Page 28 of Loving My Omega (The Perfect Designation Trilogy #2)

Chapter

Twenty-Eight

T oday was the first day I’d been left alone at Marcus’ house. I’d checked in a little earlier with Mike but he said that whatever was plaguing out apartments hadn’t been fixed yet. Basically, the issue hadn’t been the snow but something else. That fix couldn’t happen in the middle of the snow storm so they were estimating getting it done today or tomorrow.

Marcus had a class he needed to teach since it was Wednesday and campus was finally open. I had two today but they were online, so we decided that I would just stay. At least until the power came back on. All my finals had been moved to online and I had taken those tests yesterday while Marcus fussed over me.

Tomorrow was the second to last time I needed to be on campus. That also would take off so much pressure moving forward. I’d be free to move anywhere I wanted. On top of that, the past couple of days I’d felt so much better. I was keeping food down, sleeping a whole lot more, and it felt like I finally had stopping fighting myself.

After a few days of Marcus being by my side, going cold turkey like today made me more uncomfortable than I cared to admit. I did overhear a heated conversation that I think had to do with him cutting out classes during spring quarter. He was planning on staying with me, helping me when I could basically be stuck and we would be welcoming our little girl into the world.

He was quickly becoming my rock in my otherwise crumbling world. I felt like my insecurities were showing more with how much time we were spending together. Yes, this was allowing us a crash course in each other but it also felt like I was laid bare. All my negative parts were being shinned a light on and I knew that no Alpha wanted what I had to offer.

Except that he continued to fight down those feelings. Marcus continuously said that he wasn’t looking for a housewife, a baby maker, or basically an Omega. What he wanted was a genuine connection and relationship. That if I was going to take away anything from this time with him, he wanted its to be that.

Marcus didn’t care that I was complicated. That I was this somehow crazy Omega-10 that would change the world. Or that hiding my identity from my pack because that much more important. Or shame me for wanting to continue to go to school and that I was prioritizing it right now. Not just that, but he worked with me around what our plan would be with our daughter.

Originally, Dr. Cardiff would have adoption papers ready and I would be signed under the adoption of my own pup. Now, Marcus would have me adopt her and he would be labeled as the father. It made it less likely of the adoption being rejected or scrutinized.

I sighed and rubbed my belly. It felt like I was growing a dragon shifter. My appetite had roared up since feeling safe and knowing I could eat. I was nearing the same portions as Marcus which was crazy. I never ate that much before. Even my father didn’t eat that much.

Marcus kept telling me this was good but I still worried a little. Technically, I had two days of in-person school left. I felt bigger though and I worried about hiding it even with my jackets. I’d talk to Sabrina about my pant situation and she said we would do one last hurrah to the mall together before I officially disappeared from the world.

The room opened up on my laptop and I brought my notebook closer. Right now, I was sitting on the floor with my back against the couch. The laptop was on the coffee table along with my notebook.

“Nice to see you class, hope all of you are okay considering the weather.”

“Yes, Professor.” A few of the other students called out.

Professor Phillips was my Intermediate Latin teacher and I was the youngest in the class of mostly juniors and seniors. I’d tested into the Intermediate Latin solely because I’d gone on a deep dive during High School about the Roman Empire which I learned Latin for. It had been a few years, but I ended up taking this class instead of the Ancient Draconic like I wanted.

We had missed Monday’s class for the weather and so the professor had sent out homework to be done before class today. I’d done it the moment I got it, realizing it was more of an assessment than anything. As the Professor called out a few names and I set up my notebook for this session of notes.

“I didn’t realize babies were allow in the class.”

I rolled my eyes. As though I hadn’t heard that one before. My math class was also full for upperclassman but I didn’t care. They tended to leave me alone as well but I didn’t realize I’d end up having a problem with one of the juniors.

“Well, Mr. Endor. Unlike you, Colton turned in his homework proved that he is more than capable of speaking Latin or following directions.”

The entire group of students started to laugh and I shook my head. I hated being called out like this.

“Are we going to start from the beginning of the book, Professor, or are we recapping with the homework assessment?” I asked, letting my tone show how annoyed I was.

The whole group groaned and my professor smiled. “Alright, well, let’s get on with class then.”

It was my first class of the day and I just wanted to work. Not fart around. Otherwise, I had other stuff I could be studying. As we worked through the class directives and I continued to take notes, my stomach growled making me winced.

I originally planned on getting up to eat breakfast but I’d slept in too late for it after Marcus left. The bed was warm and I didn’t want to get out. I figured I could eat lunch in the hour between my classes. Usually I was able to hold out for that long but the stomach cramps I was getting seemed like that was a stupid idea.

“Alright. It’s ten minutes early, but I don’t want to jump into the book right at this moment and get cut off. If you haven’t don’t the homework that I requested, please have it done by Friday before you come into class. If you have questions, you can reach out as well. Otherwise, have a good day.”

Everyone said goodbye and I closed my laptop. Getting up, I stretched and headed into the kitchen. Opening up the fridge, I grabbed a yogurt cup, and while I ate spoonfuls of that, made myself a ridiculously plain sandwich. I grabbed a water bottle as well from the fridge and sat back down at my computer.

Next was English 162B. This would be the last English class that would be required for my major, which was a huge relief. My phone buzzed and I looked down, the school was calling.

“Hello? This is Colton Fisher.”

There was a chuckle on the other end. “You sound so official.”

“You’re calling from the school number. How was I supposed to know it was you?”

Marcus laughed a little more. “I just wanted to check in, make sure you ate something for lunch.”

I rolled my eyes. “I am eating right now between classes.”

“What are you having?”

My plate was half eaten and I wrinkled my nose. He probably wasn’t going to be happy.

“Colt?”

“I had a yogurt cup and a sandwich.”

I could almost hear his sigh from the school and not just through the phone. “You need to eat more than that. I didn’t feed you all that food over the weekend just for you to slide back into your old ways.”

Snorting, I shook my head. “I mean, I wouldn’t even have had a yogurt cup before. Lunch on Wednesdays was nonexistent because it was too close between classes and if I threw up it would end up being in the middle of one.”

The silence the stretched out made me realize I said the wrong thing.

“Have some of the fruit salad from the bowl in the fridge.”

I wrinkled my nose. “I’m okay. The sandwich is filling and it has meat in it…”

“Colt.”

Groaning, I let my head fall. “Yes, Alpha.”

His chuckled on the other end was not helping. Getting up, I took the phone with me as I pulled out the fruit salad and put some in a bowl. Covering it back up with the plastic wrap, I set it back in the fridge.

“You know, you should get reusable lids. Plastic wrap isn’t good for the environment.”

“Neither is an Alpha getting upset that his mate won’t eat.”

This made me giggle. “Alright, alright. I have a bowl. I’m wolfing it down before class starts.”

“Alright. I need to go too. I have one more long class, office hours, and then there is a teachers meeting and I’ll be home.”

“I can make dinner, if you want.”

He hummed. “That’s okay. I don’t mind making something. Just make sure you have a snack and I’ll be back.”

I sighed. “Alright. Don’t be too late.”

His laugh made me smiled. “Have a good class.”

“You too, Professor .”

The line disconnected and I shook my head. Of course, I finished my fruit and the sandwich just before class started. It was uneventful and after three pages of notes, I closed my laptop for the final time today. Getting up, I looked at the time. It was three o’clock and Marcus wouldn’t be home for another two and a half hours at the earliest. Shaking my head, I stripped out of my sweatshirt and went into the kitchen.

Rummaging around, I pulled out ingredients for lasagna. In my little treasure box that Mrs. Truman gave me, she also wrote down her recipe for the lasagna since I had been able to eat it without repercussions. It took a couple hours to make but it would be perfect time if for dinner. Especially since I had everything but the noodles and those would need to be made from scratch.

I put my headphones in and I played some music. It was more modern Flamenco but I loved the tonality and the rhythm. There was something that was so sensual but also played out a lot like an opera. There was always a story and I loved it. Mike always said I had weird taste in music but I had dealt enough of his techno trap that we just stopped insulting each other about it.

I lost myself in the process of making the food, also adding some garlic bread. The timer went off and I pulled out the lasagna, setting it on the stove to cool. I swapped to the broiler setting and put the garlic bread in. Once I closed the door, I nearly jumped out of my skin. Hands wrapped around me and a chin rested on my shoulder.

“I thought I said I would make dinner.” Marcus was speaking low and I shivered.

Pulling out my earphone, I cocked my head to the side. “I know, but I had a few hours to kill and you had a full day at the university. It wasn’t a big deal.”

He hummed. “It smells amazing. Let me get out of this suit and put my stuff up.”

Turning, I looked at his full ensemble. I hadn’t been awake this morning when he left. He was wearing a navy blue three piece suit. The glasses were still sitting on his nose and bit my lip.

“Don’t, Colt. Don’t give me that look.”

Shrugging, I turned back around. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Marcus cackled but I heard him head into the living room and up to the bedroom. I took out of the bread and turned off the oven. Pulling out the plates, I brought everything to the dining table. Right now it was set for four but the table could be elongated to seat more. I placed my plate to the right of him. Once everything was set, I plopped down in my seat.

“This is so nice.” Marcus came down in a shirt and sweats.

“Don’t get used to it. I’m exhausted.” I winked at him.

Worry suddenly fulled his face and I laughed, shaking my head.

“Relax. It’s not a big deal. I’m always tired. Plus, Professor Hammond is so boring I think if I wasn’t writing notes I’d be like the rest of the class.”

“I’m not sure he would appreciate that.”

I rolled my eyes. “He has to know when half the cameras turn off midway through class. Not to mention it’s like he speaks monotone on purpose. I’ve heard him around school, he doesn’t talk like that normally.”

Marcus smiled, reaching over and started to serve up the food. “I think one time a student got mad that he flunked them. Told him he sounded like a little boy who got kicked in the nuts. His words, not mine. But ever since then, during class he drops his voice a bit.”

I barked out a laugh. “Oh, that’s so sad.”

Nodding, Marcus grabbed some garlic bread. “Professor Phillips was complaining about you today.”

“ Me ?”

I took a bite of lasagna and sighed. Finally, something with actual spice in it. I missed being able to eat normal food. That actually tasted good.

“Yeah. Apparently, you chastised him for not starting class on time?”

Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. “I just don’t think it’s necessary to call out your students on who did the homework or not. Yes, one of the juniors was trying to throw me under the bus for being young but he doesn’t need to add to the drama.”

I chomped down on my fork. It really did piss me off. Both my professor and the junior. At least I knew who was going to be a problem. If I could avoid getting paired up with them for anything, that would be ideal.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you this salty before.”

“Well, I’m taking my classes to learn. I’m doing my best and no one needs to know that I give a shit other than the teacher who grades my work. At the end of the day, it’s my degree and I’m not going to waste it. I’m here to learn, not for kicking up drama. So don’t put me into it.”

Marcus put a hand on my arm and I looked up at him. “I get it. Just, maybe not call out your professors too much. It gets passed around in the meetings.”

I rolled my eyes. “A bunch of old ladies with nothing else to do.”

He laughed. “You’re not wrong. Teachers gossip. Pretty much our downtime.”

“I figured you would be the talk. Since you’re taking off a semester.”

Marcus smirked as he ate. “Oh, I was. Apparently, there were a lot of different rumors going around. Especially since Ebony is no longer my assistant. Quite a few people thought she finally nailed me down.”

I growled but then quickly slammed my hands over my mouth. My wolf was so attached to him. They had basically claimed Marcus already. Even though usually they were so docile, when it came to Marcus, all they wanted to do was claim him.

“Don’t worry, little wolf. I cut those rumors off during the meeting.”

It was hard to hold back my smile. “Is she going back to her department?”

He laughed. “I don’t know. They made some demands the other day but we don’t need to worry about that now.”

“Why can’t they just take no at face value?”

“Because the rewards that come with claiming what they want, to them, warrant doing anything possible before they are out of options.”

Shaking my head, I sighed. “I’m surprised you didn’t try and hide your designation. Or at least move off-grid.”

“Honestly, I wasn’t smart enough at the time to think about.” Marcus brushed my cheek before going back to his food. “I moved off grid a few years but my dragon wasn’t happy. Being completely alone isn’t our forte. We need something to protect and to be Alpha. So being a professor just made sense. I enjoyed it and so did he.”

Sighing, I ate dinner. We lapsed into silence as we finished the rest of our food. I took down two more helpings before I felt full. Marcus finished off the rest.

“This was so good, Colt. Really.”

I smiled. “It was Mrs. Truman’s recipe. I’m just glad I could do it justice. It was the first thing that I could eat and hold it down.”

“It was amazing.”

Getting up, I started to clean up the table when Marcus grabbed my arms.

“You made dinner. I’ll clean up.”

“I don’t mind helping. It will go faster.”

He huffed but let me go. We both brought the dishes into the kitchen. Marcus rinsed while I loaded up the dishwasher. Anything else that was left he scrubbed and I rinsed, setting on the drying rack.

“Do you have work to do tonight?” I asked.

Marcus nodded. “Yeah. I need to get all the finals papers graded. Did you need to study?”

“I could. I did a lot today though. Plus, it being a new session, I could always push into the next couple of weeks work.”

He twined his hands off with the kitchen towel and put it back on the hook. “Sit with me for a little bit while I do my work?”

Nodding, I grabbed one of the blankets off the chair before flopping onto the couch unceremoniously. I let Marcus set up his work before I settled down and put my head on his lap. This was the best way to still be near him without getting in his way of his work. His hands ran through my hair.

“I missed you.”

I purred, my eyes shutting at the feeling. “I missed you too. It was rough not having you here all day.”

“Tomorrow will be a bit chaotic.”

“Yeah. It’s okay though. I’ll be on campus for most of the day.”

His hand stopped for a moment. “ All . All of the day. I want you protected within the university, Colt. You can stay in my office while you don’t have class. But I want you safe.”

I didn’t reply. I’d be in his office most of the day, but I had my doctor’s appointment before class. It was during one of his and I didn’t tell him because he would have cancelled class to take me. I’d have to take the bus but it wasn’t too bad. It would be a quick appointment and probably my last.

Marcus continued to work and the scrawling of his pen on the paper lulled me to sleep. I woke up when I felt myself being carried up the stairs. Marcus set me down gently in the bed and helped me crawl into bed after undressing.

“I have a bit more to finish up but then I’ll be in.”

I hummed and felt myself falling back asleep before hearing him leave the room.