Page 22 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

The men here are certainly a different type than I'm used to. My mind files through dismissive comments, things I can say to deflect the discomfort that comes from being complimented.

My eyes slide shut, and I whisper, "Thank you. When you say it, I really believe you mean the words."

Tom brushes his cheek against mine, marking me with his scent, and I don't mind a bit.

"You should," he rumbles in his deep, gravelly tone. His dark brown eyes are extremely expressive. I'm not an expert on the male species, but I'm pretty sure that look is a combination of longing and desire. His lips brush mine in a light tease of a kiss. My legs tighten around his strong form.

He lifts me and carries me down the hall. The snow pants are hot, and combined with the heat of Tom's body, I feel like I could combust. My perfume radiates in the air. Tom slams open a door and walks us into a small security office. A desk with monitors sits on one side of the room and a couch takes up most of the other.

My eyes bug when I spot Connor.

"Hey, boss," a voice I don't recognize calls from the hallway. A younger guy with short black hair approaches. "We've got a situation with one of the omegas." He takes several large steps back when he spots me. "Oh, I mean we can probably handle it…"

Murphy grumbles under his breath, but puts me down on his computer chair. His eyes fly to Connor. "You'll keep an eye on Everly?"

"Yes," Connor agrees, standing up and coming closer. "I needed to speak with Miss Chastain anyway."

"Stay with Connor or one of the others unless you're in your room," Tom says, leaning over and giving my cheek another nuzzle.

"I will," I assure him. He nods, shooting a look at his packmate before he spins to leave. The door closes, and suddenly I'm alone in a small space with Connor, who I've only met once before. Then again, I met Murphy yesterday, too, so I guess it's all relative.

Connor has several files in his hand and he holds them out to me.

"What's this?" I ask, suddenly on high alert.

There's no way they figured it out… Right?

"The match you were originally assigned hasn't arrived yet. I've been considering the issue. I think it's better to give you options now rather than wait until the last minute," Connor says, nodding to the files.

"Right," I agree. "I should probably have a back-up plan."

"Everly…" Connor sighs, shaking his head. "It feels extremely unprofessional to mention it now, but from the moment we met you my pack wanted to court you. I stood in the way of that. It felt like an abuse of power. My secretary spent most of the morning assuring me you're an adult who can make her own choices."

"What?"

"Most women are afraid of Tom," Connor says. His eyebrows rise like I should know this. "But you seemed comfortable with him when you came in. I assumed you might be open to?—"

"Tom is great," I cut him off. I'm so confused. "Why would anyone be afraid of him? He's a bit pushy about warm clothes, but?—"

Connor chuckles. "Murphy doesn't care about anyone, let alone say a single word to indicate he's concerned with them catching a cold."

"He's also extremely bossy about vegetables," I grumble, still unsure how I feel about that exchange at lunch. I liked it a little too much. I'm getting attached again, which I know from experience is a great way to get my heart broken.

"I have something I'd like your opinion on, if you wouldn't mind?" Connor asks. "It'll give us the chance to get to know each other a little better. You'll need to feel comfortable with all of us if you do decide to give us a chance…"

Did he insinuate he'd like me to consider his pack? And if so, what the hell am I going to do when it's time to tell them about my secret? Anxiety pulses through my system, and I do my best to hold it back.

Connor's nose twitches, and he takes a step away from me. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable…"

"No, crap," I whisper, covering my face with the folders. I take a deep breath and lower the files. "I'd very much like that. Please don't think… I'm sorry, I'm really bad at this."

"I think we're both trying a little too hard to be on our best behavior." Connor gives me a charming grin, and my thighs clench together. He takes my hand. "Let's be ourselves so there's no pressure."

I blow out a ragged breath, giving him a shaky nod. "Is your pack in these files?"

"We are," Connor agrees.

"Wherever you wanted to take me… Can we make a stop at my suite on the way?" I ask. "Since we're being honest, I'm on the verge of sweating to death in these snow pants."