Page 61 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus (The Exchange)

I shake my head. Wolfe's still stretched across the sofa, downing his coffee and trying to wake up. It's that fucking scar that changed everything for me. I'm really not a violent person, but Markov Androff sealed his fate when he tried to kill his daughter right alongside his wife.

My eyes fly to the hallway that leads to Anastasia.

The really fucked-up part is I'm pretty sure subconsciously she knows.

She might not be able to admit it to herself rationally.

The mind does all sorts of things to force a person to cope with stress or trauma that's too great to face.

But to continue to be around him for years?

She's tougher than we gave her credit for. I glance at Wolfe. He's still lounging with that lazy look of satisfaction on his face. There's a very good reason we didn't let him in on all the specifics.

Vik and Wolfe did contract work together after the military. It's not an unusual path for soldiers to take when trying to transition back into civilian life, but Wolfe took to it a little too well.

Anastasia pops out of Wolfe's bedroom door.

She's got a pillow and an arm full of his clothes.

She's wearing one of his undershirts and she doesn't even glance our way. Her chin is tipped high as she aims for the nest.

"Okay, that makes me feel like a goddamn king," Wolfe says, hopping up and aiming for the kitchen. He drops his coffee cup in the sink and heads to the hallway.

Anastasia comes out of the nest, giving him a grin when she sees him leaning against the far wall.

"I wish you didn't have to go," she says, then shakes her head. She covers her face, but continues right into his outstretched arms.

"Me too," he says, pulling her mouth to his. "Cas is going to take good care of you while I'm gone. It's a half-day trip, so I'll be back this afternoon."

Ana gives him a nod. They share a slow kiss full of tongue that has Anastasia whimpering.

Wolfe smacks her ass and saunters off.

"I'm serious," Wolfe says, pointing at me as he heads for the door. "Don't leave her hurting."

"I'd never," I assure them both.

"Is Vik…" Ana asks, eyeing the door to his room.

"He's out," I tell her.

"Good," she murmurs, heading back down the hallway and straight for his door.

Wolfe moves to head out, but Vik comes in at the exact same time. He's wearing sweatpants and a long-sleeve t-shirt like he went out for a jog rather than using the gym like we usually do. His t-shirt is stained in sweat.

"Don't push her," Wolfe growls at Vik. "She's in decent spirits this morning."

"Fuck off," Vik snaps, aiming for the kitchen.

Anastasia comes out of Vik's room with an armful of clothes. She has to head our way down the hallway to get to the nest. She glances up and jolts when she sees Vik.

He grins a wide smile that takes over his entire face when he spots her.

"Sorry, princess." Vik laughs. "I'm pretty sure you've got my dirty laundry. I haven't had a chance to do it since my trip."

Anastasia huffs. She raises a hand, flipping him off, and heads to the nest door.

Vik's hearty laugh fills the air.

She's obviously not pleased with him, but there's hope yet.

Otherwise, she wouldn't want his scent in her nest.

"Is Markov neutralized?" I ask once the door closes.

"He will be shortly. I didn't want to be in the state because of possible blow-back, but Soren is efficient. It should be done any day." Vik tosses himself down on the couch. "Androff is a mean son of a bitch. He was so fucking smug, I had to force myself not to snap his neck right then and there."

I nod. I get it.

There are very few times I think it's okay to take a life.

This is one situation where it's warranted.

Androff was furious with his daughter, but he's very good at skirting the line of comments that aren't outright threats. He made sure there was nothing in his text messages that could be provided to the police.

"Is Devon McKenna still alive?" I ask, referencing the omega the Frasier Pack sent to supervise Anastasia.

"He is," Vik says, stretching back.

The minute Vik found out another omega was here with nefarious intent, we checked in on him. Unfortunately, Devon fled with the female alpha he was matched to before we could speak to him directly.

"Devon is currently in Virginia with Elaine. She brought in her partner for an extra set of eyes." Vik stares at the hallway.

It takes me a second to realize he likely means Elaine's partner on the force. I'm not sure if it's lucky for Devon or not, but he was matched with a very respected officer out of Norfolk.

"He's as frightened as Anastasia. Elaine and Martin, her partner, are keeping track of the situation, but she's basically helpless since it's outside of her jurisdiction.

" Vik sighs. "Removing Androff won't fix the overall problem.

Byron Frasier is a figurehead. A legal front for the shady shit Barrett is trying to accomplish. "

"That's bigger than us," I say, hoping Vik realizes his vendetta has to stop somewhere. "Androff is one thing, but you can't do anything about Barrett."

"I fucking know that," Vik snaps, swiping a hand over his face. "Without Soren, even taking out Androff would be risky."

I know that, too. We got damn lucky considering Viktor's cousin, Soren, is an enforcer for the Ivanov Family.

Markov Androff didn't just kill his wife and set out to murder his daughter three years ago. He also fucked over the organization he'd been associated with for the last twenty years.

It wasn't a coup. It was a straight-up betrayal. Androff defected from the Ivanovs to the Barrett Family. The Barrett Family is pulling the strings with Pack Frasier. It's all very messy.

According to what I could piece together, Ivanov believes Androff defected because of his wife's murder and the family's inability to protect their own.

For being a mobster, Ivanov has a reputation for not being a monster.

Which is good, I guess, since Soren is involved in his organization.

I've always known Vik had some shady acquaintances, but I never realized how closely related he is to organized crime.

Anastasia pops out of the nest and heads straight for us. She grins when she spots me. I've never quite seen her so docile as she stands in front of me blinking. She's got on Wolfe's huge t-shirt and a pair of Vik's socks that go nearly to her knees.

I seriously hope that was a clean pair.

"Good morning," I say, since she still hasn't said anything.

Ana moves slowly, but climbs right into my lap. She nuzzles her face close to my neck. A wide, slow smile crosses my face.

"Morning," she whispers. "I was hoping you would let me snatch some goodies from your room? The nest doesn't smell right without your scent."

My heart pounds like a drum.

"Of course," I agree, holding her close to my chest. "Anything you need. Do you want help with it?"

She shakes her head and the wet ends of her hair fall over my forearms.

"Maybe after I set it up a bit," she whispers, blinking up at me from behind her lashes.

"Okay," I agree.

"Thanks," Anastasia says, marking my cheek. "I promise I won't go digging in your crap too much."

"I've got nothing to hide," I assure her. She brushes her lips over the edge of my mouth, making my heart race. She still smells strongly of Wolfe. It instantly tells my instincts that she's pack.

Anastasia is meant to be my omega. Her blueish-gray eyes stare into mine, and it's a battle to let her go.

"You need to eat something," Vik says, breaking the moment.

Anastasia stands and her hand twitches, but she doesn't do whatever she planned to do. Instead she gives him a nod.

"Still don't like eggs?" Vik asks, scratching at his jaw.

"No, that didn't change in the last month," she replies.

"I'll make you something," Vik tells her.

Ana nods and heads off toward my room. Once the door closes, I look at Vik.

"Did you get her mother's ashes?" I ask in barely more than a whisper.

"I did," Vik agrees. "I set it up so while I met with Androff across town, Merrick and Steele popped in to retrieve the few things Anastasia asked for."

Merrick and Steele are two of the guys Wolfe and Viktor used to do contract work with.

"Why didn't you just have them take Androff out?" I ask.

I know that type. Mercs aren't cheap, but most will do anything for a price.

"It's safer this way," Vik muses. "Ivanov takes out his betrayer. Barrett is much more likely to write off the loss, considering he stole Androff from Ivanov to begin with."

I guess I see what he's saying. It's much less likely any issues will arise for us or Anastasia this way.

Anastasia pops out of my bedroom and I do a double take. She's got a pair of my gym shorts on and she's carrying my favorite pillow. She doesn't even glance our way, just heads straight for the nest.

The overpowering urge to follow her throws me off balance. But the nest is her safe place.

I can be patient and wait for her to let me in.