Page 34 of Omega Tricked

“It’s so quiet,” I commented, glancing at the houses that all had their shades drawn. It was as silent as a ghost town.

“I’m sure Charles has issued a lockdown order,” grumbled Dylan.

I frowned. “Lockdown?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” I laughed. “Are the residents not allowed to see outsiders?”

He paused and then said softly, “It’s more about what you’re allowed to see.”

I had no idea what that meant. “Okay.”

He grimaced. “I can’t really elaborate. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I understand,” I lied. I felt a bit like I was in an episode ofThe Twilight Zone. Were there three-headed children living here or something?

After about a ten-minute hike, we stopped in front of a cabin with a trim green lawn. “This is me.” Dylan went up the driveway.

I followed him to the front door of the cabin. “This is cute.”

He snorted. “Thanks.”

“I mean cute in a super manly way.” I laughed.

“Of course.” He pushed open the door, and I followed him inside.

It was cool and dark. He opened the blinds at the front of the room, and I took in the space. Bookcases at the far end of the room and one blue couch occupied the living room. Other than that, the room was empty. There were no photos, or artwork on the walls. I stayed silent because I couldn’t really bring myself to compliment his decor. There wasn’t any real decor.

“I know,” he said, giving a sheepish laugh. “There are prison cells that have more atmosphere.”

I grinned, grateful I didn’t have to lie. “You have a couch and books. What else do you need?”

“Plenty, actually.” He grimaced. “I’ve been at the compound six months, but I’ve never really bothered to make this a home. It’s just where I sleep and eat.”

Not sure how to respond, I didn’t.

He glanced at me, running his eyes over my body. “You’re taller than me, and more muscular.”

“Thank you?”

He laughed. “No, I just mean, I don’t have any clothes I can loan you. They’d be too small.”

I hadn’t thought about that. I hated the idea of showering and then putting on the same dirty clothes.

He brightened. “Hold on. My neighbor Jim is about your size. I’ll go see if he has anything he’d loan you.”

I winced. “Oh, no. I don’t want you bothering some strange guy for me. That would be weird.”

“He won’t mind. He’s actually really nice.” He moved to the door. “I’ll be right back.”

Before I could object again, he was gone.

I stood alone in his house, feeling guilty about using Dylan, and relieved I was finally in the compound. It had been touch and go for a few seconds there with Charles. But I was inside, and when night fell, I’d snoop around a little on the grounds. In the meantime, I’d try and pump Dylan for any information I could. He’d probably be much easier to get stuff out of now that he trusted me.

My gaze fell on two small golden picture frames on the bookcase. I hadn’t noticed them at first. I moved closer and stopped in front of the photos. They were both of a young child. I wasn’t great with kids’ ages, but I’d guess the child was no more than a year old. He had auburn hair and the same eyes as Dylan. I knew instantly the child was Dylan’s son, and an uneasy feeling came over me. Dylan never talked about having a child. He never really talked about anything personal. Was that because it was too painful? Or was he simply detached?

I picked up the photo and studied it. The kid was cute. Did Dylan have an alpha? If so, why wasn’t he living with his alpha? I was surprised at how distasteful I found the idea of Dylan having an alpha. What sense did that make? It was always best for omegas to have an alpha. Dylan was a good kid; he deserved to have an alpha to watch over him.