Page 32 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

Yes, I did hear about that. Miss Androff stumbled into another omega with a plate yesterday afternoon. It's what Tom had to handle when I ended up with Evie.

"Perhaps you should consider flats if you're unable to walk in heels without incident," Viktor growls.

"I'll be sure to take that under advisement," Anastasia says, sneering at her guard.

Why? For the love of God, why would anyone cause such a scene? And to what end?

"Come on," Luke says, tossing an arm around Evie's back. He shoots an unimpressed frown at Anastasia and Viktor. "Let's get you upstairs so you can change."

"Thanks," Evie says.

"You know your stay here is at our discretion," Murphy growls at Anastasia.

"And it's contingent upon you following the rules and code of conduct toward other guests," Archie adds.

"Code of conduct?" Everly squeaks as Luke guides her away. "It was an accident."

Viktor snorts. "An accident, my ass."

"I'm clumsy," Anastasia says with a shrug. Her tone sends my hackles up.

"Just like it'll be an accident when I toss your ass over my knee," Viktor volleys back. He's a daddy dom with a penchant for brats.

"I'm too drunk for this," I tell Archie. "You deal with this mess."

"Gladly." Archie smirks. "Unluckily for you, I'm a bit more vindictive than my omega. You're barred from any activities for the rest of the day. Look twice at Everly the wrong way and I'll bar you from not only this location, but all locations of The Exchange. You can take your chances with the OPA."

"Serves you right," Viktor says.

I don't wait to see or hear anything else. I need to sleep off the alcohol and find courting presents for Everly.

Chapter Thirteen

Everly

My frilly Christmas dress feels a little out of place as I take in the expansive room. Luke's warm presence is never far from my back. This is the third event I've been to today, and my spirits are low.

My eyes dart around, searching for any friendly faces, but I don't recognize anyone. My stomach drops. I'm not a fan of large crowds, and no matter how many alphas I meet my mind keeps circling back to the owners. At the very least they seem open to helping me ride out my heat.

I stop mid-step, and Luke bumps into my back.

"I think I should go back to my room," I say, trying to ignore all the eyes I can feel on me. Earlier there was an accident, and I ended up covered in alcohol. I showered, but I swear I can still smell it. I'm not a huge fan of hard liquor, and I just feel really out of place.

"Why would you do that?" Luke asks. He comes around and stands in front of me. It blocks everyone else from sight. They're still there, but I don't have to see them and wonder what they're saying.

"Everyone is looking at me like I'm ridiculous," I whisper as my eyes squeeze shut. "It's almost Christmas. Everyone I knowis usually very festive. These people are not in the holiday spiritat all."

Luke's shoulder's shake. He grins behind his fist. "I'm not laughing at you, sweetheart. I swear. You're so damn cute. The Santa hat is actually really working for me. I'd be surprised if it wasn't for half the guys in here, too."

I frown, jabbing a finger at his chest. "I can't tell if you're making fun of me."

"Aww, darlin', come here," he says, pulling me to his chest. "Archie and Murphy stalked you through the first two events. They're fuming mad at Connor for suggesting this stupidity. Meet a couple packs, talk a little, and we'll get out of here and get some dessert." He flashes me a wicked grin. "There's a hot cocoa bar, but I think that's tomorrow night."

"A hot cocoa bar?" I squeak. "Like a buffet of goodies for your hot chocolate?"

Luke smirks down at me, and my stomach flutters. "Yeah, that's exactly what it is."

"That sounds way more exciting than this," I grumble.