I can’t help but worry about what’s going on with him. With a deep sigh, I finally convince myself to get up and go investigate. I pull on some shorts and make my way out of the bedroom, down the hall and into the kitchen where Ida is bustling around.
She has a steaming pot of porridge bubbling away on the stovetop while she stirs it vigorously with a wooden spoon. She hums along to the radio.
Ida turns to greet me with a warm smile as soon as I enter the kitchen. Her aura is comforting, a stark contrast to Murphy’s crackling, vibrant aura.
“Good morning, dearie,” she says cheerfully. “Did you sleep well?”
I nod and take a seat at the table. Ida serves us both porridge topped with sliced banana and honey, then takes her own seat across from me.
“I heard you were very busy yesterday,” she says casually, her light blue eyes twinkling.
I flush as I recall my scandalous behaviour.
Ida hums happily, sipping her tea. “The moment you threw yourself into the arena after our Murphy, I knew you were the right Omega for him.”
“I’m not so sure he sees things that way at the moment,” I mumble, chewing dejectedly.
Ida looks so kind and understanding, and I can feel how earnest she is. Her aura is a soothing comfort to my frayed nerves. Omegas are easier for me to deal with because their aura is typically gentler. We’re natural caregivers and biologically designed to calm a raging, possessive Alpha. I feel kinship with Ida.
So I tell her everything. From the moment I leapt from the rodeo stands to when I fell asleep. I gloss over the sexually explicit content though the older woman’s eyes still narrow in disapproval.
Ida purses her lips when I detail my escapades in Bubbles’ pen, but keeps her mouth shut until I’m finished speaking.
“Well then, you really were a busy little bee.” She takes a sip of her lukewarm milky tea. “I have to say, you’ve surprised me. I’ve only known you a short while, but it all sounds out of character. You weren’t bunging on how bad your aura sickness is, were you dearie?”
I scrunch my nose and shake my head before taking another bite of my porridge.
“Is that what’s got you all knotted up?”
I stop mid chew, my widened eyes flying to hers.
She chuckles at my reaction and winks, “No pun intended.”
I hesitate for a moment before I answer her question honestly. “Murphy left last night in an odd mood,” I admit reluctantly. “He seemed... angry or upset about something.” I take a deep breath in before continuing. “I just want to know where we stand.”
Ida places her spoon down on the table and gives me an understanding look.
She reaches over and pats my hand gently. “Things will work out in time – don’t worry so much.”
We spend the next few hours chatting and getting to know one another. I really enjoy the older Omega’s company more than I thought I would. She’s old-fashioned, sure, but she’s also very compassionate like me. She keenly feels responsible for the welfare of her town and its people. It’s nice to have someone who views the world the same way. To her, empathy is a strength, rather than a weakness.
I miss when my empathic aura was a force for good. I became a nurse because I wanted to help advocate for the healthcare of Omegas and Alphas. I felt empowered and purposeful when I was in the proverbial trenches, fighting for my people. These days, I spend more time fighting against myself. I miss warrior crusader Matilda.
Ida listens kindly and with curiosity as I tell her about myself.
“We could use someone like you in these parts. There are so many of our people who don’t take care of their health. The good Doc does his best, and he’s a bloody ripper of a doctor, but he doesn’t have the compassion and understanding it takes to work in the community. People don’t want to open up to an Alpha. As Omegas, we’re rather good at getting others to open up, aren’t we?”
She looks at me pointedly, and I sit back in my seat with an amused huff.
“You’ve cracked me open like an oyster, Ida,” I say with a hearty chuckle.
“Just a friendly ear, love.” She smiles warmly at me as she takes a sip of her tea. “It’s nice having someone like-minded to talk to after all these years.”
Just as I finish my second coffee, there is a knock on the front door.
“I think you have a visitor.”
I take a deep breath and steel myself for the conversation to come.
