Page 50 of Consider The Lilies

And I knowexactlywhat I have to do. To protect my pack, my business, and my omega.My precious, brave little omega.

“Kill him.”

On the Porch

Stefan

Jack stares right at me as he growls, “Kill him.”

My heart is pounding, shock and fear screaming in my veins.Is he really going to murder someone?

“Let’s get you inside.” Lucy’s chin quivers as she pushes me forward. She’s clearly just as upset as I am.

I nod, turning the doorknob and stepping into a long sitting room. My chest is tight, and that familiar feeling begins to squeeze my throat. Trying not to panic, I pull my inhaler out of my pocket, praying I don’t drop it.My hands are weirdly numb.

The inhaler puffs, filling my lungs. I slowly blow it out, following Lucy without really thinking about where we’re going or what we just saw. Sure, Yuki and Bear beat that alpha to a bloody pulp, but I’ve seen alphas do much worse to each other out in the woods. Heck, even Mari has killed a few in their sleep to protect us.

Before I know it, the familiar scent of Jack’s bedroom fills my lungs, and some of my nerves settle.

“Do you need another puff?” Lucy shuts the bedroom door behind us, pulling me toward the bed.

“No,” I inhale deeply, feeling my lungs fully expand, “I think I’m good now. Are you okay?” I cup her cheek. Her blue eyes are wide with fear, and her hands are like ice as she rests them on my forearms.She might be in shock.

“You were so calm,” Lucy says. “I froze up.” She shakes her head as if struggling to remember. “I’m so sorry. They started hitting each other, and I didn’t know what to do.”

“You did exactly what you were supposed to do,” I say, pulling her into my arms. “Our job was to get out of there, and that’s what you did.” I press my nose to the top of her head as she melts against me. She smells amazing. Sweet and salty, like an ocean breeze.

“I should have been the one leading you,” she mumbles against my chest.

“All that matters is that we got out of there,” I try to reassure her. “And it’s not like we were really in danger.” I look down at her pretty face, pleased when she rests her chin against my chest. “Jack, Bear, and Yuki wouldn’t have let them hurt us.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, Yuki might not have fought to the death forme, but she would have for you.” I laugh.

Lucy goes pale and blinks repeatedly. “What makes you say that?” Her voice pitchesveryhigh.

“Yuki likes you,” I say simply.

“But why?” Lucy pushes me away. I quickly release her, not wanting to upset her further. “What makes you think that?” she demands.

I shrug, not sure how to explain it. “Her scent is softer around you,” I say, thinking about the guarded she-alpha. “Andher shoulders aren’t as tight when you’re in the room. It’s obvious she likes you.”

A nervous laugh jumps from Lucy’s throat. “I don’t know if that’s true.” Her gaze darts over the floor, almost as if refusing to look me in the eye. “Youare Ms. Ito’s omega. She was protectingyou.”

I don’t argue with that, even though I don’t believe it. Yuki and I may both belong to the same pack alpha, but she doesn't want me. But there’s no point in saying that.

“Lucy.” Jack bursts into the room, and my body goes tight all over again. “Out!”

A flicker of relief fills the beta’s blue eyes, then she rushes out of the room. The second the door clicks shut behind her, Jack’s intense stare zeroes in on me. His eyes dart all over my face as he moves toward me. His shiny shoes sink into the fluffy red carpet, not stopping until he’s right in front of me.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice deep and rumbly.

I nod, not really thinking about the answer. He’s just so close, and his scent is nice, or his scent normally is. Right now, all I can smell is that yucky cigarette.

“Are you sure?” Jack looks down at me with so much power and intensity. I should back up. I should be scared of this alpha who just ordered the death of two people. But I’m not. In fact, I want to be closer to him. I want him to hold me like he did last night.

I’m safe in his arms.

“I saw what you did down there.” He cups my cheek, and warmth skates across my skin. It settles in my belly, making my abs flex. “You are a very impressive omega, Stefan Kane.”

A nervous laugh leaps from my mouth. “No.” I can’t help my nervous smile. “I’m not impressive.” I try to look away, but Jack grabs my chin, forcing me to look up at him. “I’m not strong like you,” I whisper.

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