Page 22 of Marigold Run

“Why do you go by Dassy?” I shoot back, matching his bright energy.

“I go by Dassy, because it’s my name.” The blond alpha smirks before taking a long pull of his drink.

“Really?” My eyes go wide. “That’s not a nickname? Your mother named youDassy?”

“Yes.” He lets out a deep, rumbling chuckle. I get the feeling he’s been teased about this before. “Dassy is my actual name.”

“That’s a horrible name,” I blurt out before I can stop myself. That was definitely a rude thing to say, but thankfully Everly snorts and Hutch lets out a booming laugh.

“It’s better than being named after a piece of fucking furniture,” Dassy shoots at his twin. Hutch’s smile quickly falls, and for a second he looks almost wounded, before returning his brother’s hard glare.

A laugh leaps from my throat and I don’t bother trying to stop it. “Don’t feel too bad,” I say to Dassy. “Marigold is basically a weed.”

“A weed?” Everly’s dark brows rise in disbelief.

“Yeah.” I take the last bite of my mashed potatoes. “They can be intrusive and kill other plants they grow around. No one wants marigolds in their garden.”

“Well, maybe I do.” Dassy sets his fork on his plate as he stares right into my eyes. “Maybe I want big beautiful marigolds growing over every inch of this place.” His voice is deep and rumbly, making my cheeks hot. I quickly lower my gaze, staring at my plate.

I’m not sure what to say to that.

“I think that’s enough for today,” Izan says, motioning for a beta in a black suit to come take my plate. It’s weird. This place has all kinds of staff—maids and cooks and gardeners—but I’vebarely seen any of them. It’s like they’re hiding from me. “It’s time for bed, Mari.” And dread pools in my belly.

My fear isn’t as sharp as it was yesterday, but it still makes my chest tight and my palms sweat.

Nothing has gone the way I expected. But there’s no helping it. I’m clearly not the sexy vixen I thought I was. Instead, I’m a frightened, sad omega, destined to be mated and trapped if I don’t pull my shit together soon.

Do not fall asleep!I remind myself.Fuck him, then get the hell out of his room.

“Come on.” Izan stands, reaching for my hand.

I pull in a slow breath, letting him circle his long fingers around my wrist. A wash of relief hits me when Dassy and Hutch don’t get up too. They aren’t coming.Thank god.

I don’t have it in me to handle all three alphas.

We walk quietly as Izan leads me through the house. I’m pleased to find that I can anticipate each twist and turn. I hope I can remember my way to the east sitting room from here.

And if luck is on my side, then that tablet should still be on the bookshelf.

All too quickly, we step foot into Izan’s dark bedroom, and he shuts the door behind us. “Take off your clothes,” he says, and my face goes numb.

Suck it up, I tell myself.You got through this last night. You can do it again.

Without saying a word, I pull the blue dress over my head, exposing my naked body to the alpha. I half expect him to already be naked too, but Izan stands against the wall, in his fitted blue dress shirt and black slacks, staring at me.

“You are incredibly beautiful.” His voice is deep and gravelly as he slowly approaches me. Step by step. Closing the space between us. His big body looms over me, strong and broad.

He smells so good. So bright and warm at the same time. Sweet vanilla and crisp apples.

The aroma grows as he gazes into my eyes and my sex begins to pulse. I squeeze my thighs together, trying like hell to ignore the wild sensation.

How can someone’s simple presence turn me on so much?

“Such a small omega.” Izan pinches my chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing me to tip my head up even further. “I’m not your first alpha. Am I?” he asks and something like anger stabs at my chest.

Furious at his crass question, I jerk out of his hold, but before I can back up, Izan’s hand flings out, wrapping firmly around my throat. He’s not choking me, but his grip is firm. Possessive.

“Answer me,” he commands in his alpha voice.

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