Page 121 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus (The Exchange)

Chapter Thirty-One

Nik

“Nik, it’s stunning,” Melody says, sliding her hands down her stomach as she twists in the mirror.

“You sure are,” I agree, prowling closer until I can plant my hands on her hips.

The dress is a soft, silky material that clings to every well-placed curve.

Her hair is French braided at the top, but it falls into cascading waves that I can’t help but ache to run my fingers through.

Preferably when she’s on her knees with my cock in her throat, or doggy style while I slam into her from behind.

“I honestly had doubts it would zip.” She turns to grin at me over her shoulder. “But you were right, it’s gorgeous.”

“You’re gorgeous,” I clarify, kissing her throat. I’ve held off for too long, and I’m growing increasingly feral to claim her as mine. My left hand tightens on her hip as I dig out the silver and white jewelry box from my pants pocket. “This is for you.”

“Nik.” Her eyes meet mine in the mirror as she takes the box. “I hope you know that I like you for you. You’ve already spoiled me plenty with courting gifts.”

We’ve both carefully ignored the stack of shipping boxes in the living room. Fucking Oliver, he might be right, and as such, I haven’t pushed for her to examine them. She’s going to need to soon.

I purchased everything she could possibly need for a dream nursery.

My tattoo-covered hand lands on her slightly curved stomach.

Did I purposely pick a dress to show off her small baby bump? Oh fuck yes I did.

Her belly popped in the last few days, and it hasn’t helped my composure. My system doesn’t give a fuck who fertilized her egg. My need to slide inside her grows with every passing day. It’s all my brain can seem to focus on—our omega is carrying our baby.

“I know,” I assure her, refocusing my attention. I give her a playful smile. “But I do love giving gifts. Oliver says it’s how I express my love.”

Melody’s eyes widen.

My heart skips several beats.

That wasn’t a declaration. It’s clearly in my vocabulary because Oliver hasn’t shut up about how different people express and accept love in a variety of ways.

Jesus Christ, I have more game than this.

“Also, you needed something to match your dress. Open it.” I nod to the box.

She lifts the lid and runs a painted fingernail over the aquamarine and diamond drop necklace. I’ve got the matching earrings in my other pocket.

“Will you help me put it on?” She flutters her lashes.

“Of course,” I growl, failing to take the box. Instead I seal my mouth to hers for a slow kiss that makes my cock ache.

Melody’s scent is stronger tonight than it’s been since her heat. Not even the twinges of lemon and cranberry or vetiver can hide her coconut and vanilla scent.

I’ve done something wrong. She bonded both of my packmates before me. Her soft fingers rest against my thigh in the back of the town car.

Carver sits on Melody’s other side, and I focus really fucking hard on not allowing it to bother me that she’s leaning into his side instead of mine.

The cream and silver dress I picked out fits every delicious curve to perfection. My hand is drawn to the round bump low on her stomach.

I adjust my sleeves again in an attempt to focus on something else. The car pulls up to the hotel the event is being held in. There’s already a line of reporters and paparazzi.

Melody’s hand tightens on my thigh.

“You let me hop out first,” Carver instructs, like he’s not blocking her in. “Then I’ll help you out.”

“And I’ll be right behind you,” I assure her. “You don’t have to look at the cameras. I’ll answer their questions like we discussed earlier.”

“Okay.” She gives me a timid smile.

The car pulls to the spot where we’ll unload and the door opens. Instead of climbing out, Carver leans over and kisses the hell out of Melody. After an eternity, the fucker finally climbs out, adjusting his suit coat and extending a hand for Mel.

She shimmies out and struggles to her feet in her heels.

Carver pulls her a few feet away so I can exit without bumping into her.

The shouts become louder when the press realizes that it’s me.

I carefully wrap an arm around Melody’s lower back and guide her toward the doors.

I only have one sound bite that’s required, and we stop in front of Jonathan and his photographer.

The questions go smoothly enough until he catches sight of Miller’s bond mark on her neck.

“Nik, are you bonded?”

Melody’s eyes fly up to mine.

I’m not sure the right course of action here is to claim her since it would undermine Miller and Oliver’s claims, but not doing so could lead her to believe I never intend to.

“I will be soon,” I say, bending to brush my lips over Mel’s. “Well, as long as she’ll have me.”

“Are you bonded to Oliver Turner?” Jonathan asks.

Melody’s eyes get wide, but she nods her agreement before I can stop her.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” he probes.

Melody just gave him his headline for the night, and she likely doesn’t realize the insanity heading our way.

“Have a good night,” I growl, ignoring his question and leading Mel in without another word.

“Did I mess that up?” she asks as soon as we’re out of ear shot.

“You did nothing wrong. Oliver will be ecstatic,” I assure her.

“Are you sure? Ohmigosh, what if they look into me? It’s not like my information is super hidden. Oliver could find it in two seconds if he tried.”

“What do you mean?” I pull her into my chest.

“I write smutty books. I’m going to tarnish both your names,” Mel hisses.

“Oh, gorgeous.” I grin, running a finger over her cheek. “You’re so damn cute. Relax.”

“What will your family have to say?” Mel asks, shaking her head as her fingers dig into my shirt.

“My mom will probably ask if you have audiobooks,” Carver says, smacking her ass. “That’s because she’s getting older and it’s harder to see small print. When I was overseas, she used to send me large print editions.” He laughs, shaking his head.

It’s clear how much he loves his parents.

“My moms will buy them all and make a book club.” I chuckle. “Have I mentioned how grateful I am that you came to The Exchange?” I brush my lips over hers. “Because I am really fucking happy to have you.”

“Me too,” she whispers, kissing my cheek. “But this whole theme of having to pee every two seconds has continued.” She rubs at her abdomen. “And I think I better start searching.”

“I’ve got you, sweetheart,” Carver says. “I scoped it out as soon as we came inside.”

Melody’s appetite has finally returned after the few weeks of hell she experienced. She leans in close to my side, eating like a champ. It makes me grin like I ate one too many pot brownies.

When her eyes meet Carver’s across the table, I already know what’s coming.

“Again?” He chuckles. “Come on, we already know the way.”

I stand and pull out Mel’s chair so she can easily slide by me.

Once they’re gone, Levy Evans leans over. “I think your security guy is banging your omega.” He gives me a very serious look.

“He most definitely is.” I snort. “Somehow the darling little omega claimed him for her pack.”

“Gotcha.” Levy nods his blocky head. “She’s pretty. You should probably claim her soon.”

I give him a dubious look. “Because I’ve clearly not thought of that.”

“I’m just saying.” He shrugs a giant shoulder. “She’s got the same sweet smell that Valerie had during both her pregnancies. Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” I say, laughing.

I know he’s coming from a good place, but fuck does it reinforce all of my insecurities.

The remainder of the evening passes easily enough.

Melody and I dance several songs, but things turn questionable when I notice one of the guests flirting with Carver. He leans against the wall with one leg crossed over the other, but his eyes are on us.

My initial reaction is to head over and slam my fist into his face for being so goddamn disrespectful.

However, I quickly notice his posture is closed off, and he even has his arms crossed over his chest. Melody lets out a soft gasp when she spots the tall blonde leaning into Carver’s personal space.

“You should likely make it clear he’s claimed,” I murmur close to her ear.

“I’m not going to make a scene at a charity event.”

“There’s no need for a scene,” I assure her. “Simply head over and see what happens.”

“Will you come?” She looks at me over her shoulder.

“With you, gorgeous? Any time.”