Page 16 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

"That doesn't mean you can't socialize with the other omegas or even spend some time meeting the available alphas," I say, studying her face. "You're not locked in. You can choose any pack."

"I know, it's just…"

"Don't tell me you're one of those catty women who can't stand being around other omegas," I say, cracking a smile to let her know I'm joking.

"No, not at all," she says, pushing her plate away. "All my sisters are omegas, and my best friend. I'm very used to being around them. It's…" She sighs. "I really need things to work out this time."

I frown, studying her face. Her shoulders are slumped, and she looks defeated. "What do you mean?"

"The news hasn't made the rounds?" She laughs. "I've been rejected twice and that's on top of…" She glances away.

My jaw falls. I want to ask on top of what, but her discomfort is clear.

"You're kidding," I say before I can stop myself. It's incredibly fucking rare for an omega to be rejected.

"No, not at all." She shrugs. "The first time it happened, my OPA coordinator assured me it was a random fluke that wouldn't happen again. By the time the second pack accepted my scent match, I was nearing the end of my current packet of suppressants. They're pretty awful on an omega's health, so I stopped them, thinking there was no wayanotherpack would meet me and change their minds. But here we are."

"The pack you're meeting here is going to be your third match?"

"Yeah, it's actually more than that, but I'd really rather not get into all that. I guess we'll see if I get lucky this time," she says, glancing away and laughing uncomfortably.

"The men here aren't stupid. Someone will have snatched you up before your heat starts."More than likely my bosses.

Everly blushes. "Let's hope so. I'm not sure I'm prepared to go through that type of pain."

Evie's beautiful in an understated way that you don't often see with omegas. They're usually in-your-face beautiful with overly-exaggerated curves. Evie is pretty in the girl-next-door kind of way. The kind of gorgeous that sneaks up on you with the shy smiles and pink-tinged cheeks.

"You won't," I assure her, stretching a hand across the table and squeezing hers.

I've spent years working security for omegas here at The Exchange. Never once has any of their energy felt like Evie's. She's a little broken, but still hopeful that maybe someone will want her. It kinda kills me. Most of the omegas we see are full of unwavering narcissism.

My heart pounds as I try to find a way to cheer her up.

"How do you feel about an outdoor adventure?" I ask before I can stop myself.

Fucking Archie and his ridiculous ideas. Oh well, if we're outside the lodge I won't have to worry about random alphas trailing my omega.

Chapter Seven

Everly

Luke drives the giant truck further down the snow-lined… I'm not actually sure this is a road, it's more like a well-kept trail. Both sides of the path are lined with trees, and the further we get from the lodge the more I realize I barely know this man. Okay, I'm being ridiculous. He's my appointed security.

"Ready, pretty girl?" Luke asks, dragging me out of my musings. Sure enough, we're stopped in a small, well-maintained parking area.

"Are you going to tell me what we're doing?" I ask, glancing down at my outfit. "Or is it still a surprise?"

Before we left the lodge, Luke had me change in to what can only be described as a snowsuit that we got from the gift-shop.

I cringe, wondering how much this outfit will set me back. It's not that I have a strict budget, but if I'm ever able to have a baby I'd like to be able to take at least the first year off to stay home and soak up every moment I can.

"We're picking out a Christmas tree," Luke says.

That would've been a good one to add to my Christmas list. I can always add it after the fact.

Luke climbs out of the truck and comes around, helping me down. The air is cool as it whips around us.

Once I'm settled on solid ground, my glasses instantly fog up. My jacket is slippery and won't work to clean the lenses, but Luke carefully removes them. He pulls the front of his long sleeve t-shirt down and wipes them clean. His huge hand brushes my hair away from my face as he puts them back on. He smirks, giving my hips a squeeze before stepping around me to the back door.