Page 66 of Marigold Run

It’s a map of Cresthill with directions at the bottom.

My face scrunches with confusion as I glance around the room. Is this Mari’s map? Surely it didn’t belong to Brea. We cleared all of our departed omega’s belongings out of the room before bringing Mari home. But either way, it makes no sense for either omega to have a map of the nearby city.

“What do you have there, alpha?” Everly whispers as she tip-toes toward me. I glance back at Dassy, noticing that Mari has slumped up against my brother’s legs, dead asleep.

“Is this yours?” I ask, mimicking the beta’s hushed tones. “I found it near your notepad.”

Everly frowns as she examines the paper. “No.” Twin lines etch between her brows. “You found it on the dresser?”

Dread settles in my gut at what it could mean, but I force a smile, not wanting to worry Everly. “Izan probably accidentally dropped it.” I refold it, pushing the paper into my back pocket. “He’s been working with a pack that lives out there.”

Everly smiles, pleased with my shitty explanation, but then her whole demeanor changes as she inches a little closer. “Hutch?” she whispers even softer, cutting a worried look back at Mari. The omega is still sound asleep as Dassy finishes her hair.

“What is it?” I lean down, making it easier for her to speak as quietly as she wants.

“I think,” she licks her lips, finally tearing her gaze off of Mari, “I think she’s starting to remember.”

My body freezes up momentarily, and I blink repeatedly. “Mari? You think Mari is remembering what happened to her?”

“Yes.” Everly mouths the word, almost as if terrified someone might overhear. But it’s only us and Dassy in here, and he would never say a word unless Everly asked him to.

“What did Mari say?” I ask, curious.

But this time, my sweet beta presses her lips together. It’s a clear sign that she’s not comfortable sharing whatever Mari said. I get it. Everly was a counselor for several years. She respects and protects other people’s secrets fiercely. It’s an admirable quality.

“Is Mari okay?” I askthemost important question, and Everly quickly nods.

“I think she is.” Everly glances back at the small alcove, letting out a longing sigh. “She’s got a long way to go, but I think she’ll be okay.”

Holding out my arms, I pull Everly to me, wrapping her up in a warm hug. A rumbling snore cuts from across the room andEverly goes stiff in my arms. Then a stifled giggle pushes from the beta’s chest into mine.

“She snores so damn loud for someone so small,” Dassy whispers harshly. And I can’t help but agree.

“Okay,” Everly says as she leans away from me. She looks like she feels a bit better. “I’m going to change. I’m worried this is going to bug Mari.” She touches the waistband of her pajama pants, showing me a small black button.

“Really?” I stare at the tiny thing, not sure how something that innocuous could upset anyone.

“Yes,” Everly says as if I'm being ridiculous. “Omegas are very sensitive.” She gives me a pointed look. “I’ll be right back.” She points at my brother. “Don’t let him into her nest.”

Dassy’s mouth falls open. Offended.

“Yes, ma’am.” I quickly agree, choosing not to point out that Dassy would never enter Mari’s nest without permission. But the last thing I need is for Everly to think I won’t take her request seriously.

The second Everly disappears out the door, my mind returns to the map in my back pocket. I hate the suspicious thoughts swirling around in my head, but I can’t help it.

Why does Mari have this map? Why was she pretending to sleepwalk? Was her comment about getting hiking boots really an offhanded suggestion?

Not sure what to do, I pull out my phone and text Izan:

You busy? I need to talk.

The three seconds it takes for him to respond feels like a lifetime.

Not a good time. Can it wait?

Fuck.

I need to talk to Izan about this. Right?

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