Page 47 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus (The Exchange)

"Nah, dollface." I frown. "This is all on me. I've got a super-fast metabolism so I know it's possible for some people to eat whatever they want and stay slender, but I've seen you at every meal today and you haven't really eaten, not once."

"Yes, I know that," she says, giving me a smile that indicates I should shut the fuck up. "I'd really love it if a man never again felt the need to tell me what I should or shouldn't eat. Literally, I could go the rest of my life happy if the subject could just drop."

She's got a point there. It's not technically my business, not at fucking all. But it's concerning as hell and it's pushing my Dom buttons.

If I had to guess, I'd say she's underweight for an omega based on her height.

Omega biology is set up to mass produce little baby alphas and omegas. If an omega doesn't eat properly their system will literally leach nutrients from their bones and organs to prepare for having babies. I'm actually pretty sure it's like that with all pregnant chicks.

It's weird as fuck that I'm even considering this. I don't know if I ever want kids.

Hell, maybe she doesn't either. But no matter what, she should look after herself so she doesn't have miserable consequences down the road.

A shiver runs through my system recalling how easily my grandma broke her hip because of osteoporosis. Which the doctor blamed on the fact she didn't take care of herself when she was younger.

"You don't seem to be concerned with taking care of yourself.

It's one of those things that triggers an alpha's impulses.

So eat something, or we might just have to see if I can't take a turn as a Daddy Dom for the night," I say, smirking to play off the fact I'm slightly uncomfortable with the role of caregiver.

She blinks repeatedly. Her head tilts as she squints at me.

Yeah, don't worry, sweetheart. I'm as confused by my behavior as you are.

"First of all, no one gives a shit if I'm healthy," she snaps. "In fact, on more than one occasion, my father has demanded I cut back on calories because, in his words, 'I was getting a little too round.'"

"Jesus fucking Christ," I growl. "Your dad is a royal piece of shit."

Anastasia laughs mirthlessly and glances away. I've only heard a little bit from Cas and Vik about her father, but it's pretty clear he's a garbage parent.

Now definitely isn't the time to get into all that. I'm here to keep her busy and make sure she doesn't get into trouble while Vik is at the gym, that's it.

Getting involved in her shit isn't my place.

"You okay over there?" I ask, trying to break the awkward silence.

She nods, pulling her hand up so she can pick at her polish.

"I'm not your keeper. I won't pretend to be," I tell her, leaning forward and grabbing the white take-out box. "But I do think you should eat a little something. I figured you might not go for fried food, so I got you a turkey Cobb salad with avocado-ranch dressing."

Look at me being a decent human being.

I gently place the container in her lap with a plastic fork on top of it and nod to the box.

She sighs, but opens it. The salad looks delicious. It's filled with cherry tomatoes, croutons, bacon, and turkey.

"Thank you," she murmurs. "This is great." She grabs the fork, digging around. She starts pulling all the sliced green onion to one side.

I laugh and her eyes fly up to meet mine.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. You can eat the onion. I have no plans to shove my tongue in your mouth on the first date." I wink.

She snorts.

"If this is your idea of a first date, Sir Wolfe, then it's no great wonder why you can't make it to first base," she says, opening the dressing and pouring a tiny bit on.

My dick is very fond of the word 'Sir' slipping from her lips.

"Vik's right. You're a whole lot of trouble wrapped up into one very angelic little package." I toss my feet up on the coffee table. "Eat the damn salad."

I shake out of the memory, to find Anastasia staring at me in confusion.

"Have dinner and watch a movie with me," I offer. "It's boring as hell around here lately. I could use the company."

Anastasia doesn't say anything. She shakes her head, staring at the floor.

"Come on," I practically beg. "It'll be like old times."

I bite my lip, raising my eyebrows, and wait to see how this shakes out.

"Yeah, all right," she agrees with a small smile.

My heart pounds rapidly against my ribs. I ache to see those little smirks and playful grins she used to give before Vik fucked it all up.

"Come on," I say, shaking the popcorn bowl. "You know you want some…"

I laugh at the go to hell look Ana shoots me. I shake it again just for good measure.

She peeks at it but groans, rubbing her stomach. "I can't. I'm still stuffed from all that food you made me eat at dinner."

It's concerning that she considers what she ate to be a considerable amount. There's a weird pang in my stomach.

My brow furrows as I frown down at Ana.

Vik is the caregiver. He thrives when he can micromanage every detail of his submissive's care.

That ain't me. I'm more of an inflict a little pain here, some torment there, but don't worry because the payoff is worth it.

I'm that kind of guy. I can handle aftercare.

It's a necessary part of the lifestyle, but I don't live for it like Vik.

Fine, I'm a sadistic asshole. I know this about myself. I accepted it long ago. So why the hell do I suddenly feel the need to look after Ana?

"Come on," I say, patting my chest. "The scary parts are about to start and you know you're going to need to snuggle close."

"Pssh, I'm hardcore," she says, rolling her eyes. She sure scoots in close to my side, though.

I'm on the far end of the sectional, lying down, and she rests her head against my chest. It makes me feel invincible. Her cherry-limeade scent fills the air, causing my nostrils to flare.

Damn, maybe I should have thought this through a little better. I shove the popcorn on my thigh between us and nod to it. Grabbing the remote, I press play to give myself something else to focus on.

It doesn't take long before Ana is picking at the popcorn and cuddling close.

I grab the fuzzy blanket off the back of the couch and toss it over her.

She burrows into me even deeper, and my stomach does a bizarre fluttering as I toss my arm around her shoulder.

I spend a little too much time side-eyeing Ana as the movie plays.

"Come on," I murmur, gently running my hand over Anastasia's back. "It's time for bed, doll.”

Somehow the little omega snuggled her way right into my lap while we watched the movie. She's been asleep for a while, but my impulses weren't quite ready to let her escape.

"Wolfe?" Ana blinks. Her head tilts as she rubs at her eyes.

"Yeah, sweetness. You knocked right out on me," I say, running a hand over the back of her head. "Want me to carry you down to your suite?"

"Yeah, I guess?" She still sounds super out of it.

"Or you can take my bed. I don't mind sleeping on the couch," I assure her.

I know I'm treading dangerous ground, but I really like the idea of my sheets smelling like her.

If Vik doesn't like it? Well, he can fuck off. He's not here to take care of her, so I'm going to use my discretion.

"Yeah," she grumbles, leaning in close to my chest. "I'll sleep here."

I barely stifle the laugh. I don't think she's awake at all. She reminds me a little too much of a sleepy kitten. I miss the days when she was all teeth and claws.

I put my huge hand under her ass and lift us off the couch. I carry her down the hall and into my room.

I glance around, taking in the mess and clutter, but luckily it's mostly clean enough for company.

I pull back the blanket and get her settled, then grab her a shirt and toss it next to her.

"I think you'll be more comfortable in that," I tell her.

Ana sits up, pulling the dress up around her hips. She slides her hair to one side. "Will you unzip me?"

I'm sure my Adam's apple bobs as I nod my agreement. I slide the zipper down, turning around before I can get an eyeful of all that creamy soft skin.

"You're good," she says a few seconds later. Her dress hits the floor at my feet.

I shake my head at the ceiling, reminding myself I'm not a predatory asshole. Fine, I'm absolutely an alpha predator, and I don't have many lines I won't cross. But taking advantage of a vulnerable omega is one step too far for me.

"If you need me, I'll be in the living room," I tell her, stretching over her to grab a pillow.

"No way, your bed is huge. I don't bite. I promise," she mumbles, pulling my wrist back toward her.

My heart pounds rapidly. This is dangerous territory. I'm fairly sure the universe is punishing me for something. My karma has caught up.

"You don't have to," she whispers, releasing my hand. "Sleep wherever. I don't want to kick you out of your bed, that's all." She pushes her hair out of her face and rolls over. I stand frozen for several long seconds before I get my shit together.

I've been into Anastasia since the first time she snapped at me and very succinctly told Vik to suck her non-existent dick. It's something I'd never seen before, nor since. I really fucking like it when she's fiery.

I yank my shirt off, unhook my belt, and slide out of my jeans.

I'm debating heading to the empty side of the bed, but that doesn't work for me.

I'm an alpha and a man, maybe it's antiquated, I'm not sure.

But I do know I should be between her and the door.

It's something my dads still do for my moms to this day.

"Scoot over for me, doll," I murmur, giving her rump a little shove.

Ana slides over a foot or two, but she's still on this half of the king size bed. I mentally will my cock to cooperate and lift the blanket as I climb into the bed behind her. I gently maneuver her a few inches closer to the middle, but our skin is still touching.

"You're warm," she mumbles, scooting back into my chest even further.

I let out a heavy sigh that ruffles her hair and prepare to be hard and uncomfortable for the rest of the night.