Page 42 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

Luke gives me a look of pure, molten sexual desire. "I can't wait to test that out." He cages me into the mattressand grinds against me through the sheet. I'm bereft when his warmth disappears. "I'll see if Archie's available. Why don't you take a shower? I'll ask him to come up and take you for some breakfast."

"I'm afraid they're going to ask me to leave." I chew at my lip. Afraid isn't an accurate word. Maybe terrified would be a better choice. "Do you think they'll tell me I have to go?"

"No," Luke says, humor lining his tone. "That's not one of the things I foresee happening." He kisses my cheek. "I've got to go or I'll risk being late. Give me a little trust in this; I promise I've got both our best interests at heart."

"Okay," I agree because, really, what else can I say? We barely know each other, but I do know the right thing to do in this situation is to be honest.

Luke gives me a wide grin. His full lips meet mine for a tender kiss and then he's up and swaggering out of the room. I fall back to the pillows with a humph and try to quiet my racing thoughts.

Chapter Sixteen

Archer

Murphy paces the floor bare in front of his desk. "I should've killed him. He knows better."

I swipe a hand over my face to cover my laugh. He hasn't let up on his plans to murder our employee, it's all he ranted about all night. I hoped a good night's sleep would clear his brain of the alpha fog, but that doesn't appear to be the case.

"Luke has always been a decent employee, until he lost his fucking mind. What was he thinking?" Murphy growls. "He wasn't. His cock was fully in charge. I thought he left that shit behind years ago. I believed he grew up."

I don't think I've ever heard my packmate say so many words at one time. It's actually quite entertaining. Murphy doesn't let much get to him.

Someone knocks on the door, and Murphy stops dead in his tracks. "Don't let me actually kill him. I want to ask Everly out on a date tonight. If I'm in jail…"

A bark of laughter escapes as I pop out of my chair, heading for the door. Only, it's Connor not Luke. He strides in, rolling his eyes at Murphy.

"Do you remember that group of investors who wanted to buy the lodge?" Connor asks, tossing himself down in the chair. "They've upped their offer by nearly double."

My jaw falls. That's a significant number. "I thought we agreed not to take it."

"We did, but they countered," Connor says. He's frowning, and obviously agitated. "They've been very aggressive, and I have no idea why."

"Right, so tell them to bugger off," I say, raising my eyebrows. The solution is very simple. Connor may own a higher percentage than I do, but together Murphy and I own fifty percent. He can't sell without our agreement, and if he wants out that badly I'll buy him out using my trust fund.

"They've planned a visit. They're coming this week. They booked their stay through the front desk without consulting me," Connor says, letting out a heavy sigh. "Something about it doesn't sit well with me. Eileen mentioned something about your uncle. I've got no clue what the fuck is going on."

My mind replays the strange voicemail I got from my Uncle Kieran. He verified he sent Everly with hopes we might match. But it's the last part that sends a shiver down my spine. He said he needed to speak to me about something important that involves Everly, but he hasn't answered my calls.

"He left me a voicemail that didn't explain shit, and I haven't been able to reach him since," I say.

"Tell those assholes to enjoy the vacation, because we aren't selling," Murphy says. "We have bigger fish to fry. I think I'm compromised when it comes to Everly. I can't seem to stop plotting ways to kill and dispose of Luke."

Connor frowns. His mouth opens and closes several times, and he swipes a hand through the air before pushing himself up and walking out.

"Morning, boss," Luke says to Connor's back. His tone is far too jovial. He saunters in through the open door and tosses himself down on the couch next to me. He's got his stupid combat boots open at the top, and he looks a little too smug.

"Jesus Christ, you do have a death wish," I accuse as my nose twitches, breathing him in.

Murphy growls.

"The way I see it you bastards can get on board with having me around, or I'll take Evie and leave," Luke says, shrugging.

"I suggest shutting up real goddamn quick," Murphy says, jabbing a finger at Luke. He tosses himself down in his computer chair.

Apparently, Luke is safe for the moment.

"There's a serious flaw in the system that you need to be aware of, but I'm not gonna say a fucking word if I think you'll take it out on Evie." Luke stretches back. He glances between the two of us, shaking his head. "I really don't see that happening, but you've got bad energy this morning." He directs the last part to Murphy.

"There are plenty of flaws in the system, but what exactly are you referring to?" I ask, leaning forward.