “You know, when I was about your age, I was friends with an omega named June.” His smile was pensive. “She was my best friend.”

“Is that right?”

“Yep. June and I were inseparable all through our teens. Not romantic, mind you, just close pals.”

I didn’t respond, instead opting to tug at blades of grass as I listened to his story. I knew he wasn’t just sharing memories. He had a point he was trying to make.

“We ended up going to the same college too, and one night when we were both drunk, we kissed.” He laughed. “That was it for me. I was head over heels from that point on. See, I’d had a little crush on June our whole friendship, but she’d only seen me as a friend. But that night, things changed.” He winced. “Or so I thought.”

“She didn’t feel the same?” I asked .

“Well now, that’s the tricky part. She said she did. She flirted with me and even dated me for about a year. I was completely in love with her, and she told me she felt the same.” He sighed. “But you know what I learned from that experience, Tanner?”

“What?”

“Actions speak louder than words.” He shrugged. “I’d heard that phrase a million times over the years, but it hadn’t meant anything to me. Not until June broke my heart over and over again.”

I nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, don’t be sorry. Thank heavens June turned me down. That way I met Martha, who’s truly the love of my life.”

“You do seem really happy.”

“We are. Happier than I ever was with June. You see, I was hung up on the idea of June. I was caught up on the idea that our love was special. Because we’d known each other our whole life, I figured that meant our love was meant to be. I thought our love was stronger than any other new love could ever be.” He guffawed. “What a crock of you know what. The love I have with Martha blows what I felt for June out of the water.”

I smiled tentatively. “You got over June?”

“I sure did.” He sighed.

I grimaced. “I’m guessing from the conversation we’re having that you didn’t believe the story about Steve going back home because of work?”

“No.” His gaze was shrewd. “It was obvious you two were butting heads from the minute you got here.”

I winced. “Does everyone in the group think the same thing?”

“Oh, yeah. We weren’t fooled for a minute.” He gave a toothy grin. “But that’s okay. We don’t care why Steve left. We were just glad you decided to stay.”

My face warmed. “I’m embarrassed by Steve’s behavior.”

“That’s no reflection on you, kid.” He nudged me with his elbow. “Rex told me you’re staying the last two days now. I’m glad.”

“Going home early doesn’t appeal. I’m not ready to face all the drama that might be waiting for me back there.”

“Can’t blame you one bit.” He twisted his lips as he studied me. “Has he called groveling yet?”

“You mean Steve?”

“Yeah.”

I scowled. “No. I don’t think he will.”

“Oh, he won’t be able to help himself.” Joe sighed. “Alphas like him have a lot of pride. He won’t appreciate you staying here without him. He probably expected you to run home after him the minute he left. It’ll annoy him when you don’t show up. ”

“Oh, well,” I grumbled.

“I suspect he’ll try and hang on to you, if only for his pride.”

Resentment bubbled up inside of me. “He’d better not. I’m through with him.”

“That may be true, but he won’t care,” he said gruffly. “In my case, June didn’t want to let go either. She didn’t want me, but she didn’t like it when I moved on from her. She tried all kinds of things to mess up what Martha and I had. See, some people don’t want you, but they can’t let you be happy with anyone else either.”

I gritted my teeth. “I understand what you’re saying. I know alphas can be possessive—territorial, even when they don’t want you. But I won’t be receptive if he tries to keep his hooks in me. I’m done with him. He’s hurt me for the last time.”

“I hope that’s true.” Joe’s gaze wandered to where Rex was loading up one of the pack horses. “There are way better alphas out there.”

Remembering the way Martha had winked at me last night, my cheeks warmed. No doubt Joe and Martha had been gossiping about me and Rex being an item. “I’m in no hurry to replace Steve.”

Joe glanced over and he grinned sheepishly. “Am I being too obvious? Martha and I think the world of Rex. ”

“He’s great,” I said softly. “But I barely know him, and he lives here while my life is back in Billings.”

“Sure. Sure.” He nodded. “But we never know the future.”

Rex had said something similar to me the day Steve and I fought about leaving the ranch. We don’t know the future, Tanner . Of course, he’d been right. We didn’t know the future. I certainly had never imagined Steve would run off with another omega and leave me behind on this trip.

I met Joe’s gaze. “Thanks for telling me your story.”

He shrugged. “I figured why not share it? It couldn’t hurt, and your situation seems similar to mine. How a person treats you is who they are. It’s not their words that matter; it’s their actions.”

“I agree.”

“Okay, the lecture is over.” Joe grunted as he scrambled to his feet. He dusted off his rear, smiling. “I know this is none of my business, but I’m old, so I just say what I want these days. It embarrasses the heck out of Martha.”

“I appreciate that you care, Joe.”

“But I should mind my own business?” He chuckled.

“No, I didn’t mean that.”

He waved me off. “It’s okay. I get it. We all have to make our own mistakes, right? ”

I watched him go, touched that he cared enough to talk to me about that stuff, but still confused about what I should do. I was tempted to stay longer. Putting off finding a job another week wasn’t going to put me in the poorhouse. I had some savings to float me for a while. Plus, if I went home in two days, the odds of running into Steve at my place were higher. But if I stayed a bit longer, I might be able to put that unpleasantness off for a while.

Plus, I’ll get to spend more time with Rex.

Rex was obviously the main reason I was tempted to stay. My heart had been broken by Steve, but I knew Rex could help me heal faster than if I tried to do it alone. Nothing helped the ego after being dumped like the attention of another sexy alpha. Rex made me feel good just being in his presence. If we ended up sleeping together, sex would just be icing on the cake.

My heart raced at the idea of sleeping with Rex, but I was also conflicted. I was so damn attracted to him, it was scary. However, my breakup with Steve was so new, it felt wrong to even think about being with another alpha. Not counting Rex, I hadn’t really even looked at any other alpha since Steve had given me his bite. I’d done my best to be a good and faithful omega. Unfortunately, Steve hadn’t given me the same respect .

After a bit, Gus gathered up the fishing poles and we mounted our horses for the ride back. I pushed away all stressful thoughts, instead focusing on the natural beauty around me. It was early afternoon and the sun hung high in the clear Montana sky. The scent of sage mingled with the earthy scent of the horses, and overhead a red-tailed hawk circled above the swaying tawny grass.

I’d hoped Rex might make time for me on the ride back and was disappointed when he didn’t. He seemed preoccupied as he led our group through the beautiful wilderness. Despite appearing distracted, he still pointed out things of interest, like a small herd of pronghorns grazing peacefully near the edge of the trail. Their distinctive reddish-brown coats, white underbellies, and rumps made them easy to spot, while their dark horns, unlike the antlers of deer or antelope, gave them a unique appearance.

I tried a few times to smile at Rex, hoping he’d get the hint to come talk to me, but it didn’t work. He avoided me the entire ride, and I went to my cabin feeling confused and demoralized. I didn’t understand why his warm attitude toward me had changed so drastically. He’d been fine one minute and cold the next.

I took a short nap and then showered for dinner. After stepping out of the hot shower, I stared at myself in the steamy mirror. I looked tired, which surprised me since I’d slept so well last night. Perhaps it was just stress making me look paler than usual. I was definitely feeling a lot of anxiety, not only about Steve, but now also with Rex.

I shaved and patted on some cologne, trying to ignore the melancholy pang because the fragrance had been Steve’s favorite. I’d have to face many moments like that on my way to healing. After knowing Steve for so long, there were so many things we’d shared—favorite movies, foods, and songs. It would take a long while to become desensitized.

I left my cabin, shivering in the cool night air. Somewhere in the big oak trees above the main house, an owl hooted. When I entered the dining room for dinner, I was frustrated to see Gus sitting in the seat next to Rex—the one I usually occupied. I was forced to sit all the way at the other end of the table. At least I was seated near Tanya, Peter, and Joe and Martha, so I was in good company. Still, I was disheartened that I wouldn’t get that extra time at dinner with Rex.

There was no buffet tonight, so I didn’t even get a chance to stand near Rex in line for food. He did watch me a lot during the meal, but he didn’t address me or even smile. He still looked preoccupied. I couldn’t help but wonder what he had on his mind that had caused his usually friendly demeanor to turn so introspective. Perhaps I could corner him in the bar later and try to find out why he suddenly seemed so glum.

When dinner ended, I was anticipating going into the bar to hopefully chat with Rex. But when I entered the back porch, Ronny was the one tending the bar, not Rex. I tried to hide my disappointment as I searched the area for Rex, to no avail. I was too self-conscious to ask where Rex was, but luckily Joe had no such qualms.

“Where’s Rex tonight?” he asked, taking his beer from Ronny. “Doesn’t he usually tend bar?”

“Yeah, he asked me to fill in for him.” Ronny was a nice-looking, congenial omega with brown hair and brown eyes. “He went into town. He’s got the night off, and I think he might have a date.”

My stomach dropped like a sack of cement. A date? Rex had a date? Jealousy shot through me and before I even realized what I was doing, I asked, “Who’s he got a date with?” It was a silly question, seeing as we were only guests on the ranch and knew nobody in town. But the question just burst out of me before I could stop it.

Ronny shrugged as he filled a shaker with ice. “You wouldn’t know the guy. He’s a townie named Vance. He and Rex have been off and on for years. I guess they’re back on again.”

I felt like I’d been sucker punched at the news that Vance and Rex were lovers. Remembering how cool Vance had acted toward me the day Rex had taken me drinking, I now knew why. He’d been jealous. I struggled to keep my facial expression pleasant, and prayed I didn’t look as stricken as I felt. It was hard not to feel foolish when, apparently, I was the most gullible omega in Montana.

Rex had seemed so personally invested in getting me to extend my stay. His warm smiles and flattering words had made me feel special. While he’d never flat out said he wanted me to stay so we could be together, his actions had certainly implied that was what he’d wanted. Had I really misread him that completely?

When Joe gave me a sympathetic look, I wanted to flee to my cabin in embarrassment. Instead, I plastered on a fake smile and said flippantly, “Good for them. It must get lonely out here in the middle of nowhere.”

“It surely can be.” Ronny nodded as he poured an icy beverage into a margarita glass for Tanya. He pushed the glass across the bar to her with a wink. “Enjoy.”

“Thanks.” Tanya smiled.

Despite my best efforts to remain unaffected by news of Rex’s date, I felt flustered. I was starting to think I should give up dating altogether and become a hermit. Steve had blindsided me, and now Rex had too. It seemed I no longer had any ability to read alphas .

If Rex had a lover in town, there was no point in me staying. Rex had been the reason I’d been tempted, but I had no desire to get involved in some weird love triangle. Rex hadn’t acted like an alpha with an omega, so maybe his relationship with Vance was just sex. But from the possessive way Vance had acted at the bar, he seemed to think it was more. I didn’t want to get between them just because I thought a holiday fling might boost my ego.

Perhaps it would be best to just leave for home in the morning. I’d seen a car rental agency on my travels through Red Mine the other day. I could rent a car and go home early to lick my wounds. The ranch had lost its charm for me now. I didn’t know why Rex had flirted with me if he had an omega in town, but I’d had my fill of phony, philandering alphas.

I didn’t drink much during the evening, because I didn’t want to get a headache. But I stayed in the bar with Joe, Martha, Tanya, and Peter until midnight—mostly because I didn’t want to be alone. I was relieved Joe didn’t bring up Rex. I had no desire to talk about him, and certainly not in front of Tanya and Peter. I didn’t mention that I might leave in the morning either. I wanted to sleep on it before making a decision.

I left the bar first, and headed to my cabin, feeling dejected. I was getting tired of the highs and lows of my emotions the last few days. I didn’t want to be depressed or angry all the time, but things kept happening that were messing with my feelings.

I entered my cabin and as I started to close the door, I noticed Rex’s red truck pulling up in front of the main house. I intended to close the door, but instead found myself spying on him through the crack of the half open door. Even though it was silly to care, I was happy he hadn’t stayed in town with Vance all night.

The minute he exited the truck, it was obvious he was inebriated. I watched as he made a zig-zagging trajectory toward the guest cabins. I knew for a fact the ranch staff slept in cabins on the other side of the main house. “Why is he coming to the guest cabins?” I mumbled, still watching him.

When he got closer, I didn’t want to get caught snooping on him, so I closed my door and leaned against it. I listened to his footsteps on the gravel path outside, still confused about why he was approaching the guest cabins. I gave a sharp intake of breath when I heard the clomp of his boots on the stairs to my cabin.

I stepped back from the door, my eyes widening when, just two seconds later, Rex pounded on it and growled, “Open up, Tanner. I have something I want to say to you.”