Page 23 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

"Of course," Connor says, offering me an indulgent grin. I smile back and let him lead me off to our next adventure.

Connor and I stop by my room so I can change, and then head up to the library. It's every bit as awe-inspiring as it was the first time I saw it.

The design is intriguing. The room is staggered in three levels. The second and third floors are open to the first floor, with heavy wooden banisters. There's a seating area on the bottom level and the roof there goes all the way up to the top of the third story. Each floor is smaller than the one below, but the effect is incredible.

Connor and I are on the third floor in a small area that I didn't explore yesterday.

"Now, this is going to seem a bit shady," he says, looking bashful as hell. He steps over to the edge of the wall and pulls a book. There's a light clicking sound, and the entire shelf pulls out like a door. "I promise it's safe."

My chest heaves as Connor places his hand on my lower back and guides me toward the opening. There's a small passageway, and a few steps inside Connor flips a light switch. The hallway brightens, and I let out a small gasp. It's a freaking hidden passageway. I know from experience these things always lead to the most amazing finds.

"When my fathers purchased the lodge, everything in the building came with it. My brothers and I grew up here. We foundthis one day when my older brother was looking for a book to do a report on. I'd love your opinion." Connor opens a door to our left.

"Absolutely," I say, giddy with excitement.

The hallway continues down. It eventually curves out of sight, but we walk into the small room. It's filled with old steamer-style trunks, boxes, and a large wooden chest.

"Holy crap," I murmur. "Do you know what's inside these?"

Connor nods, stepping over to the wooden chest. "This one is filled with diaries, books, and trinkets the original owners left behind. Or perhaps they simply forgot this room existed? I was hoping you might help us find appropriate homes for these."

A hollow ache forms in my gut. I'm not sure why it feels like a betrayal, but I hoped he wanted more than to sell the stuff for quick cash.

"You want to sell it?" I ask before I can hold back the words.

Connor frowns. "It doesn't feel like it's mine to sell," he says, scratching his jaw and glancing around. "Perhaps some things, if they have no educational or cultural value. But I don't know what might be museum-worthy from what's junk. I'm afraid if I don't take care of it soon it could sit in here and continue to age for another fifty years before someone stumbles across it again."

"I'd love to help," I assure him. Stepping forward I grip his hand, giving it a quick squeeze. "And for the record, I agree that would be an awful disservice to all the history hiding in this room."

"Perhaps it'll give you an excuse to stick around after your heat," Connor says. He stares down at me. His pupils are huge. My stomach flutters with butterflies as he grins. He brushes his fingers over my cheek, and my breath catches. Dipping his head, he nuzzles his cheek against my hair. My heart tries to pound right out of my chest.

Maybe the magical Christmas spirits heard my wishes after all.

Chapter Ten

Archer

"Where's Everly?" I ask, shoving my head out the door and scanning for the omega.

"I left her with Murphy. Somehow she ended up with Connor, and the last I heard he delivered her to her room. I believe she's getting showered and changed," Luke says, leaning the tree against the wall. "No, thanks. I didn't want any help."

I frown. I didn't offer. He was supposed to bring the darling omega. "You were meant to bring Everly."

Luke shoots me an unimpressed stare. "I took a shower, and then dragged this bitch up five flights of stairsfor you. You're welcome."

"Oh yes, of course." I pull out my wallet.

"If you try to tip me right now," Luke gives a humorless laugh, "I will have to punch you in the throat."

"Brute," I grumble, shoving my wallet into my back pocket. "The stand is over there. Get on with it; I need to have Evie here before Connor gets in."

"He doesn't know?" Luke asks with a laugh as he drags the tree across the room.Needles will be everywhere.

"Well he might by now," I pout.

"You're hardcore scheming." He laughs.

"Yes, yes I am," I agree, heading over and helping lift the tree into the stand. I'm a little concerned she spent time with my surly packmate, and I don't mean Murphy.