Page 69 of Omega Tricked

“I haven’t had stir-fry in a year.”

He widened his eyes. “What?”

My face warmed. “I told you I can’t cook.”

“Don’t you have restaurants here?”

I laughed. “There’s exactly two sort-of restaurants. They’re really just a couple of omegas who like to cook for other people.”

He shook his head. “I suppose next you’ll tell me there’s no Starbucks?”

“Nope.”

“How do you survive?” His lips twitched.

“I make my own coffee. There’s this new thing called a coffee maker.”

“Sounds barbaric.” He tossed broccoli into the large pan.

“Soon you’ll be able to partake of whatever restaurants and coffee you want.” I hoped I didn’t sound as bummed as I felt. But the thought of him leaving was depressing. I really liked him, and I would have loved for him to be my roomie a little longer. But I wasn’t about to say that because I didn’t want to come off clingy.

He glanced over. “Will you remember me when I’m gone?”

“Will I remember you?” My voice was higher than I’d have liked. “You know I will.”

He set the knife down and came up to me. He took hold of my chin, and he planted a gentle kiss on my mouth. “I’ll remember you too.”

“I would hope so.” I smiled up at him. “You’re supposed to always remember your first time.” I hated the idea he’d go on to be with other people. Now that I’d had a taste of him, I felt possessive. Foolish, yes. But it was hard to control those feelings.

He wrinkled his brow, but he didn’t speak.

“Looking forward to your meeting with Charles tomorrow?” I asked, knowing full well he wasn’t.

“God, no. I’d rather stick needles in my eyes than talk to that guy.” His voice was harsh, and he went back to chopping vegetables.

“But he might have good news for you. He might say the coast is clear, and you can go home.”

“True.”

“It will be weird to be here alone again. The cabin will seem so empty.” I sighed.

“How long do you plan on staying here?” He sliced water chestnuts with a delicate hand. “Surely you could get a job anywhere you wanted to live.”

“Probably. But the work I do here is important.”

He frowned. “But you could deliver babies anywhere.”

“I could.” Naturally, he had no idea about the work I did in detail. Helping solar eclipse omegas deliver their babies was an honor. It wasn’t easy getting qualified help up in the compound, and I wasn’t going to abandon Dr. Peters. Maybe after I’d been here a few years, then I’d move on and try to live a more regular life. But for now, there was no reason to leave.

“But you won’t leave the compound?”

“Why would I?”

He had a funny expression. “No reason.”

“I’m glad I met you though,” I said quietly. “You’re the first alpha I’ve been with since… Jacob.”

His gaze was intent. “How long ago since Jacob?”