Page 45 of Marigold Run

Mari

Pajamas and snacks. That’s the theme this afternoon. And I kind of like it.

At first, I wasn’t on board with lazing about on the nesting couch, but Everly and Dassy had spent all morning walking with me all the way down to the treeline and across the whole back of the yard. I owe the beta a peaceful few hours. I think she was secretly hoping I’d take a nap, but it’s actually been one of the best afternoons.

Dassy and Everly have chatted quietly, while I munch on cookies and crackers. There’s no pressure to talk or join in. Just three people, enjoying a sunny afternoon in our comfy clothes.

“Do you like your new jammies?” Everly asks, and I open my eyes.It’s hard not to drift off with an alpha gently braiding your hair.

“I do,” I say as Dassy scratches his nails across my scalp. It feels amazing. Each tug and twist sends soft tingles up and down my spine.

“Teal is a good color on you,” Everly compliments me. They’re not fancy pajamas. Just a pair of cotton shorts and a button up top. The bottoms barely cover the scars along my thighs, but I’ve been too hot lately to wear pants.

“How can you wear that??” I ask the beta, taking in her blue plaid pajamas. The pants are so long they cover her toes when she walks. “Aren’t you hot?”

“No,” she says simply as she looks down at her soft flannel outfit. “They're just right.” She gives me a sweet smile.

Everly smiles a lot. Like, alot. People that smile too much usually bug me, but it feels so genuine coming from the beta. I can’t help but like it.

“I heard Andres say he was making a chocolate cake for after dinner,” Dassy says to no one in particular.

“Oh! That sounds heavenly.” Everly hums with deep pleasure. “Chocolate cake might be the greatest invention on earth.” She crawls to the edge of the nesting couch, grabbing my cup of iced tea. The whole couch is perfectly circular, with a high back that you have to jump over to get in or out. It’s very cozy.

Carrying my cup, Everly shuffles toward me, bringing the straw to my lips. I open and take a sip. While I’d normally refuse to be doted on like this, I am kind of thirsty and the alpha braiding my hair has me in a trance.I swear his fingers are magic.

“Do you like chocolate, goldie?” Dassy asks, flinging my finished braid over my shoulder. I touch the ends, twisting my finger around a curly tuft of hair.

“Omegas loving chocolate is a very real stereotype,” I say, glancing at the alpha over my shoulder. He’s wearing black gym shorts and a fitted white T-shirt. The thin fabric exposes histiny nipples as well as a faint outline of the tattoo on his lower abdomen.It’s a really good look on him.“I don’t think I’ve ever met an omega that didn’t like it,” I say, trying like hell not to stare at his broad chest.

“What if I told you that I hated it?” Dassy leans back, resting one arm over the back of the couch. He looks so relaxed with his boyish smirk.

“Youhatechocolate?” I turn around, facing him. His long legs stretch out, curving around my body, but he’s careful not to touch my bare legs. He’s surprisingly respectful.

“Idespiseit.” Dassy’s bright blue eyes flash as he emphasizes his hatred. He’s taking an awful lot of pleasure in his silly confession, and it makes me want to smile.

“Ignore him. He’s a psychopath.” Everly moves to the alpha’s side, tucking herself under his arm. Dassy pulls her close, smelling the top of her head. She looks so small curled up next to him. “Should we take Mari to see the old cemetery?” Everly glances up at the alpha.

“Cemetery?” My eyes widen, not sure if I heard her right.Who hangs out at a cemetery?

“Everly loves that damn place.” Dassy rolls his eyes, and Everly balks as if offended.

“It’s beautiful,” she says defensively.

“It’s creepy.” Dassy gives me a pointed look, and I have to bite my bottom lip to keep from smiling.

“It isnot.” Everly smacks one of his pecs as she pushes away from him. She glares at the alpha before turning her vibrant energy on me. “It’s best to go at midday, when the sun is overhead. The light streams through the tree branches, making the whole space look magical,” she says like it’s the greatest place on earth. “There are a few old mausoleums and some weathered headstones. There’s even a statue of a fallen angel.”

“It’s two condemned structures and a handful of cracked rocks,” Dassy corrects her.

Everly lets out a strained huff, but she doesn’t look at him, keeping her big gray eyes on me. “The plants are reclaiming the land with vines and moss on everything,” she says as if in awe. “It’s stunning.”

“It’s overgrown,” the alpha says with an eye roll.

“Stop it!” Everly smacks Dassy’s chest again, but this time he flexes, making both of his firm man-boobs bounce. A laugh jumps from my throat and he winks at me. “We don’t have to go there.” Her voice is a little flat, clearly deflated. “But I think you might like it. It’s very…interesting.” She shrugs as if it’s a stupid idea.

My mood shifts wildly, and I’m no longer smiling. I’m upsetforthe gentle beta, and my eyes move to Dassy. The urge to snap at the alpha isverystrong, but he seems completely oblivious to Everly’s delicate feelings. Alphas are so stupid.

“I think it sounds wonderful,” I say loudly. That’s a complete lie—I think it sounds silly—but I don’t have the heart to pile on and hurt her feelings like Dassy did. “I'dloveto see it.”

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