Page 15 of The Omega Archives: Part One

I was about to say no. I had enough work to keep me busy and I often took work home even though I didn’t need to, but… “You don’t mind if I take them off the display?”

“Definitely not. Go ahead.”

Before I could help myself, I read the backs of some of the new books.

Though the library was mainly academic, Prestford had a healthy book club I noticed that each month, the budget allowed for more than a few new bestsellers and favorites to be added to the collection.

I picked up a literary fiction I had seen that hit the charts. And there were more than a few romances. I smirked at the plots written on the backs of the books, chuckling to myself.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you laugh,” said Jane.

“I…” I shrugged. “I like romances.”

They were the best escapism of all. The historical romances with the balls and fancy dresses and kind alphas fighting over an omega who chose to love them back. Contemporary romance with high stakes and love triangles or romantic comedies that made me cringe with second-hand embarrassment. Fantasy ones with magic and sometimes dragons… even if most of the time the dragon riders were strictly alphas.

They were all my kryptonite. Which is why I knew not to read too often. If I did read whenever I wanted to, I wouldn’t get any work completed.

“They’re fun,” Jane nodded. “You know, the library hosts a few book clubs for staff and students. There is one that mainly reads romance books if you’re ever interested.”

I paused, looking at her.

“Or is it more of a guilty pleasure?” Jane asked, her brow furrowing as I didn’t answer if I was interested or not.

It sounded like a fun time to get together here or at the bar downtown where I knew some of the book clubs met every month. But I… I never wanted to take the risk.

A few drinks and talking about my latest book boyfriend wasn’t exactly worth the risk.

It wasn’t,I convinced myself.

“More along those lines,” I said.

“You shouldn’t be embarrassed. They’re good books. And to ever book a reader and all that.”

“You’re right,” I agreed, knowing the basic librarian guideline by now.

“I’ll check you out when you’re ready.”

“Thanks.”

Fifteen minutes later my bag bowed from the weight of five new novels to read, Jane checked my books out onto my account.

I might’ve been smiling the whole way down the block.

Which one was I going to read first when I got home?

To be honest, the red cover with the woman swooning front and center looked the most intriguing.

Cars honked at the intersection right before the corner coffee shop. A few people sat outside with what looked like cinnamon raisin bagels.

I paused, standing in front of one of my biggest enemies to keep my necessities fund intact.

But what was one little coffee or bagel? I always wanted to try it and I lasted this long without spending.

Sure, it also wasn’t the best dinner in the world, but it wasn’t the worst. It could be the best meal I had in days that didn’t include random snacks here and there.

My mouth suddenly watered at the need for something carb-filled and sweet.

I took a deep breath as I focused on getting inside. Reaching for the door, someone else was already halfway opening it. I put up my hands before the door could knock me in the face, only, the hit never came.

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