Page 64 of Dream Mates (Into The Parallel Omegaverse #2)

Chapter Forty-One

Grace

“ T his is the life.” I snuggled into Spencer on the double beach lounger in the private cabana he’d reserved for us on the hotel beach.

It was very spacious and like our own private beach tent with loungers, tables and chairs, and a kiosk to order food.

An ocean breeze came in through the open cloth doors.

Yes. I could get used to this.

I had a fruity frozen drink, a view of the beach, and Spencer.

Life was good.

If the whole pack was here, it would be even better. But I’d see them tomorrow.

“That it is, my good doctor.” He ran his tongue across the bite mark on the right side of my neck, where it met my shoulder.

The place where last night he’d marked me.

Bonded with me. A shiver of pleasure ran through my body, as did a hum of happiness and contentment from Spencer.

My bond with Spencer felt different than my bonds with Wes and Evan.

Not just in intensity, but the way it felt.

Spencer’s felt silky, comforting yet indulgent, Evan’s felt like hot chocolate on a cold day, and Wes, well, he just felt like home.

I ran my tongue across the bite on his shoulder. My phone buzzed and I lazily glanced at it.

Evan

I’m so tired today. Thanks for that.

Evan sent a silly picture of himself.

Me

Sorry, not sorry.

Wes and Evan had felt that last night–and acted on it.

Evan

Me neither. I’m excited for you, and when I see you tomorrow I’ll show you exactly how happy I am.

I laughed and Spencer gave me a quizzical look.

“It’s Evan. Being Evan,” I replied.

Spencer grinned. “Ah, yes. I suppose as soon as we get home I won’t see you for the rest of the weekend.”

“Probably.” I took another sip of my drink. “This is perfect. Are… are you doing okay?”

While I knew Spencer cared for me enough to bond with me, I worried a little about him, and how being bonded to someone again would affect him.

Spencer kissed my temple. “I feel better than I have in a very long time. Is this enough for you for today, just laying here on the beach?”

“Maybe, I’ll finish my sandcastle.” I eyed my partially built sandcastle. “I might also go back in the water. Perhaps I’ll get all the way in this time.”

Today I wore a red bikini, and I also had a long, sheer red and gold coverup. My wrist ached a little and bruises still dotted my forearm where Adriana had gripped me. There was a bruise on one of my knees as well.

“We could go out to dinner tonight, if you wish,” he offered, his hand brushing up and down my bare thigh. “I’ll have the concierge recommend something?”

“That sounds nice. I think I’ll want some lunch soon. But I’m happy just eating here in the cabana.” Maybe after lunch I’d read more of my book.

Spencer smiled. “Perfect.”

“Excuse me, but I’m looking for Grace Ellington.” A man in an unfamiliar black uniform with a badge I’d never seen filled the doorway of the cabana, blocking my view of the ocean.

Now what?

Spencer sat up and glared at him. “Can I help you?”

The strange man flashed a badge. “I’m from the Office of Designation Management, and I’m here for Grace Ellington.”

“I’m her alpha, how can I help you?” Tension lined his face as I saw him palm his phone as he stood and went to the doorway.

Office of Designation Management? I didn’t know what that was. The worry I got from Spencer meant that it wasn’t a good thing.

“We’re here to take Grace in for testing,” he said. “I have the paperwork right here.”

He showed Spencer a tablet. The guy wasn’t alone. I wasn’t sure if they were alphas or deltas but they were large and spoke with authority.

“I see. Well, give us a moment to change and we’ll grab a car and meet you there.” Spencer’s tone went brusque.

Something was wrong. I texted Evan and Wes.

Me

What is the Office of Designation Management and why do they want to test me?

“That won’t be necessary. We’ll transport her,” the unnamed man countered, voice clipped and commanding.

Evan replied immediately.

Evan

Nothing good. Text Mrs. Beekman now. Spence is with you?

Me

Yes.

“I’m her alpha, I’ll accompany her,” Spencer stated, authority leaking from his vice.

The man peered at his tablet. “Are you Wes Lawson?”

I texted Mrs. Beekman. Evan messaged again.

Evan

They test for illegal designations. You have rights under the rules for omegas. I’ll watch your location so I can figure out where you’re being taken and get the local Center to send someone.

That made my belly tight.

“Spencer Thanukos. We only registered the bond this morning,” Spencer said.

Wes texted as well.

Wes

Shit. That doesn’t sound good. Do what Evan says. I’m on it. Love you.

I felt a burst of love from Wes though the bond.

“Well, that’s nice, but the only alpha I see here is Wes Lawson.” The man shrugged.

“I’m also her packmate. She’s a gamma, and has the right to be accompanied,” Spencer insisted.

He checked his tablet and shrugged. “No pack listed.”

“I insist,” Spencer growled.

“If it’s not listed, you can’t come with her. You’re welcome to go on your own and wait, but they’re not going to let you stay inside if it’s not in the system,” the man replied.

Fear coursed through me. I had to go alone?

Me

They won’t let Spencer come with me.

I sent that to Evan, Wes, and Mrs. Beekman.

“Grace, you need to come with me. We have two choices, you can walk out nice and quiet, or my partner can stun and cuff you,” the man told me.

Still not knowing what’s going on, I looked at Spencer, concern shooting through all of my bonds.

“She’ll go and cooperate fully,” Spencer said, sending me comfort and reassurance.

I would? But the one guy had a scary looking taser.

“Go on, Darling, I’ll follow.” Spencer picked up my flip flops and put them on my feet. “All you can do is cooperate. I’ll be right there.”

Tears pricked my eyes. “I don’t understand.”

“Oh, you wouldn’t, now, would you. We don’t have time for me to explain, but it’s serious. I’ll take care of it. Promise.” His voice was soft as he helped me up off the lounge chair.

I stuffed my phone in the pocket of my coverup.

He gave me a kiss. “Be brave, be respectful, and I’ll be right there. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” It was hard not to panic because I didn’t know what was going on.

“Come on, let’s go,” the man said, his partner flanking me as they escorted me through the lobby and out to the parking lot to a van that said Office of Designation Management. People watched and whispered.

Spencer kept up with us. “Are you certain that I can’t accompany her? I’ll be Wes Lawson.”

The one with the handcuffs pushed me into the van as the other gave Spencer the side-eye and climbed into the driver’s seat. The door closed and the other got in. There was a screen between me and them. I pressed my hand against the window as we drove off.

Tears trickled down my face. I curled into the corner of the empty van and got out my phone, trying to position myself so that they didn’t see.

Mrs. Beekman

On it. Do you know why?

Me

No, but they had documentation. I didn’t see it, just my alpha.

Mrs. Beekman

They didn’t let anyone from your pack come with you?

Me

I’m on a business trip with Spencer. Our mate registration is too new.

I don’t understand what is happening.

Mrs. Beekman

You and Spencer bonded? Congratulations. They’re testing you for illegal designations. Which is strange because your full genetic workup is available in your medical file. Cooperate with them and I’ll see what I can do. You have a right to have someone from the Center present.

Me

Thank you.

I read through Evan’s text.

Evan

They’ll first test you for illegal designations. Given you’ll come up negative, they’ll then run a second, lengthier test looking to see if you’re a genetic carrier. If it’s found you are a carrier, request that they take you to a Center immediately.

Me

I will. Thanks.

Nothing. This meant nothing. Fear filled me as I curled into a ball, opening myself up to the reassurances of my mates so I didn’t completely spiral.

“Fuck. Why are we testing Spencer Thanukos’ omega? This better not blow up,” one of the officers in the front said, rolling down his window.

“Not our place to question orders. Someone called in a tip I think? Am I supposed to know who that guy is? Also, omegas can still be carriers. I don’t smell omega. I think she’s just small,” the one driving said.

“She’s mated, you dingus,” the other replied.

I texted this to Evan.

Me

Someone called in a tip? I still don’t know what’s happening.

Evan

They somehow must have gotten a court order to force you to be tested. Usually, they need pretty solid evidence to keep people from being unnecessarily rounded up.

Me

What if I’m an illegal designation? We still don’t know how things work in my world. Don’t they execute illegal designation s ?

Was I going to die? A sob ripped from my throat. Now both of the front windows were down.

Evan

You’re not an illegal designation. If for some reason they say you are, respectfully demand a retest in a secondary facility, someone from the Center, and one of your alphas.

I love you and I wish that I was there.

They’ll probably take your phone. Spencer is on his way.

“Hey, you don’t have a phone, do you?” the one with a taser barked.

I blinked, tucking it into the pocket of my coverup. “I’m wearing a bikini.”

We drove for a very long time, and I snuck peeks at my phone but didn’t text unless I had to, just taking in all the reassurances that I could. The group chat lit up, including notes to me to cooperate and hang in there.

Someone thought I was an illegal designation? Maybe this was where I was discovered to have no designation at all. What happened then? Was it illegal to have no designation?

The building they brought me to had a big fence and guards. It also looked grey and unwelcoming. They brought me into a lobby where a couple of sad and worried people sat, then through several sets of locked doors and past more guards. The whole bleak place reeked of despair and desperation.

Finally, they shoved me into what looked like a large exam room with several beds and lots of equipment. It was completely empty, and unlike the ones at the Center or the hospital, not cozy at all.

“Sit. Give me the phone.” The one who drove held out his hand.

“Phone?” I blinked, pretending to be innocent.

“Give me the phone or I’ll have you searched,” he demanded.

With a sigh, I handed it to him.

“Thank you. Just cooperate and it will be fine,” he said.

“What if it’s not.” My knees shook.

He sighed and shut the door as he muttered, “Sometimes I hate this job.”

Immediately, I found the bathroom, since that had been a long drive. Afterwards, I curled onto one of the exam beds, wishing I had a blanket.

What if I really was one? Would they let me see the guys before I died? Also, what was this about being a carrier? I understood the concept, but what happened to them?

I wasn’t even sure exactly which designations were illegal and why.

Head on my knees, I started to cry. I felt comfort being pushed through the bond, but I still sobbed because I was scared, overwhelmed, and alone.

No good ever came of that.

The door opened. “You’re Grace Ellington?”

“Can you tell me what’s happening?” I continued to sob into my knees, wishing Spencer, or any of my guys were here.

“You’re here to be tested. It’s all routine. Can you confirm some information for me?” It sounded rote and unemotional. She wore a nurse’s uniform. First, she scanned my face with a little box, she then pulled a machine over to me.

The nurse handed me a tissue and asked me a bunch of questions. Some of my answers didn’t make her very happy. According to the records Evan had created for me my parents were betas, also deceased.

“I have a right to have someone from the Center be present,” I mumbled, finally remembering what I’d been told.

“If the first test confirms that you’re an omega, then yes,” she replied.

“Is my alpha here? Can’t he come in?” My chest shook as she ran some diagnostics on me with the machine.

“For this first test I just need a swab,” she said, taking a giant cotton swab and rubbing it against the inside of my cheek.

“You sit tight.” She left, the door locking behind her.

Where was I going to go?