Page 47 of Omega Tricked

Surprised at his confession, I frowned. “What kind of bad things?”

A muscle worked in his jaw. “I’d rather not say.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Illegal things?”

His cheeks seemed pink as he met my gaze with an almost defiant expression. “Sometimes.”

I was shocked at his response, but curious about why he was being so open. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I like you.” He shrugged. “I don’t want you to think I’m a saint, when, in fact, I’m not.”

“I’ve never met a saint. I’m not a saint.”

“You are compared to me,” he muttered, frowning.

“What exactly are you trying to say, Lex?” I felt breathless as I held his gaze. Was Charles right? Was Lex trying to tell me that Charles was right about him?

His face changed suddenly, and he gave a weak smile. “Ignore me. I’m being silly because I don’t feel well.”

Relief filled me at his return to the Lex I knew. “You don’t have to be perfect. We all make mistakes.”

“Yes.” He nodded, a funny look on his face. “I suppose that’s true.”

I reached out and touched his hand. The feel of his warm, firm skin under mine was wonderful. He didn’t move away, and that pleased me. “All you need to think about is getting well. Charles can be mad all he wants, but I like who you are. Nothing he says will change that.”

He swallowed. “Okay.”

He looked so worried, I hated it. “I’m serious. Charles needed a scapegoat last night, and you were convenient.”

“I do understand why he’s suspicious of me. If you truly never have crime here, and suddenly someone does something just as I show up, he’s right to be concerned.”

“He needs to be logical though. You were in bed, obviously asleep. I think I’d have noticed if you sneaked in and out of the cabin. I’m a light sleeper.”

“I guess he’s just doing his job. You should feel pleased he cares so much.”

“You’re mighty nice about all of this.”

He shrugged. “I understand the need to protect what you care about.”

His gaze was so intent, I felt a warm flush. I’d have given anything to have him care about me. He’d be a good alpha, I was sure of it. He’d be protective and warm. He’d be everything Jacob hadn’t been. I’d chosen so poorly the first time around. I’d been young, and Jacob had been persuasive. Our relationship had been rocky from the beginning, but once we had a child, Jacob became even worse. He was jealous and insanely possessive. But he’d never made an aggressive move toward Ayden, and so it hadn’t occurred to me he’d hurt him. That had been a catastrophic mistake on my part. One I’d never forgive myself for making. Never.

“Are you okay?” Lex asked, watching me with a gentle expression.

I nodded. “Just thinking about the past. Thinking howIdidn’t protect what I cared about.”

“No, Dylan. That wasn’t what I was getting at.”

“But it’s true.” I met his gaze. “You know it is.”

He shook his head. “We can’t read minds. We’re forced to trust people and pray they don’t screw us over.”

“Maybe.” I stood and grabbed the tray. “You should rest. I’ll check on you later.”

“Dylan.” His voice was urgent. “It’s not your fault if someone tricks you. You need to understand that.”

I wasn’t sure why any of this mattered so much to him, but I knew he was trying to soothe me. “I’m not sure I agree with you. But I appreciate that you care.”

He wrinkled his brow, looking almost flustered. “Yes. I… I do actually care.”