Page 80 of Generation Omega: Claimed (Originverse #3)

For the record, Thatcher is still an ass who absolutely deserves to live in the penalty box forever, but he’s also a walking, talking, breathing omegaverse database with excellent hair.

“You said before but didn’t explain—the idea that there would be other omegas who follow you… while you still live.”

Oh, of course, that is a hefty tidbit. “Yeah, I think when we survive and thrive, something is going to bloom in the omegaverse beyond our pack and the court we create. Basically, if the omegaverse manages to root with us, it’s going to spread like a virus.

” I shrug. “It’s just a theory right now.

” I omitted a huge detail about what’s involved with rooting the omegaverse, according to Ory and his baby-making intentions.

But I’m not ready to share something I haven’t begun to process within myself—not with Thatcher or anyone.

Thatcher’s pain noticeably lessens, as though his love for this topic allows him to forget everything else.

“If that’s the case—and I do hope we can discuss this further, so that I can record all of this for posterity—then you needn’t worry about omegas’ empathy in general or damaging yours.

Because, it seems to me, with just a cursory understanding about what’s occurring, you are being groomed to rule here, not just live as an omega.

To be a true queen, whether that means ruling over the omegaverse or the world, requires a brutal edge.

No monarch has ever held power without savage instincts and a will of iron.

But, most especially, anything you can do to understand the origins of the omegaverse, I would encourage you to embrace—for what my opinion is worth. ”

“Thank you, Thatcher, and I think you’re right. Ory agrees as well. He said something about me having the right to rule according to the omegaverse’s first laws.”

Thatcher’s abrupt delight looks a bit horrifying, but it’s better than his perpetual grimace. “The omegaverse’s first laws … there wasn’t written language then. You are basically time traveling to the beginning.”

That sparks a question. “Do you know about the standing stones?”

“What standing stones?” he pleads, his nails digging into the table.

Dammit, his goofy nerdom is shattering my already cracking resolve to despise him forever.

“If you are a very good rogue alpha, I’ll tell you everything I know about the omegaverse’s origin story.

We’ll even give you laptop privileges and let you start recording our pack’s story… for posterity . How’s that?”

Crap, he’s getting misty. “I’d like that very much, thank you.” He bows his head to me.

Take that, omega prophecy, I’ve got your unfailingly discerning and yet infinitely forgiving right here. It’s nice that I got that prophecy update, since I already suck at holding a grudge against our less-snooty-than-ever professor.

They all stand when I do, with Gideon stepping closer to give me a huge hug.

“I love you, baby girl, and tomorrow, I’m claiming some time with my omega, even if I have to bark the rest of these tools into comas.”

“Aww, the best kind of quiet time.” I squeeze him as hard as I can.

“I love you too.” Then I pull back and start wagging a judgy pointer finger at him.

“I’m saying it right now—our time better not be in the back of a moving truck.

I want a limo, an RV… heck, I’ll even take the back of a pickup truck under a tarp.

Fresh air and/or windows, or you, mister, are going to have to deal with an epic omega power pout. ”

“Oh my, we can’t have that.” Gideon leans down and kisses me, and I know he wants so much more than that. But he’s first alpha, and the good of the pack is more important than his own needs.

When I step away from Gideon, Ethan takes my hand and leads me to the bathroom first, and then to the mysterious doorway, where we both pause.

“So, Kazimir’s…?”

My bestie’s eyes are sparkling like diamonds. “He took first watch on the back of the property, so that we can…”

“Get all freaky after?”

Ethan chuckles, giving my shoulder a gentle bump. “Says the woman who boned the president’s son in a moving truck and is now about to climb the mountain in the basement.”

I blurt a laugh, because what can I say—I’m certainly not embarrassed at this point.

Ethan is bewildered, which is totally fair. “I keep thinking this will all feel normal at some point, but we’re not there yet.”

“But is everything good with… everything ?”

His shiny joy tells no lies. “It’s all good.

We rode together in the SUV while you were with Jameson, and Gideon and Ory were in the cab of your rolling love shack.

With Thatcher napping in the back, Kaz and I were basically alone.

We talked about a lot—I told him everything, all of it, every doubt, every worry, every hope. ”

Ethan squeezes my hand. “I can’t really believe it, but he actually shared some things about his life.

It’s mostly awful, but he’s trying to open up, and just having him trust me like that meant the world to me.

I can’t wait to have forever with you and Kaz, this pack.

It’s going to work. We’re going to be the pack that survives like fucking weeds, impossible to kill no matter what.

If omegas pick flower emblems or whatever, yours should be a prickly pear cactus.

Beautiful, colorful blooms even in the desert, and spines that make anyone pay for getting too close. ”

“Oh, I love that. We’re succulents, the only plants I could ever keep alive. Now, if we put our blooming cacti logo on kilts, we might just have our signature apparel.”

His laugh is amazing. “I can see it now, but I have to get to the gym if I’m wearing a skirt, because if I stand next to Ory, my legs will look like sticks. And this beta plans to represent my designation with pride, not with spindly legs.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, that’s a top pack priority.

But watching you all work out together… I like that idea, especially if everyone competes to win my attention.

” I consider broaching another topic, weighing whether it will drag down our moods.

Responsibility alone compels me to continue.

“About Thatcher— how are you with that development? What Kazimir did and what it means?”

I expect an intense response, but Ethan’s as easygoing as he was when serving up Thatcher’s dinner.

“Look, it’s weird—no doubt about that. But Thatcher is proof of Kaz’s commitment to not just you and me, but to the pack and the omegaverse.

Besides, since Kaz brought home a scruffy, lost pet, he can’t ever complain if I want to get a rescue mutt someday. ”

“Ethan! Oh my god, look at you, planning ahead.” Kazimir doesn’t stand a chance—I almost feel bad for the guy. “Do you think our alpha realizes he’s got two brats on his hands, like forever ?”

Secret-agent style, he whispers, “Let’s not spook him until we’ve thoroughly hooked him, okay? I don’t want anything getting in the way of tonight’s plans.”

I mime zipping my lips, while studying Ethan, aware that I’m not the only one who’s glowing right now.

I’m itching to overstep and launch questions at him about his expectations and floaty dreams involving his first time with Kazimir.

But, miraculously, I choose maturity—at least for now—but soon, I won’t just have a front-row seat to the Kazimir-Ethan show, I’ll be costarring in their erotic extravaganza.

Ethan’s eyebrows announce his awareness of the exact glittery gutter my mind is currently occupying, but, thankfully, he chooses maturity too.

“There’s something else about this entire Thatcher situation that I keep mulling.

It’s a reminder really, that we need to leave room for people to improve at their own pace.

That’s what Kaz gave the professor and our pack, safety while allowing for growth.

We must remember that some of our enemies today will become our friends and allies, or members of our community.

I’m not saying Thatcher gets a pass on anything without proving he’s evolved, but if Kaz can change as much as he has, then there’s a chance for my older, snooty, unstable bite bro . ”

“Bite bro?!”

“Yup, poncy professor cooties and all—I’m never letting Kaz forget about that.

” Dang, Ethan is still everything, his lightness, his humanity, this man who appears more comfortable in this madness than he’s ever been anywhere else.

It takes a second for the truth I’m witnessing to truly reach me.

Ethan is safe, even with danger all around us, like he was before his father died.

He knows where he belongs, and that it’s here in this pack.

That’s why he’s able to so easily welcome the jerk who wanted him gone, something he wouldn’t be able to do if he wasn’t secure in his place here.

I lean into him, wrapping my arms around him, my ear against his chest, his pounding heart greeting me.

“You’re so right. We must always keep room for forgiveness and also acceptance that what happened in the past is over and done.

I’m not there yet with Thatcher—and neither is he—but please keep reminding me about that, especially if you catch me poking your bite bro with sticks just because I can. ”

Rubbing my back, he says, “Hey, I’m pack guardian and won’t hold back from handing out demerits to any offending packmate. Someday, there will be a tally sheet on the fridge, with little gold stars and shimmering devil stickers—the alpha with the most devils gets laundry duty. Just saying.”

“Hey, in these parts, you’re the law.”

“Damn straight, baby girl.” Oh, now he’s doing a Gideon Blake impression, and the way his voice rumbles against me feels just right.

When we release each other, we still stand there for a solid minute, just being in the same space together.

In some ways, our lives have never been more complicated, but that’s not the real story of us.

The truth of us is our unbreakable bond that won’t falter no matter what the coming days bring.

I’m about to change forever, and so is he.

But it’s like Gideon said—we’ll only become more of who we are, who we were always meant to be.

I can’t wait to discover who Ethan is tomorrow and introduce him to the new version of me.

We’re the only ones who began this journey together, and that matters as much now as it did when the omegaverse claimed us.

Without meaning to, my gaze wanders to the door, the drums within me growing louder.

Ethan seems to know the pull I’m feeling and hugs me again, kissing my head.

“I love you, Till. I always knew you were a miracle, and seeing Gideon get there too is awesome. Seeing Kaz get there—I know he’s totally faking his whole drama around you, but it’s entertaining to watch him get snared in your net.

Apparently, you’ve lured Jameson with your siren powers, and you’re about to take the next step with Ory.

Mackenzie’s already fallen for you, and Thatcher’s…

well, he’s a work in progress, but what you did with him at dinner was incredible—no demerits earned.

You’ve made this pack what it is, and witnessing these bonds growing…

it’s a privilege. But it’s always been a privilege to be in your life. ”

“It’s all only possible because of you, Ethan. We never would have made it here without you.”

Ethan steps away, his grin attempting to conceal his big emotions. He tilts his head toward the door. “Go on, Till. Go climb that mountain and plant your flag on the top. Show that primal beast that he’s met his match.”

I’m smiling when I reach for the door. “Don’t mind if I do.”