Page 79 of Marigold Run

“Just go!” Izan shoves Dassy away. “Find Mari.” He stumbles toward the bed, squeezing his swollen cock, trying to jack himself off with a trembling hand. “Go now!”

The twins don’t wait another second. They both fly out the door, and down the hallway. Within seconds their heavy footsteps disappear somewhere deep inside the house. But I hesitate, needing to help my pack alpha before I go.

I walk around the bed to Hutch’s nightstand. I open the drawer and pull out exactly what Izan needs to fix his problem. Purposefully deflating an alpha’s knot isn’t a great idea, it’s better to allow them to go down on their own, especially the first few times. But sometimes an alpha needs a little help.

“If it doesn’t go down soon,” I place the small black object in Izan’s hand. “This should help. Just a few seconds at the base should be enough.” I slip my arm around his waist, then look deep into his dark green eyes. “I’m sorry I told her about Brea.”

Izan’s mouth pulls tight, but he doesn’t yell or scold me. Instead, he just examines the lighter in his hand, then he presses it to his chest like it’s something precious. “Go,” he says softly. “Find our Mari. Find her before someone else does.”

The Cemetery

Mari

Ihad a plan.

I had supplies, a map, a name, and a route. But now, sitting half-naked in a forgotten cemetery, I have nothing. I should have grabbed something other than Izan’s dress shirt, but I was desperate to get away. Too panicked. Too stupid.

My knees gave out the second I reached the cracked altar. It was as if my body couldn’t take another step of separation between me and my new mate. Izan’s pain was already so clear in my head. I had read that some bonds took days to build, while others took weeks, but a few were instant. Apparently, I’m one of those lucky few.

Izan’s physical pain is obvious in my mind. I know it has to do more with his cock than his head. I’m not sure how I know that but I do, but it’s the pain in his chest that’s really distracting. He’s downright panicked, desperate to find me, butour connection doesn't allow me to know why he wants me back. I’m sure he’s pissed he lost his toy.

Somewhere in the distance, leaves rustle and a few twigs snap. My back straightens and my eyes dart, but it’s pitch black out here. The thick overhead canopy blocks out most of the moonlight, making it impossible for me to see anything.

When in doubt, hide.

I try to stand, but my legs still refuse to work, so I crawl, making my way toward the broken altar. The twisted roots of the mighty oak dig into my palms and knees. I’m sure I have a few cuts and several bruises, but it's nothing compared to the mating bite throbbing on my neck. Izan didn't finish cleaning it. Hot blood still trickles from it every time I turn my head.

The ground on the other side of the altar is just as uneven, but I sit on it anyway, resting my back against the stone structure. And I realize, there’s a wall of thorn bushes in front of me, blocking my path.I’ve blocked myself in.I want to let out a bitter laugh, give my location away, and accept my fate. But why should I let any part of this be easy on them?

Something moves on the other side of the altar, heavy footsteps pace, walking one way, then the other, before disappearing once again. It’s Hutch. Don’t ask me how I know. I just do. But my body doesn’t want him. It wants my mate.

It’s so horrible, but I want to smell Izan’s vanilla dipped apple scent, feel his tender touch, and hear his deep voice.

My neck hurts so much.

And I feel so alone.

A swift cramp grips me, and I clutch my stomach as I roll onto my hands and knees. Panting hard, I try to silently collect myself, but it’s as if my body no longer belongs to me.

I have to get out of here.

Shoving my feet under me, I force myself to stand. My legs wobble as if made of rubber. I manage one step toward thebeautiful snow-capped mountains, and my stomach heaves. I lurch forward, gagging on nothing.

I can’t do it. I can’t leave Izan or his pack.

Defeated, I lean against the cracked altar, resting my forehead on the cold stone. Tears drip from my eyes, making the gray rock bleed even darker. “You’re so pitiful,” I whisper to myself, deciding to give it all up. “Crying in a broken cemetery over a group of alphas you never wanted,” I mock myself as the footsteps slowly grow louder once again.

It doesn’t take long before Hutch steps out of the shadows. I half-expect the alpha to berate me for running or to call the others over so they can all punish me together, but he just looks sad.

“How did you know I was here?” I ask.

“I could smell your tears,” he says simply, his gaze flickering to the bite on my neck.

“I’m not crying.” I wipe my face, refusing to admit I was.

Thankfully, he doesn’t point out my lie as he walks toward me. A bit of moonlight breaks through the leaves as he walks, making it across his bare chest. The massive alpha comes to a stop on the other side of the altar, looking down at me with a mix of so many emotions. It’s like a shield between us, a puny shield, but I’ll take what I can get.

“What are you doing, Mari?” he asks me straight forward. No bullshit. No accusations. Just a simple question.

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