Page 24 of Omega's Faith

"Can't what?"

"Any of this. The pictures, the wedding, you."

His honesty catches me off guard. For a moment, the game drops away and I see him clearly. He’s young, overwhelmed, trapped in a situation he never asked for.

Just like me.

"Three weeks," I find myself saying. "We get through three weeks of this. Then..."

"Then what?" He turns in my arms, looking up at me. "Then we're married. Bound for life. You think it gets easier after that?"

No. Then I'll have a husband who wishes he was anywhere else.

"Then we're both fucked," I say honestly.

His eyes widen at my bluntness. "So why are you doing this?"

"Same reason you are. No choice." I brush a strand of hair from his face because I can't help myself, even though I know it's stupid. "Except you get to be the good one who’s trying to save me. I get to be the fuck-up."

"I don't want to save you."

"No?" I lean closer. "Then what do you want?"

"To wake up from this nightmare."

The honesty of it slams into me. Of course that's what he wants. Why would anyone want to be tied to me?

I move closer to him, pull him against the hardness that he has inspired and the scent of omega slick fills the air. “Nightmare? Doesn’t smell like you think I’m a nightmare.”

"I hate you." He turns, his face close enough to mine that I can feel his breath on my lips and the pure fury in his eyes.

"Perfect!" Shar shouts. "That's the shot! So much passion"

We break apart, both breathing hard. Jonah's lips are parted, eyes dark. He looks thoroughly kissed even though I haven't had my lips on his.

Yet.

"That's a wrap!" Shar announces. "Gorgeous work, everyone!"

The crew immediately starts breaking down equipment. Jonah backs away from me, still looking dazed. His parents approach, his mother taking his arm.

"You did so well, sweetheart," she says. She seems nice. I barely remember my mother. She died when I was little. I remember perfume and the color of her hair but not much else.

The preacher says nothing, just gives me one last condemning look before following them toward their car. Jonah glances back once, something unreadable in his expression.

Then they're gone, leaving me standing among the roses with the taste of honey on my tongue even though I never kissed him.

"Well?" Diana appears at my elbow. "Better than the dinner?"

"He still hates me."

"But he wants you. Everyone can tell." She sounds satisfied. "The photos will be spectacular. Mando Shar is already raving about the chemistry. We’re guaranteed magazine covers."

Chemistry. Is that what we're calling this thing that makes me want to chase him down and pin him against the nearest surface?

I suppose it is. It’s certainly not love.

"The final fitting is Tuesday," Diana continues. "Your officialbachelor party is on Wednesday. I’ll be swapping all the drinks for non-alcohol versions. Your dresser will arrive at two p.m. to get you ready. If you even think about having an unofficial party, it’ll be your head."