Page 6 of Talk About… Dramay

But, I had to get all of my baggage out in the open. I couldn’t risk having someone walk away from me again.

“When I was eighteen, I presented as an omega. My best friend at the time was my scent match. We were young and in love, went all in, and fully bonded by the time we were nineteen.”

I paused, trying to figure out how to summarize such a traumatic situation. Roman was patient, waiting for me to say more. It was as if he knew I’d never be able to give us a chance until this was over. He already knew me better than I knew myself.

The waitress approached with our food, sliding it over and fresh drinks. We didn’t touch it and I finally forced myself to continue.

“Rockwood Valley, my home town, hosted this huge Artisan Fair every year. It was small at first then blew up to the point the town was thriving. Cameron’s dads were at the heart of it. They opened a local artisanal brewery and ran the entire thing. It had a huge stream of local small businesses popping up and steady tourists coming in.”

I took a sip of my drink, finally looking up at him. The stricken look on his face meant he was expecting the worst.

“Then one day, something went wrong. The Brewery was destroyed in an instant, an explosion. Apparently, there was a malfunction with one of the tanks, a freak accident they said. Every one of Cameron’s fathers died that day, and a few employees.”

“Holy hell,” he whispered, eyes full of sadness for people he’d never met. Their loss had that effect on the whole town. Everyone felt their loss.

“I tried my best to support him and his brothers and their newly single mom. The town came together and made sure bills were paid and they were taken care of. We arranged the funeral. I cooked and cleaned… did everything I could.”

Tears burned behind my eyes and I took a shaky breath. It had been a long time since I’d let myself experience these memories.

“My mate… he pushed me away. At first it was small things, telling me I was annoying and wouldn’t let them grieve. That I was just in the way. I tried to give them space but I couldfeelhis pain. It was killing me, too, and I just wanted to help.”

Roman reached over and gently swiped my tears away, his hand resting on mine so I could gather my thoughts and finish.

“Then one day, he looked at me, this awful blank look on his face, and said he couldn’t do this anymore. That he didn’t love me like he thought and just wanted me to leave him alone. I tried to talk to him, gave him space and tried again in a few days.”

Roman barely breathed as he waited for the final blow to land.

“That was the last day I saw him in person. He said I was a mistake and he had a family he wanted to take care of. I guessIdidn’t count as family anymore.”

Fuck, even after all these years that hurt. I gave everything I had to keep them together, to help them in any way I could, and he broke my heart and rejected me.

“I moved away the next week. Took what money I had saved up and made my way here. Spent almost thirteen years making a life for myself.”

“Fuck, Stormy. I’m so fucking sorry,” he whispered, scooting his chair back and pulling me into his lap. He stroked a strong hand down my spine and the warmth of it grounded me. “How did you not get sick from the broken bond?”

“I’m not sure,” I admitted. “My doctors assumed that the bond had simply severed, my alpha had intentionally cut off the bond, and that the pain I was already feeling had masked it.”

“You never deserved that.”

He was right. I didn’t.

I knew that now. The omega I was thirteen years ago had to learn that over time.

After bringing up these awful memories, I expected to feel like I was drowning in pain. But with him here I felt lighter somehow, like I was finally releasing my burden.

“I loved him, and part of me always will, but I had to respect his wishes. I just figured I’d never have a pack.” I forced myself to look up into his pretty silver blue eyes. “But now that means you won’t, either. My alpha didn’t want me, and I haven’t found another in all these years.”

“Well, he’s a fucking fool,” Roman growled, nuzzling his face into my neck and breathing me in. “Pushing you away is his life’s biggest regret. Something I won’t ever experience. Where you go, I go, Oriana.”

“We were young and I fell too hard. I haven’t even dated since,” I admitted. “This might be a little slow and awkward.” I gestured between us and he just squeezed me.

“Our life doesn’t have to fit anyone else’s mold, Oriana. We do what feels right. This feels right to me.”

“Me, too,” I admitted in a whisper. “That terrifies me.”

We sat in silence, food untouched, as we just soaked in each others’ touch. It was intimate in this corner and I didn’t want it to end.

Oriana