Page 65 of Consider The Lilies

“Stefan asked if he could hug you and hold your hand.” Stanley pulls the door open, and I hold my breath, waiting for him to finish. “I gave him permission.”

My heart soars.

“I need you in the warehouse today.” Stanley pauses in the doorway. “Lucy can keep an eye on Stefan until you’re done.”

I nod, disappointed I can’t be with the omega right this second.Especially now that I get to touch him.

“And, Bear?” Stanley’s voice drops to a dangerous growl. “Once you meet up with Stefan, don’t lose control.” His dark eyes narrow. “Because thisisa test.”

In Stefan’s Nest

Stefan

Sitting in the center of my nest, I stare at a few bald spots, desperate to fix them. “I think I need more pillows.” I glance around the room, but I’ve taken every cushion I can get my hands on. I even tried prying tufted seats off the armchairs, but they’re sewn in place. “Do you think Jack would be upset if I took those?” I point to the bed.

Lucy turns to look at the other side of the room with me. “I think he’ll understand.” She moves away from my nest, grabbing them for me. I assess my little corner of the room, taking in the pile of couch cushions, blankets, and array of throw pillows. It’s not very pretty, but it is comfortable.

“Here you go.” Lucy plops the pillows on the floor next to my nest before sitting down on the edge of the coffee table. I want to invite her to sit next to me, but I can’t. It’s so silly, but I can’t have her set foot into my nest until it’s done. Ineedit to be perfect.

Grabbing the extra pillows, I mold them against the wall. But it’s still not right.

“I need more.” I look at Lucy, hoping she can help me.

The beta perks at that, eager to help. “We can check the laundry,” she says. “We have tons of comforters and pillows down there. Plus,” she hitches a thumb back at Jack’s bed, “we can get Mr. Stanley some replacements.”

Crawling toward the beta, I force myself to leave my nest, praying Jessica doesn’t come in here and mess it up. It’s not likely, but I’ve seen the maid several times today. She’s been roaming up and down the hallway, almost as if not sure what to do with herself. I think Jack asked her to keep an eye on us since he and Bear are busy.

“I wonder why Yuki isn't watching over us,” I say as we walk down the long corridor.

“Ms. Ito had work outside of the house today,” Lucy says as she leads me down the long staircase to the entryway. “Can I ask you something?”

I grip the handrail when a fog pushes into the corner of my mind. It’s been like this all day. I’m sure it’s my bond with Jack. It’s slowly taking hold, making me feel a little off-center. “Of course.”

“You said earlier you were happy I didn’t get reassigned.” Lucy pauses on the last step, waiting for me to stop next to her. “Did Mr. Stanley tell you he was going to move me?”

Realization hits me, and I suddenly feel like such a jerk. “I’m so sorry.” I cover my mouth. “I thought Jack had already told you he was moving you. I wouldn't have said anything if I thought you didn’t know.”

Lucy gives me the sweetest smile. “It’s okay.” She laughs, making me feel a little better. “But,” she presses her lips together, gathering the courage before saying, “hewantedto reassign me. Right? Does he think I’m a bad fit?” She looks up atme with those big blue eyes. “Does he think I’m doing a bad job? Because I really do want to make you happy.”

I’m not sure how to answer her question without insulting her. I’m sure Jack would still like to move her, but he’s letting her stay only because I asked. “Jack mentioned reassigning you last night,” I pick my words very carefully as I take her hand in mine. “I told him I really wanted you to stay, and he quickly agreed. I didn’t really have to do anything to convince him. He knows how happy you make me.”

Lucy’s smile grows. “I make you happy?” She gazes up at me with the most adoring look.

“Very much.” I suddenly feel very brave. It's unusual for me to be so forward, but there’s something in the back of my mind that’s pushing me to be courageous. Maybe even a little fierce. “You have such a lovely presence, and,” I gather my courage, “I really like you.” My words come out a little husky.

A blush creeps across the bridge of Lucy’s nose, deepening the color of her freckles. “I like you too,” she whispers, and her hand trembles in mine. “I, uh, I didn’t get a chance to thank you the other day for what you did.” She stares at her feet. “For protecting me.”

A wild urge grips me, and I move without thinking.

Leaning down, I kiss Lucy’s cheek. I linger there, my face right next to hers, scenting her. Her skin is so soft, and she smells so good—sweet and fresh, like an ocean breeze.

Slowly, I stand back up, looking down at the flushed beta. She lifts her head, looking up at me with those big blue eyes. Her chest rises and falls with restrained excitement.

Suddenly, my face is incredibly warm as I stare into her eyes, savoring the intense moment. Lucy’s pink tongue pushes over her bottom lip, and the urge to suck it out of her mouth slams into me.I wonder if she tastes as good as she smells.

“Stefan,” Lucy whispers my name, and an alpha in the distance laughs. I jerk as the fog in my mind recedes, and I’m ripped from my trance.

“I’m so sorry,” I say, suddenly horrified that I kissed her. “I shouldn’t have done that. I?—”

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