Page 77 of Generation Omega: Claimed (Originverse #3)

He sighs mournfully. “But, for now, you need to eat dinner. I’ll be manning my post tonight, while you spend time with a certain packmate who threatened my dangly bits if I don’t release you soon.

He called them bollocks or bawbag —something or other.

So far, our cultural exchanges haven’t been entirely diplomatic in nature, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to preferring violent threats in musical, confusing terminology. It keeps things interesting.”

Jamie’s humor—really, everything about him—is so relaxed now.

That nepo baby chip on his shoulder is gone, leaving a man, an alpha, and a husband who knows his worth in this pack and my life.

My main struggle is that if I don’t get some cupcakes soon, I may collapse.

While sexy foreplay is an approved pack activity, cupcake foreplay isn’t.

This omega needs sweet deliciousness, and she needs it now.

Gently, Jamie sets me down, my bare feet on a soft rug. Since I’m not currently naked, Jamie must have helped me back into my dress, but not my Sage-approved flats. Before moving an inch from him, I stand on my tiptoes while he leans closer.

As we kiss, I send a message. Forever, Jamie—you are mine forever.

Right back at ya, darling. And for the record, you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I won’t ever forget that.

It takes a second, but I feel the tug of his lasso within me and know more than ever how crucial our connection is.

A fortress to surround me. A garden to heal me.

A lasso to secure me. What’s next? What else does an omega need to thrive?

But that’s not the right question. Because every omega is unique, requiring different support from her alphas.

If we succeed, and more omegas reveal, their journeys will be challenging, not unlike mine.

But, one day, when we truly claim power, omegas will live normal, safe lives, and their alphas won’t need to be superheroes like mine absolutely must be.

Speaking of heroes, I turn and race toward Ory, climbing on the couch and launching myself at him.

He catches me, of course, and I cling to him like a happy monkey as he carries me toward the kitchen, growling all the way.

When his teeth graze my neck, I’m ready to skip dinner in favor of getting feral with my big guy.

I should be in a coma after the day I’ve had, but I’m an omega who loves her lists, and there’s one more item to complete before this day is done.

“We could just…”

“No—you are to eat a small meal, say goodnight to the others, and then you won’t see them until morning.

” Ory’s silent for a moment, except for the inner rumbling that appears to be beyond his control.

“This is the last time you will see them as the person they’ve come to know.

Tomorrow, you will meet them as my mate and the first omega with the right to rule according to the omegaverse’s first laws. ”

When Ory feels my hesitation, he stops and returns to the living room, setting me back on the sofa.

“Tillie, what is it? If you don’t want this, speak now, because we’re close to the point of no return.

If you decide to turn back, I will have to leave until I can get myself under control.

” His massive body holds a tension I haven’t seen before, like he might break out of his skin and become something even more wild, humongous, and threatening.

“No, I want this.” I grab his shoulders, delighting in the power pulsing within him, feeling the way it’s calling to power still sleeping inside me.

This time, I raise my lip to him and consider taking a wee nibble.

“I want to show you that I’m worthy of being the first alpha’s mate— your mate.

Whatever that means, I want it. Just tell me, am I worthy of the chance to prove myself to you and the omegaverse? ”

My behemoth of a man carries a sexy dare in his green eyes.

“Well, we’ll just have to see about that, won’t we?

But don’t worry, the old ways separate the worthy from the unworthy with rigorous trials that all must pass before any prizes are given.

” Ory leans closer, his mouth at my ear, as he declares, “You’ll be tested more than you can imagine, you’ll be chased farther than you think you can run, you’ll battle like you’ve never battled, and then you’ll be taken more fiercely than you think your body can withstand. ”

He pulls back, assessing me coldly though aggressively at the same time.

I don’t feel cold at all under his inspecting gaze, but it’s the snarl that tears through me, my answer to his dare, that begins stacking wood for the bonfire I’m going to ignite after I win all the prizes, including this fine mate.

Ory’s expression is charged, desire clashing with curiosity, like he’s extremely intrigued with meeting this new version of me that no one has ever met before.

Then he smiles like a Cheshire cat. “Did I mention that you’ll be completing all the trials naked and in the full throes of an unrequited heat? ”