Page 3 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus (The Exchange)

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 then another. 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.

Even Neela doesn't know I saw a second doctor.

Honestly, I have no idea what I was thinking. My impulses were firmly in control. Logically speaking, I know what I did was wrong. But I'm also desperate to have a child.

Omegas almost never conceive outside of a heat, and even during a heat artificial insemination has less than a three percent success rate. I know, because I frantically scoured the internet for facts trying to give myself some hope. Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect.

"List off some good ideas," Neela says, shooting me a look that says get on with it.

"Find a pack, bond, and have a baby," I grumble, swiping a hand over my face.

Neela snorts. "Okay, you suck at this. I'm adding the following: have a one-night stand, do a walk of shame, kiss someone under the mistletoe.

" She grins mischievously. "I leave where you kiss them up to your discretion.

Oh yes, let someone deck your halls." She cackles.

"Sit on Santa's lap. Just so you know, it's more fun when you're on the naughty list."

I glare, but she only laughs harder.

She smirks at me. "Make a gingerbread house and play in the frosting. Drink hot cocoa by a fire—"

"That one's actually sweet," I concede.

Neela laughs. "You didn't let me finish. It says drink hot cocoa by a fire, naked, after toe-curling sex with multiple partners."

"Okay, you're cut off," I tell her, grabbing the notebook. I pick the green pen up off the floor, crossing out one-night stand. I add: make a meaningful connection, fall in love, have a snowball fight, and bundle of joy.

"What the hell is the last one?" Neela asks, frowning.

I shrug. "I just want to be happy."

Neela wraps an arm around my shoulder, pulling me into her side. "I know you're nervous, but trust me," she says, giving me a squeeze. "You're going to get all you dreamed of, and more."

"I sure hope so," I whisper.

"Give it a chance," Nee says. "Knock a few things off the list and have fun doing it. That's all I'm asking."

"I'll try," I agree.

"Excuse me," a soft voice says. I slam my book closed on my hand, and glance up awkwardly. I was in the middle of reading an incredibly dirty scene. "There's a big group over there. They all know each other. Could I possibly be your seat buddy?"

My nose twitches. She smells like black licorice.

"I'm Stephanie," she says, glancing back toward the front of the small shuttle bus. "Please?"

"Of course," I agree, sliding my legs to the side, and letting her scoot through. "Everly."

Stephanie is short and slender for an omega, and not like she's unhealthy. She looks like she's naturally more athletic. The light dusting of freckles on her cheeks is even more noticeable with the blush that covers her face.

"I got stuck in between two of them on the plane," she whispers, setting her bag at her feet. "I offered to switch places so they could be closer, but one wanted the window and one wanted the aisle. There's a whole group of omegas who all know each other." She's frazzled, and smells stressed.

"Well there are only two seats here and we're in them."

"Thank God," she says, flashing me a tired smile.

The peaceful atmosphere of the bus changes as the five omegas climb aboard. The energy gets heavy. They're all dressed like they're hitting a fashion show rather than arriving at their destination after a day of traveling.

Glancing down at my soft cable-knit dress, I suddenly feel very out of place.

My eyes slide to Stephanie. She's dressed in a fancy dress I don't know the name for.

No wonder I've been repeatedly passed over. I'm pretty sure omegas aren't meant to come in a frumpy package.

Tuning out the loud omegas near the front of the bus, I open my book and get sucked back into a nonexistent world where men are always faithful and dedicated to their female… even if she is a bit boring or plain.

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 pack tomorrow.