Page 126 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus (The Exchange)

Chapter Thirty-Five

Miller

“What the hell are you doing?” I ask, shoving everything from Melody’s bedside table into a small box.

“Speed reading,” Oliver replies without looking up from the book. He’s sprawled across the couch, which is incidentally all in the same room as her bedroom.

There’s a small kitchenette along one wall and a door that leads to a bathroom, but this place is basically smaller than an efficiency apartment.

It’s no great mystery why the house in Virginia overwhelms her. It’s massive to the point of almost being obnoxiously huge.

Even with five of us living there, it doesn’t offset the fact it’s a fucking mansion.

Mel comes in smelling stressed to the max. She ignores Carver and Oli and walks over to a small closet next to the bathroom. She yanks out a couple of old blankets and brings them over to her bed.

She begins to toss them in a circle and I immediately recognize this pattern. She’s building a nest. I grab the box off the end of the bed, tossing it on the floor.

I toe off my boots and put myself down on the bed. It’s going to be a tight fit to hold the both of us, but she can lie directly on top of me if need be.

I pat my chest and Mel scrambles onto the bed. She grabs one of the blankets, pulling it over her, and buries her face in my shoulder.

The bond is helpful sometimes. It’s a great way to get a little insight into her thoughts and feelings, but she’s so chaotic at the moment that it’s not really helping me know what the problem is. I can guess just based on the circumstances of the day, but I’d also like to know specifics.

“I’m going to go check in with Nik’s lawyer,” Carver says, pushing himself off the couch.

Oliver grabs his phone, holding it up. “The two most recent calls are the important numbers.”

“Thanks.” He takes the phone, but catches my eyes, nodding at Mel.

I don’t even need the instruction. I’m already all over this.

“You smell stressed,” I murmur, focusing on breathing in deep hits of her scent. It doesn’t take long before the low rumble of a purr starts in my chest.

“I think it might have been a mistake coming here.” She wallows deeper, and all I want to do is wrap her up and keep her safe from anything and everything that causes her distress.

“It was something that had to be done. You can cross it off the list and get back home to start setting up the nursery.” I grimace. I don’t think Nik has mentioned that little tidbit yet.

“That does sound nice.”

“Have you given any thought to what you hope we’re having?” I slide a hand between us. Yeah, fine. I’m fucking addicted to the belly, but feeling it helps keep me calm.

I couldn’t go outside while the shit was going down because I was honest to God daydreaming about strangling that asshole with my bare hands. It definitely didn’t help when Oliver mentioned what he said.

“I’m just praying for a healthy baby.” She shrugs. “Either way.”

“Little fibber.” I chuckle. I can’t tell if she’s lying to herself or if she forgets the bond bubbles over, but she’s definitely hoping for a girl.

I am too.

Although, Nik and Carver have pointed out that it wouldn’t be bad to have a boy first. I’m in agreement on that, but I also have a plan to knock her up again as soon as possible, so if we don’t get a boy the first time, we’ve got another shot.

They should be close enough in age that he can look out for his older sister, especially once they get into high school.

“Oh, you stop.” Melody laughs. “Okay, fine. Maybe I do have a small hope for dresses and tea parties, but I’d be happy either way.”

I grin, pulling her over until she’s fully on my chest. I need to be able to see her face.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you . . .” I clear my throat as my heart tries to pound right out of my damn chest. “I love you.”

Melody’s mouth falls as she blinks. I get nervous when fat tears spring from the sides of her eyes. “Really?”

“Yeah, I’m absolutely gone for you.” I brush my fingers over her cheeks, wiping away the tears.

“Good, because I love you, too,” she whispers, kissing me.

I smile against her lips.

“Dammit, I got caught up in Dante and Liz’s first kiss,” Oliver grumbles, climbing into the full-size bed at our side.

There’s not really enough room for three people, and he ends up lying on my arm.

“I want to get in on the declarations of love too. By the way, I haven’t felt this way before about anyone, but I feel confident saying this. I love you, Melody.”

Mel whimpers, climbing over onto him. I slide out from under the two of them as they kiss. I’d really like to slide inside her, but not here. That can wait for the hotel. I look at the boxes and sigh.

“I’m going to take these out and go for fresh boxes,” I say more to myself than to them.

“I love you, too, Oliver,” Mel says between frantic kisses.

I chuckle and grab a box before heading to check on Carver.

The cops are gone. I carry the box to the cargo area of the SUV and shove it inside.

I’m pretty sure we’re just going to need to hire movers and have all her stuff shipped back.

She can pick a box or two of important stuff and we can carry that on the flight with us, but I don’t think we can manage flying all her stuff back. Not even on a private plane.

I grab the last empty boxes and the last roll of packing tape and turn to head back into the garage.

I stumble several steps.

I was not expecting in the fucking least to come across Carver pinning Ben to a tree with his forearm pressed to his windpipe and strangely his cellphone slammed into the dick’s ear.

“Shit,” I hiss, stomping toward them.

“You hear that?” Carver asks, slamming Ben back again. “That’s a fucking heartbeat. Your kid’s heartbeat, you stupid son of a bitch. Let me hear you say any bullshit again like you don’t think she should have the baby. I will motherfucking—”

“Carver!” I bark. The last thing Mel needs is for him to end up in jail too and for a more serious charge. “Back up!”

Carver completely disregards my order.

I’m not shocked.

In the military they went harder on the betas than any of the alphas. They wanted to be sure they learned how to override alpha commands.

“Come on, man,” I growl, dropping the shit at my feet and making a grab for his arm. “This is the last thing Mel needs right now.”

“Benjamin and I are just having a friendly chat,” Carver says, locking his screen and shoving his phone into his back pocket. He still hasn’t removed his forearm from Ben’s windpipe, though.

“Clearly,” I say, shaking my head. “Melody’s nesting with Oliver. Why don’t you head inside and cuddle up with them?”

Carver chuckles. “You know, if I was you then I’d seriously be regretting my life choices at the moment.

But I get the feeling you’re not smart enough to recognize just how good you had it.

” He slams Ben against the tree a final time.

“That’s okay because I do.” He winks, spinning around and heading off without another word.

“Are you okay?” I ask, scratching at my jaw.

“Like you fucking care,” he scoffs.

Well, he’s got me there. I really don’t. Not outside of it causing any more stress for Mel.

“I already told the guy with glasses that I wouldn’t press charges, and I don’t want your fucking money. That just feels slimy.”

I nod because Oliver did mention all of that. It’ll likely come down to whether or not the prosecutor’s office decides to pursue charges. I know Nik’s lawyer will have found someone local to meet him at the station.

“I’m sure it’s been a day,” I say, rolling my jaw from side to side.

I’m greatly lacking any form of empathy toward this guy, but I do try not to be a raging asshole.

“You’ve got no clue,” he says, pulling off his baseball cap and messing with the bill.

“The way I look at it, you’ve got two choices,” I say, exhaling loudly. “You either make the choice to be in the baby’s life or you don’t.”

“I’m not even twenty-eight years old,” he says, kicking the toe of his boot against the grass.

“She’s not either.” I manage to keep from telling him a whole lot of people have kids way younger than he is now. I don’t think that’s going to help anything at the moment.

“We weren’t good together,” he says, staring at the ground. “I think I always blamed Mel for my brother hating me. He used to be my best damn friend, but I lost him because I wanted her.”

My hands clench, and I have to center the fuck out of my energy to keep from swinging. I really do not like him, and it’s hard as hell to stay civil.

“You can try to justify your actions all day, but I guarantee you won’t find peace until you own up to your mistakes and acknowledge your culpability in all of it.

” I shove my hands into my pockets. “The issue isn’t whether or not the two of you will be together.

The only choice you need to make is if you want to step up and be a father. ”

“And I’m supposed to be happy about sharing that title with you assholes?” he scoffs.

I can actually understand where he’s coming from there, but if he hadn’t taken Melody for granted, she never would have met us.

It’s a sobering realization.

“I don’t think having more people to love a kid is ever a bad thing.” I shrug. “Look at it this way; it’s less responsibility for you when you inevitably fuck up.”

Ben takes a step back.

I sigh. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. Do you want to go with us to an ultrasound to find out the gender?”

“I didn’t know that baby existed before today.”

“That is tough,” I acknowledge. “Take some time and think it through.”

“You’re a man.” He nods at me. “You’d honestly be fine with some guys you don’t know raising your kid while you live states away and only get to visit a few times a year?”

I frown because, while I get where he’s coming from, I don’t think he’s understanding that he set all of this into motion.

“At this point, you’ve acknowledged you and Melody weren’t healthy together.

” I fight the urge to spew a bunch of shit about how he’s twisted her to think it’s wrong to be with a pack and even more about how he treated her over the years.

I hold my tongue because that wouldn’t get us anywhere.

“The only person who will cut you out of the child’s life is you, if you don’t put in the effort to be a decent father.

That’s not to say you have to. No matter what, Melody will have support.

The two of you should talk once you’ve had some time to think it through. ”

I turn and grab the stuff I dropped earlier and aim to check on my omega.

Ben stomps over to his truck and climbs inside. The loud growl of exhaust fills the air before he blessedly leaves.

I’m surprisingly proud of myself. I was civil. Okay, I don’t think I managed to talk to him like a friend, but I think I counseled him like an acquaintance that I don’t hate.

Maybe.

I don’t know.

I did try, though.

I make it inside Mel’s tiny apartment, and I’m not sure how I was so focused that I missed their pure bliss in the bond. Hell, maybe that’s how I managed to stay so civil.

Mel is naked and riding Oliver. Carver is kneeling over Oliver’s thighs, and I think he might be fucking Mel’s ass. I drop the shit on the coffee table and prowl closer.

“That’s . . .” Oliver growls, stretching back. “Completely fucking insane.”

“I’m a big fan,” Mel sobs, her head rolling back against Carver’s chest. He’s got his forearm banded just under her tits and the corded lines of muscle bulge like he’s desperately trying to hold himself back.

“Someone has to move,” Mel whimpers.

My eyes bug when I get close.

“Are you both in her pussy?” I barely manage to close my mouth.

“Fuck yes we are,” Carver agrees, gently shoving Mel down to rest on Oliver’s chest. “Try to rub her clit or something. Hell, I don’t know. I’m afraid if I move I’m going to bust.”

“Yeah,” Oliver says, nodding wildly.

He doesn’t move for her clit.

Mel is mostly a sobbing, sweaty mess.

I get close and squat next to the bed.

“Let me help,” I murmur, carefully sliding a hand between them. “No weight on the belly.” I look at Carver.

“Yeah, got it,” he says, sliding back and gently thrusting back inside.

“It feels like a cock long knot,” Mel whines. “Is this even real?”

“You’re a fucking dream,” I tell her, scraping my teeth over her shoulder as my hand finally locates her clit.

Oliver is trapped to the bed with Mel clawing at his chest, but he looks completely content, or maybe like he’s trying to keep from coming.

“I really love you,” Mel says, tilting her head back to look at Carver. “Thank you for always sticking up for me. If biting you would make you mine then I’d do it.”

“Aww, fuck,” Carver groans, falling to frame her back. He has enough presence of mind to keep himself up with one palm on the mattress at Oliver’s side while he grips Mel’s hip in the other and thrusts deep. “I love you too, sweetheart.”

I tease Melody’s pussy until she thrashes out her release.

“Yeah, I’m done for,” Oliver groans, sounding intensely satisfied.

“You’re such a good little omega,” I praise. “Look at you, taking both of them.”

“Mel, your pussy is the real MVP.” Carver snorts. “Fuck yes, tighten up just like that. Holy fucking shit, goddamn . . .” he continues to ramble as his thrusts get erratic and he freezes.

“Grind him through it,” I suggest.

Mel nods, working her hips as Carver spits a slew of incoherent curses.

“Such a beautiful girl.” I kiss her cheek.

“Did you really mean that?” Carver asks, pulling Mel up with an arm under her breasts.

She wraps a hand back around his neck. “I did. You’ve got a lot of tattoos. Would you be opposed to getting my teeth print on your neck?”

“You’re ridiculously fucking cute,” he says, shoving his tongue in her mouth. “And I’m all for wearing your claim. I will absolutely get your teeth tattooed on me.”

“That’s one option,” Oliver says, leaning up using his forearms as leverage. “But it’s not the only one.”

“What?” Carver chokes, kissing over Melody’s shoulder.

“You’re part of our pack. If you want a bond with Mel, it would require one of us to link the two of you. It’s something we’ve all agreed to.” I give his arm a squeeze. “All you have to do is say the word.”

Melody gasps, bursting into tears. “Stupid hormones. I’m actually really happy.”

“We know,” Oliver says, brushing his fingers over her cheek.

“Yeah, I’d like to be able to know too,” Carver says, laughing and shaking his head. “Not right this second or anything, but I definitely want that link to you.” He runs his hands down her arm.