Page 31 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

Eileen gives me a sad smile. "There's something else I need to talk to you about with those investors, but now isn't the time. Kiernan and Archer are playing phone tag. It's important, but I'll let Kier tell you the details when he arrives. Hear me when I say this, do not give those men the time of day."

I sigh, swiping a hand over my face. I knew there was something off about how aggressive they've been.

"I hear you," I agree.

She pats my arm and heads off.

The alcohol doesn't even burn anymore. It's not even three in the afternoon. Which makes that a very bad sign.

Everly stands talking to Luke near the table of desserts. My chest gives a painful twinge whenever I think about Everly's application essay.

That part of the application came about as another method I hoped would help weed out the omegas truly in need and the ones who wanted a loving pack. It's marked as optional on the application, and most leave it blank.

I'm grateful Eileen removed it from Evie's file. Usually we leave them in, but I don't think she understood her possible matches might see it.

That fucking essay. Christ.

I feel like a righteous prick for reading it, and even more of a bastard for questioning her motives to begin with.

Everly laughs at something Luke says. He brushes his fingers over her cheek. That might end up being a problem. He seems as drawn to Evie as my pack is.

"I don't want to have to murder a woman. Especially an omega, but if that one doesn't stop glaring at Evie…" Murphyplaces himself down in the chair next to me. He does it slowly to make sure it'll hold his massive ass. "I might have to consider it. I feel like Luke right now, but she's putting out bad vibes." He gestures to the woman in question. "Why the hell do bears hibernate anyway?"

"What?" I scoff. Maybe I'm drunker than I realized.

Archie slides into the chair at my other side. "Anastasia Androff," he says, eying the blonde in the short dress. "She's part of that group, which by the way we're officially done accepting. They've been nothing but a headache."

"Agreed," I say, studying the blonde. Her attention is on Luke and Everly, and it's putting me on edge.

"She pitched a fit when I reassigned Luke," Murphy says, crossing his meaty arms over his chest. "She's been complaining non-stop about Viktor."

"I bet she has," Archie says distractedly. "He's older, takes no bullshit, and doesn't look like Luke."

"Luke asked to be reassigned because of a couple inappropriate comments she made," Murphy says, carefully watching Anastasia.

"I want to court Everly," I say, swiping a hand over my face. "We let her attend the last mixer tonight, and tomorrow we make our intentions clear."

My packmates' heads swivel in my direction.

"Are you drunk?" Archie asks, sniffing me. Suspicion lines his tone.

"She's pretty and sweet, and every naughty librarian fantasy rolled up into one woman. I've wanted her since the first time I laid eyes on her." It's clear the alcohol has loosened my tongue.

"Don't act like we've been the ones holding things up," Murphy rumbles. His eyes are still glued to Everly.

Anastasia makes a dramatic show of rolling her eyes. She heads for the small bar in the corner.

Murphy growls. It's a low, dangerous sound that sends a shiver down my spine. He's up from the table and stomping across the room before I can stand.

"Jesus Christ," Archie says, hopping up in a blink. I follow my packmates.

It immediately becomes clear what the issue is.

"It's okay," Everly says, taking the towel a server holds out to her. She's covered in alcohol. "Accidents happen. Trust me, I'm as clumsy as they come."

Anastasia fails to look remorseful, or even convincingly innocent.

"It's funny," Viktor says. "This has happened twice in as many days."