Page 3 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus
My eyes ache as I stare at the ridiculous penguin paperweight. My chest throbs painfully as I try to hold back the tears.
"We've got several other possibilities, including?—"
I cut her off, pushing myself out of the uncomfortable chair. Why couldn't she have told me this on the phone so I could break down in private?
"I'll let you know if I want to try again," I say, heading for the door. "Thank you."
"Everly, wait…"
I don't hear what comes next. The door closes behind me. I head straight for the elevator and step inside. It seems like forever, but the doors finally close. My head falls back against the cool metal wall.
Staring at the ceiling, I shake my head. I really should have known better. Omegas are supposed to be coveted. It's common knowledge that every pack wants an omega.
Any omega except me.
The doors open, and an older man with a fluffy white beard steps into the elevator. I never even hit the button to head to the lobby.
The man frowns as he takes me in. It's barely Thanksgiving, but he's wearing a hideous Christmas sweater.
It's so ugly, it's cute.
"I like your sweater," I say, sniffling and hoping my face isn't red.
"Are ye all right, lass?" he asks as the doors slide shut. He runs a hand down his generous belly. "And thank ye. It's my favorite."
"I'm fine." I offer a weak smile.
"Right, of course," he agrees with a hum. "You know, sometimes things don't work out…"
I freeze, staring at him in shock.
"That only means something better is waiting in the wings," he says, patting my arm. He hands me a business card. "Don't give up hope."
The doors open, and the man shuffles out as a few people step inside. I carefully move past the incoming people, but by the time I make it out of the elevator he's gone.
Glancing down at the card in my hand, a startled gasp escapes. It's a card for The Omega Exchange.
I shake myself out of the memory and say, "I don't think I'm going to go."
"What the hell is going on, Evie?" she asks, spinning around in her chair to face me. "Why would you back out now?"
Maybe I was feeling brave that day? Or extremely stupid? They're equally as likely as far as options go.
Packs are only interested in me until they meetme.I'm the common denominator in why these things don't work out.
"They'll reject me, too," I whimper, burying my face in my hands. "I don't think I'm meant to be matched, Nee."
"Oh honey." Neela pops off her chair and comes over. She's a few inches shorter than me, and it's awkward as she tries to comfort me. "You're having a moment, but you can't let it getto you. People don't mesh all the time. Do you know how many terrible first dates I've had?"
I snort. I wish I had her bravery.
My hand flies up, and I pull my glasses off.
"You're beautiful, smarter than anyone else I know, and an amazing person. Fuck those guys," she says. It takes me a few seconds to realize she's still talking about the packs who rejected me.
"You'll never know if you don't try," Neela says. She pats my arm, and heads back to the laptop. "You're going. What's the worst thing that can happen? You turn a few packs down for a change? You'll be so close to your heat they'll be the ones begging."
Taking a seat on the edge of the couch, I give her a shaky nod. I did agree to go. Finding a successful match would beeverything. I want a pack of my own.
