Page 292 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

Melody’s scent is stronger tonight than it’s been since her heat. Not even the twinges of lemon and cranberry or vetiver can hide her coconut and vanilla scent.

I’ve done something wrong. She bonded both of my packmates before me. Her soft fingers rest against my thigh in the back of the town car.

Carver sits on Melody’s other side, and I focus really fucking hard on not allowing it to bother me that she’s leaning into his side instead of mine.

The cream and silver dress I picked out fits every delicious curve to perfection. My hand is drawn to the round bump low on her stomach.

I adjust my sleevesagainin an attempt to focus on something else. The car pulls up to the hotel the event is being held in. There’s already a line of reporters and paparazzi.

Melody’s hand tightens on my thigh.

“You let me hop out first,” Carver instructs, like he’s not blocking her in. “Then I’ll help you out.”

“And I’ll be right behind you,” I assure her. “You don’t have to look at the cameras. I’ll answer their questions like we discussed earlier.”

“Okay.” She gives me a timid smile.

The car pulls to the spot where we’ll unload and the door opens. Instead of climbing out, Carver leans over and kisses the hell out of Melody. After an eternity, the fucker finally climbs out, adjusting his suit coat and extending a hand for Mel.

She shimmies out and struggles to her feet in her heels.

Carver pulls her a few feet away so I can exit without bumping into her. The shouts become louder when the pressrealizes that it’s me. I carefully wrap an arm around Melody’s lower back and guide her toward the doors. I only have one sound bite that’s required, and we stop in front of Jonathan and his photographer.

The questions go smoothly enough until he catches sight of Miller’s bond mark on her neck.

“Nik, are you bonded?”

Melody’s eyes fly up to mine.

I’m not sure the right course of action here is to claim her since it would undermine Miller and Oliver’s claims, but not doing so could lead her to believe I never intend to.

“I will be soon,” I say, bending to brush my lips over Mel’s. “Well, as long as she’ll have me.”

“Are you bonded to Oliver Turner?” Jonathan asks.

Melody’s eyes get wide, but she nods her agreement before I can stop her.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” he probes.

Melody just gave him his headline for the night, and she likely doesn’t realize the insanity heading our way.

“Have a good night,” I growl, ignoring his question and leading Mel in without another word.

“Did I mess that up?” she asks as soon as we’re out of ear shot.

“You did nothing wrong. Oliver will be ecstatic,” I assure her.

“Are you sure? Ohmigosh, what if they look into me? It’s not like my information is super hidden. Oliver could find it in two seconds if he tried.”

“What do you mean?” I pull her into my chest.

“I write smutty books. I’m going to tarnish both your names,” Mel hisses.

“Oh, gorgeous.” I grin, running a finger over her cheek. “You’re so damn cute. Relax.”

“What will your family have to say?” Mel asks, shaking her head as her fingers dig into my shirt.

“My mom will probably ask if you have audiobooks,” Carver says, smacking her ass. “That’s because she’s getting older and it’s harder to see small print. When I was overseas, she used to send me large print editions.” He laughs, shaking his head.