Page 84 of Omega Tricked

Charles glared at Dylan. “Enough. Stop talking.”

Red appeared in Dylan’s cheeks. “You just want me to watch you die?”

“I believe in the greater good.” Charles’s jaw tensed. “I’m willing to sacrifice myself.”

“I can’t figure out if you’re brave, nuts, or both.” I scowled.

Dylan clamped his hand on Charles’s arm. “You’re be bravest alpha I’ve ever known.”

My gut churned at the look Dylan gave Charles. I still remembered how Dylan had looked at me like that before. Now most of his glances were filled with disgust. Losing Dylan’s respect hurt way more than I’d expected. A part of me wanted to abandon this entire mess and beg Dylan to forgive me. But how could I do that with Gabriele and all the others looking to me to make things right?

“I take no pleasure in what comes next,” I said gruffly. “But you leave me no choice, Charles.”

“I understand.” He met my gaze full-on.

For the first time since we’d met, we seemed to understand each other. We were both two alphas with no choice. Our destinies were guided by the needs of others. It was frustrating being in power. I didn’t like these types of decisions. I wasn’t a brutal person by nature, and this type of thing made me sick. But if I backed down or showed weakness, I could very well find myself in Charles’s seat instead.

I stood and moved toward him. Dylan stood too, his face flushed with fear and anger.

“Don’t do this, Lex. Please,” he whispered.

“I’m sorry.” I grabbed hold of Charles and pulled him off the bed. The alpha didn’t fight me. He now seemed more resigned than rebellious. Maybe he felt guilt at what had happened to my dad. He said he hadn’t killed him, but maybe holding the secret of who did was tiring. Secrets were exhausting. I’d hated having to trick Dylan, so I got it.

Dylan ran around the bed and started hitting me. I let him land his blows at first, but then I shoved him away and he fell against the wall. But instead of staying back, he came at me again. “Hank, come here,” I yelled.

There was the sound of boots pounding up the stairs, and Hank appeared on the landing, looking excited. “It’s about time.” He grabbed Charles’s arm and dragged him down the stairs.

I turned to Dylan and caught his flying fists easily. Then I backed him back into the room and pressed him against the wall. He was breathing hard, his eyes glittering with hate. But there were other emotions too—lust? Confusion. I leaned my weight on him, and he went still. I could feel his arousal against my leg, and I found myself also turned on. This was a fucked-up situation. I wanted to kiss him. Quiet him, and tell him I’d protect him. But the words were stuck in my throat. I couldn’t promise him that because I had no idea if it was true.

“Let me go,” he said softly.

“You don’t understand.” My voice was plaintive. “I don’t want any of this. I don’t want you to hate me.”

He blinked at me, his confusion palpable. “But I do hate you. I’ve never hated anyone more.”

That hurt. I didn’t even think he meant it because surely he hated Jacob more. But still, the words sank into me like knives. “You weren’t supposed to ever know what I am.”

“But I do know.” His warm breath fluttered against my lips. “I can’t believe I ever let you touch me.”

His words said one thing, but his body told me another. “Oh, really?”

“Yes,” he spat out. “You disgust me.”

Stupidly, I gave in to my needs and kissed the side of his full mouth. Wanting to prove him wrong. “Liar.”

He turned his head away, and I brushed my lips beneath his ear. He shivered and pulled in a sharp breath. I licked down his throat to kiss the sensitive skin where his neck joined his shoulder.

“Stop,” he whispered.

His cock was hard, and mine was too. I wanted to undo his pants and take him right there, against the wall. Prove that he still wanted me like I wanted him. I didn’t even care if everyone heard us. I just wanted to bury myself in his warm body and go back to how it had been. I wanted him to hold my gaze while I entered him and have him tell me how much he needed me, like before.

“I don’t want you anymore.” He sounded panicked.

I smoothed my hand between our bodies, stroking his full cock through his jeans. “Yeah, you do.”

“My body does.” His blue eyes were hard. “Idon’t.”

I stilled and pulled my hand away. It was true the body could be stimulated against its will. I was no rapist. If he said he didn’t want me, I had to listen. I let him go, and he slumped. My mouth was dry, my heart aching. This was a fucking nightmare of my own making. “You should get some rest,” I said.