Page 15 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus (The Exchange)

Chapter Thirteen

Everly

My frilly Christmas dress feels a little out of place as I take in the expansive room. Luke's warm presence is never far from my back. This is the third event I've been to today, and my spirits are low.

My eyes dart around, searching for any friendly faces, but I don't recognize anyone. My stomach drops. I'm not a fan of large crowds, and no matter how many alphas I meet my mind keeps circling back to the owners. At the very least they seem open to helping me ride out my heat.

I stop mid-step, and Luke bumps into my back.

"I think I should go back to my room," I say, trying to ignore all the eyes I can feel on me. Earlier there was an accident, and I ended up covered in alcohol. I showered, but I swear I can still smell it. I'm not a huge fan of hard liquor, and I just feel really out of place.

"Why would you do that?" Luke asks. He comes around and stands in front of me. It blocks everyone else from sight. They're still there, but I don't have to see them and wonder what they're saying.

"Everyone is looking at me like I'm ridiculous," I whisper as my eyes squeeze shut. "It's almost Christmas. Everyone I know is usually very festive. These people are not in the holiday spirit at all."

Luke's shoulder's shake. He grins behind his fist. "I'm not laughing at you, sweetheart. I swear. You're so damn cute. The Santa hat is actually really working for me. I'd be surprised if it wasn't for half the guys in here, too."

I frown, jabbing a finger at his chest. "I can't tell if you're making fun of me."

"Aww, darlin', come here," he says, pulling me to his chest. "Archie and Murphy stalked you through the first two events.

They're fuming mad at Connor for suggesting this stupidity.

Meet a couple packs, talk a little, and we'll get out of here and get some dessert.

" He flashes me a wicked grin. "There's a hot cocoa bar, but I think that's tomorrow night. "

"A hot cocoa bar?" I squeak. "Like a buffet of goodies for your hot chocolate?"

Luke smirks down at me, and my stomach flutters. "Yeah, that's exactly what it is."

"That sounds way more exciting than this," I grumble.

"Indulge Connor," he says, brushing my hair away from my face. "Stay for a bit and get to know a few of the unbonded packs. If you're a good girl, I'll take you for dessert after this and make sure you visit the cocoa bar tomorrow night."

A shiver runs down my damn spine. I'm nodding my agreement before I can stop myself. "Fine, but you better not rat me out to Murphy. I'm sure he'll have something to say about dessert."

Luke laughs. "I'll do my best, but he's got access to the cameras. Your addiction to sweets is the worst-kept secret in the place."

Fear floods my system. Little does he know I have a much bigger secret than my love of dessert.

"No one cared what I ate before I came here," I say, blowing out a breath and aiming for the alcohol.

Luke chuckles, shaking his head. That short, scruffy beard combined with his dimples?

God, I bet women's panties spontaneously combust before they can melt right off at that look on his stupidly handsome face.

I swat a hand through the air and aim for the drink table.

I'm definitely going to need it.