Page 83 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus
"We came to check on you," Cassie says, handing Colin off to Josh. David, one of her other alphas, gives a small wave and a nod, pushing his glasses up. "You seemed down when you left. We came to New York to surprise you, but Neela told us to go to hell and slammed the door in my face."
"What?" I snort. Okay, that actually makes sense. My best friend spent years telling me exactly what she'd do if she ever met my sister.
"We met Pack Frasier in the lobby of your building. They were trying to find you," Cassie says, rolling her eyes. “Did you seriously consider letting those guys court you? I met them for five minutes, and they gave me the creeps. After that, I wasn't taking no for an answer. Neela finally caved and told us where to find you."
"Thank you," I say, giving her a hug.
Tom slides around the corner, already appraising the situation as he approaches.
"You don't look at Evie," Tom growls at Garrett, one of my sister's husband's. Looking at Luke, he starts rambling about bears and opening a large animal sanctuary.
Luke laughs. His long blond hair falls around his shoulders as he pats Tom on the chest. "And I thought bonding would mellow your ass out."
Luke saunters over. His boots are on but open at the top, like he pulled them on to race to the clinic earlier. The dark jeans he wears mold to every muscle, and I bite my lip.
"Whoa," Cassie murmurs, getting a good look at him.
"Want to introduce us, pretty girl?" Luke asks, brushing a kiss against the corner of my mouth. His huge hands wraparound my waist as he pulls me back into his chest. One large palm rests over my belly, and he rubs like he's remembering what could be growing there.
We make introductions as Connor and Archie join us. Archie's Uncle Kiernan is at his side.
"I like your sweater," I whisper, pulling out of Luke's hold to toss myself at the chubby older man with the white beard.
"Thank ye. It's my favorite." He runs a hand down his belly before tilting my chin up. "You look much happier than the last time we met."
"You were so right about something better being around the corner," I say, squeezing him tight. "You know, I thought I met Santa Claus in that elevator."
Kiernan booms a laugh as we separate.
Cassie stares in shock. "Okay, so I guess you didn't need to be checked on after all."
"No, I'm good," I assure her. "I'm bonded."
"Yeah, I noticed your smell is different," she says, hugging me again. "Congratulations."
Her men chorus the sentiment, and I'm sure they're grateful. They can officially let go of any lingering guilt—well, if they ever had any.
"Mom?" Luke sputters out when he catches sight of an older woman and a huge group of people coming our way.
"Oh my God, Lukas," she sobs. She's got light brown hair pulled up in a huge bun. She's tall, and on the slender side for an omega. She's absolutely beautiful, and the resemblance to Luke is undeniable.
Luke doesn't exactly look excited about seeing his family. In fact, he steps back as she rushes him. He wraps an arm around my waist, giving me a look that screamsdon't abandon me.
"Hey, Mom," he chokes out as she finally makes it to us. He stretches out an arm, giving her a pat on the back.
His family makes it to our side. There's a beautiful woman about my age, standing awkwardly off to the side. She's got long blondish-brown hair and huge blueish-gray eyes.
Luke's mom makes introductions, but she doesn't mention the woman.
"Hey, bro," Luke's brother, Ben says. "You know, Melody and I never even bonded. I tried to tell you in my lett?—"
"Why are you here?" Luke asks, cutting his youngest brother off. He pulls me in front of him like I'm an actual shield against his family.
"Why don't you come with me, and we'll get you settled into a suite," Connor says to my sister and her pack.
Cassie comes over, giving me a quick hug. "I'll see you soon," she whispers, kissing my cheek. "You look good. I'm so happy for you."
I squeeze her back and whisper a quick, "I love you."
