Page 26 of The Alpha's Fake Mate

Of course he would be incapable of trust. He was tormented. He had to hate all Alphas.

At the same time, I couldn’t deny my disappointment, as well as the thought that any of the Omegas in his age group would probably have jumped at the chance to go away with me with the guarantee of protection and no strings.

Holland had every reason to be bitter and wary.

And I was a stupid fool.

I wrote back a short response.

Holland:

I thought you might say that.

I am sorry you cannot believe that my intentions are good, and that I would guarantee your safety.

I still have need of an assistant to help me see to the smooth running of the farm.

If you can continue to write to me about how to improve all conditions at Zilly’s, I will listen. I will respond.

Orion

I clickedsendagain, turned away from my computer and called a friend to meet me for dinner.

When I came home, I looked up at the sky and its sweeping horizons of stars never ending. And the closest star was 4.37 light years away.

I felt that wind in my chest.

I saw Holland’s tense face. His streaming hair. I could not get him out of my mind.

When I passed by my office on my way to bed, I saw the computer flashing a message. With only the hall light shining into the room, I approached the computer. Holland’s email address blinked at me, too bright in the semi-darkness.

I opened it and read it while standing in the stripe of light cast by my computer screen.

Orion:

I don’t care what you do.

But my friends might have requests. More requests than simple tablets with online access. Will you listen to them? Any of them?

I don’t want to play middleman. But I have overheard conversations. Unlike me, they are excited about Zilly’s new owner. About you. They would love to make wish lists. Would that be possible for them?

Holland

“Unlike me, they are excited…” I read aloud.

The room held no response.

Okay, so he hated me. That was not news. Still, I frowned.

It was late but not too late. I figured he probably would not reply.

I sat down, composed, and sent.

Holland:

I will look at wish lists.

I can even set you up in a paid position to be the advocate for your Omega friends. The warden has too many responsibilities to be that for all of you.