Page 69 of Generation Omega: Claimed (Originverse #3)

Sage’s expression locks down, like she didn’t expect the direction of my question.

“Sorry, it’s not that I don’t want to answer.

It’s just I now realize that I hadn’t gotten there yet.

All that stuff I said about how different you are from what I expected…

it’s Sarah who informed how I view those chosen to be omegas. ”

Her hand moves, her finger rubbing against the tabletop as though learning its texture.

“I should admit that I really dug into your life, searching for who you are and ways I could help, and the truth is, you and Sarah couldn’t be more different.

You’re reserved, cautious, and controlled—at least, that’s who you are at your school.

Around Ethan, I think you’re more gregarious, but… ”

Sage pauses, uncharacteristically unsteady all of a sudden.

“Let me turn this around, so you don’t get annoyed with a stranger describing you like you don’t already know yourself.

Instead, I’ll tell you about Sarah, who was voted by her sorority as most likely to drown while winning a keg stand challenge. ”

She takes a second to observe my obvious surprise.

“Oh, yeah, she was the definition of an extrovert and hated to be at home. Her life was a non-stop party until it wasn’t.

Our parents spoiled her as the baby of the family, and I was always there to bail her out of jail after her rowdier adventures.

At least, I was always there for her until I wasn’t. ”

Sage stills as she continues, like moving makes her loss ache more.

“I didn’t pay much attention when she called me, freaking out that something was happening to her.

Getting drunk dialed by Sarah at all hours of the night and day wasn’t a rarity.

By the time I understood the situation, she was gone, and all of this became my life. ”

On instinct, I lean forward and set my hand on Sage’s.

“I’m sorry for whatever happened to Sarah.

I hope we can find answers about her and the others who disappeared.

” I don’t say more than that, and I won’t right now, not with the very real possibility that I’ll end up experiencing the same fate as those who came before me.

“So, given all of that, why do you think Sarah was chosen? What about her would have served the omegaverse?”

Sage stares at my hand, as though surprised I’m not burning her or that she’s being touched by the future omega queen.

“I wish I could be more helpful, but I’ve never had even the slightest clue why Sarah was picked.

And I’ve experienced my share of guilt, because I wouldn’t have chosen her—not as this generation’s omega, not as a pet sitter for my neighbor’s cousin’s cat, not as an employee.

Sarah couldn’t be trusted to show up, even when she texted she was almost there.

An attractive man sighting waylaid her—in more ways than one—too many times to count.

Her version of carefree cost everyone around her.

Whether she would have outgrown that, we can’t know. ”

My words shove their way free. “Maybe her nature is why she was chosen. The world needs reckless—sometimes selfish—joy, and maybe her alphas would have eased her extremes over time. It’s possible.”

“It is.” Sage doesn’t believe that at all. “But, for what it’s worth, if the omegaverse asked for my vote in picking one woman to trust with the future of our world, that woman would be you.”

How quickly she casts aside her sister rankles, but I still ask, “Can you tell me why exactly?”

“Easy—you’re strong, resourceful, and real.

I think you’re more of those three things than you know, and I think those things, more than anything else, have the power to change the world.

These men adore you. They are loyal to you.

And, sure, the omega legacy has ways of compelling compliance, but I’ve read just as much about the history of the omegaverse as Thatcher, and I’m telling you right now, this pack is remarkable. Do you mind if I share a theory?”

“Please do.”

“You’re seeking to understand how you and your pack fit together, but I don’t think that’s something you can know from this spot on your journey.

How you fit together is built by being together.

Actions and reactions. For example, and at the risk of displeasing you, what Thatcher was on paper is perfect—a walking, talking, breathing omegaverse database with excellent hair. ”

“He does have great hair,” I mutter.

“But what if he wasn’t chosen for his expansive knowledge about the omegaverse?

What if he’s here because of his flaws—not his strengths—and his role is to challenge your ability to forgive, to find empathy even where it’s not deserved, or for you to teach him how to release the past and embrace the promise you represent? Isn’t that possible?”

I’m shaken by her words and the wisdom behind them, and the whispery text of the expanded prophecy comes to mind.

… welcoming and exacting in equal measure, unfailingly discerning and yet infinitely forgiving…

Something else tickles my memories, my own instincts about Thatcher’s role in our pack.

Didn’t I think basically the same thing before Thatcher raced away from our bond?

My words return to me. Thatcher’s purpose here isn’t his legendary omegaverse expertise, at least not yet.

Thatcher is here because he’s the giant boulder we’re crashing against that will determine whether this pack forms or fails.

The sense that everything is happening as it needs to happen provides some very needed solace.

“Thank you, Sage. I really appreciate that. Now, we better get started…” My sentence is abducted as a possibility hits me that’s so repulsive I almost can’t allow it inside me.

“Tillie, are you okay? Do you need your alphas?”

I shove it down—I can’t do this right now. This isn’t the time. This isn’t the time. This isn’t the time. I repeat those words until I’ve snuffed out the flame of a truth I’m not ready to face. It might not be true, but a sick feeling in my gut confirms that it is.

“I’m fine. Now, what am I supposed to tell the world about their new omega?”