Page 46 of Two Years Gone

Ella turned to face the water again.

“You say I work too much, but it’s a job I’ve been given, a job I’m required by my status to do. This is my first real time off in almost eight years.”

I looked at her in shock, unable to find words.

“My mom hasn’t had a day off in almost twenty. Except for the occasional sick day.”

I faced the water again, not knowing how to respond. I felt a warmth on my hand and looked down to see Ella’s hand on mine. It felt good, too good. I looked up to meet her eyes as she spoke.

“I’m not saying this to complain or make you feel bad. I’m just saying that as alpha-to-be, you have the power to change it.

“Your dad is a good man, but I don’t think he actually knows what we have to do every day. All the omegas in this pack are treated as though they are slaves.

“The only respect we’ve ever been shown is from your father, and I’m grateful for that. But it doesn’t have to stay this way. It’s all just tradition.

“Like I said, I’m not trying to make you feel bad. I’m just saying that if you want me to have more time, then you’ll have to make changes.

“Because I’m not going to shirk my responsibilities or make anyone else work harder because I want a day off.”

Ella smiled at me, and I knew what I had to do.

I leaned forward and kissed her lips softly, inhaling her scent before pulling away.

“Thank you for telling me that. I didn’t know,” I smiled as I watched Ella’s cheeks blush.

She looked out at the water again and let out a deep breath.

“We should probably head back. I should help with lunch.”

I groaned, not wanting to leave. I was enjoying this time with her. She had definitely given me something to think about.

I stood and packed up our things. We made the hike home, and I knew I didn’t want this day to end.

When we reached the edge of the woods near the pack house, I grabbed Ella and pulled her close. I felt her inhale sharply, and her hands that were now resting on my chest sent tingles through me.

“Can we just not go home?”

Ella laughed.

“I don’t think an alpha can just disappear.”

I kissed her nose, and she squished her face in response before pushing away from me. She was beautiful and adorable.

We walked back to the pack house, not knowing that we had an angry audience to our intimate little moment.

Ella turned around and gave me a warm smile before entering her room and leaving me in the hallway, my heart dancing in my chest.

“Well, damn.” I ran my fingers through my hair and attempted to collect myself.

I took a quick shower and made my way downstairs and into the pack offices. I tapped on the door before entering.

“Dad?”

“Hmm?” My dad looked up from his files and smiled.

“Zane! What’s up?”

“Do you have a minute? I need to talk to you about something.”