Page 49 of Generation Omega: Claimed (Originverse #3)

TILLIE

After shutting the door to the master suite, I lean against it, still holding the plate piled with enough food to feed several hangry omegas.

There, I exhale, my shoulders drooping and my eyes misty, as unfaced emotions rock my inner world as much as the sea is clamoring against the hull.

We’re really moving now, every second closer to our collision with reality.

I meant what I said—the vacation phase must end—but I just wish I knew what our future looks like.

Are we running, fighting, hiding, or will we not live long enough to do any of those things?

Are enemies already waiting at the dock?

And what happened with the protests after Omega-Palooza?

I should have asked, demanded to know the truth, but I didn’t.

The reasons for that don’t matter right now, because beating myself up about anything will just summon all my alphas, when I really need this time alone.

I set my plate on the desk and walk to the bathroom, doing what I haven’t done since the heat ended and I bonded two more alphas.

I stare at myself in the mirror, finally able to observe and acknowledge the changes in me.

At first, I struggle to define what’s different, but it’s really too obvious to miss.

My eyes and my sun-kissed face reveal a vibrance that never existed before I became an omega.

I look like a flower in the first flush of blooming, and what I sense is that my transformation is only beginning.

When all my bonds are in place and my pack is solid, concealing who and what I am will be more challenging.

I’m an omega. I knew that, of course, but seeing it on my face deepens this awareness of what’s new in me and also, with a little sadness, what I’ll never be again.

A normal person with a normal future. All the well-worn roads of my beta life are gone, and I’m now an omega crossing a rickety bridge spanning a seemingly endless ravine, my only possible path a total mystery.

Knowing time is short, I take a quick shower, using the killer’s pastel, tie-dyed loofah to reacquaint myself with my body that feels…

claimed . No part of me exists alone now, and the sense of permanent belonging is the best change yet.

My yearning to discover just how deep my bonds will become is profound and beautiful.

I want to reach our shared future—I want that more than anything.

After finishing, I hurry to get ready, pulling my hair back in a ponytail, which is all the world gets from me until I have the proper tools and supplies.

Then I grab the last of the midi-length wrap dresses—a light blue one—and my big, black boots.

I don’t hesitate, feeling more prepared once those boots are on my feet, and I’m wearing my easy-access omega apparel.

Something clicks in me when I catch my reflection, the knowledge that I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.

When Ethan lightly knocks, I call for him to enter. His hair is still wet, and he’s smiling when he comes through the doorway.

“Big fun parking the boat?” Before he can answer, I blurt, “Where are we, or is that top secret info?”

He assesses my ensemble with amusement. “I think you have the right clearance for that—Astoria, Oregon, where they filmed Goonies .”

I can’t help grinning. “Well, that’s appropriate for us, isn’t it? Because we never say the D word, do we?”

“Never have, never will.” Ethan glances at my untouched plate. “While you eat, I’ll share a comical issue that’s currently perplexing your esteemed alphas, and then I’ll get to the not-so-fun detail about our plans.”

My belly agrees with Ethan’s idea, and I sit at the desk, snatching the blueberry muffin first and then turning and watching Ethan plop down on the bed.

“So,” he announces dramatically, “there’s something truly inconvenient about your alpha herd. Do you want to guess?”

I hum while I finish munching on a too-hefty bite of muffin. “Let me think. Too smoking hot? Too tall? Too muscular? Oh, wait—not a food truck operator in the bunch?”

Ethan sighs loudly. “The one that got away—the noble food truck owner/operator.”

“That’s real.” I wonder if I could convince any of my alphas to buy me a food truck.

Ethan seems so relaxed, but he might be doing that for me. “Maybe I should give you a hint.”

“That would be helpful.”

“Alright—let’s just begin with listing them.

” He only pauses for a moment before adding, “ Alpha number one is the most popular actor in the universe. Alpha number two is the only son of the most powerful man in the world and just so happens to be photographed daily while living his party lifestyle all over the planet. And alpha number three is a six-foot-nine-ish, burly as fuck Scotsman whose only clothing is a kilt.”

“Oh… oh …” Now, I’m laughing at the ridiculousness of our situation, one I didn’t even consider until now.

We’re supposed to be stealthy with this crew?

Maybe circus performers would have been better.

At least, clown makeup can be removed. “And you’re pretty famous in some circles too, buddy.

You were a big hit with the cops who broke up Omega-Palooza.

I’m actually the least known member of the pack. ”

“Right, but your alphas won’t allow you to conduct our first super-secret mission—retrieving clothes from a van that will make Ory less noticeable.”

I’ve officially contracted the giggles. “When Ory’s in charge, he looks about twice as huge as when he’s Mackenzie.”

Ethan’s head is bobbing in agreement. “I know, right? Not subtle at all.” With absolutely wicked intent, Ethan muses, “Maybe your next ten alphas will include some gamers who never leave their basements and are only known by mysterious handles. That would be great, huh?”

I almost choke on my muffin. “Bite your tongue, dude. No more alphas—I’m putting my foot down about that. So, what’s the plan then?”

“ Alpha Command is still working that out.” His humor settles, and I know we’re moving toward the not-fun part of the plan. “You ready for the rest?”

I nod, already grimacing.

“It won’t be for long, but we’re going to have to split up at first.”

My stomach lurches and drops. “What?”

Ethan moves toward me, kneeling in front of my chair. “It’s okay. You’re going with Ory in one car, and the rest of us are taking another. If everything goes well, we’ll meet at a small airport, but if not, you and Ory will take off, and we’ll catch up with you somewhere else.”

“We shouldn’t split up,” I whisper, hoping to hide my trembling.

“Hey, just breathe. We have to do this. The cars that are waiting in the lot aren’t big enough for all of us. Ory will protect you—you know that.”

I flinch. “I’m not worried about me. I’m worried about you and our pack. It’s bad enough that we’re leaving without our designated assassin, but to split up too…”

Wafting love vibes slam me through my alpha bonds. I don’t fight their support. I seek more by running my fingers over Gideon’s bondmark, which releases the tension in my lungs, allowing me to breathe. But still, dread is squatting on my chest and seems unlikely to ever leave its post.

“The last time we were in the real world together, you got shot.”

He thankfully doesn’t dismiss my concerns or attempt to laugh them off. “I know, but our circumstances are different now. We have a pack, and these guys mean business. We’re more prepared now, and I’m with the omega legacy on this… you need to trust your alphas.”

Baby girl, it’s time.

“Are you ready?” Ethan asks, studying my face.

My heart is pounding like a war drum played by an anxious rookie. “I have to be, don’t I?”

Clearly conflicted, Ethan nods. “We all have to be ready. It’s what we’re all here for.” He rolls his eyes and reaches, grabbing something I didn’t notice until he presents me with a black baseball cap. “Your disguise.”

I gape at the hat and then Ethan, not bothering to conceal all that’s dubious and uncertain festering within me. “We need to get better at this.”

“We will, Till. Promise.”

I release a shaky breath and put on the hat, adjusting my ponytail so it comes out the back. Ethan stands and I join him, and together, we leave the suite and head up the circular stairs to the main level where my alphas, except one, are waiting.

I immediately search for Jameson. In response, Gideon tilts his head toward the dock. I turn, my attention locking onto my infamous alpha, now wearing a baseball cap and a hoodie. How the hell is the First Son going to be anywhere without attracting a crowd? This is crazy.

I’m squeezing Ethan’s hand so hard mine aches, as Jameson approaches a white van in the parking lot. He leans down near the back tire and then rises and opens the sliding door. After grabbing a duffel bag, he shuts the door and walks casually back to the yacht.

When I try to rush toward him, Ethan gives me a tug to keep me in place.

Only after Jameson is inside the cabin with us does Ethan release me to lunge toward my wily, complicated alpha.

Jameson tosses the bag to Ory and then snatches me in his arms, setting my feet on the couch before kissing me as possessively as ever.

I think you missed me, sweets.

His invisible lasso constricts around me, and I abandon my stress as he claims my mouth and my soul at once. I’m dizzy when he pulls back, his hands holding me to keep me steady.

“Now, princess, I don’t want you getting too fussy about being away from me.

I know your life didn’t really begin until you met me, but you should be able to muddle through a little distance without too much suffering.

” His glittering amber eyes assess me shrewdly.

“But if you don’t show some sorrow about my absence, I’ll be tanning your ass at our reunion.

Miss me or else —that’s what I’m saying. ”

“Yes, alpha,” I breathe, desire warring with my unruly nerves.

But I’m also struck again by all that doesn’t make sense.

I have Jameson’s bondmark that’s currently zinging with need for him to go down on me like his life depends on it.

He’s definitely hearing all my thoughts as I imagine him doing exactly that.

We’re forever bonded, and yet, I still can’t smell any distinct scent from him.

I don’t understand it, and I’m seriously miffed because it’s not just Jameson.

Neither Mackenzie nor Ory have scents either, and I don’t know whether they’re defective or I am.

Or, worse, whether the omegaverse is punishing me by denying me scent matches that matter to me, maybe more than they should.

Jameson leans into my space, practically inhaling me.

I smell you, pussycat, and you are perfection.

He lifts my hand and licks the soft skin on my wrist. “Later, when we have more time, I’m going to bite you right here, so I can command you to kiss our bond every time you think of me.

” His grin is devilish. “I didn’t think about your inability to lick our first bondmark, so we’ll be needing another. ”

I know what he’s doing, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t working, or that I’m not grateful for the distraction. Swaying toward him, I murmur huskily, “Yes, alpha.”

“That’s about enough of that,” Gideon snaps, and shoves Jameson away, claiming me for himself.

My broody, neglected first alpha is suddenly all I can see. “We’ll be back together soon—I swear it.”

“I believe you.”

“We’ve got Ethan.”

I nod, not trusting my voice.

“It’s time,” Ory declares, and I turn toward him, my jaw legit dropping at the sight of him.

Holy hot dang… Ory is dressed as a mountain man, complete with a plaid flannel shirt and jeans that hug him in ways that surely violate decency laws around the globe. I can’t speak or take my eyes off him until Ethan moves between us and hugs me.

“I’ll see you soon.”

I hug him back, not speaking a word, and then Ory takes my hand in his and leads me toward the back deck.

Without stopping, he grumbles, “Don’t look around, and stay beside me.”

Then we step onto the dock and fully enter the unknown.