Page 9 of Marigold Run

You’ve fucked alphas before,I silently think to myself as I tug the hem of my dress over my knees.You can do this.

Iwilldo this.

“Where is Everly?” I ask, looking around the posh room.

“She’s at home,” one of the twins says as he takes a seat across from me. He leans toward me, but he keeps his hands clasped close to his body. For some reason, it makes me feel better. “She wanted to be here so bad.”

“Havenfield wouldn’t let her attend the meeting with us.” Izan cuts a glare at Vanessa, before taking a seat next to the friendly twin. “But she’s very excited to meet you.”

“I’m Dassy,” the friendly twin says, pressing one big hand to his chest. “This is Hutch.” He nods at his stoic brother as he takes a seat on the other side of Izan. “You can tell us apart because I’m the good looking one.” He winks and I can’t help but smile.

For the next hour, I ask a thousand questions, keeping the focus of the conversation on the pack, and off of me. They happily answer my questions, smiling a little wider when I lean in or bat my lashes.

Izan owns a few casinos up north, and Dassy and Hutch work for him. Everly used to be a counselor, but she quit her job to stay home and care for the pack’s omega.Me.

As time presses on it gets increasingly hard to concentrate. It smells weird in here. It’s a flurry of Izan and the twin’s mixing scents—there are hints of apples, something earthy, and a trace of lime. But I’m mostly getting bombarded by the aroma of wilting flowers and burnt tea leaves. I wonder how many pots of over-steeped tea have been poured in this room.

When our time comes to an end, Vanessa stands, and my eyes shoot straight to my bag next to the door. I want to fling it over my shoulder, grab Izan’s hand, and demand to be led out of here.

“Mari?” Vanessa gives me a worried look. “Do you want to go home with them?”

My mind screams “yes” loud and proud. But instead, I pretend to be bashful, looking up at Izan through my lashes. “Please, take me home.”

In the Back of the Car

Dassy

Ican’t believe that our golden-haired omega is sitting next to me.

She’s actually coming home with us.

If I had been a good brother, I would have insisted Hutch sit in the back next to her. After all, he is the second in command, but he was gracious, not saying a word as he made his way to the front passenger seat. And now here I am, sitting next to the most beautiful omega I’ve ever seen.

“You look lovely in blue.” It’s a rather pathetic compliment, but I’m desperate to hear her voice again.

“Yeah?” Mari glances down at her dress, tugging the hem over her knees. “All the clothes at Havenfield are this weird powder blue.” She brushes her thumbs over the fabric, examining it. “It’s not my favorite color, but at least it’s not pink.”

“Not a fan of pink?” I ask, fighting the urge to touch her. Her skin looks so soft.

“It’s just not my thing.” Mari shrugs. “I’d rather wear black or green. Green is my favorite.” Her color choice surprises me a bit. Omegas are known for being very feminine, loving anything pink or delicate.

It doesn't take long before the hum of the road fills our ears and Mari rests against the door. I admire her as she looks out the window. Her long, wavy hair flows down her back. She has deep brown eyes and delicate features that accentuate her pouty lips. She has a small frame with a tempting curve to her hips.And her scent…I’ve never smelled anything like her before.

Omegas tend to have floral aromas. They’re sugary sweet, but not Mari. She smells like peppermint with a delicate undercurrent of sweet cream. It’s a shockingly spicy aroma for an omega.

“Do you live far?” Mari asks Izan’s reflection in the rearview mirror. “Will it be a long drive?”

He glances at her, before looking back at the road. “Not far,” he says, turning onto the highway. “A little over an hour.”

“You can take a nap if you’re tired,” I say, hoping she’s comfortable enough to sleep next to me. I want her to feel safe with us.

“I’m not sleepy.” Mari gives me the sweetest smile. “Plus, I want to see all the sights.” She leans forward, looking at the side of Izan’s face. Her eyes are stunning—dark and sparkly. “Do you live in the country? Or in a neighborhood?”

“I guess you could say we live in the country,” Izan says. “Our house is somewhat secluded. It’s very safe.” His phone buzzes and he hands it to Hutch. My brother taps the notification and an email pops up. The subject line displays a few violent words, quickly describing an issue Hutch and I have been working on.

Mari squints at the screen, and I clear my throat, silently telling my brother to lower the phone.

“Do you like the mountains?” Hutch asks, setting Izan’s phone on the console between them.

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