Page 9 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus
"The good news is we've got her. The bad news is…"
"The bad news is what?" I hiss.
"Just get to the library," Archie says over the crying in the background.
A shiver runs down my goddamn spine.
"Did someone hurt her?" I ask around the rocks in my throat as I pick up my pace.
"No. God no," Archie says. "Nothing like that. Thank theLord. Someone frightened the hell out of her, though…"
"Who?" I snarl into the phone. I reach the huge staircase and barrel up to the next landing.
"Reynolds," Archie replies as I push through the door and into the library.
"Fucking Christ," I grumble. Of course. Our groundskeeper is a crotchety old man who doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut.
"Murphy interceded," Archie tells me. I spot him leaning over the railing on the second floor and make my way to the closest staircase. "You're going to want to see this in person."
I hang up and follow the staircase the last few steps to the landing.
My eyes blink rapidly, and I nearly miss a damn step now that I'm on a flat surface. The curvy little omega is wrapped firmly around Tom Murphy, my packmate.
Murphy is a mountain of a man, at closer to seven feet than six. His curly black hair and shaggy beard usually put women off. He's an imposing sight even if you're expecting him. His huge hand is wrapped under the omega's ass as he holds her to his chest. She's sucking in deep breaths of his scent and nuzzling close to his throat.
At least she's no longer crying.
Reynolds grumbles something under his breath, swipes an aged hand through the air and heads off toward the back stairs.
My jaw falls as Murphy murmurs softly in the omega's ear. His words are too quiet for me to pick up, but when I glance at Archie, he's grinning like an idiot.
Murphy rarely talks to anyone,even us. Our security leader can convey a lot with a look and a grunt.
"I didn't mean to fall asleep," she says with her face still buried in Murphy's neck. "I'm sorry for the chaos I caused. I'll apologize again. I didn't mean to cause any trouble." She sniffles, and I dig in my pocket for my handkerchief.
"Reynolds is a grumpy old man," Archie says, taking a few steps forward. "He complains anytime he has to do anything that's considered actual work."
Murphy grunts his agreement.
The darling omega blushes furiously as she makes eye contact with me and Archie. "Still, how embarrassing. I've caused quite the scene, haven't I?" She stretches her legs and glances at Murphy. "You can put me down. I'm very sorry for invading your personal space."
Archie laughs behind his hand. I shove the handkerchief at the omega. She takes it, giving me a soft smile.
"I didn't mind," Murph says, finally releasing her.
She wobbles a bit, and Murphy holds her in place. She smiles shyly at my packmate and a slow grin crosses his face. It's strange as hell to see him smile at anyone…and a bit terrifying.
At least he's trying.
The sight causes a bizarre fluttering in my gut.
Everly wipes at her eyes. She fidgets with the handkerchief rather than looking at any of us. It makes sense, she's an unbonded omega surrounded by three very large, unknown alphas.
"You truly have nothing to apologize for," I say, taking a few steps forward. I extend a hand. "Connor Hastings."
"Everly Chastain," she says, placing a cold, delicate hand in mine. She smells like apple pie.
Fuck me, that scent is delectable. There are notes of fresh green apple and a hint of cinnamon. I swallow thickly to avoid shoving my nose in her neck to get a good whiff of that sweet scent.
