Page 136 of The Other Omega

I hardly saw Lucien either. We’d only passed each other a few times. He came to the nest after I fell asleep and left before I woke, even though I’d asked him twice to wake me. He said I needed rest, and when I asked the others to wake me if they heard him come in, they agreed.

That morning, I sat reading another message saying he’d checked on me and let me sleep. I’d told him how much I wanted to see him, yet I’d missed another chance without even knowing he was there.

Elowen: Caius, can I talk to you here today? Just us?

Elowen: I’m upset. I keep asking them to wake me so I can see Lucien, and they keep letting me sleep.

I sent him a picture of my lilac dress.

Elowen: Today’s outfit.

Elowen: I miss you so much.

I kept the conversation open while I waited, glad when his answer appeared a few minutes later.

Caius: I miss you, my love. I can stay on this channel for a short while. Tell me what you need.

Elowen: Just this. Tell me something about your day that you’re allowed to tell me.

He sent a picture of a knife laid on a plain cloth, its handle beside his broad hand. I brought my wrist closer to look, more interested in his fingers than the knife.

Caius: I’m maintaining my equipment before the next briefing.

Elowen: I like seeing your hand.

Elowen: Come home so I can hold it properly.

“A new light to you, sweet Omega.” Darius entered my room, pad in hand and ready for the day.

“Did you see Lucien before he left?”

“Yes.”

“And you let me sleep.”

“You’d been restless during the night. We believed⁠—”

“I know you meant to help.” My voice caught, but I carried on. “I asked you to wake me, Darius. I don’t want you deciding something else is better for me after I’ve already told you what I want.”

He went still.

“You are right, sweet Omega. I should have listened.”

“I know you were trying to look after me. I’m not angry about that. I just want you to listen when I tell you what I need.”

“I understand. I’m sorry.”

“Thank you.”

I reached for him; then he came straight to me. I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my face against his chest.

“I really miss him.”

“I know.”

“And I miss Caius.”

His hand moved slowly over my back.