Page 57 of Dream Mates (Into The Parallel Omegaverse #2)

Chapter Thirty-Six

Grace

I ended the call, wishing Evan could talk longer but it was Thursday. He probably had things to finish so that he could meet up with Riley. I had no idea where I was on campus.

Riley. I texted her and asked her about getting the footage from the cafe.

Overwhelmed, I slumped on a bench and texted Wes.

Me

Love you.

A sob escaped my lips. That woman hurt me.

“Hey, it’s okay.” Creed sat down on the bench next to me. “Can I hug you?”

I nodded and let him hug me.

“Come on. Verity said I could use her car. I’ll drive you to your alpha. Where is he?” Creed asked.

“It’s fine. He’s not far. He’s at…” I checked my phone, “Strauss Chemicals?”

“It just so happens, I know how to get there. I did an internship there during undergrad,” Creed told me.

“I told you to leave,” a female voice snapped.

“Leave me alone. I already had an asshole parent, thank you very much,” I retorted, looking up. Adriana Thorne scowled at me, her scent spicy with anger, making my own anger flare.

Professor Thorne was nowhere to be seen, but then I think he had to go teach a class.

“I. Am. Not. Her. But I’m curious why you think I’m not? I’m guessing you know that she is actually dead and thought it would be better for your mate to look for her all these years instead of telling him the truth? Because you got to you’re not her pretty quick,” I added.

“Do not presume to know what happened,” Adriana growled.

“If you’ll excuse me, I really do have some place to go. Unless you’re going to push me again? That’s assault right? There were lots of witnesses, possibly cameras?” I goaded, standing. She crossed a line. I’d done nothing to her.

Creed stood and frowned. “Why do you think it’s not her, Mom? I mean, you don’t even know how old Dr. Ellington is.”

“It doesn’t matter. Because she’s not–and she’s too old to be Barrett’s, so she must have read about Zain and is after our money,” she snapped. “She’s probably not even a real blonde.”

Who was Zain?

I laughed. “I don’t need your money. Creed, let’s blow this place.”

Creed frowned at his mom and put an arm around my shoulders. “Yeah, let’s get you to your alpha.”

I half expected her to order us not to leave.

Instead, she huffed off in the other direction. “I’ll have your career,” she yelled.

“Try me.” I flipped her off.

Creed sighed as he led me someplace. “Sorry. I know this is a sore spot for the family, but I wasn’t expecting her to hurt you–even to protect my dad.

While the yelling and threats are spot on when she feels we’re in danger, grabbing you isn’t.

Are you all right? I can take you to the Center clinic, there’s one down the street. ”

“I’m fine.” Actually, my knees hurt, so did my wrist. “I can’t wait for her to figure out what pack I’m in and where I work. That’s what, three pumpkins?”

“Probably. Don’t hate Hale. He’s a reckless asshole, but not an intentional one. He didn’t mention you, he just told Dad that he was having coffee with me. Apparently, it’s not unusual for Dad to get a cup of tea before this lecture.” Creed sighed again as a parking lot came into view.

“Are you sure it’s not a problem to drive me?” I asked him, not wanting to be a bother.

“No.” He shook his head.

For a moment we drove in silence. I texted Spencer.

Me

On my way. I’ll wait for you in the lobby.

“Is there a reason why you don’t think you’re our Grace?” he finally asked.

Because I’m not from your world.

“Does it matter? Also, my adolescence was a shitshow. I don’t need another.” I sighed.

“You said your mom hated alphas. You’ve also known yours since childhood. Is that how things got… complicated with your relationship?” He kept his eyes on the road.

“Yeah.” I sighed. “I probably shouldn’t have said what I did to your mom.”

He shook his head. “You mess with gammas at your own peril–and Mom knows that.”

Riley texted me back with the footage. That was fast.

Riley

You’re welcome.

Me

Thank you.

I’d look at it later.

“Who’s Zain?” I finally asked.

“Baba. He recently made a major discovery. His success brought family members to us expecting help,” he explained.

It made sense to me. We pulled into an underground parking garage.

“Thanks for the ride. You don’t have to walk me in. I can function on my own,” I told him.

“It’s fine. I’ve got time.” He led me upstairs and into the lobby.

I plopped down in the waiting area and texted Spencer.

Me

Waiting for you in the lobby. Take your time.

“Don’t hate me because Mom can be an overprotective bitch?” he said softly. “I’d like to keep in touch with you.”

I should say no. But I couldn’t.

“Okay. If you get the job and they disown you, please reach out to me for help. As someone who had that happen to them, it’s a genuine offer,” I told him.

“Thank you.”

“So… you and Ina?” I smirked.

“For all my teasing, we’re actually just really good friends–and happy to be. My parents seem to think that alphas and omegas can’t just be friends.” He rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, I get it.” Or in my case it was being friends with guys. “Why do you keep introducing me as Ina’s friend? I don’t care, but I’m curious.”

“Ina’s friends with everyone. Also, you’re both in Daedalus and everyone knows the science omegas stick together–especially in their respective fields. It just makes sense to introduce you like that,” he explained.

“Okay.”

We sat there for a while and talked. Finally, a clipped British voice came from across the lobby.

“Creed, is everything all right? Someone said my children were in the lobby?” A statuesque blonde in an expensive red suit strode toward us, heels clacking on the floor.

“Shit.” Creed sighed. “Mumsy works here as a chemical engineer. That’s why I had the internship.”

Of course she did. Because this was turning out to be a shit day. That picnic better be worth it.

“I didn’t know you were coming. It’s been quite the day here. That Greek man showed up, throwing everything into chaos. Like we don’t have business of our own to do? I’m not even sure why he’s here.” Her look was more annoyed than angry or malicious. Then her eyes focused on me. “Who are you?”

“Hi, Mum. Everything’s fine. This is Dr. Ellington, Ina’s friend. She was visiting Marquess to see the physics department and now is waiting for her alpha who has a meeting here. I gave her a ride.” Creed shrugged. “Dr. Ellington, this is Dr. Thorne.”

“Pippa. Charmed.” Her nostrils flared. “I’ll get the tea.” She turned and left.

“Mumsy is British, tea fixes everything,” Creed said.

“Have you ever been? It’s one of the places I’ve always wanted to go,” I told him.

“Many times. Spent summers there as a kid. I almost went to Uni there, but…” He sighed. “It was just better to go to Marquess, though I did study abroad in England for a year.”

“I always wanted to study abroad,” I said softly. That had been part of my plan that never happened.

Pippa came back over, holding three cups of tea. “There we are.”

“Thank you.” I took mine and sipped it.

“You and your alpha are looking for work? What are your fields?” Pippa asked, taking a seat in the nearby armchair.

“I’m a theoretical mathematician. Actually, I just started a job. I’m attending the PIIP Symposium and took a field trip here to see a few things. Hmm, I’m not sure what his meeting is about,” I replied.

“Oh, that sort of math, yes I can see how you and Ina might get on.” She chuckled. “Met in omega science club, I presume? Did you attend Uni around here then?”

“No, I didn’t. But I’m part of Daedalus,” I told her.

She nodded. “My mate runs the Marquess-Briar campus chapter. He loves it.” Pippa turned to Creed. “How did her presentation go? It looked fantastic when I read over it.”

Creed’s look softened. “You proofed it for her? Mum always proofread our papers in undergrad. Mum, it went so well.”

“That’s really nice,” I replied. My mom would never do that.

“I’m glad.” She took a sip of tea then turned to me. “And you… you’re Nate’s or Barrett’s? What are you hoping to accomplish from this visit?” Pippa said matter-of-factly.

“Neither and nothing. Not why I’m here and I’m beginning to regret meeting Creed for coffee today.” My shoulders slumped. “Also, according to Dr. Thorne, I’m not Nate’s and I’m too old to be Barrett’s. Not that I’m either.”

Pippa’s eyebrows rose. “No, you’re not too old actually. We know this. Barrett’s only a year younger and fully awakened as an omega at sixteen.”

“I’m glad you took the time to meet up with Verity, Hale, and I,” Creed said. “I’m sorry Mom got aggressive. Dad’s been texting me. He wants to talk to you.” He turned to Pippa. “We were having coffee on campus and Mom and Dad showed up unexpectedly.”

“You met Nate?” Pippa frowned.

My hands went up in surrender. “Not on purpose. I’m sorry. It wasn't my intention to upset anyone. I didn’t even know that’s where he taught. I wasn’t trying to start anything. Please understand, I wasn’t looking. I’m not his, I’m not Barrett’s, I’m no one’s.” My voice cracked and I looked away.

“That’s for the best,” Pippa stated.

My phone buzzed.

Spencer

I’ll be down soon.

“Adriana got aggressive? You have to understand, she is quite protective.” Pippa took another sip of tea.

“I live with three alphas and they’re not like that.” I frowned and rubbed my arm absently.

“Well, of course not. They’re yours. But they’d do anything to protect you, I’m sure.”

“But I did nothing wrong. I was leaving .” Tears pricked my eyes.

“Alphas protect. There’s a reason why for so long alphas just did as they pleased,” Pippa retorted.

My throat swelled and I looked away. “So, it’s my fault then. For just sitting there having a coffee, then trying to be on my way? It’s not like I tried to meet him.”

Yet more social nuances I just didn’t understand.

“Mom crossed a line–even for her,” Creed said softly.

Pippa nostrils flared and she looked toward the elevator, a concerned look on her face.