ΩMEGA

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Bridger

Shaye stares at me as if I grew two heads. I offer her a smile but she doesn't budge.

"You're kidding?" she asks.

"Nope."

"You're pulling my leg."

I raise my arms. "I'm not."

"Bridger," she sits down in front of my desk. "You're giving up your entire life for some guy you met like 2 weeks ago?"

I roll my eyes. Shaye is a...extreme woman. She either severally over-exaggerates something or severally under-exaggerates - which is why I wonder sometimes why Arron chose her to be our delta. Jokes of course because she's amazing at her job. She keeps to herself for the most part. She has a mate and a pup so between her family and her job, she doesn't have time to not keep to herself. However, I do like that she's making a big deal over my decision to leave instead of the fact that I'm leaving to live with a man. It's not that I expected Shaye to be homophobic, she doesn't have a hateful bone in her body and her pup is a male omega. But it's still nerve-wracking telling people that I'm gay no matter how loving they seem to be.

"Shaye, it was never a life that I wanted," I say with a long sigh. "And now...now I'm doing what I want."

It feels good to finally say it. I close my eyes for a brief second, relishing in the relief that came with saying that. Living as Arron's shadow, it's hard to step out and actually want to be your own person and it's especially hard to relinquish such an important title like Beta. But I am trying to prevent any mess that can come from me leaving. I want to make the process as painless as possible so much so that when I leave, it'll be easy and seamless. Which is why I'm talking to Shaye first. After we get started, I will then talk to Arron. I know he will handle it hardest, possibly accusing me of treason. I have to develop a steady plan before presenting it to him so that I can be confident in my words and unwavering. It's hard stepping down from a position you had since you were born.

"But to leave your position some for a guy..." Shaye gives me a crazy look, "are you sure, Bridger?"

I nod, a smile creeping onto my face. "Kian is...he isn't some guy, I told him I loved him -- which I know is crazy, but among the other relationships I've been in, ours is fast-paced, but everything just feels...better and normal. Not forced or anything like that. And I really do love him. I have been helping Kian for a long while and now that I think of it, he's helped me too. He helped me realize that I don't want to be a beta - I never wanted to be beta."

Shaye frowns at me. She leans up in her seat, hands clasped in front of her on my desk. "But you're so good at it. You never gave off the vibes of someone who hates their job."

"I figured, it's my life so I might as well enjoy it. I do like some parts of being a beta, don't get me wrong. But if I can truly control my life, being a beta isn't something I want to be forever."

She nods, her eyes softening. "Well, I'll be honest, I don't get it, but you're clearly passionate about it. I'll never skip an opportunity to be promoted, either."

"So you're in?"

"I guess."

---

After Shaye leaves, I immediately begin to create a guide for our training. Arron has been silent since my return which is relieving but also concerning. Usually, I'd already have a bunch of documents or requests to co-sign, reject, or approve but my mailbox is completely empty. Not even a single mind link from him asking me to do something random. I don't bother to check in, assuming he'll talk to me when he eventually wants something.