Page 55 of Omega's Faith

"And you're here, alone in this... monument to excess."

I nod, throat tight. "I know I should submit to my alpha's decisions, but how can I when he won't even make them? When he runs away instead of leading?"

"Have you asked him to attend counseling?"

"He'd just say no, Pastor."

"You haven't asked your alpha's permission for me to be here?"

The question makes me flush. "No. I’m sorry. I know that waswrong... I just needed guidance."

Pastor David stands. "I understand. You were right to come to me. An omega should not have to seek his alpha’s permission to save his marriage. Where is this summer house?"

Two minutes later, we're walking through the estate grounds toward the lake. I can see the summer house through the trees.

"This is all his?" Pastor David asks, taking in the endless grounds.

"His family's. For generations."

"Wealth like this corrupts the soul. No wonder he's lost."

We climb the porch steps. I can hear music from inside—something jazzy and mellow. I knock, probably harder than necessary.

"Thanks Mrs. Atkins, but I’m fine." Alex's voice calls from inside. "I don't need anything!"

I knock again, harder.

Footsteps approach. The door yanks open.

"I said—" Alex stops mid-sentence, taking in me and Pastor David. He's in jeans and a t-shirt, barefoot, holding a crystal tumbler. His eyes are slightly glassy.

"Oh, fuck no," he says.

"Language," Pastor David says evenly.

Alex looks at him and bursts out laughing, then he honest to God sticks out his tongue at Pastor David then sings, “Fuckety-fuck-fuck-fuck.”

I don’t look at Pastor David’s face. I don’t dare.

“Alex, Pastor David is here to help us. We need counselling.”

Alex rolls his eyes. “From him? In my house?"

"Our house," I correct. "We're married, remember? Or did you forget that when you ran away?"

"I didn't run away. I relocated. There's a difference."

"The difference being?"

"About two hundred yards and a lot less fighting."

Pastor David clears his throat. "Mr. Colborne, I'm here to help you both navigate these difficult early days of marriage."

Alex laughs, actually laughs. "You called me the devil at my own wedding."

"I called you a sinner in need of salvation. Which you are."

"Barely." Alex takes a long sip from his tumbler, then steps back. "Fine. Come in. Let's get this over with."