Page 4 of Omega’s Oath

“How about we grab some of those cupcakes from the stand over there and I take you home so you can chill in your pjs and watch a movie?”

Rose looked around, her eyes landing on the stand of cupcakes Fee and Hawk had decided on instead of a traditional cake and she smiled. “Sounds perfect. Will you stay and watch a movie with me?”

Omega fought the smile. Didn’t she know he’d do anything for her? It had taken losing her and the reality of her pregnancy for him to see it, but he was hers. “Yes, of course. As long as it’s none of that flick chick stuff.”

Her laughter was light and airy. “You mean chick flick, and fine. No chick flicks.”

He moved to say goodnight to Fee and Hawk, who’d returned looking more disheveled than before and left Rose to say goodnight to everyone as he got their coats. Mid-January in Texas could get cold. He came back and wrapped the black jacket over her shoulders and helped her into his truck. He knew she’d got a cab with Dax and Mack and wasn’t leaving her car behind.

The cupcakes were boxed on her lap as he drove her home. Omega liked her house. It was small, but the yard was well maintained with flower beds and lawn in front, and the house itself was modern and open. A perfect home for a child. He’d built the crib for her a few weeks ago, when he’d stopped by on some lame excuse. Rose had painted the nursery a pale green with white accents and a mural on the wall of cute dinosaurs in pastel colors.

“So, do you have a name picked out for the little guy yet?”

Rose shook her head. “Nope. I have three or four I like but I don’t think I’ll know until I meet him.”

Omega glanced over at her. “Wanna share what they are?”

Rose eyed him. “Fine but no funny comments. It’s taken me this long to decide on these four. I like Hudson, Vance, Jude, and Rigg.”

Omega pursed his lips and nodded slowly, surprise and delight making his body light. “Okay.” He remained silent and he could feel the way she was fidgeting in her seat.

“Fine, tell me what you think, damn it.”

He smirked as she looked at him with exasperation. He held up his hand. “I have no opinion here.”

Rose huffed. “Sure you don’t. Why don’t you just tell me?”

“Jude is my middle name.”

Her eyebrows rose. “It is?”

“Yep, my mom was a Beatles fan.”

Rose sat back in her chair. “Wow. Well, I still like it.”

Omega said nothing but he couldn’t stop the grin from covering his face. He pulled into the quiet street where she lived and frowned when he saw a truck parked outside her house, a man leaning against it with his arms crossed.

“You know this guy, Rose?”

She peered closer and drew in a sharp breath he didn’t like the sound of.

“Holy crap, that’s Harlan.”

He really didn’t like the delight he heard in her voice. Jealousy was bitter and cruel, twisting in his gut as he pulled into the drive and stopped the car. He exited the vehicle and took a deep lungful of air. He assessed the man strolling toward them but didn’t acknowledge him as he helped Rose from the car.

She’d never mentioned this Harlan, but she seemed surprised and happy to see him. Who was he and why did Omega have the savage urge to step between him and Rose?