Page 138 of The Other Omega

“Yes, please.”

“Then I will.”

I smiled.

I spent the rest of his visit leaning against him, making the most of having him close. I stayed in the nest after he left.

The scent of egg sandwiches reached me as Eira brought them in. My stomach turned before she’d even put the plates down. I pushed them further away, hoping the cakes would be easier to manage.

“I’m sorry. I can’t stand the smell.”

“Would you prefer something else?”

I reached for a cake, but the buttery sweetness made me feel sick as soon as I lifted it. I put it down without taking a bite and breathed through my mouth while Eira took the plates away.

“Please don’t tell Gilda I hated her sandwiches. I usually love them.”

“I’ll tell her you’re feeling unwell. You’ve eaten very little today. Shall I ask for plain toast?”

I nodded and watched the snow begin to gather along the window ledge as she asked. My cup was still warm in my hands, and I turned it slowly, trying to find the courage to ask the question I’d put off all morning.

“Eira, how soon would an Omega know if she was pregnant?”

Her hand paused above her pad.

“Why do you ask?”

“I think I might be.”

She put the pad aside and turned towards me.

“You cannot be. Omegas can only conceive during a heat. You haven’t had one.”

“I know. It’s in the books. But you know about me, don’t you? Where I’m from?”

“The masters told me enough.”

“And you’ve never asked.”

“I thought you would tell me what you wished me to know.”

I put down my cup, wanting to explain properly now that I’d finally asked.

“Where I come from, we don’t have heats. And some of the things happening to me would make someone suspect pregnancy.”

“What things?”

“For starters, I haven’t had a period since I came here. Monthly bleeding,” I added when she hesitated.

“Only Beta women have a monthly cycle. That alone would be consistent with your presentation.”

“But my breasts hurt. I’m tired all the time, scents make me feel sick, and I keep crying over every little thing. I know none of that proves anything about Omegas, but it sorta does for Earth women. And I keep thinking, what if my body is following different rules? Earth rules?”

When she reached for her pad, I caught her wrist.

“Please don’t tell my mates yet.”

“I was going to consult medical references.”