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

Chapter Twenty

When we got back to the ranch, Rex insisted I go straight to bed. He said he’d handle everything with the movers, and I was so tired from all the stress of the day, I didn’t argue. I crawled under the covers, and before leaving, he perched on the edge of the bed, watching me.

My hands rested lightly on my stomach as I held his gaze. Neither of us spoke at first, but then he said, “I’m going to go have a talk with Mrs. Rodwell.”

I winced. “I don’t want you to lose your job because of my drama.”

He frowned. “Dismissing what she did as ’your drama’ negates the seriousness of our relationship, Tanner. You’re my omega. She had no right to interfere in our personal business. She didn’t want Steve showing up here causing trouble, but then she went out of her way to send him to us, where there’d be a guaranteed confrontation? That’s bullshit.”

I exhaled tiredly. “She’s old fashioned. She really believes I’m a bad fit for you.”

His eyes hardened. “I don’t give a fuck about her feelings on the issue of you and me.”

My pulse spiked at how angry he sounded. I touched his arm, hoping he’d calm down before he approached her. “Look, I’m fine and the baby is fine. There’s no need to make anything huge out of this. Maybe just ask her nicely not to interfere ever again.”

“I don’t feel like that’s enough. I’m pissed,” he growled.

I laughed gruffly. “You don’t say?”

He looked sheepish for a moment, but then he scowled. “I don’t understand her. She knows I want this. Why would she interfere?”

“Isn’t it obvious? She doesn’t think I’m good enough for you.”

His mouth thinned. “Who is she to judge you? What does she even know about you? She’s being ridiculous and I’m not going to put up with it. If I have to find another job, I will.”

Anxiety buzzed through me. “Now, don’t do anything rash like quit, Rex. Just talk to her calmly . When she finds out what happened, there’s a good chance she’ll feel awful.”

He shifted toward me. “Why are you being so forgiving? You could have lost the baby simply because she stuck her nose in where it doesn’t belong. Why aren’t you as angry as I am?”

“Seems to me you’re angry enough for both of us.” I smiled weakly.

He took my hand, rubbing his calloused thumb over my skin. “I was really scared back there, Tanner.”

“Me too.” I met his gaze. “I… I was scared I’d lose it all. Even this. Even you. ”

He frowned. “You thought you’d lose me?”

I shrugged. “Let’s be real. You… you only claimed me because I was in a rough spot. You stepped in like a white knight to save me because of my pregnancy. If… if I lost the baby, then there would be no need of your chivalry.”

He didn’t speak for a moment, appearing to consider his words carefully. When he did finally speak, his voice was gentle. “Is that what you were thinking the whole time at the ER?”

“Yeah. Of course.”

“Tanner, I don’t think you grasp how I feel about you. I thought I’d gotten my point across to you, but apparently not.”

I blinked at him, waiting for him to continue.

He cleared his throat. “It wasn’t just the baby that made me offer to be your alpha.”

“But of course it was.” I frowned.

“No.” He shook his head firmly. “As I told you before, I believe we’re fated mates.” He grimaced. “It’s uncomfortable to admit, but I wanted to claim you before I even knew about the child. I felt driven to be with you. The baby… that… that was just my excuse so that you’d agree to be my omega.”

My throat tightened as I wordlessly held his gaze.

“You were destined to be mine.” His eyes had shifted to a now familiar golden brown, a telltale sign that his inner wolf was in control. My pulse quickened as he ran his tongue over his bottom lip. “And I was destined to be yours.”

He’d told me all of this before, but until that moment, I hadn’t been sure I believed he believed it. But he did. I could see the certainty shining in his eyes. “So, even if I’d lost the baby, you would have stood by me?”

He looked almost insulted. “Of course.”

A rush of excitement and relief washed through me. “I thought maybe you just wanted me so you’d have a ready-made family.”

He laughed hoarsely. “Tanner, I’m more than happy to make a family with you. Surely you know that? This child won’t be our only child.”

Goosebumps rose on my flesh. “No?”

He cocked his head. “You had to already know that.”

I squeezed his fingers. “I didn’t want to assume things.”

He gave a curt laugh. “I can’t keep my hands off you. If you weren’t already pregnant, I suspect you would be by now.”

I shivered, lust nudging me.

“You want babies with me, right?” For the first time during the conversation, he looked uncertain. “Or is this one sided? Was I just there when you needed help?”

“No,” I said quickly, my face warming. I was embarrassed to admit just how much I wanted his children. But he looked so unsure, I had to be honest. “I want everything with you, Rex,” I said softly.

Relief painted his rugged features. “Then that’s what we’ll have.”

I gave him a pointed look. “So, maybe don’t get fired? That would throw a wrench into our happy future.”

“I won’t get fired.” He brought my hand to his lips, and his warm breath made my skin tingle. “But Mrs. Rodwell is definitely going to hear what I think of her behavior.”

“Rex,” I whined, “Just let it go.”

He shook his head stubbornly. “Nope. No way. She overstepped.”

“I didn’t realize how bullheaded you are,” I muttered.

“Only about certain things.” He carefully lowered my hand to the comforter, and stood. “Now, you rest and I’ll call the movers and make sure your things made it to storage. I’m heading back to the apartment after that to pack up what you want brought here. Seth is going to help me.”

“I hate that you have to go all the way back there for my things. That should be my problem.”

He sighed. “I can see it’s going to take some work to get you to comprehend the idea that we’re a team . Your problems are my problems and vice versa.”

I smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. ”

He ruffled my hair. “It’s okay. I’m a patient man.”

I murmured, “I’m beginning to believe you really are as good as you seem, Rex.”

He smirked. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you all along. I’m a good guy.”

I sighed. “I think maybe you’re the best.”

****

I had no clue what exactly Rex said to Mrs. Rodwell, but as the next few weeks passed, she was like a changed woman toward me. She spoke respectfully and even smiled on occasion, although her face looked like it might crack. She stopped interfering if the staff wanted to interact with me too. She wasn’t exactly pleasant, but I could tell she was trying.

Today was the day I was supposed to meet Jack. He was set to arrive at the ranch any minute, and I was buzzing with nerves. I’d painted some new pieces to show him, but I had no idea if he’d like them. Maybe he’d arrive in a bad mood, annoyed his brother had dragged him all the way out into the middle of nowhere to see my crappy art.

I was excited at the idea of working with him. I’d looked at his website and he represented some really talented artists. I’d be honored if he wanted to sell my art, but I wanted that to be because I’d earned his respect, and not simply because I was Rex’s omega .

I jumped when there was a knock on the cabin door. My pulse spiked alarmingly as I went to greet my guest. When I opened the door, Rex stood on the porch with a slightly younger alpha. Jack resembled his brother, sharing the same blond hair and light eyes. But Jack’s gaze had a harder glint than his easy-going older brother.

“You must be Jack,” I said, voice wobbling. I’d intended to sound confident, but my nerves got the better of me.

“That I am.” Jack held out his hand and we shook.

“Come in,” I said, stepping aside.

Jack brushed past me, but Rex stopped and gave me a quick peck on the mouth. The brush of his lips helped calm me, and when I closed the door, I felt slightly braver.

“How was your trip?” I asked brightly.

“Not bad.” Jack peeled off his overcoat and laid it over the back of the couch. “It was only about a three hour flight to Bozeman, Montana, and then a twenty-five minute drive to the ranch.”

“Sorry about the inconvenience of coming all the way here.” I twisted my hands behind my back.

Jack grinned at his brother. “It was worth it to see, in person, the omega who made my brother take the plunge. I didn’t think it would ever happen.”

“You should talk.” Rex laughed .

“Yeah, but I don’t want to settle down. You’ve been wanting to find your mate for ages.”

Rex looked embarrassed. “I knew it would happen eventually. You’re making me sound desperate.”

“No, you’ve never been that. You’ve had plenty of chances to take an omega,” Jack murmured. “You simply didn’t do it.”

“I was waiting for the right one.”

Jack snorted. “Goodness, Tanner. You’ve turned my brother into a lovesick fool. I have to admit, I think anyone who wants to settle down is nuts. But to each their own.” He studied me. “You’re very attractive. I can see why you caught Rex’s eye.”

I shifted uncomfortably under his assessing gaze.

“Hey, stop ogling my omega,” Rex said in a teasing voice. “You’re here to appraise his talent, not his looks.”

“Can’t I do both?” Jack laughed, winking at me.

Not sure how to respond, I kicked into host mode, “Please sit. Would you like something to drink or eat after your trip?”

“No, I’m good.” Jack continued to watch me. “I’d like to see some of your paintings now, if that’s okay with you.”

Rex laughed. “That’s my brother. Always thinking about work. ”

“Well, that’s why I’m here, after all.” Jack shrugged.

“Oh, uh, of course.” I swallowed loudly. “They’re in my studio. Follow me.” My heart raced as I turned and headed down the short hallway to my studio.

I pushed open the door to my studio and the scent of oil paints and turpentine filled my nose. I’d arranged the newer pieces on easels, to showcase them better. When we entered the room, I stood to the side so that Jack could look at the art without me getting in the way.

“Do you always paint in oils, or do you also do acrylic?” Jack asked, moving into the room.

“I do both. I do watercolor too, if that’s something you handle.” I leaned against the wall, willing my heart to slow down. I was wracked with nerves as he slowly walked around the room, gazing at my art.

“You’re very talented, Tanner. These are even better than the ones Rex sent me photos of.” Jack gave me a little smile. “You have a good eye for composition and color. Your style is unique, but still commercial.”

I blew out a shaky breath. “That’s kind of you to say.”

He shrugged. “I’m not being kind. I wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true. I’ll be honest, when Rex asked me to try and sell your paintings, I was worried. Until I saw them that is. Everyone who paints thinks they have talent, and I didn’t want to have to tell Rex no. But I would have, if you weren’t talented. I don’t do charity.”

I grimaced. “Good. I don’t want charity.”

He nodded, his gaze keen. “Rex said you’ve been freelancing and doing commercial art, rather than selling your own art?”

“Yes. I needed to pay the bills and I couldn’t get any traction on my own stuff. Getting noticed wasn’t easy since I didn’t have enough money to promote myself, and I had no connections. The galleries in my area only wanted established names.”

“That’s generally how it goes,” Jack mused. “Either you already have a name, or you can drop a name.”

“Exactly, and I had neither.” I tried not to sound defensive.

Jack twisted his lips, studying me with his arms crossed. “Lucky for you, you met my brother.”

I stiffened. “While I am lucky to get this meeting because of Rex, I don’t want anything I don’t earn.”

Jack laughed and looked at Rex. “You weren’t kidding. He is prideful.”

My cheeks warmed. “It’s not pride.”

“Sure it is.” Jack shrugged. “But that’s okay. I respect that you want to earn a spot in my gallery. You should want that. I don’t want to work with someone who doesn’t think they deserve it. This is a hard business, and if I represent you, you have to be hungry and willing to work your ass off.”

“I don’t have a problem working hard.”

“Good, because there’s no free ride. I won’t try and sell art that I think is shit. That would hurt my business, and there’s nothing I love more than my business.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” Rex said sardonically.

Jack lifted one shoulder. “My brother disapproves, but that’s okay. He can live his life how he wants, and I’ll do the same.”

“I just want you to remember there’s more to life than money.” Rex leaned against the wall near me. “Sometimes I suspect you forget that.”

“That’s because money is the only thing I can count on, besides you, dear brother. Money never grumbles, or wants more of my time. It just sits in my safe and waits for me to come see it when I’m ready.”

Rex chuckled. “What a jaded view.”

Jack gave a sheepish smile. “Well, I may or may not have just had a messy breakup with a clingy omega. That messy ordeal has made me ten times more certain I don’t want to settle down.”

“Did you break off your situationship with Tad?” Rex asked, frowning.

“Tad?” Jack guffawed. “Oh, you need to keep up, brother. Tad was six omegas ago. ”

“Six?” Rex let out a low whistle. “You’re going to run through all the single omegas in Dallas at this rate.”

Smirking, Jack said, “Then I guess I’ll have to cross state lines to get laid.”

Rex chuckled.

Jack moved to one of my newest pieces. It was a painting of a father and infant, and I’d painted it the day after I’d almost lost the baby. I’d been feeling particularly emotional that day, and that had come through the brush onto the canvas.

“This one is exquisite,” Jack said softly. “Is this something you could make into a series?”

I frowned. “I could. I hadn’t thought about doing that, but I certainly could.”

Jack nodded, looking excited. “I think I know exactly the client that would buy this series.” He turned to me. “There’s a new fertility clinic being built in Dallas. They’re opening next month. They contacted me the other day wanting some unique pieces.”

“Oh.” Excitement nudged me. “How many pieces would they need?”

“Let’s see, there are the examination rooms and the lobby. I believe they also wanted pieces for the hallways and there are four floors.” He tapped his chin, looking thoughtful. “I think the minimum they’d want is fifty pieces. It could be more, depending on their budget.”

I bugged my eyes. “Fifty? ”

He shrugged. “Well, I’m estimating, but that’s probably a safe number as a minimum. If it were for a hotel, the number would be larger. Those pieces could also be more generic. The fertility clinic is an unusually picky client.”

I couldn’t help feeling demoralized. There was no way in hell I could produce paintings that fast. “You said they’re opening next month? I don’t think I can paint fifty paintings in that time frame, Jack.”

Jack frowned and then laughed suddenly. “Oh, wait, you wouldn’t have to paint all those paintings.” He bent over laughing, and when he straightened, he said, “No wonder you looked so panicked. You thought I’d expect all fifty to come from you?”

I grimaced, feeling confused. “That isn’t what you’re saying?”

He held out his hand to me. “No, sorry. I’d probably want five really special pieces from you. Similar to the painting of the father and child.” He gave another short laugh. “You must have been freaking out inside.”

“Kind of.” I smiled weakly, feeling relieved.

“No, what I generally do is, when a job comes in, I pick a few artists from my roster who have similar styles. Then they work individually on creating different pieces for the job. No one person is responsible for the entire job. I don’t believe in putting all my eggs in one basket, plus, that would be overwhelming for any one artist. I prefer to spread the work among my artists, and then no one gets burned out.”

“Yeah, that sounds much more doable.” I rubbed the back of my neck, giving a sheepish laugh.

Rex came over and squeezed my shoulder. “I misunderstood too, Tanner. I thought he wanted you to paint all fifty. I was afraid I’d never see you again.”

Jack sighed. “Sorry. I forgot you two are new to this. You have no idea how I work.”

I pushed my hands into my pockets and met Jack’s gaze. “So, do you think my style works for you? I guess what I mean is, would you only want me for that one job, or do you think you can use me for other jobs too?”

Jack glanced over at the easels that held my art. “I can definitely use you for other jobs, Tanner. You’re really good.”

Pride and relief washed through me because I believed him when he said he didn’t say things he didn’t mean. I appreciated that. I liked knowing where I stood with people. Especially if I was going to work with them.

I slumped. “Thank you so much, Jack. You have no idea how much this means to me. I don’t want to live off of Rex. I want to contribute.”

“I keep telling him he doesn’t need to worry about that, but he still does.” Rex shook his head .

“I can’t help it. I like having some financial independence. It’s not a trust thing with you, Rex. I… I trust you implicitly. It’s just something I feel I need to be at peace.” I met Jack’s gaze. “Thanks to you, I’ll have that peace of mind.”

“Hey, this arrangement is good for me too. Finding new talent is essential for my business. I look forward to working with you, Tanner.” Jack smiled. “And I don’t say that lightly. You’re a real talent.”

Rex leaned in and said softly, “Told you so.”