Page 103 of Omega Tricked

Dylan convinced Charles to let Gabriele accompany me into the compound. His capitulation wasn’t graceful though, not by a long shot. It was obvious he didn’t think either of us belonged, and he didn’t care if we knew that. When we arrived at the compound, the looks his men gave us was intimidating. I knew they’d have loved to knock us around because we’d made fools of them. I felt vulnerable because our weapons were confiscated, but his men all still carried. Gabriele’s grim expression mirrored my own as we were led from the building.

“What the hell is this place?” he whispered as we were led from the security building by Charles.

“It’s not Disneyland, trust me.”

“Gives me the creeps.” He squinted up at the sun. “At least you get to room with Dylan. I’m stuck rooming with Charles.” He scowled. “Asshole is just trying to keep his eyes on me, and not in a good way.”

“He thinks we’re planning a coup.” I smirked, watching Charles as he strode ahead of us with his back stiff.

“You sure we wouldn’t just be better taking our chances out in the real world, boss?”

I wasn’t sure of anything. I simply needed to be near Dylan. But I didn’t want to tell Gabriele that because it made me sound pathetic. “This is only temporary.”

“Good. I just hope Charles doesn’t slit my throat in the night and pretend it was suicide.” He grinned at me. “Promise me you won’t buy that story.”

“No way.”

Charles stopped walking, and he held up his hand. “Lex, this is you.”

Dylan came out of the cabin, and as he approached, my pulse sped up. I couldn’t wait to be alone with him, and I hoped he felt the same.

“Welcome home,” he said softly.

“Home?” Charles chuffed. “Remember, Lex, you’re still not allowed to wander freely.”

“Got it.” I nodded, trying not to show how much his bossy tone annoyed me.

“You’re only here because of Dylan.” He slid his gaze to Gabriele. “That goes for you too.”

“Didn’t think I was here because you wanted me,” Gabriele said with a smirk.

I moved toward Dylan, giving Gabriele a sympathetic grimace.

Gabriele rubbed his hands together briskly. “Okay, show me my new home. I’m sure it’s as warm and cozy as you are, Charles.”

Charles scowled and started walking up the hill again. Gabriele shook his head and waved at us, then trotted after the alpha.

I followed Dylan inside his little home. He seemed a bit nervous as he faced me, and his smile was shy. “Are you hungry?” he asked.

“Not for food.”

His cheeks flushed and he laughed.

“I’m just teasing,” I said so he’d relax. I wanted him, but I didn’t want to rush things. I understood if he needed some time.

He sighed. “This is weird, right?”

I nodded. “Yeah. But at least we have no secrets from each other now.”

His smile slipped. “Yeah.” He grimaced. “I uh, I bought you some clothes.”

“You did?”

“It took them so long to process you guys. I had plenty of time to kill.”

I frowned. “You didn’t have to do that.”

He shrugged. “I know. Unfortunately, Jim wasn’t as willing to lend his clothing this time around.”