I desperately wanted Trevor to correct me, to say that he had misspoken. To assure me that he loved me. That wasn't what happened. Instead, he tried to swallow a little sob and looked up, his beautiful blue eyes awash with tears and his bottom lip trembling.
"I see." A million more questions ran through my mind, but I forced them – and my confused wolf - back. "Can you tell me more? How long have you felt this way?" I swallowed hard. "Do..you want the claim reversed?"
"I don't know." He was choking on his sobs, and I had to fight every Alpha instinct to keep from touching him, comforting him. There was nothing I could do to stop the pheromones that my body released at his distress, though. "Things were so bad until you bought me and it's better here." He winced at the word. "But that's it, isn't it? You didn'tchooseme. You bought me because I was convenient, because I was different." He dashed the tears from his eyes. "Do you really think you would love me if we had met the normal way?"
"I know I would," I insisted immediately even though I already knew that this was an argument I couldn't win. "There was an amazing number of Omegas in that place. You know that. You were the only one I responded to. You're meant to be mine."
Trevor attempted a smile, but it was a weak imitation of his usual warm grin. "That's pheromones, sex." He shook his head sadly. "That's not love."
I could have argued that point, but I could tell that he had more he didn't want to say. "And?"
"I feel like I'm being forced into a role I didn't study for," my mate whispered haltingly. "I don't feel like I belong here anymore."
Chapter One
Trevor
"How are you holding up?" Colby asked, a frown creasing his face.
We were sitting at the kitchen table, the early evening light washing over us. Colby had risen early to come over and visit before myduring-school nap, as it had become known.
"Okay, I guess," I sighed. "It's weird not having Clint here."
Colby nodded sympathetically. "How about the kids? How are they taking it?"
"Pretty well, actually." I took a long drink from my tea. "They seem to think that he's on some sort of adventure." I shrugged. "I think it helps that we're both in the compound. For now, anyway."
"Oh." Colby winced. "I know it's none of my business but…" He trailed off when I laughed. "What?"
"Colby, when have you ever worried about whether or not something was your business?"
The Blood Valley Omega had the grace to blush a little as he shrugged. "Still. You said you're both herefor now. Are you leaving?"
"I don't know," I admitted sadly. "I can't expect the pack Alpha to live in a guest shack indefinitely. And you know he won't willingly let me take the kids away from the pack, even if I did have somewhere to go. Which, of course, I don't."
"You could always come to Blood Valley while you sort it out," he offered slowly. "If you were staying with us, Clint would let you bring the boys, wouldn't he?"
"Thanks, sweetie." I managed a small smile for the first time since I had woken three days earlier and found the note from Clint telling me he was moving to the guest house while I worked out what I wanted. "But I wouldn't want to drag your pack into this."
"The offer always stands," Colby said, twirling his teacup nervously on the saucer and chewing on his bottom lip.
"Colby," I sighed and waited until he looked up, "just say what you have to say."
One deep sigh was followed by another. Twice Colby opened his mouth to speak and then snapped it closed. I could feel my brow knit in confusion. Known for having plenty to say and no hesitation about saying it, it seemed that the proverbial cat had caught Colby's tongue. Finally, he shook his head and lifted the teacup to his lips instead of speaking.
"Colby!" I barked in frustration, "Whatisit?"
"I don't understand what happened." He set the cup down without drinking and shook his head, his cerulean eyes clouded with worry.
"I don't either," I admitted. "It's hard to explain. It's like I just started feeling like something was wrong. When Clint touched me. When I interacted with the pack. Even just being here with you, I feel out of place now." I swallowed the rest of my tea. "I never did before."
"Did Clint do something?" Colby asked quietly. "Has he been rough with you? Mean?"
"No, of course not," I assured him. "He's perfect. It..it's me. There's something wrong with me, Colby."
"Daddy! Daddy! We're ready for school!"
Before we could continue, the twins raced in, their school clothes half on, half off. Adrian's jeans were on backward. Eric's left shoe was untied, his right was missing entirely.
