Page 91 of Marigold Run

Everly pats his chest, silently telling him that she’ll take it from here. “We’re just excited to show you off.”

I don’t know why, but that makes me startle, then blush. “Really?”

“Fuck, yes,” Izan looks me up and down. “Stan swears he’s got the most beautiful omega in this country. I want to see the look on his face when he sees you.” His green eyes narrow at my face, and the heat in my cheeks crawls up to my hair.

“Okay.” I give in, liking the idea of my pack being proud of me. I don’t think anyone has ever been proud of me for any reason. “But only if Hutch comes.” I look up at my big alpha, needing to have him near.

“Of course.” Hutch’s blue eyes look deep into mine and the wall that he’s built around our bond falls. I’m hit with a rush of his all-consuming emotions. Just like Izan and Dassy, there’s so much love and affection for me, but there’s something else there too. Something almost willful.Defiant?

“I got you something,” Hutch says, pushing his hand into his pocket.

“Hutch,” Izan’s tone is a warning, watching the alpha as he approaches me. “We discussed this. Mari doesn’t need to know?—”

“We both know she can handle a hell of a lot more than most alphas,” Hutch says as he takes my hand, resting his fist against my palm. “It was bloody and painful, and they both knew it was for you.” He opens his hand, leaving behind a single ratty, black ponytail.

Pride bursts in my chest, followed by something so much deeper. It’s like mourning. I’ve been on this path for so long, and while I wasn’t the one to avenge my brother, someone I love was able to do it for me.

“Thank you.” I cradle the braid to my chest, imagining the pain inflicted on the alpha who once wore it. “Did you ask about Stefan?”

“Neither one of them remembered him.”

I nod, knowing that would likely be the case. Alphas like that rarely only abuse one omega in their lifetime. I’m sure Stefan and I were just one in a sea of broken creatures.

Hutch brushes his calloused thumb against my cheekbone. Then he leans down and presses his lips to mine. It’s not a lust-filled kiss, demanding something from me, but one of love and respect.

“Okay,” Izan says gently. “It’s time to go.” I know he’s not trying to completely kill our tender moment, but he’s made it very clear all morning that we have a reservation. And it will not be broken.

I take a single step toward the door, but Izan stops me and he holds out his hand, motioning for me to hand over the braid. “Maybe leave the trophy at home.”

Forty minutes later,Hutch pulls the SUV up to a fancy-looking building. It’s four stories high, with ornate white frames around each window and a decorative glass archway around the front door.

Everly giggles, chatting excitedly about the food served here. Apparently, the chef specializes in French and Japanese fusion, but she assures me that the dining style is more European than anything else. I nod as she talks, trying to hide my nerves. This is something they tried to teach me at Havenfield, but none of those lessons took. At the time, I had no use for proper etiquette, dancing, or knowing what fucking fork to use at dinner. But now I regret not paying better attention.

I pray I don’t embarrass Izan.

Someone opens the car door, and Dassy slides out of the car first, followed by Everly.

A strange beta in a tight black skirt greets us at a little podium. She greets Izan like he’s a king, going on about our private omega-approved dining suite. She keeps talking to me, flipping her curled red hair every time she giggles, but I can’thear a single word she says. I’m too overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds, andso many smells.

There are little tables everywhere, with great big alphas and betas, eating and talking. Their voices overlap and their silverware clanks. The lights overhead are too bright. It smells like everyone has ordered something different, and every dish has an aroma that is determined to knock me over.

I press against Dassy’s side as we walk a little faster toward the elevator. We step on and the floor jolts, then everything hums as we move. I hold onto Dassy’s big hand and press my nose against his arm, waiting for the door to open again. The second they do, a sense of calm washes over me.

All the smells from downstairs are gone and the lights are softer. More natural. The red-haired hostess points out the air purifiers as she takes us to our private dining room. Our room is the last one on the right, and she flings the door open as if presenting a prize on a game show.

No one goes inside, waiting for me to enter first.

It’s a lovely enough room with off-white walls, a long white table, and tons of flat wear. But I can’t help but notice the look of disappointment on Everly’s face when she steps inside.

“They’re not here,” the beta whispers to Dassy.

“You’re making a lot of assumptions,” Hutch mumbles as he passes the pair.

I frown, hating that I have no idea what they’re talking about. It’s like there’s this big secret between all of them, and they’re leaving me out on purpose. It sucks.

“Stanley!” Izan’s voice booms as he shakes someone’s hand in the doorway.

I plop into a seat at the table, staring at all the utensils. There are three forks. Why the fuck are there three forks?

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