Page 32 of Marigold Run

Izan smirks, giving Hutch a knowing look. “You saw the marks on my chest,” he says, pulling his still-unbuttoned shirt to one side. This time, I see a circular mark on the edge of his shoulder. It’s a bite mark.Good for her!

“I know I saw them!” Dassy proclaims loudly as he steps into the room. He’s all bright energy today, walking with an especially sexy strut. I can’t help but wonder if he did rut Mari. Izan will have his head if he did.

“Come here,” Izan calls the much taller alpha over. Our pack alpha isn’t the tallest of his kind, but he always carries himself like he’s got the biggest dick in the room. “All the way.” Izan curls his finger, making Dassy bend down. Izan leans, inhaling deeply. Dassy’s eyes float closed as our pack alpha scents his neck and chest.

“You didn’t fuck her?” Izan says with surprise in his voice. Hutch and I share a similar look. Dassy isn’t exactly known for his self-control.

“Was I allowed to?” Dassy asks loudly, like a child tricked out of a cookie. I can’t help but smile.

“What do you think?” Izan looks at me. “I don’t want to rush things, but do you think it will help Mari to connect with the rest of the pack?”

I shrug, not sure what to say. “I don’t know. My background is in counseling preteens.Alphapreteens. While I know a few basics about omegas, I’m not an expert in their behavior or sexual needs.” I cross my arms, feeling so defeated. “She’s sodifferent from our phone calls.” I look at all three of my mates. “I hate that she’s struggling to settle in.”

“Come here, beta.” Hutch spins around on his barstool, holding out an arm, beckoning me near.

I obey, moving between his muscular legs and resting my head against his firm chest. His white T-shirt smells just like him—the sharp, bright scent of lime, mixed with a hint of lavender. It’s so relaxing.

“Mari couldn’t ask for a more wonderful beta.” Hutch’s hand slips down my back, cupping my ass. “She just needs time.”

“That’s right,” Dassy says, taking the stool next to his brother. “And even if you did study omegas all day every day, broken ones don’t follow the same pattern or rules. Each one is different.”

Shock overcomes me as I recognize what he’s just said. “Dassy.” I lean away from Hutch, turning to look at his brother. “Did you read the information packet Havenfield gave us?”

“Fuck, yeah, I did.” He pops a piece of fruit into his mouth. “I refuse to let anything awful happen to that omega or to you.” He leans toward me, looking deep into my eyes. “Don’t be sad, little beta. Everything will be okay.”

Hutch hums in agreement, pressing a gentle kiss to my temple.

I can’t help but feel reassured. Between Izan’s confidence, Mari’s scratch marks, and the twins' affection, I feel hopeful.Maybe Mari will be okay

Izan’s phone chimes loudly, destroying my tender moment. The pack alpha checks the screen, then scowls. “Call me if anything happens,” he says to Hutch.

“Text if you decide we can fuck Mari!” Dassy yells after Izan, staring at our pack alpha’s ass as he walks off.

Thankfully, Izan doesn’t respond at all to the crass statement.

“Alright,” Dassy turns to me and Hutch. “Let’s fuck in the pantry before Mari wakes up.”

In the Garden

Mari

This garden is unreal.

It spans from the back of the house all the way to the edge of the trees. It’s got to be at least an acre, if not bigger, and every bush and hedge is shaped like smooth spheres or sharp rectangles. It doesn't look natural. But the mountains in the distance look amazing. They jut upward into the sky, almost as if they’re trying to stab the clouds. They’re so large and intimidating.

They look like home.

I close my eyes, feeling the morning breeze across my bare legs. I’m still wearing the oversized T-shirt from last night. Hopefully, my clothes will arrive soon, but it's still early in the day.

“I got you something to drink,” Everly says as she walks up behind me. I turn to look at the beta, throwing a glance back at the house. It’s enormous, wrapping around the front of thegarden like a fortress. “Do you want to sit?” Everly places two glasses of lemonade on a large hardwood table.

She keeps trying to get me to sit down, but I’d rather stand—actually, I’d rather run, but that’s not an option.

Not yet.

“Or we can get something to eat,” Everly says as she moves to me. “You didn’t eat much of your breakfast this morning.” Her gray eyes pull in at the corners behind those black-rimmed glasses. I understand her concern. I’ve been really quiet today, but I can’t muster the energy to pretend. Not after last night.

“I’m okay,” I say, turning back to the snow-capped mountains. There’s so much land between me and them. Miles and miles.

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