Page 55 of Omega Tricked

“Not really.” I frowned. “I mean, I wouldn’t have thought so.”

“You believe in a love that transcends even death.” He smirked. “I’d say that’s something a romantic would do.”

I met his amused gaze. “I think there are certain instances where I can believe in that sort of love. My parents were fated mates.”

He narrowed his eyes. “You think that stuff is real?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

“Oh, that’s right. You believe the Ancients exist.” He twisted his lips. “I keep forgetting how young and gullible you are.”

Heat rose in my cheeks. “I’m not gullible.”

“I’d bet money Charles thinks you are.” His gaze was intent.

“Charles is wrong.”

“Maybe.”

“I’ve seen true love with my own eyes. My parents were devoted to each other. Why wouldn’t I believe in that?” I tried not to sound too defensive, but I did feel a bit self-conscious. He, of course, didn’t know what I knew about fated mates. I expected he’d come back with some other cynical comment, but he didn’t.

His gaze softened, and he smiled gently. “It’s a nice thought. I wish I had your ability to believe in something so whimsical.”

“You say that as if it’s all in my mind.”

“I can see that you believe it a hundred percent.”

“I do.” I stood, and picking up the tray, I met his gaze. “I didn’t find true love myself, but I do believe it can happen for others.”

“And I like that about you,” he said in a velvety voice. “I like that you believe in things that I find fantastical. It’s charming.”

I laughed. “I’m glad I can keep you amused.”

His lips twitched.

I moved to the door and hesitated. “Are you sure you don’t need any more food? I don’t want you going hungry.”

“Yes.” He looked away. “You don’t have to worry about me, Dylan. I know how to watch out for myself.”

“Okay. Well, have a good night.” I left his room, but I found it difficult to shake the feeling his comment hadn’t had anything to do with food.

Chapter Sixteen

Lex

As night fell outside the cabin, the cloudless sky became a deep Prussian blue. The stars were so bright, it caught me by surprise. Living in the city, it was hard to see the stars most nights. The window was cracked open, and the sound of crickets and the breeze rustling the tree leaves was soothing. I was surprised I didn’t miss the sounds of the city. I’d assumed I would because I was so used to it, but I was enjoying the serenity of the mountains.

I’d been thinking all day about what I needed to do, now that I knew something had happened to Dad. I assumed he was dead. However, the only way I’d know that for sure was if I could question the one man who knew everything that went on around here: Charles Pederson. I had to find out what he knew but realized he wouldn’t tell me anything willingly. That had brought me to the conclusion I’d have to take him hostage somehow and interrogate him none too gently.

But that wasn’t going to happen easily. I’d need outside help to make that happen. That was why I was waiting for Dylan to go to sleep so that I could use the phone to call Gabriele. I’d called earlier to let him know where I was, but I hadn’t been able to talk much. Not with Dylan in the kitchen just a few feet away. Once Dylan was asleep, I’d take the phone out on the front porch so I could talk freely.

It took a few hours until Dylan went to bed, but eventually the light under the door disappeared. I waited longer, to be sure he had time to fall asleep. Then I got out of bed slowly and opened my door, listening. The cabin was silent, so I padded on bare feet to the cordless phone in the main room. I sincerely hoped Charles wasn’t loony enough to tap Dylan’s phone line, in hopes of exposing me as the fraud he thought I was. And actually was.

I opened the front door and crept out onto the wooden porch. After closing the door with care, I sat on the step. I then pressed a button on the receiver, listening for any telltale clicks that might clue me in to fact my call was being monitored. I didn’t hear anything, so I dialed Gabriele’s number.

“Hello?” He sounded groggy, but he answered on the first ring.

“It’s me.”