Page 65 of Wicked Truths

“We’ve got A Team ready to accompany the two of you.” Hawk strides back into the suite. “And we’ve got three men in the hallways ready to move with us.”

“I’ll meet you at The Exchange.” Marcus squeezes my ass and gives me a final quick kiss. “It won’t be long. I promise.”

“Okay,” I agree. I’m not expecting Hawk to scoop me up bridal style, but he does exactly that. He nods at Sullivan, who grabs the couple duffle bags that are coming with us, and we head out to determine what is wrong with my system.

* * *

The Omega Exchange is one of the privately run omega sanctuaries. It’s an alternative to the government-run Omega Protection Authority. I’ve never been in or had to deal with either option.

I saw my family doctor until I presented. Then she referred me to an omega specialist back in Texas, and because I was under the care of a private physician, I never had to be seen or register with the OPA.

I’m not sure what I’m expecting, but as we pull up to what looks like a full resort, my jaw drops. It’s fancy as hell, and the mountains in the background make for a beautiful image. Unfortunately, I’m too miserable to do much more than note how extravagant it is.

The show we did last night was about an hour away from the Colorado location of The Exchange, but I’m grateful they’re getting me in. Something is seriously out of whack with my system. We drive through a huge iron gate that opens slowly.

The driver pulls close to the front of the resort, or hotel, or whatever the hell it is. Sullivan climbs out and Hawk helps me scoot over.

Sulli lifts me with no trouble, cradling me in his arms as he takes off toward the entrance. “You’re going to feel better soon,” he murmurs, nuzzling his cheek against the top of my head.

It’s so unexpected that I hold him even tighter. I really fucking missed him. It’s so bad that even the small gesture brings tears to my eyes. Maybe I’m overly emotional because I feel terrible. It’s hard to tell.

Hawk follows close behind us as the other members of A Team grab our bags and fall in line quickly. They’re super efficient and good at their jobs, but they rotate shifts so often that I barely get the chance to learn their names before it’s a whole new team.

We make it close to the front of the building and we’re greeted by a woman with long dark hair and curves for days. A tall, thin man in a suit stands at her side, and they smile at each other as we approach.

“I’m Grayson. This is my wife, Charlie. We own the resort and The Exchange,” the man says, gesturing us closer. He has dark hair and a bit of stubble with an air about him that screams wealthy.

“It’s so nice to meet you. I wish it were under better circumstances.” The woman comes closer. She’s beautiful and clearly somewhere around six or more months pregnant. “You’re Oakley, right?”

I nod against Sullivan’s shirt. “I am, thanks for getting me in so quickly.”

“Of course,” Grayson says. “We’ve worked with Stone Security previously. Griffin Stone personally gave us a call to ensure we’d find you a space, but truthfully, it’s what we’re here for.”

Griffin Stone is part of Marcus’s sister’s pack. He’s Lyric’s alpha. I knew his company provides security for the tour, but I’m still surprised Lyric or Jamen had Griffin call on our behalf.

“I’ll take you two to medical,” Charlie says in her soft tone. She looks at Grayson. “Will you show the others to the rooms so they can drop their bags?”

Grayson looks like he might protest, but he gives a nod. “Of course.” He leans close, running a hand over her swollen stomach as his lips brush her cheek. He looks at Hawk. “I’ll show you and the others to the main suite and the adjacent rooms for your security personnel.”

“I need to stay with Oakley,” Hawk growls, taking a step closer.

“It will take some time to process her intake and get her settled. You’d be separated either way. We generally try not to overwhelm the nurse practitioner with too many extra bodies.” Grayson smiles softly, winking at me. “Jess will take good care of you.” He looks at Hawk and the other security guys. “Follow me this way, and we’ll grab your keycards.” His commanding tone doesn’t leave much room for argument.

Hawk spins around, brushing his lips over my forehead as he squeezes my hand. “I’ll be with you as soon as I can.”

I nod, trying to force a smile, but my stomach churns. I feel awful, and I just want to see a doctor.

“Let’s get you to the medical office.” Charlie pushes dark hair out of her face and heads off down the corridor. “I remember how sick I was when I got here.” She smiles over her shoulder. “I don’t know what I would have done without my guys. I was so weak that I couldn’t even look after my own daughter properly.”

I grimace. That does sound horrible. I can’t imagine having to take care of a kid while being sick. I don’t know how parents manage it.

I cuddle closer to Sullivan’s chest and pray the doctor can figure out what the heck is wrong with me.

* * *

Jess is the nurse practitioner for The Exchange. She’s young and vibrant and wears an easy smile. She immediately kicks Sullivan out, telling him to wait in the small waiting room we passed coming in. He grumbles but gives me a quick hug before heading out.

“I’m kind of surprised he listened.” Jess laughs. “Usually, the betas put up the biggest fight because they swear they won’t be a problem.”

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