Chapter Thirteen
My mouth fell open as shock rippled through me. I blinked at him and whispered, “Wha… what did you say?”
His cheeks were flushed and he looked a bit nervous, but there was a stubborn tilt to his jaw. “You heard me. There’s no reason to go back to Billings. Stay, and I’ll protect you. I’ll be your alpha.”
I swallowed, still grappling with what he’d said. I couldn’t deny the idea of being his omega was tempting. Exciting even. But I couldn’t let him fall on his sword for me. That wasn’t right. He felt sorry for me and so he'd made that insanely noble offer. However, it seemed wrong to accept, knowing the situation wasn't fair to him. I carefully pulled my hand from his grasp. “Rex, I… I can’t do that to you.”
“Do what to me?” He frowned. “I care about you, Tanner. You’ve said if you didn’t have to worry about money, you’d want to have this child. I can help you with that.”
“While I… I did say that, I can’t let you become my alpha and saddle you with a baby that isn’t even yours . Why would want that burden?” Alphas didn’t usually like taking on children from other alphas. They were generally too prideful .
“I don’t care that the child isn’t mine.” He wrinkled his brow. “All I know is, you need help. You need the protection of an alpha right now. I’m happy to give you that to you.”
I dropped my gaze, feeling embarrassed. “I’m not a charity case. I’m sure I can go back to Billings and find a job.”
“Sure, but it’ll be really hard on you. Why go through all that? You said yourself it would be difficult dealing with morning sickness and, after the abortion, needing time off to heal.”
“I… I know, but still.”
“What is there for you in Billings?” He hesitated. “You have no family there. You’ve said you’re through with Steve. If that’s true, why go back?”
“Because it’s my home.” Even if I hated living there, it was technically home.
He shrugged. “You could make a home here. Then you could keep the child and I’d help you raise it. You wouldn’t have to worry about looking for a shitty job every few months. You could have a more stable life.”
“But I can’t just live off of you, Rex.” I blinked at him. “I’m too prideful for that.”
He sighed. “Why? I have plenty of money and no one to spend it on.”
“Still, it wouldn’t feel right.” I raked a shaky hand through my hair. “Plus, I can’t just uproot my life and… and move here. ”
“Why not? You said you hated living in the city. Why not take a chance? Why not make a change?” His expression gentled. “On the ride down the mountain, you said you had regrets about wasting your life. Now’s the time to change that. Let me help you change that.”
“But, it’s too crazy of an idea,” I murmured, trying to ignore the niggle of excitement growing inside of me. “I’d be crazy to even consider this.”
“Don’t be silly. You'd be crazy not to accept.” He gave a coaxing smile. “This is a good place to raise a child, Tanner. There’s plenty of fresh air and room to run. Boy or girl, I could teach them to rope and ride.” His eyes glittered with excitement. “Being your alpha wouldn’t exactly be a chore for me either. You already know I’m very… attracted to you. I wanted an omega and a family one day.”
“You wanted that in the future. Not right now.”
“I thought it had to be in the future because there was no omega in my life.” He sighed. “You’re the only omega I’ve been really attracted to in ages, Tanner. I didn’t want you to go back to Billings. I think I made that embarrassingly clear.”
“I didn’t really want to go home either,” I admitted. “Or I wouldn’t have stayed longer.”
He looked pleased. “Then why not explore this thing we’ve started with each other? ”
“There’s a difference between exploring something, and tying each other down.” When his jaw tightened, I realized he'd misunderstood my point. “What I’m trying to say is, I don’t want you to feel cheated.”
He wrinkled his brow. “Cheated how?”
“Well, what if you claim me and help raise my kid, but then one day realize that you wished you’d waited for a different omega?”
His blue eyes flickered. “That isn’t going to happen. I guarantee it.”
“You can’t guarantee that. You barely know me.”
He dropped his gaze. “Trust me when I say I’d never regret it if you agree to my offer.” He peeked up at me. “Never.”
I held his gaze, torn between temptation and caution. Despite everything he was saying, this had to be out of pity. He felt sorry for me and wanted to help. Could a marriage of convenience really work between us? Our sexual connection was undeniable, and we genuinely liked each other, but was that enough to build a lasting relationship? Would one or both of us wake up someday wishing we’d waited for true love?
“If we do this… I… I can’t just live off you, Rex. That doesn’t sit right with me. But I don’t see how I’d find my kind of job all the way out here.”
He looked hopeful that my response wasn’t an outright no. “I was already going to talk to my brother about helping to sell your art. I can just do that now instead of later.”
“But, you’ve never even seen my art.”
“You’ve made a living as a graphic artist for years. I’m not worried. Nobody would have hired you if you sucked.”
I laughed at how he’d worded that. “Maybe that’s true, but that still doesn’t mean the art I create for myself is any good.”
“I’d bet a kidney it’s amazing.”
I shook my head. “For all you know I’m no better than a toddler with crayons.”
He smirked. “I’ve seen some pretty talented toddlers.”
“Rex, I’m serious. I could be a talentless hack.”
“Oh, come on. I don’t believe that for one minute. I just know you’re gifted.”
“Why do you have such faith in me?”
“I don’t know.” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking thoughtful. “I just believe in you, Tanner.”
My heart warmed at how sincere he sounded. “You really are too nice, Rex. You’ll be taken advantage of if you keep this up.”
He shrugged. “So long as you’re the one taking advantage of me, I’m good with it.”
I grimaced. “I don’t want to use you.”
“I don’t see this situation that way. What I see is an omega who needs an alpha, and an alpha who wants an omega and a family.” He took my hand in his again, a little line between his brows. “Say yes, Tanner. We could be happy together. I just know it.”
“Rex,” I whispered, “this is crazy. We’re practically strangers.”
“You knew Steve much of your adult life and look how that turned out.” He sighed. “Might as well try a new approach.”
My cheeks warmed. “It’s true knowing Steve a long time didn’t guarantee a happy ending. But I still worry you’ll regret this if you meet an omega you’d rather be with.” My thoughts drifted to Vance and jealousy ate at me. “Maybe you’ll decide you should have been with Vance instead.”
He scowled. “No way. Vance isn’t anyone I’d ever be serious about.” He leaned closer, his eyes glittering. “I want to be your alpha so that I can protect you and the baby.”
“Why? Why do you care what happens to me and this baby?”
“I just do,” he said quietly. “Who cares why?”
I studied him, taking in the sharp angles of his handsome face and the fullness of his lips. He was stunning. Kind. He could have anyone, why fixate on me? Why didn’t the thought I was pregnant from another alpha upset him? “You really don’t care that this baby is Steve’s? ”
He grimaced. “I mean, I wish it were anyone’s but that guy, but it’s not the baby’s fault his father is a jerk. I’ll take care of your baby like it’s my own, if you give me the chance.”
Once more excitement shivered through me. The idea of being his omega had my body thrumming with anticipation. Being Rex’s omega would provide me so many things I craved: security and a family of my own. If I said yes to Rex, those things would be mine.
I swallowed nervously. “Do… do you really think your brother could help me sell my art?”
His face changed instantly and his whole demeanor lightened. “Absolutely,” he said reassuringly. “I’m positive Jack will be able to help you make money selling your art.”
“If you’re wrong, then what? I don’t want to do this if I don’t have any income.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Tanner, if I have to convince Mrs. Rodwell to hire you to wash dishes, I’ll do it. But I’m sure Jack will come through.”
“I guess so long as I have some income, maybe it would work. But I definitely need to contribute to the finances. That's not negotiable.”
He bit his bottom lip, seeming to struggle to keep his emotions in check. “Does this mean you’re truly considering my offer?”
I let out a shaky breath. “I… I can’t believe I’m saying this, but yes. I'm seriously considering your offer. If… if you really want me.”
“ If I really want you?” He shook his head and moved closer, slipping his hand to the back of my neck. “You know I want you, Tanner.” He gently pulled me forward and he kissed me.
The warmth of his mouth excited me, and I kissed him back. Was this really happening? Was I actually going to take this crazy chance and be Rex’s omega? We were going to raise this child together ? I was in shock, but also in a happy sort of dreamlike state. Because of Rex, this horrible situation was turning into something good.
I shivered at the idea of Rex claiming me. If I agreed to this, there was no way that wouldn't happen. He wasn't going to be with me if I wore Steve's bite. No, he'd replace Steve's bite with his own, and I'd be proud to wear his mark on my neck. But it wouldn't end there. Once this child I carried was born, Rex would want to have more babies with me. He was an alpha and he'd want to continue his bloodline. My body throbbed with lust at the thought of carrying his offspring. If he were my alpha, instinctively I'd need to experience that with him.
When the kiss ended, he said, “Thank you for putting your trust in me, Tanner.”
“Thank you for offering to help me and the baby.” I sighed. “But I want you to know, this won’t be a one way street. I’ll do my best to please you and make you happy. I’ll be a good omega to you, Rex. ”
He smiled. “I already know that. We’ll take care of each other and the baby, okay? We’ll make a happy home for the child.”
“Okay,” I whispered.
Looking pleased, he lowered his head and kissed me again. Only, this time, his mouth was hungry and possessive. I could already feel a change in him now that he knew I wanted to be his. His energy was different. More territorial. My inner omega relished that change in him. I yearned for his protection, guidance, companionship through whatever came next. With him by my side, I wouldn’t have to navigate parenthood alone.
His hands slid over my body, and I could feel him restraining himself from pushing for more. He pulled back, giving a sheepish laugh. His eyes were a light blue and his cheeks flushed. I suspected his alpha was trying to take over.
He blew out a shaky breath and stood. “I need to leave, or I’m gonna claim you right here.”
“You sure this is what you want, Rex?” I asked softly.
“Without a doubt.” He ran his tongue over his bottom lip, lust sparking in his eyes. “Are you sure, Tanner? I only want to claim an omega once There will be no going back from this. I’m not a fool like Steve. Once you're mine, you're mine.”
A thrill shot through me at his rumbling, greedy voice. “If I'm honest, I’m kind of in shock at what’s happening.” I sighed. “But at least now I have options because of your kindness and chivalry.”
He grimaced. “I'm no saint. I'm not just doing this out of the goodness of my heart. I'm being selfish.”
“So am I. You’ve thrown me a lifeline and I’m grabbing hold. But we have a good foundation of friendship, and I have hope we'll be a good pairing.”
“We will be,” he said confidently. “You’re making the right decision, Tanner. Take it from me—you need to live the life you want, not the one everyone else thinks you should.”
I gave a weak smile. “It's pretty sad that we both had to almost die to come to that realization.”
“That it is. But at least we woke up before it was too late.”
“Yes.”
“Now.” He let out a shaky breath. “I’m going to go back to the ranch before I get myself in trouble.” He gave a gruff laugh. “I’ll call Jack tonight and see about selling your art, and I’ll pick you up tomorrow when they discharge you.”
“Okay.” My cheeks were warm as he held my gaze. “This is so weird, right?”
He nodded. “Weird but amazing.”
“Yeah. ”
He leaned down and gave me a soft kiss, staring into my eyes once he pulled his mouth from mine. “I’ll do everything in my power to make you happy, Tanner. Trust me.”
“I do.”
I did trust Rex—as much as I could trust anyone after what I’d been through with Steve. I believed Rex would do his best to be a good alpha. I, in turn, would do my best to make sure he never regretted taking on this responsibility. Because, whether I wanted those insecurities to linger or not, deep down, they were still there.
****
While Rex and I were excited about beginning our new life together, Mrs. Rodwell looked less than enthused when I arrived at the ranch the next day. She forced a smile when she greeted us outside my cabin, but her eyes held no warmth.
“Rex informed me of the situation.” Her voice was stiff. “To say I’m surprised would be an understatement.”
My cheeks warmed at her obvious disapproval. “It’s a surprise to us too.”
Rex shifted uneasily. “A good surprise.”
Mrs. Rodwell flicked her gaze to him. “Of course. I know Rex has wanted an omega for some time now.” Her tone seemed to imply any omega would have done. I found her displeasure of our union odd. She'd implied her initial problem with me had been she’d worried I was leading Rex on. But now I was going to stay here as his omega. Shouldn’t she have been happy for him?
“I assume Rex told you about the baby?” I asked.
Her gaze flickered. “He did. From what I understand it’s Mr. Turlington’s child?”
“Yes.” I touched my stomach defensively.
She flicked her gaze to Rex once more, looking uneasy. “Does Mr. Turlington know about the baby? I certainly wouldn’t want him showing up here starting trouble.”
“I haven’t decided whether to tell him yet or not.” I grimaced. “I need to figure that out. It’s all still really new.”
Mrs. Rodwell nodded. “You should probably tell him. Alphas deserve to know if they’ve sired offspring, even if they don’t want to be with the omega any longer.”
She always managed to say things in a way that ended up making me feel bad about myself. I wasn’t sure if she did that intentionally, or if she was simply naturally tactless.
“I just need time to think about things,” I murmured.
“I’m sure Tanner will make the decision that works best for him.” Rex gave me an encouraging smile.
I smiled back. Mrs. Rodwell’s energy was intimidating and I appreciated he was trying to run interference for me. I met her cool gaze. “I don’t want drama any more than you do, Mrs. Rodwell.”
“Of course not.” Her smile was strained. “But is there some reason you wouldn’t tell Mr. Turlington about the child?”
Is that any of your business?
I decided to play nice and answer her. She was close to Rex, and I didn’t want to be at odds with her. “To be honest, Steve didn’t want kids, so part of me thinks he doesn’t need to know.”
“I see.” She pushed her hands into her coat pockets. “Well, I’m sure you’ll figure it all out.” She turned to Rex. “Would you want me to have your things moved into Mr. Smyth’s cabin, Rex?”
He hesitated. “Maybe hold off on that for now.”
I frowned, uncertain of why he was telling her that. If he was going to be my alpha, why wouldn’t we move in together?
Mrs. Rodwell seemed happy at his response. “Absolutely. It probably is best if you two get to know each other better before living together. You wouldn't want to put yourself in a situation where you accidentally lose control and claim an omega you don't really want.”
Rex scowled. “Oh, I'm claiming Tanner. I only hesitate right now about moving my stuff in because Tanner and I haven't had a chance to discuss our living situation yet. The respectful thing to do is discuss that with Tanner before I make a decision for him.”
Mrs. Rodwell’s face twitched. “Oh, right. Well, I’ve got a bunch of phone calls to make, so I’ll leave you boys to talk.” She turned on her heel and strode toward the main house.
Once she was out of ear shot, I said, “She is not happy with this situation, is she?”
He grimaced and he put his arm around my shoulders. “So what? She doesn’t get a say.”
I smiled up at him. “She doesn’t seem to know that.”
“She’s protective of me.” He led me up the stairs and into the cabin. Once inside, he dropped his arm and went to sit at the chair near the desk. “But all I care about is what you want, Tanner. Not what she wants.”
I perched on the end of the bed. “Okay. Good.”
He clasped his hands. “So, if you’re okay with us moving in together, Mrs. Rodwell can assign us a larger cabin. If you think that’s what you want, I’ll ask for that. But if you feel the need to get to know each other better first, I’m okay with that too. There’s no pressure.”
I studied him. “You don’t care either way?” I wasn’t sure if that bothered me or not.
“I didn’t say that,” he said quietly. “I’m being respectful. This thing, it just happened and real quick too. Maybe you’re not ready to have me living with you yet.”
I frowned. “But you plan on claiming me, right?”
His eyes darkened. “Hell, yes. You know I do.”
Excitement thrilled through me. “Okay. Well, how would that work if you didn’t live with me? Do you plan on claiming me and then just going back to sleep at your own place?”
He laughed gruffly. “That’s not exactly how I pictured things with us, but I don’t want to do anything that spooks you either.”
“You think if you want to live with me, I’ll run back to Billings?”
“I don't know.” He sounded hesitant. “Maybe?”
I smirked and stood. “You must really think I’m a chicken shit.”
He watched me approach. “No. I… I don’t think that.”
“What is it then? Why don't you want to room with me?” I stopped in front of him. “Are you afraid I snore?”
He didn’t laugh like I expected. His expression was very serious as he put his hands on my hips. “I'm afraid you're going to change your mind about this whole thing any minute.”
“What do you mean?” I frowned. It hadn’t occurred to me he’d have insecurities like I did .
“I offered my protection to you when you were in the hospital, scared.” Guilt washed through his eyes. “Maybe I took advantage of you. Maybe this isn’t really what you want, but I talked you into it.”
I laughed outright, and he looked surprised. “Rex, I’m not that easily swayed. If… if I didn’t want this, I’d have rejected your offer.” I straddled him, and his breathing quickened. “I’d have no trouble telling you I didn’t want you to claim me.” Leaning forward, I whispered against his ear, “ If I didn’t want you to claim me.”
He shivered. “Okay.”
“And I want to live with my alpha.” I touched his cheek, loving the little contented sigh he gave. He was so much more responsive than Steve. I could tell I affected him, just like he did me.
“You don't know me well yet, and I don't want to make you uncomfortable.”
I shrugged. “We'll get to know each other faster if we're living together.”
“True. But maybe you want some space. Somewhere you can retreat to at the end of the day if it all gets to be too much.”
I smiled. “If it all gets to be too much, that's when I'll need you most. I don't want to have to walk across the ranch to get a hug.”
“You make a good point.” He looked thoughtful. “I could ask Mrs. Rodwell for a two-bedroom cabin? We could share the living space but have our own rooms. Then you wouldn't have to walk across the ranch for a hug, but you’d have your privacy.”
I frowned. “Are you the one who needs space and a place to retreat, but you're trying to be tactful about it?”
“What?” He laughed. “Hell, no. I don't need space. I'm trying hard to be considerate. I want to share your bed, Tanner. Don't get confused about that. But I realize we don't know each other well. I'm trying to be cognizant of how that might bother you.”
I took hold of the front of his shirt. “Stop trying to second guess me every two seconds. It's going to cause issues. If you keep that up, I'll start thinking you're having second thoughts about claiming me.”
He grinned sheepishly, looking boyish as a lock of blond hair fell onto his forehead. “I ain't having second thoughts. I'll stop being so thoughtful because I can see I'm confusing you.”
“You are. I'm not used to a nice alpha. You need to remember that.” I leaned forward and kissed him.
He responded, slipping his hands up under my shirt. I shivered at the warmth of his rough hands on my skin. He pushed his tongue into my mouth, and I moaned. We kissed for a few moments more, then he said softly, “We're definitely moving in together. I want to be able to wake up in the middle of the night and feel my omega’s body against mine.”
“Yeah?” I rocked against him, feeling turned on. “I like the thought of waking up with you every morning, Rex.”
“Same,” he rasped, scraping his blunt nails down my spine. “How’s your hand feeling?”
I smirked. “I forgot I even had hands.”
He grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”