Page 42 of Marigold Run

Our home is essentially two separate spaces—a small portion for our business and the main house for our family. The “work” side of the house is separated by locks and cameras as well as a huge fence and concrete barrier around the entrance. It blocks the employees from the yard and the garden, but I still don’t feel great about having the guys so close to our omega. While I do trust our men—they’re all honest and loyal, hand picked by Izan—it only takes the slightest perfume of an omega to turn a deviant alpha into a vicious enemy.

“Text if you need me,” Della says as she hops out of the SUV. She doesn’t wait for me to respond, marching straight to the smoking pit at the edge of the massive iron fence. She leans against a light post and pulls a vape out of her back pocket, inhaling deeply as she brings the phone to her ear.

“You look like shit.” Carlos strolls up to the car.

I grab the duffle bag out of the backseat, giving him a friendly nod. It’s so fucking heavy. Cash always is. “Look who’s talking.” I point at his busted lip and bruised knuckles. “Rough meeting?”

“Argumentative client.” Carlos snorts. He’s one of those alphas that’s always in a good mood. Just like Dassy. “But he saw my point of view in the end.”

“Where’s Dassy?” I look past the dark-haired alpha at the house. It looks so peaceful nestled against the trees and mountains.

“Izan said he’s out today. Family stuff.”

Agitation rises in my gut.

Dassy has been spending a lot of time with Mari and Everly this week. I know Izan wants one of us to watch over the pair during work hours, but Mari never asks me to stay with her. It’s obvious she prefers Dassy—and I don’t blame her—but it’s hard not to be jealous. Mari shies away from me, gravitating to Dassy, even over Izan. I’m happy my brother brings her comfort, but I can’t help but be disheartened.I want to comfort the omega too. I want her to come to me when she needs love or protection. I want her to think of me when she’s snuggled up in her nest, touching the soft slit of her pussy.

I imagine slick trickling down her thighs just for me. I want to lap it up, spread her wide, and bury myself so deep inside her she forgets her name.

“Hutch?” Carlos’s harsh whisper pulls me from my thoughts. He glances around us, checking to see if we’re alone. “I heard you guys got an omega. That true?”

The threat of another alpha knowing about Mari burns through me and a slow growl pushes from my chest. “Who told you that?”

“Hey, now.” Carlos holds up his hands as if in surrender. “I’m not trying to snatch her or anything like that.” He takes a single step backward. He’s not actually threatened by me. He’sjust displaying that he doesn’t mean any harm. “I only wanted to offer my congratulations. That’s all.”

My grip on the duffle bag tightens as I repeat my question more forcefully this time. “Who fucking told you we got an omega?”

A flicker of annoyance flashes in the alpha’s eyes and he drops his hands, pointing up at the house. “You know you have at least a dozen people that work in the main house? Right?” he says with far too much attitude. “Maids, cooks, gardeners. Adding an omega to your pack will make people talk.” He looks past me at Della near the gate. “And all of them come out here,” he points to the smoking pit, “to take their smoke break or relax between shifts.”

Fuck.

I know Mari wasn’t going to be a secret forever, but I thought we’d have more time to bond and mate her before the world found out. It feels dangerous that people know we have an unmarked omega in our home.

“You done snapping at me?” Carlos asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Go do something useful,” I bark, walking off.

Carlos mumbles something under his breath as he moves toward Della.Good. She can put up with him.

The office is busy today. Collections have been a bit slow this week, which means half a dozen alphas are hanging out in the makeshift breakroom, drinking coffee and complaining about stupid shit. They’re loud, their voices booming up and down the long hallway. I know it’s not likely, but I’m worried their voices might carry to the main house, and I don’t want to disturb Mari.

Sweet, soft Mari.

I know Dassy hasn’t fucked her yet, but I can’t help but wonder if he’s kissed her or scented her. Surely he’d tell me…I think.

“Hey!” A familiar voice calls out and I pick up my pace.

I don't have the energy for Tonia today.

“Hutch!” The beta’s heels clack loudly as she jogs down the hallway after me. “I need you to sign this purchase order!” She runs up next to me. The beta’s gray hair is curled today, the ringlets falling into her face, slipping over the glasses perched on the very tip of her nose. They aren't like Everly’s glasses—which make my mate look cute and bashful—but they’re thick, magnifying Tonia’s already large brown eyes. “They need a few parts for some broken slots in Westbin.” She holds up a clipboard.

“That’s Izan’s job.” I keep my eyes front, going out of my way not to even look at the paper in her hand. “You know I don’t handle that stuff.”

Tonia frowns, jogging a little faster to keep up with me. “Izan has been on the damn phone all morning.” She huffs loudly as I cut around a corner, making my way to the pack alpha’s office. “His calendar is booked all day and Dassy isn’t here. This needs to be done today.”

“I don’t do financial shit,” I say simply.

“Who’s going to sign for this?” Tonia’s voice edges louder, more high-pitched. “They need this ordered today to get the part in time for the slot tournament.”

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