Page 7 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

The ride up through the mountains is absolutely breath-taking. Beech, oak, and red maple trees line the winding road. The thick dusting of snow makes for postcard-worthy pictures.

The gaggle of omegas near the front of the bus is harder to ignore the longer we travel. They're all very attractive and extremely loud. My nerves are shot. The never-ending chatter about packs and matching was tiresome after the first five minutes.

Stephanie is lovely, though. I tell her about my job appraising antiques and old books. She talks about the kids in her class. It helps distract from the chaos of the group at least for a little while.

The large brick building we pull up to is imposing. It takes some time for everyone to unload, but eventually we head inside. My heart flutters, and I pray to the universe and the magical holiday spirits that this time things go my way.

"I'm sorry," my lodge coordinator says. "We did have a pack we intended to set you up with. They've been delayed, but they should arrive within the next few days." She gives me a sympathetic smile. "There's nothing to worry about. They'll definitely arrive before your heat and if they don't I have another pack in mind."

"Okay," I agree.What else can I say to that?My stomach plummets. They say the third time's the charm, but things aren't looking so hot for my fourth time. "That's okay." I don't know who I'm trying to convince.

"You're more than welcome to attend any of the mixers and explore until then," she says, eyeing the large group of omegas. "I've got a few things I need to handle, but please reach out if you need anything."

I frown. My eyes dart around as I check for Stephanie. She's got a tall older man standing behind her, with his arms crossed, and three men in a semi-circle around her front.

I thought I was supposed to have a security person assigned to me at least until I met my pack. I glance around, but don't see anyone who might be looking for me.

The check-in area is huge and filled with people. Having to interrupt someone to ask what I'm supposed to do is basically my own personal nightmare. I look at my booklet instead. There's an itinerary of activities and a map. I study it briefly before following it and the signs.

The light gray brick of the corridor is incredible. The building is cool and drafty as I wander the halls. There are a few signs posted, and my eyes immediately zero in on the line that says library.

The winding hallways lead me to a wooden door. It's thick and heavy. I yank it open, heading inside.

The old chandelier in the middle of the sitting room is huge, and casts a warm yellow glow around the space. The back wall has a wide wooden staircase with a thick banister that heads up.

My eyes glaze over as I take in all the old books.I'm pretty sure I died and went to heaven.

Holy shit, I'm in book heaven.

I let out a very omega-sounding squeal as I race up the staircase. I need to check out their catalog system. Who knows what kinds of treasures could be buried in these stacks?

My fingertips carefully brush the spines of a row of leather-bound books. My eyes scan the titles, and my excitement grows. I know from sight that these are old, which means there could be untold masterpieces stuffed away in any random corner. I've stumbled upon some great finds in buildings like these.

I take the stairs up another flight. My heart races. This is so freaking exciting!

My stomach drops when I remember I'm supposed to be focusing on finding a pack…

I decide I'll spend a few hours being the nerdy omega who hides with books rather than searches for alphas, but I promise myself I'll put real effort into searching for a packtomorrow.

Chapter Four

Connor

"We've lost an omega," I repeat, blinking profusely at Eileen.

"Misplaced," Eileen corrects. "We misplaced an omega."

"What the hell does that even mean?" I demand.

My secretary frowns. Her brow furrows as she stares at me like I'm stupid. "I'm not sure how I can be any clearer. She was here at check-in. Her pack was delayed, and then we had that huge group of omegas…" She rolls her eyes atme."I did recommend refusing them, if you remember?"

I sigh, glancing away. Eileen is right about that. When my fathers purchased this place, they'd been sold on the gimmick. An omega sanctuary with locations around the globe…

Who wouldn't want to be a part of that? The idea was sound, offering omegas the chance to escape a bad situation, get out of a potentially abusive courtship or relationship, or even an opportunity to meet alphas outside their general geographic location. It sounds delightful.

What was a great idea in theory, quickly became a way for pampered omegas to seek out wealthy and elite packs.

Granted, not all the omegas we take on are like this. But over the last ten years or so it's become more frequent.