Page 53 of Generation Omega: Claimed (Originverse #3)

“Doesn’t he?” It’s the simplest, most agonizing question I’ve ever asked.

Ory’s harsh gaze lands on me, instantly assessing whether I’m still capable of holding Tillie.

“Try to take her from me, and we’re going to have a problem,” I snap, which causes the only alpha I would never want to even spar with to raise his eyebrows in challenge.

“Watch your tone, Ethan. I’m not even slightly concerned about what your prissy, little assassin alpha—who hasn’t bothered to bond our omega—might do to me. I don’t know what’s going on with you, but the woman in your arms is the mission. Don’t forget that.”

Ory and I agree—Tillie is the mission—but it’s the other thing he said that pummels me.

Kazimir hasn’t bonded Tillie. He conveniently had to leave before it was expected of him, before the legacy could force him.

I abruptly wonder what exactly compelled Thatcher to flee just in time for Kazimir to avoid tying himself to Tillie forever.

I don’t believe Kazimir’s connection to me is false—he did bond me. But maybe he’s more willing to keep me as a pet than to enter into a permanent bond with his target. The most precious thing I’ll ever have is the woman in my arms, and it makes me sick how I’ve been used against her.

Jameson taps his fingers on the tabletop, drawing my attention. “What is it? We’re listening.”

My words emerge even while a fist of terror seeks to strangle me.

“Everything we have… everything we are or could be… the future— everyone’s future—every fucking thing is in the control of a professional pack killer.

” To Gideon, I add, “If we can’t doubt any one of us, then we aren’t protecting her, and you shouldn’t be forcing her into a state of complete dependence.

If we can’t ask the hard questions, then we aren’t worthy of that much trust.”

I’m surprised the oxygen masks aren’t falling from compartments all over the place, because we’ve just had a massive change in cabin pressure, even if it’s emotional and not related to the plane. All three alphas are on their feet, staring at the flying tube around us like it’s about to blow.

“Did the legacy say something to you?” Gideon demands.

“It told me to stay wary about all of us and everything that’s happening. What about you?”

His brow furrows as he considers. “I’m reaching for guidance right now and getting nothing. What about the rest of you?”

I’m not the only one sending smoke signals to the legacy, but nothing’s coming through now.

Gideon’s presence is not that different from Ory’s. “Ethan, where is this coming from?”

“Reality. He hasn’t bonded her. He is an omega killer.

To deliver the entire pack into a trap—are we really supposed to ignore that possibility?

It was his yacht, conveniently available and stocked for a pack in the city where we needed it.

We were all focused on forming our pack, deluded into believing we were safe…

by him. He kept saying he’d put some things in motion that would slow them down.

Do we know what they were? Or was this their plan, and they’re just waiting for the entire, gullible pack to come to them? ”

Jameson’s concern has officially arrived. “But what about Thatcher?”

I scoff. “You think Beta Dominion couldn’t have inspired his hasty departure?”

Ory’s rumbling growls set me even more on edge. “We have to get off this plane.”

“But we can’t, can we? Not without being found.” I hate speaking those words, but they must be heard.

“Why?” Jameson presses, but it’s Gideon who answers, “Because we’re too fucking famous—that’s why.”

Gideon’s intensity sears me. “I’m going to get this plane to land, and then Ory will take you and Tillie in a different direction—we’ll figure out where.

Jameson and I will continue toward the meetup, possibly trap, and see what we find.

If you don’t hear from us, run and don’t stop.

Kazimir hasn’t bonded her, but he can still track her. ”

My heart is dying as every wound in me that Kazimir healed is torn open. “Gideon, if he’s a traitor, you have to kill him.”

Gideon’s expression becomes completely blank. “But what about you? Your bond?”

“I’ll bond Ethan if it comes to that. I’ll keep him safe.” Ory is adamant, and I don’t know what to feel, only I’m sure Ory will do whatever is necessary to protect Tillie, which means saving me.

Jameson is about to rush the cockpit. The president’s son running logistics? What could possibly go wrong with that? Anyone going to snag a picture and share our location with the world?

Gideon’s still staring at me. “Ethan?”

I’m shuddering at the idea of losing my connection to a killer, but my arms remain steady around Tillie.

I push myself to hold Ory’s unyielding stare.

“I have to live for her, whatever that means. That’s how I ended up in this situation in the first place.

If you’re willing to…” I can’t even say it.

“I have to live—that’s all that matters.

Nothing has changed about the way Tillie and I need each other. ”

Like a car alarm blaring in an otherwise quiet night, another realization tears into me.

“Gideon,” I practically bark, “wake her up. She needs to make this decision—not us. We serve her.” Before he responds, I blurt, “And make sure your weapons aren’t firing blanks, because they all came from Kazimir too. ”

“Fuck.” That’s the collective pronouncement from the alphas, and finally we all agree on something.

“Ethan,” Tillie whispers, capturing the focus of all. “I’m here. I’ve been here. I heard everything.” When Tillie moves to sit up, I help her until she’s standing and facing us all.

My confusion is shared with everyone except Gideon, and I understand how this ruse happened, but not why.

Only Tillie can explain that.