Page 29 of Marigold Run

“Okay.” Izan nods, giving his approval, and Dassy guides me out of the room.

I half-expect Izan and Hutch to follow, but they stay put. Maybe they’re putting the books back. I hope that’s the case, because I can’t remember if I closed out my last search. I think I did, but now I’m not sure. The last thing I want is to have to explain why I’m looking up Cardis. I have zero interest in talking about my past with anyone, let alone the alpha that forced himself on me, then rushed off to fuck everyone else but me.

Stop it, Mari,I scold myself silently as Dassy leads me through the house.You’re starting to sound bitter and jealous.

And maybe I am.

But who cares anymore?

I’m so tired and confused.I need to get out of here.

“Thank you for walking me to my room,” I say as Dassy walks straight to my dresser. He opens the top drawer, pulling out an oversized men’s T-shirt. The pleasant surprise makes me smile, and I reach for it. What else is in that dresser?

Turning my back to the alpha, I pull the shirt over my head, trying to put it on while still keeping the quilt on my shoulders. It’s awkward and ultimately doesn't work. The quilt shifts then falls before I can get the shirt over my ass.

“You are gorgeous,” Dassy says in a deep rumble.

I paste on a smile as I turn back to him. “Thanks again.” I try to sound friendly, but I sound pissed. “You can go back to bed. I’m not scared anymore.”

“Let me help you into your nest.” Dassy holds out a hand, completely ignoring my request for him to leave. I hope he doesn’t turn into Hutch, leering at me with hungry eyes, like I’m some kind of prey.

The second my feet settle in my alcove, I turn and say firmly, “I don’t need you to protect me while I sleep. You can go now.”

“Oh, I know.” Dassy pulls the desk chair to the edge of my nest, just like Hutch did. “But I’m not protecting you.”

I can’t help but balk at his ridiculous statement. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Dassy sits, leaning toward me with a smirk on his face. “I don’t want anything to happen to this nest.” He gazes affectionately at my work. “Those materials wereveryexpensive.” He chuckles deep in his chest. The sound vibrates around the room, making my fingers tingle and my toes curl.

“You’re worried about my bedding?” I snort as I cross my arms. Dassy’s eyes fall to my breasts, but he doesn’t look at me the same way Hutch did. His energy is more playful than his brother. More lively.

“Come here.” Dassy points to his feet, and my body goes tense. “You’re too wound up. Come and sit.”

My body trembles, eager to be near the alpha, but my mind is screaming. Alphas can’t be trusted to obey their leader’s orders. I’ve seen too many break rank when it comes to an omega. They ultimately do whatever they want, consequences be damned.

“Sit down, goldie,” Dassy pats the edge of my nest between his legs.

My fear spikes, but I do as I’m told and walk toward him. If Dassy’s going to touch me, there’s nothing I can really do about it. If I call for help, Izan and Hutch will run in here, and a fight will break out. Whoever wins will end up violating me, and it’ll probably be infinitely worse than if I let Dassy do whatever he wants.

I settle on my knees in front of the alpha, waiting for him to tell me what to do next.

“Turn around,” Dassy laughs. “Face your nest.”

Confusion makes my brows draw together as I slowly turn around. Then big hands slip into my hair. It’s a bit frizzy tonight with lots of knots. I used to struggle to tame my hair, but now I just let it do whatever it wants.

“Your hair is very thick,” Dassy says as he gathers it up, lifting it off my neck. He blows on my hot skin and goosebumps spread across my arms.It feels good.

Dassy blows again and again, before turning his attention to my hair. He smooths it out, brushing it gently with his fingers. An unintentional hum drifts from my throat when he tugs slightly. Sometimes it feels as if all my stress is carried in my scalp.

“Does that feel good?” Dassy asks in a deep whisper. “Do you like your hair pulled?” He twists my hair around his hand, then tugs every strand on my head. The relief is immediate and intense.

“Yes.” I gasp when he pulls harder.

“I’ll have to remember that,” Dassy says as he begins to braid my hair. His fingers move through my tresses as he gets to work, twisting each strand into place. “Hold this.” He reaches for my hand, wrapping it around the end of my braid.

Dassy stands and I whip around, suddenly worried he’s going to leave me. A scowl crosses my face at the desire to have him near. I’ve never spent this much time with one alpha before, and it’s fucking me up more than I thought it would.

Some days, I hate being an omega.

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