Page 20 of Marigold Run

Mari backs up, her eyes growing wider with each step.Does she think I’ll hurt her?

“Please.” She almost falls as she takes another step back, stumbling into her nest. Anger makes her face flush red, and she huffs loudly. “I’d like for you to leave,” she says forcefully, and my eyes go wide at her tone. There’s a sharpness to it, edging on commanding. It’s an interesting change from the sugary-sweet way she usually speaks.

Is this what my new omega is like when she’s tired?

“I’m not leaving,” I say, placing the chair at the edge of the alcove. I sit, mindful of my feet. I don’t want Mari to think I’m going to enter her nest without permission. “Pretend I’m not here.”

Mari’s dark eyes narrow at my face, then they drift from me to the nesting materials on the other side of the room. She looks both angry and scared. Like I might snatch her up if she steps foot outside of the alcove.

“I’m not going to rut you,” I say, assuming that might be her concern. But she stays put, her jaw tense and her fists tight. “Would you like for me to get your materials for you?” I ask, trying not to be too pushy. After all, she’s deeply traumatized. We’re all going to have to be patient.

Mari’s mouth pulls into a tight line, refusing to answer, but I can see a thousand frantic thoughts flitting through her big eyes. It’s a little heartbreaking. Omegas are supposed to be lively and warm creatures. Their only care in the world should be who to love first, but not Mari. She’s got demons so deep, she can’t even remember them all. And right now, they’re keeping her from stepping foot outside of her nest.

Making the decision for her, I move, gathering up as much of the nesting materials as I can. I carry them to the alcove, dropping them onto the mattress. Mari watches me quietly, not moving a muscle. I’m sure she isn’t pleased that everything will now smell of me—omegas like to choose when and who gets to scent their nests—but there’s no helping it. I hope she doesn't mind my aroma. Everly says I smell of bright lime and woodsy cedar. I can’t smell myself, but I imagine that could be a bit overwhelming.

Once I’ve collected every last pillow and blanket, I get to work.

“You’re just gonna sit there and watch me?” Mari asks. Her tone makes it clear that she doesn’t believe that I don’t have some other motive. “You’re not here for something else?” Her eyes narrow.

“I want to spend time with my omega,” I say simply, crossing my arms and leaning back in the tiny chair. It’s not very comfortable.

Mari’s lips pull into a tight line, and for a moment I think she might argue some more. Then she lets out a frustrated huff and snatches a pillow off of the top of the pile next to her. She works slowly at first, continuously throwing nervous glances my way. But after a while, the omega seems to forget I’m here, and she focuses entirely on her nest. She has two layers of blankets perfectly situated when she starts tugging at the collar of her dress. She obviously doesn't care for the garment, and I understand why. It doesn’t fit properly. Billowing fabric hangs from the too-tight collar and it appears to pinch at her waist.

“You can strip down,” I say and Mari spins around, clearly shocked at my suggestion. I keep my tone light and friendly, not wanting to upset her. “Don’t omegas prefer to nest naked?”

“No,” she snaps with far too much attitude, jerking at her collar once again. “We like to nest in somethingcomfortable.”

I look at her, not breaking eye contact. The bold way she stares right back has me on edge. But I can’t reprimand her for being disrespectful. It’s too soon for that. Right now, I need to concentrate on building a connection with her.

“I’m not taking my clothes off.” Mari looks down, finally breaking eye contact. She’s not bowing in submission, but at least she’s not challenging me anymore. “I won’t risk you destroying my nest, trying to get to me.” She looks up at me through her lashes, glaring hard. “You say you aren’t here to rut me, but we both know that’s a lie.”

It takes everything in me not to reach into her nest, jerk her to me, and spank her ass raw. Instead, I take a calming breath, speaking as softly as I can. “I’m not going to touch your nest without permission.”

Mari’s pretty face twists, and she snorts loudly. “You expect me to believe that?” she snaps, crossing her arms.

Her attitude is shocking.

“Listen here, little omega.” I lean forward, resting my forearms on my knees. “You could flash your bare, dripping pussy at me right now, and I wouldn’t step foot in this fucking nest unless you asked me to.” Her eyes go wide at my harsh tone. “I’m not a fucking animal,” I snarl. “I’m your alpha. And I have the right to watch over you.”

A flash of something defiant flits across Mari’s face, and she lets out a stiff laugh. “So you’re the only alpha in existence with willpower?”

“I don’t give a shit about other alphas.” I lean back again, crossing my arms and making a show of getting comfortable. “Do whatever you want, Mari. Keep that fucking dress on. Be miserable.”

A restrained groan pushes from Mari’s chest and she snatches up another blanket, getting back to work. I stare at her face, watching her agitation rise with each passing second. She tugs at her collar again, then again, before finally letting out a high-pitched growl.

“Fine!” she yells, clawing at the opal buttons down her front. Two of them pop free, then she wrenches the dress over her head, exposing her lush body to me. No bra. No panties. Just soft, lush skin.

Drawing her arm back, Mari throws the dress as hard as she can right at me. It falls short, puddling inside the arch to her nest. Enraged, the naked omega crawls to the offending garment, and she throws it again. This time, it flies past me, landing in the center of the room.

I slowly turn back to her, surprised to see Mari standing in the center of the mattress with her fists balled up tight, glaring right at me. I stare at her exposed body—her gorgeous tits,trim waist, and the soft slit of her pussy. One of her nipples is inverted, and I want nothing more than to lick it. Dive in and try to draw it out.

My mouth waters as I think about her hot slick pouring down my face.

I think about what it would be like to fuck her mercilessly. Will she scream and writhe? Will she claw at my back? Will she beg me to stop?

A shiver works through me as I imagine the feel of her tight cunt growing wetter and wetter on my cock.I’ve never tasted omega slick before.

“Hutch?” Mari whispers my name, pulling me from my depraved fantasies. Her chest rises and falls as she stares intensely at my face. It’s obvious she thinks I’m going to rush her, and Ireallywant to.

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