Page 57 of Marigold Run

“Where are you?” I whisper under my breath, examining the building behind them. It looks pretty standard—tall, with several rows of windows. Tiny balconies dot the front, and there are several sliding glass doors that line the bottom floor. It’s got to be an apartment complex.

Excitement and worry pounds in my chest, followed by a low thump in my clit. I ignore it, staying on task.

How do I figure out where this apartment is?

“Oh. Hello,” a small voice says.

I jump about a foot in the air as a gray-haired beta steps into the room. For half a second, alarm bells ring out and the urge to scream for Izan pulls hard within me, but I force myself to pause and breathe, then I really look at the woman. This must be Tonia. She’s short—only a few inches taller than me—and she’s older with deep lines around her mouth. She’s wearing thick rimmed glasses and an oversized cardigan. Her short black heels look like they’d make a horrible sound, but I didn’t even hear her open the door. It’s kind of impressive.

“You scared the crap out of me.” I place my hand over my pounding heart.

“I’m so sorry.” She reaches up, touching her small pearl earring. “I had no idea you were in here.” Her magnified eyes flicker in the direction of Izan’s gravelly voice. Despite her words, it’s obvious she knew Izan was hiding someone in here and snuck in to find out who. I can’t really blame her. I probably would have done the same thing in her position.

“I’m Tonia.” The beta introduces herself as she moves closer, coming to a stop on the other side of the desk. Her measured steps make it clear she doesn't want to frighten me again. “I’m Mr. Silva’s office manager. I’m dropping a few things off for him.” She lifts her arm slightly, showing me the papers.

I smile sweetly at the beta, trying to look as friendly as possible. “I’m Mari,” I say, giving her a small bow of my head. “It’s nice to meet you, Tonia.”

“Mari,” she says my name as if it’s familiar. Perhaps Izan has talked about me to her. It doesn't seem likely, but I guess it’s possible that Izan talks to someone other than Hutch and Dassy.“TheMari?” Tonia looks at me as if wanting me to confirm I’m someone specific.

“I guess?” I shrug, not really sure what Mari she’s referring to.

Tonia’s mouth falls open as if in awe. “So you are the boys’ new mate.” She plants one hand on her hip, looking at me as if I’m something mythical. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“I am,” I say, forcing myself to smile wider.

Tonia’s magnified eyes drift over my face, looking me over thoroughly. I’m used to it. Whether it’s a medical professional or a stranger, people love to examine omegas. After all, we’re rare.

“You areverylovely,” Tonia finally says as if surprised.Did Izan tell her I was ugly?“And you look very healthy and strong,” she quickly adds with a cheerful lift to her voice.

“Thanks.” I glance at the bookshelf, wishing Izan would come back and take this bizarre woman away. She’s making me a little uncomfortable, but at least there’s a desk separating us.

“You know,” Tonia squints as she points at me, “your new mates really are the best men I’ve ever met.” She nods as if that’s a fact that no one could deny. “I’ve known Izan and Hutch for almost a decade now. They’re both hardworking and very loyal. I mean Hutch can be a bit of an ass,” she adds with a wave of her hand, and a snort leaps from my throat. “And Izan works like the world might explode if he stops, but they’re still good boys. AndDassy.” Tonia smiles like the alpha’s very name holds the secret to life. “Dassy Wysong has to be the sweetest boy on earth.” She inhales the air around her as if smelling the tastiest treat.Does Tonia have a crush on Dassy?“He’s hard when he needs to be, but he has always been very kind to me,” she continues. “And he’sverygood to Everly,” she says as if I might argue with her.

“He’s been very good to me,” I say, trying not to laugh. “And I really like Everly too.” And I leave it at that because I can’t admitout loud how I feel about Izan or Hutch. Or maybe it’s just that I don’t know how I feel about them.

I still don't care for the way Hutch spoke to me in the garden, but the way he touched me and praised me last night was….a lot. I felt so connected with him. Adored and cherished.

And I’m not sure how I feel when I’m with Izan. Icravehis presence. I want to be near him all the time. Even when I want nothing more than to slap his handsome face, I want him to fuck me wild, then hold me tenderly and tell me everything will be okay.

It’s all so confusing.

Do other omegas deal with these kinds of conflicting feelings or is it just me?

It’s probably just me. I was never good with emotions even before I went to Havenfield. I guess that’s what happens when your whole family dies when you’re just a kid.

“Well, I’m sure you have lots to do today,” Tonia says with a loud sigh as she sets the stack of paperwork right next to the open laptop. My gaze flickers from the white paper to Cardis’s face. “I won’t bug you anymore.”

I smile, ready to tell the beta it was nice to meet her, but instead of going for the door, she whips around the desk, stepping right up next to me. “What—” I’m torn between jumping away from the beta and slamming the laptop shut. But before I can react, Tonia grabs the heavy duffle bag behind me, heaving the strap over her shoulder.

“You have a wonderful day, Ms. Mari.” Tonia smiles down at me.

“Thank you,” I try to return the gesture, but she’s so close to me, and I’m scared she’s going to touch me. I hate being touched. Especially by strangers.

“What’s this?” Tonia turns her attention to the laptop. I quickly shake my head as she leans in, staring at Cardis and Ponytail.

“I don’t know.” I push my hands under my butt. “This is Izan’s computer.”

Tonia looks at the picture over the top of her glass, then she groans. “The Contos brothers.” She rolls her eyes, shaking her head, before standing back up to full height. “Bunch of idiots.”

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