Page 18 of Marigold Run

“Omegas aren’t given access to computers at proper academies,” Mrs. Florence says as she sits down next to me.Thiswoman clearly has no idea.“It’s likely that Mari has never even seen the internet before.”

It takes everything in me not to snap at her.

We had computers at Havenfield, but they were locked down. Search results were restricted to omega-safe subjects, and the browser was obviously very out of date.

“How do I do a search?” I ask Everly, keeping my voice light and sweet.

“Is there something specific you’re looking for?” She glances from me to the screen of overly styled outfits.

“I’m not really sure,” I say, realizing that I must sound a little nuts. I mean, I want to know how to do a search, but I’m too tired to come up with a lie. “I’m not sure.” Panic grips me for half a second, then I smile as convincingly as I can. “These leggings are nice.” I point to one of the images.

Everly leans in, looking at the screen with me. She smells kind of velvety, like baby powder and lavender, mixed with something milky. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was fake. Lavender is a common scent for omegas and even alphas. There are so many natural lavender oils that it’s fairly easy for betas to fake it without their aroma coming across as synthetic.

But either way, I like it.

With Everly’s help, I pick out a few simple dresses—no lace, buttons, or high collars. I also select several outfits with pants. We order pajamas, slacks, a pair of satin blue dress slacks, two pairs of jeans, and about a dozen pairs of leggings. Apparently, they’re Everly’s favorite thing to wear around the house too.

Once we’re done, I change back into my ugly pink dress. I swear the collar has shrunk, digging into the sides of my neck.

I desperately need a break.

I swear my body is growing more tense by the second. And if I can’t get away from all of these damn people soon, I might just snap.

“What are you lovely ladies up to?” The twins stroll into the room. They’re dressed similarly. Both in jeans. One is wearing a black fitted T-shirt, and the other is wearing gray. I squint trying to figure out who is who. “I hope you’re not having too much fun without us?” One of them winks at me, and I instantly know it’s Dassy.Has Hutch even spoke since I arrived?

I glance at the other twin. His expression is intense as always, but there’s something soft in the way he looks at me. I can’t put my finger on it.

“We’ve just finished some shopping,” Everly says, pulling the tablet out of my hands. I watch her quietly as she crosses the room, placing it on top of a row of books.

Hopefully, it’ll still be there tonight.

“Doesn’t young Mari look lovely in pink?” Mrs. Florence gives me a flirty look, and I have to force myself not to frown.

“Mari doesn’t need a dress to be lovely.” Dassy sits on the back of the couch. His eyes sparkle, filled with a playful energy. “But I think our omega prefers greens and blues, over pink.” He looks deep into my eyes. “Isn’t that right?”

I can’t help but smile as I nod, and Everly makes a pleased sound, talking to Mrs. Florence about changing the colors to a few of the dresses in our order.

“Are you having fun?” Dassy asks as he leans in, but I don’t answer. I’m too busy admiring the alpha’s strong jawline and long nose. He really does have an impressive profile and his scent…This is the first time I’ve had to really pull in his aroma, and he smellsgood. Kind of like a tuft of wild herbs, mixed with something spicy like cinnamon or licorice. It reminds me of living in the woods.

I glance at Hutch wondering if his scent is just as identical to his brother as the rest of him. Hutch is still staring at me, but the look in his eyes isn’t scary. It's more curious. Like he’s trying to figure me out.I don’t think I care for it.

“Well, if you’re all done.” Dassy moves around the couch, stopping right in front of me. “Your room is all ready, my lady.” He holds out his hand, giving me a slight bow. It makes the tips of his hair push forward, falling across his forehead. “Can I interest you in a nap?”

Eager to get out of here, I don’t even take time to think about it as I blurt out a firm, “Yes.”

Walking Through the House

Hutch

Dassy holds both Everly and Mari’s hands as we move through the house. I watch the trio as they walk, admiring them. Everly is lean and tall for a beta, but she still looks small next to my brother. Mari looks downright miniature. Her hand hangs loose in Dassy’s, and her bare feet don’t make any sound on the hardwood floor.

I can’t help but think of what Izan told me about last night. About how Mari zoned out, becoming completely unresponsive. He has a plan to help the omega, but I’m still concerned. Mari has a lot of shit locked up in her head, and forcing her to be more present during sex might make her mind connect with things she’s not ready for. But Izan knows better than I do, so I’ll do as I’m told.

“Here we are,” Dassy says in his usual cheerful voice.

Mari looks around as if trying to figure out where she is.

“Izan’s room is one hallway over and to the right,” my brother says, sensing her confusion as well. “And we just passed Everly and our bedrooms.” He points back down the way we came. “Anyone that comes into our house will have to pass us to get to you.” He leans into the omega, giving her a reassuring smile. I can see his nostrils flare as he takes a long pull of her amazing aroma.

---