Page 59 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus
Tom carries me right out to the parking lot and buckles me into a giant truck that smells exactly like him. He stomps around and climbs inside without a word. He starts the truck and guides us further into the mountains. He takes a small driveway and follows it through the trees. The drive is short, from the time we left the lodge it takes maybe five minutes before Tom is pulling onto a circular concrete parking area in front of a beautiful two-story… I don't even know what you'd call it. A log cabin? A rustic mountain mansion? Whatever it is, it's absolutely awe-inspiring.
The walls are the same light gray and tan rock the same as the exterior of the lodge. The edges of the porch and the roof are framed in huge dark wooden beams. Other than the warm exterior lights that frame the building in a pattern meant to accentuate its grandeur, the area is completely dark.
Glancing back the way we came, I can see the lights from the lodge and the other shops close by it, but from where we are you can see all the stars in the sky, and the woods behind the house make for an incredible picture.
"What's this?" I ask, unbuckling my seat belt and turning to face Tom.
"I'll tell you once we get inside," he says, giving me a smile. He's gorgeous. The smile is all perfect, straight white teeth, and it makes my stomach flutter.
"Okay," I agree.
Tom climbs out and comes around. He helps me out of the truck and walks us in the front door. The place was unlocked? That seems kinda dangerous. It's practically a freaking palace. If I owned a house like this I wouldn't be leaving my doors unlocked. That's asking to be robbed. Then again, the vibe here in North Carolina is completely different from back home in the City.
The living room has a giant fireplace on the back wall. The same light rock frames it. There's a raging fire going. The crackling sends a shiver down my spine as we approach. The entire space feels cozy and comfortable. There are two huge couches in a cream fabric. They're the type with the oversized cushions. They scream plush and inviting.
"It's really warm in here. Can I take your jacket off?" I ask, staring up at Tom's handsome face.
"Yeah," he says, moving to help me. He tosses the jacket over a huge club chair and brushes his fingers over my cheek. "You smell so damn pretty."
I laugh. He isn't as smooth as the others, but there's something very appealing about his slightly feral charm.
"Thank you."
"We'll come back to this," he says, guiding me to the stairs. "I need to show you something first."
His huge hand frames my back as he guides us up to the second floor. The hallway has plush carpeting.
"I feel like I should have taken my shoes off before traipsing around someone's house," I tell him, frowning.
Tom grunts. He guides us to the end of the hallway and opens a door. It leads to a massive pack bedroom. There's no other possible purpose for this type of room. The bed is a monstrosity. It has to be at least one and a half king size mattresses.
My jaw falls as I catch sight of the small balcony on the opposite side of the room. The sliding glass door is closed, but the curtain is open, and the view is unreal.
"No getting distracted," Tom says, gripping my hips and pulling me back. I was gravitating to the view. "I like you, and I don't want you to ever leave."
My goodness, he is blunt.
"Being an alpha is complicated sometimes," he says with a sigh. "My dads used to describe the pull they felt toward my mom…" He frowns, shaking his head. "I thought they were exaggerating. I feel itchy lately when you're out of my sight. I may have developed an obsession with watching you on the security cameras in the lodge."
Okay, he's very direct, and I think I'm equally as addicted to his truth as he says he is to watching me on camera. My heart races. Tom pulls me flush with his front, but even in my boots I don't reach his shoulder.
"It's quick, but things move faster when alphas and omegas are involved." He kisses my forehead. "This is technically from all of us, Luke included, but I'm the one who pushed to give it to you now. The others wanted to wait so we wouldn't overwhelm you."
My face must show my confusion because Tom continues, "Are you overwhelmed, Evie?"
"No," I say, gripping his forearms. "But I am very confused."
He laughs. "Yeah, I'll bet you are. Sorry, I'm nervous. You know, we should just get back to the lodge."
"Okay," I agree. "But you don't need to be nervous. I'm sure it can't be anymore overwhelming than Connor trying to give me a store."
Tom's face breaks out into a wide smile. "No fucking way," he says, shaking his head. "I thought he showed it to you, maybe toease you into it in the future. That sly bastard wanted to one-up my courting gift. At least that means he decided not to sell."
"What?" I gasp. "He wanted to sell the lodge?"
"I don't think he wants to part with the lodge, just The Exchange. Archie and I weren't going to let any of it go though. Connor's had a bit of a rough time lately. I'm glad you reminded him what's really important."
"Tom, no, I didn't do any of that," I assure him.
