Page 5 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

The original idea was sound. It started as a way to give omegas in a dangerous situation a chance to escape to somewhere they'd be safe. Or at thevery leastit was meant to give packs a chance to find a scent match outside their geographical region.

In the last ten years or so, the system has become corrupted. Not to the level of the OPA, where packs can pay a higher price for a chance to pick and choose the traits they want in an omega. But our system isn't perfect, either.

"Your dads saved your step-mom from a bad situation, and this place brought them together," Archie says, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. "You're only seeing the negatives. You won't even consider all the good we do. Sure, we get a few a month that are here to find the wealthiest pack they can, but a huge number of omegas are here for love or safety. You never even bother to come down and meet them anymore."

"Because they aren't worth meeting," Connor growls. Spinning around, he paces back the other direction. "Am I continually meant to get my hopes up? To read all their files, hoping to find the ones truly in need, only to meet them and realize we've been played the fool again?"

"A small percentage of people will always play any system," Archie says with a sigh. "It doesn't change the fact that we offer a service those omegas need. The OPA might offer security on the first meeting, but once courting starts the omega is on their own." He looks at me. "Back me up here."

Now it's my turn to sigh. I run security for the entire lodge, it's my domain. "He's right. We're a much safer choice, especially for omegas who've had a bad experience in the past."

All omegas have a full-time guard if they're unbonded. They can choose to keep their security for the entire courting process if they're uncomfortable, or even if they need extra reassurance that they're the one who's really in charge. The omegas run theshow around here. Which is absolutely the way it's supposed to go.

"Neither of you are willing to sell?" Connor asks. He looks so damn defeated my stomach churns uncomfortably.

"Why don't you take a few weeks off?" Archie offers. "I can take over. Eileen can help. I think we all know that woman could run this place on her own."

Connor and Archer's secretary, Eileen, is more than capable of running the entire lodge. She's been here since Connor's dads opened this location of The Omega Exchange. She's a hard-ass who takes no bullshit.

"No," Connor says, swiping a hand over his face. "I'll lose my mind if I'm not working."

Archie brushes his long blond hair back from his forehead. He stands, walking over and offering our packmate a hug. "The offer stands. Don't burn yourself out, mate." His Scottish accent causes his words to roll together.

Archie turns and saunters off toward his room.

Connor sighs. His head tips back, and he stares at the ceiling. "I want a family," he grumbles. "A life outside of making matches for spoiled, conniving omegas."

"Me too," I murmur at his back as he saunters out of the room.

I want a soft bundle of omega to come home to.

If she has a sassy mouth that gets her put over my knee? Well, that'd be even better. Especially if she continued to run that pretty little mouth, knowing what it'd earn her.

I want someone to take care of, who'll take care of me in return.

I shake my head. I'm tired of being lonely. I'm even more done with going to bed alone every damn night.

Chapter Three

Everly

"Okay, let's do this," Neela says, sitting cross-legged on the floor next to me. "Christmas bucket list?" She scoffs. Grabbing the notebook, she scratches something out in red ink.

"'Christmas Fuck-It List?'" I ask with a snort.

"Hell yes," she agrees. "Now, what do you want to put on there?"

Grabbing my white wine, I take a huge chug and thenanother. My nerves are shot.

I probably should be making this list alone.

The Exchange requires all participants to have a check-up prior to receiving their final approval. I got my acceptance email and flight information this afternoon.

My hand shakes as I bring my glass to my lips for another long swallow.

The contract requires all females to have one of three types of birth control in place before being accepted into the program, and it must be administered by a doctor on their preferred provider list. Or you must have it written into your contract.

I chose the implant, but a few days ago I saw my personal gynecologist and had it removed.