Page 264 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

“Idon’t know who thefuckyou think you are, but put your hands on me again, and I will lay your ass out,” Nik growls.

I quirk an eyebrow. Yeah, he played pro-ball and he’s not in bad shape, but I spent a whole lot of years in the military taking on meaner motherfuckers than him.

My entire job is assessing threats and neutralizing them before he and Oliver even know they exist.

“Go on.” I chuckle derisively. “Take another swing. Get it out of your system.”

“Why the fuck do you think you have any right to keepmefrom Melody?” he growls, swiping at his jaw.

Mine doesn’t feel great either.

He got a solid hit in while I was busy corralling his ass out of the clinic.

I’m not proud of the fact I swung back, but sometimes it takes a little aggression to break through an alpha’s skull. At least the one currently glaring at me.

“Why don’t you think with your brain for five secondsinsteadof your bullshit alpha pride?” I suggest giving him a shitty smirk because he’s starting to get on my last goddamn nerve.

“Speak clearly.” He pushes hair back from his face, spinning in a circle.

“What reason could Farrah have for asking us to leave?” I’m starting to feel like he’s purposely being dense.

“For Melody’s privacy,” he hisses, his light blue eyes narrowing.

“Correct,” I agree. “She took a pregnancy test. Just from the little I know those things don’t work for like a month after the chick gets pregnant.” My eyebrows rise. “She’s also having symptoms of morning sickness and no cramps. Hell, maybe it’s a bug and I’m off-base, but I don’t think I am.”

“What?” Nik spins to face me. He freezes with his mouth hanging open. The asshole blinks for a few more seconds and his hand flies to cover his face as reality sinks in. He staggers back several steps until his shoulder rests against the wall.

“That’s why you couldn’t go in there right now.” I gesture toward him with both hands.

“Are you saying she knew this before coming here?” he asks, shaking his head. “No, I don’t believe that.”

“Good, you fucking asshole. Get it all out of your system. Did you hear the story of how her ex brought her along on some family fucking vacation at Christmas only to break her fucking heart? She thought he was going to propose.” I take a few steps toward him before I catch myself. “Let me hear you ask another bullshit question like that in front of Mel. I swear to fucking God, Nik. They will not be able to identify your remains when I’m done with you.”

“You’re really on your high horse today aren’t you,Dylan?” He spits my name like it’s a curse.

I sigh, shaking my head. “Not even close, but I’ve known you long enough to know you need to spew out all your bullshit before you can calm down enough to think clearly.”

“I thought she was pregnant with our baby,” Nik says, staring at the ceiling with his hands fisted at his sides.

“Would it matter if the baby was Oliver’s? What about if it was Miller’s? Or mine?” I tilt my head, watching him carefully.

“You didn’t fuck her,” he sputters.

God, it’s really hard not to slam my fist into his face. Apparently it’s impossible for him to imagine Melody pregnant withmybaby, and that shit gets under my skin. I roll my shoulders back and blow out a breath to center myself.

“No, I didn’t,” I agree. “I’m still going to take her out on that date once she’s feeling better.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I knew it was a possibility she’d end that heat pregnant and there was no chance the baby would be mine. That doesn’t change the fact I’m interestedin her. Not as an artificial womb for my kid. If you can’t say the same then you need to bow out.”

“Fuck you,” he growls, advancing on me.

I don’t step back. I plant my hands on my hips and give him a seriousfuck youlook right back. “You need to put some real thought into things and know where you stand before you talk to her. Don’t break her heart. She’s already had enough of that.”

“Motherfucker,” Nik hisses, swiping a hand over his face and staring at his feet.

My eyes widen when I catch sight of Oliver bolting down the hallway.

“Where the hell are you going?” I ask, stepping in front of his path.

“I need to pack. We’re seeing a doctor on the mainland. Melody’s pregnant.” He doesn’t stop, just spins around me and keeps moving.