Page 24 of Loving My Omega (The Perfect Designation Trilogy #2)

Chapter

Twenty-Four

“ W hy do you always make it sound like you know ? Like I’m it for you? You have fated mate out there. You’re willing to give up that chance for me?”

Part of me was surprised Colton brought that up, but the other part knew he struggled with thinking that I felt he was worth it. “Peter, my younger brother, has a fated mate. They went through a whirlwind love and mating process. They did court, but I’m not sure that was what was happening. It definitely wasn’t talking about the future and what they wanted.”

“Did they not agree on the future?”

“Laila is…let’s say she’s not at the same place that Peter is. My parents raised us with a sense of duty and that we as Alphas needed to be responsible. Peter is doing really well in school and he’s taken over some of the Alford family businesses. He’s very smart when it comes to money and business. His whole life is actually very stable despite him finishing up university and he wants to be a family man.” It made me so sad thinking about him. “When you find your mate, you really want to start a family, even if you find them young. Peter is stable, has a house, he’s ready to settle down and have a family.”

Colton nodded. “His mate doesn’t agree?”

“She a leadership Beta, but she doesn’t come from a family like yours. Her level is the highest her entire family has ever seen dating back generations. So her family spoiled her as the jewel of their line. Right now, Laila’s goal in university is to hit every party possible. Strut this season’s new fashion, travel the world, experience life as a party.”

Grumbling, Colton wrinkled his nose. “I hate people like that. Don’t go to college if you aren’t going to take the time and effort to learn. That’s what it’s for, not to party.”

“Well, I agree with some of that. I also agree that with so much stress, that doing something to destress every so often is a good thing. But Laila’s been failing her classes for multiple semesters now. Peter’s asked me to help, but she won’t even answer if I call. I don’t know when she will realize she’s ruining not just her future, but Peter’s as well. My only hope is that it isn’t when she hits rock bottom. Unfortunately, I think that’s all Peter is waiting for at this point.”

I could see the sadness in Colton’s eyes. “How horrible for him. I mean, as a mate, you want to provide everything to make your mate happy but…I couldn’t imagine the battle if you know that’s not what they need.”

Sighing, I tried to smile. “Peter has pulled all his financial support of her. In school and in her lifestyle. He’s told her she needs to take school seriously if she wants him to help. She understands the moment she comes back home, that there will be rules put in place. Which is why she hasn’t come home, but eventually she will hit that bottom. At the very least broke but we are hoping not completely broken.”

“How old is she?”

“She’s twenty-four. A year younger than my brother.”

Colton scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest. “She should know better. Even I can see that’s destructive behavior, and I’m five years younger. Plus, she’s now ruined what could have been a wonderful mate bond! Poor Peter. How could you ever trust someone like that again?” His eyes narrowed. “She’d probably come back and complain and whine about a gilded cage when she’s the one who built it and put herself in it! Peter having to listen to that over and over knowing full well there would be nothing he could do because all she would do is run herself into the ground multiple times.”

Colton had come to the conclusion that my family and I had. We promised to be there for Peter, but he asked to still be able to handle it on his own. Just asking me now and again as a professor to reach out to her.

“All we can do is hope that she grows up. That hitting rock bottom makes her realize how much Peter is trying to help.”

“Keith is the same too, right? It’s his fated mate that causes a lot of the issues for him and the kids?”

My lips pursed in a thin line. “Yes. Technically, they are partners in running the pack but that’s about it. They live completely separate lives. The kids live with Keith and he raises them while she lives in the city. She runs a large business and she finds being pregnant an inconvenience, but she gets something from Keith every time it happens. It’s transactional for her. She smart, but cold and doesn’t care about Keith or the kids or having a family at all.”

His eyes were wide. “That’s…why bother mating?”

“Keith is an Alpha-9. Our name and wealth mean a lot to the leadership community. When she found out he was her fated, she took her opportunity. It’s served her well too.”

“That’s horrible. I thought…I thought fated mates were what everyone looked forward to. I thought they were the ideal love for all shifters. Isn’t that the person who you’re supposed to be with? Your soulmate? I mean…they are your perfect match. I’d heard about love stories between fated mates.”

I leaned forward and kissed his forehead. “I think we all have but life doesn’t work out like the stories. My parents were actually that story. Not in the beginning, mind you, but they found their love a few years in their mate bond together. Now, well…they love each other absolutely. My dad is much older than my mom but she’s the more mature one.” I chuckled. “They were the example of what we wanted for a mate. But sadly, neither of my brothers got it. I always hope one day, they will grow into that love. We have time. We all are fairly young, especially for dragons, but the point is to have your mate span your lifetime with you as your life partner.”

“What about Beau? Her mate is a lion shifter named Lauren?”

Absently, I stared into Colton’s ice blue eyes. “Chose each other. They met while Beau was in college and Lauren was working for the school at the time. The two of them started out as best friends and they both realized they wanted more. They love each other and are perfect for one another. I think my sister didn’t even bother worrying about a fated mate because she’d already seen the devastation watching Keith. Peter just solidified her choice. For her, Lauren was a no-brainer.”

“What about pups?”

“One day, I’m sure they will want them. They aren’t in a rush right now.”

Colton hummed and settled a bit more in my lap. “And what about you? One of the top professors in literature. Worked for two other incredibly prominent universities until you came here. No mate. Nothing that would give any female a whiff of desperation either.”

I placed my hands on his hips, holding him tight. “I never cared about the mate bond. I’ve been courted probably about a dozen times since I was sixteen.”

His eyes widened. “That many? And that young?”

“Alpha-10’s, while we can put our foot down, are sold a lot like Omegas are. You wouldn’t believe the offers my parents got for me to mate their daughters. I’ve also had many Omegas presented to me."

Colton growled and I saw a flash of silver. It seemed to surprise him though as he pulled his wolf back. I couldn’t help the smile on my face though. His jealously was endearing.

“I wanted none of them, Colt. The idea of being stuck with someone who was pushed on me because of my designation made me sick. Luckily, my parents were understanding and didn’t force me into anything. So, I focused on the things I did like. Literature and teaching. I didn’t want to be Alpha, Keith always wanted it. It allowed me to focus on going to school and looking over students as though they were my own pack. I wanted a connection, but I hadn’t realized how much my brothers relationships had affected me. I didn’t realize how closed off I had become.” My thumbs brushed his skin lightly. “You slammed into my life and intrigued me enough for Beau to get mad at me. That I’d given up before anything started because I wasn’t giving anyone a chance. I’d been so used to be alone, I just…”

Colton moved closer, taking my head in his hands, cutting off my ramble. “Thank you. For taking a chance. For reaching out. I’ll be honest, you were my first real crush. The first person I was truly attracted to, even though it was online. Taking your literature class, it made me happy. Even in my parents house, even still going to school. I worked hard and did my best because I wanted to impress you. I never thought I’d get to meet you in person. That first time I saw you in person and you walked by me while I was in the literature building…I nearly passed out. All the girls were so excited and I didn’t want to lose face. Plus, with everything going on it seemed silly, but…you were nicer and looked even better than over the screen of the laptop. You noticed me too. You called me out in the hall when I passed by and I never felt more seen in my life.”

“You never stopped impressing me, Colt. Even now. You have no idea how proud I am of you. I’m just glad I got this time with you.”

All I could hope for now is that he accepted my feelings. Accepted my mark. I could hold on until I got an answer. Until he asked me to mark him. My eyes shut as my heart sunk at the thought of the alternative. That there would be a day Colton would tell me that he didn’t believe I could protect the two of them. That he needed to leave and I wasn’t to follow.

The heartbreak I started to feel was all consuming until it disappeared. All I could feel was Colton’s soft hands holding my face as his lips moved against mine. My hands came up and I held his neck and head, catching him and deepening his kiss. He started to move and I realized he was grinding against me.

Dropping my hands to his hips, I forced him to stop. He whined and I opened my eyes. This time it was all Colton, his blue eyes bright. Narrowing mine, I shook my head.

“Nice try, Little Omega. I disintegrated my last crystal when I tried to put it on too early. Don’t provoke me.”

Groaning, he sat back on my legs with his ass near my knees. “I hate this.”

“I know. I already put the order in with Selene since yours work so well despite your level, they should be fine for me. I might even be able to stop wearing these glasses.”

Colton hummed, reaching out and pushing them back up my nose. “I don’t know. I like them. They complete the whole professor look.”

My eyebrow rose. “Is that what you’re into?”

“No. Not usually.”

This time my eyes narrowed and I pulled him closer to me. “Then what are you into, little wolf?”

He was smiling but sunk his teeth into his bottom lip, not speaking.

“Colton.”

“You’re not going to be happy.”

My chest started to rumble. “Tell me.”

Leaning in, Colton laid his head on my shoulder and I slipped my hands up under his shirt. My hands brushed his skin and I was surprised to feel small scars. I hadn’t felt them before but they were there. One of these days I would ask.

“So, there was this Alpha.”

“Mmhmm.”

“He was really tall and pretty big.”

“Mmmmhmmm.”

“When he stood behind me, I felt consumed. I fit into him to the point where I just became a part of him. It felt so good and he was so powerful. I’d never felt anything like that before. I’d been around a lot of Alphas, but his strength was on another level.”

My eyes narrowed. “Stronger than me ?”

“I don’t know.” Colton’s sass coming through. “He wasn’t hiding behind crystals. His power was on full display and he owned me in that moment. If he asked me, I would have allowed him to mark me.”

“What would have been bad. I wouldn’t have had my chance.”

He hummed and nuzzled into my neck. “Maybe. That Alpha…he not only showed me what it meant to be an Omega, a good Omega, but to be happy to be one. He showed me kindness despite my designation. He only wanted to help when others would have kidnapped me or stolen me away. They would have never gotten me home after I passed out.”

Leaning back, I smiled as I looked up at the ceiling. “I don’t know. This Alpha seems like the real deal.”

“Oh, he was. I think I locked him down too.”

I chortled. “Oh? How so?”

“I got pregnant. Now he’s stuck with me one way or another. I’m still trying to work out the rest of the details.”

Bursting out laughing, Colton joined me. This little shifter. I let off another couple of chuckles before running my hands down his spine.

He sat up, leaning most of his weight against my chest. “You know the worst part about it though?”

“What’s that?”

“He doesn’t remember me!” Colton threw up his hands, exasperatedly.

Laughing again, I shook my head. “How dare he!”

“Exactly! Can you believe it? I finally found my ideal type, nailed him down, and he doesn’t even remember me. What is an Omega to do?”

Colton stared down at me smiling and I never felt such absolute peace. Him being here meant so much more than I could put into words. The storm raged outside, the power was still out, the whole world was against us, and I wouldn’t change a single thing about this moment.

“I love you.” The words slipped out and Colton’s eyes widened.

“Marcus…”

I shook my head. “You don’t need to say it back, Colt. I’m not a child. I just…I needed to tell you. I love you. More than I can put into words. I have for a while.”

His chest rose and fell as he searched my face. “You’re…serious.”

Chuckling, I nodded. “Yes. Very.”

“I…”

Putting my finger up to his lips, I shook my head. “When you’re ready, Colt. Don’t force yourself. The moment you tell me you love me, I’m going to break these crystals and sink my teeth in and claim you all for myself.”

He smiled and nodded. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Yeah. Okay.”

I flipped his nose. “Good.”

Colton was about to get mad, but just when he opened his mouth, his stomach replied for him. It growled loudly and whatever he was about to say died. Instead, his face turned red and he placed his hands gently on his stomach.

“I…that’s…you didn’t hear that. Right?”

Holding onto his hips so he didn’t fall, I sat up. “Oh, I heard it. Apparently, I need to feed a hungry wolf.”

“I haven’t heard it growl in… months . Let alone that loud. What are you doing to me?”

Laughing, I placed my hand over his. “Oh no, has our little wolf gained a dragon’s appetite now that he can eat?”

“You better watch it.”

Colton tried swatting me away, but I held his hips and easily lifted him just enough to where I could kiss his bump.

“Whatever my little wolf wants, he gets.”