Page 20 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

"Let's get this on you," I say, taking her jacket and moving to help her slide it on.

Everly laughs but holds out her arms, allowing me to pull it on for her. "You're very worried about me catching a cold."

I grunt in response, and she laughs.

"Have you had lunch?" I ask as we follow the sidewalk up to the side entrance.

"No, have you?" She rubs her stomach. "I'm actually starving. I didn't realize how many calories we'd burn trekking through the forest."

"Your heat's coming up," I rumble, opening the door and holding it for her to go in first. "You need to eat every time you'rehungry. Your system's stocking up for those days you won't eat much."

Her body's also preparing for the chance to grow a child. A low growl escapes at the thought, and my face heats. I want to put my baby in her, but I'm pretty sure I have to wait a while to say that out loud, or it might scare her.

Her matched pack still isn't here. I'm not wishing them serious injury or death, but any small inconvenience that might prevent them from showing up until it's too late? Well, I'm not too proud to admit I've said a prayer or two. Because if they do show up I might have to maim them, and I'm a little concerned that's the least I'd do.

We head for the elevator, and I briefly consider bringing her to the restaurant on the third floor, until I remember it'll be full of unbonded alphas at this time of day. We pass the elevator and instead head for the buffet on the first floor. Everly glances at the restaurant and back to the doors we entered through a couple minutes ago, back before we visited our ass to get to our elbow.

"I love this place," I say, hoping it'll distract her.

Everly grins. "The French toast was delicious. Do they have desserts?"

It's such an omega thing to say that a bark of laughter escapes.

"You have a really nice laugh," she says. Her eyes dart away.

My chest puffs up with alpha pride. My hand falls to her lower back, and I guide her to the long line of food selections. I grab a tray and toss it onto the bar.

"You can't only eat junk," I remind her when her eyes dart to the dessert table.

Everly lets out a little huff that makes me crack a smile. She's adorable. "Fine, but I'm boiling hot. I'm taking the jacket off."

"Let me help," I say, pulling her sleeve off then doing the other side.

"You're really good at taking care of people," she says, giving my forearm a squeeze. I'm in a long-sleeve t-shirt, but I swear her touch heats my skin through the fabric.

I awkwardly clear my throat and guide her down the line.

"Pick something nutritious," I tell her.

She stares up at me, blinking owlishly, and I nod toward the salad bar again.

Everly's bottom lip pokes out dramatically. "I don't like vegetables very much."

I snort. "Did Luke let you get away with this shit at breakfast?"

"There weren't a ton of veggies at breakfast, but he did make sure I had a few bites of my eggs and bacon. Do all omegas get a nutritionist during their stay?" Evie asks.

I bend down, getting close to her ear, and murmur, "You, little omega, areverylucky I'm notyouralpha. That smart mouth would get you put right over my knee."

A shiver runs down Everly's spine, and I barely hold back the growl. My cock throbs at the faint scent of her perfume in the air. It's easy enough to see that her body is receptive to me.

Now I just have to find a way to make her like me as a person. Which sounds practically impossible, but I've never shied away from a challenge.

Everly's eyes fly to the plate of dessert, and I shove it a little further away.

"You can pout until your face gets stuck like that, you're still not getting those sweets," I say, laughing at the look of horror on her face. "Eat a few more bites of your sandwich or some of the salad."

Everly grumbles, complaining under her breath as she picks up the fork, poking at the Caesar salad. This is the most fun I've had in a long damn time. She's cute as hell. She alternates between glaring at me and hardcore pouting. Neither of which is an effective way to get what she wants.