Page 2 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

Thankfully, her pack moved to Florida to be with Cassie, thus ensuring I never have to run into them in the City. It's taken three years to get to a place where I'm okay being around Cassie and her guys, and now she's pregnant again, and I'mstillalone.

Over the years, I've played that one decision over and over in my mind. If I'd waited until we were bonded to come home…Would they have been happy with me? Or once they met Cassie would they have regretted being stuck with me? So many what-ifs.

My chest throbs with a painful ache. It burns so badly it takes my breath away. But if I want a relationship with my sister and nephew then I have to suck it up and pretend like I'm fine.

So that's what I do. For the rest of my visit I try to be the most supportive sister possible. I tell myself I'm not still heartbroken over what could've been and what I lost out on.

It's hard, though. I'm not sure I believe the lies I tell myself to struggle through the last few days of my visit. The smiles feel brittle, but I put on the best show I can muster and cry myself sick once I'm alone in the cab on the way to the airport.

The trip from Florida back to New York is a pity party for one.

Then even more disappointment.

I know people's lives progress at different speeds, but I can't help but wonder when will it finally be my turn?

I came back determined and hopeful that I'd finally have a successful match, but it just hasn't turned out that way.

My best friend glares at me from across our living room.

"It's a free vacation," Neela shrieks. "Why the hell would you consider turning it down?" Her dark eyebrows rise as she searches my face.

I work my hands together as I pace around the coffee table.

"Why would I go?" I counter. I know I'm being petulant, but I'm starting to freak out a little. It's hard to imagine putting myself out thereagain.

"Everly, you have to go," Neela says. "You were accepted at the North Carolina location. They have several packs they think could be a good match for you."

My eyes ache as I try to find the words to explain what I'm feeling.

Neela hasn't been matched before. She hasn't even stopped her suppressants. She doesn't understand the feeling that comes each time a match falls through. And luckily for her, she's unlikely to ever experience it.

I've been passed over twice since that stuff happened with Cassie three years ago, and it didn't get any easier the second time around.

The center assured me the first time was a fluke. A random oddity of chance thatabsolutely wouldn't happen again.Only it did, and the second go-round hurt worse than the first, probably because I'm still feeling raw from seeing Cassie and her pack.

Blowing out a heavy breath, I shake my head. My chest throbs as I recall the fiasco.

"She'll be with you in just one minute," the normally bubbly receptionist says. She doesn't seem as excited as she normally does, but I shrug it off and take a seat. Everyone has an off day now and then.

Ten minutes later, I sit across from my OPA coordinator in the small but modern office we always meet in.

"Everly, how are you?" Leann asks. She leans forward, giving me an awkward smile that instantly puts me on edge. "Did you have a good trip?"

"I'm fine, it was fine," I say, glancing around uncomfortably. "Why am I here?"

I thought getting a call to come in so soon after getting back was a good sign, but now I'm starting to wonder.

Leann's emotions are bleeding into me. She's worried about something… likely me and how I'll take whatever news she springs on me.

Her eyes meet mine, and she winces.

"I'm sorry, Pack Frasier isn't going to be an option for a match with you. This is a small setback?—"

"They accepted the scent match," I say, shaking my head. My glasses slide down my nose, and I shove them back up.

History is repeating itselfagain. Everything seems promising until they met me.

Maybe the first time could qualify as a fluke, but it's pretty clear now the problem is me.