Page 255 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

We’re just finishing up when Carver grins dangerously. “Are you still going to let me take you out some time?”

She’s still got half her sandwich left. I think it’s in poor taste to push the issue while she’s unwell, but also, I did ask to court her earlier, so I keep my mouth shut.

“Is there anywhere to go on a date during this time of year?” Melody asks, giving Carver a smile that makes me jealous.

“I guess you’ll just have to put a little faith in me.” He winks.

Melody chuckles. “Yeah, I think I’d like that Mr. Carver.”

He looks at me and smirks. “Don’t be jealous. You can plan a date on your own night.”

“You’re not taking her anywhere until the weather clears up,” I growl.

Melody jumps at the sound, and I instantly feel like an asshole.

“Damn, you’re on edge.” Carver laughs. “That’s why I saidsome time. All right, if we’re done, I’m going to take this tray back.”

He gathers up the remaining stuff, and right as he’s about to head out the door, he turns back. “Call me if you plan to workout.” He grins. “I’d really like to see you in those tight-ass workout pants again.”

Melody laughs and snuggles into my side.

“You do seem like you’re doing better than you were this morning,” I muse, rolling slightly to face her.

“Yeah,” she agrees around a yawn. “But I’m beat. It’s weird, I’m never this exhausted after a heat.”

My mind races with the possibility of what that could mean. It could be nothing, or it might be something totally life changing. I know from the research I did that we won’t be able to find out this soon. It’s one of those things where only time will tell.

My mom ranted and raved for years that I stopped taking naps before I turned three. I was an active kid because my brain never shut off. As an adult, I think I can count the number of times I’ve napped during the day on one hand. That’s not including when I’m up for days and then crash.

But as Mel runs her fingers over my chest I will myself to be normal.

I can do normal things like nap in the day with a beautiful woman...

Right?

Yeah, I can if I want to.

I breathe in deep lungfuls of Melody’s scent. It’s not as strong as right before her heat hit, but it’s still the most amazing scent I’ve ever smelled. I pull her closer with a hand on her back and wish I wasn’t so damn bony.

It feels like it takes years before I manage to start purring, but when I do, she lets out an adorable sigh as she wiggles closer.

See, I can be totally normal even if I have to lie here and pretend to sleep rather than actually accomplish it. I still can’t imagine a more peaceful moment in time.

Chapter Eighteen

Melody

Imanage the next few days okay. I’m not violently sick again, but the cramps also don’t start. I try not to obsess about it too much. Having kids is something I want more than pretty much anything in the world.

Nik and Miller are busy handling the situation from the storm. Apparently it was a big deal that a pack bonded without having it in their paperwork. The omega in question didn’t have a guard though, so it seems to me that The Exchange did all they could.

If I declined a guard or moderator and then ended up bonded, I feel like that would be on me. Then again, I’m not the one in charge.

Nik and Miller both come up to the penthouse after work, and on the second night, Nik informs me they have a surprise.

“Can I wear this?” I ask, looking down at the oversized T-shirt and leggings.

“Of course,” Nik murmurs, pulling me off the couch in the far living room. The storm is over, and for a few hours yesterday and today, I’ve been able to sit on the couch opposite the glass wall and watch the waves crash into the shoreline as I write.