Page 35 of Consider The Lilies

My boots sink into the soft earth as we get closer. I look down at the red clay pushing up around my feet. The thick substance sucks me in a little deeper with each step. “That’s far enough.” I don’t want to get stuck.

Stefan’s body locks up, obeying my order almost instantly.

“Mr. Cosner is right.” Lucy grunts as she lifts one foot. The mud makes an awful squelching sound as it frees her. “Let's go.” She squeezes Stefan’s hand. He slowly turns, and my heart sinks. He’s trying so hard to hide his disappointment, but I saw the flash of sadness in his eyes.

“Are there any other flowers?” Stefan asks, keeping his voice light and friendly. “Or does Jack have a garden?”

Lucy freezes up when Stefan says his name, and her bright blue eyes cut to me.

“What’s wrong?” Stefan looks between us. “Did I say something wrong?”

“Did he tell you to call him Jack?” I lean in, very curious.

“No. I guess not.” Stefan’s voice drops, clearly worried he’s in trouble. “I just heard Yuki call him that.”

I pause, wondering what could have caused the she-alpha to say his name in front of Stefan. She doesn’t normally slip up. I’m the one that forgets. Especially when I’m pissed.

“Mr. Stanley doesn’t like being called by his first name,” Lucy says, keeping her voice light.

Deep lines pull between the omega’s brows as he thinks that over. “Not even his packmates call him Jack?” He looks at me.

I can’t help but smile. “We can call him by his first name, but not in front of the staff.” My gaze flickers to Lucy.

Stefan’s eyes go wide as if suddenly remembering that Lucy is a maid, and not my mate.

“I’m sorry,” Stefan mumbles as he ducks his head. His blond curls hide his eyes. “I didn’t mean to be disrespectful.”

“It’s okay.” I tuck my hands behind my back to keep from touching him.

“Let’s head back in.” Lucy pulls Stefan forward with a smile. She happily chats as we make our way back to the house, telling the omega about a field of wildflowers not far off. The pair talk about their favorite flowers this time of year, making plans to see the lilies again once the mud dries up.

The wind shifts as we step up on the porch. It smells like pine, sharp and crisp. Stefan sniffles as he talks, then he clears his throat. Then he does it again. I stare at the omega, watching him rub the front of his throat. He coughs once, the sound tight and dry.

“Stefan?” Lucy grabs his arm, her voice filled with concern. “Are you okay?”

He nods, trying to smile as he coughs again. “I’m sorry,” he rasps, patting his chest. “I’m okay. I think I just…just…” He coughs hard, pulling in shallow breaths. Then, all too quickly, he’s gasping for air.

I don’t think. I act. Rushing to the omega’s side, I curl my arms around him, lifting him up. He goes limp in my arms as he wheezes, struggling to breathe.

“Mr. Cosner.” Lucy looks at my hands touching Stefan’s back and legs. “You can’t.” She frantically shakes her head, making a few strands of hair break free from her bun. “Mr. Stanley will kick you out.”

Fuck.

“My pocket.” I angle my body, letting the beta know where to find my phone. “Call Stanley.”

Lucy shoves her little hand into my front pocket. She holds the phone up to my face, logging in. Then she quickly finds his number and puts it on speaker.

“What?” Stanley’s hard voice cuts through the phone.

“Sir?” Lucy’s voice pitches high as she holds the phone up between us. “I think Stefan is having a panic attack. He can’t breathe, and he’s?—”

“Shit,” Stanley cuts her off. “He has asthma. His inhaler is on my bedside table.”

I lean forward, speaking loudly, “He collapsed. Can I carry him inside?”

There’s a painful, lengthy pause as Stanley thinks it over.

“Please,” I snarl, holding Stefan close to my chest. He makes a horrible squeaking sound, and I fear he’s going to pass out. “He needs his medicine, and it’ll be faster if I carry him. Please.”

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