Page 21 of Omega's Reluctant Mate

He sighed. “Sorry to put you on the spot. I’m a bit… frustrated… this morning.”

I looked over at him, once again noticing the red in his eyes. I did that. I hurt him.

I took a deep breath and diverted my gaze to Tiny, who seemed to be digging out a new stick. “It’s not something I’m ready to talk about yet. I’ve been scared of meeting you for years, and this… us talking right now… is farther than I ever expected to go.”

I paused. “I will explain things, if you can give me the time. I… I don’t know if I can ever be your mate. But I at least owe you an answer.”

“I’d like that.”

I glanced at him again, to see him watching me intently.

“Do you come here often?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Every weekday, and Saturdays.”

“So I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“If you’re here.”

There was a note in his voice that suggested that he thought I might not be. But could I blame him, given my previous actions?

“I will be,” I promised, making eye contact.

He nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.

“Tomorrow.” With that I stood, brushed the sand from my pants, and tossed the new stick for Tiny.

Then I headed back inside Zaya’s house. I needed to call Papa and extend my vacation.

I had to set things right, whatever that looked like, and it wasn’t going to be a fast process.

Chapter 9 - Corey

“I’m so sorry,” Cody said as I stepped into his house. He walked over and gave me a hug. “I wasn’t sure if you were going to take the day off, then Donna called. I planned to be back so we could talk, but it took longer than expected. And…” he took a deep breath. “I’m a bad friend. You were there for me when I was fighting it, and I wasn’t here when I was pretty sure you’d be coming.”

I hugged him back. “Thank you.”

He sighed. “Zaya was pissed this morning, sent a text that Nate had left.”

I licked my lips. “He… actually came back. I saw him on the beach and talked to him for a few minutes.”

Cody pulled back. “Really?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“Did he tell you why he ran?”

“No, he said he wasn’t ready.”

Cody scowled, but I shook my head.

“You don’t get to be mad at him for that when it took until Wes got hurt before you told him why you ran,” I reminded him.

Cody sighed. “Ok. So what happens now?”

A frustrated laugh escaped me. “Honestly? I don’t know. He said he’ll talk to me tomorrow, but didn’t say when he’d be willing to tell me what made him run.”

Cody frowned. “Seems he’s holding all the cards.”