Page 68 of Consider The Lilies

Not sure what else to do, I slowly turn and walk up the steps. “Is Lucy in trouble?” I ask as Jack follows me up.

“Go, Stefan.” He gives me a pointed look. He still smells angry, but his voice isn’t nearly as sharp. “We can discuss this later.”

A part of me wants to demand that he tell me now, but he’s being so weirdly calm. Maybe he’s hiding his true emotions to keep from scaring me, or perhaps he’s okay with what I did because he likes Lucy, too.

Or maybe he’s livid, and he’s going to kill both of us just like he did those alphas on the back porch…

Back to Jack’s Office

Stanley

Is it a dick move to let Stefan think Lucy’s in trouble? Maybe. But he did pursue her without my permission, and serious relationships in this pack aren’t allowed without discussing it with me first. And while it might be a little presumptive of me to assume Stefan wants something serious with the beta, the fact is, omegas only have one speed: intense devotion.

“My apologies.” I step back into my office. “I had a personal matter to handle.”

Yuki and Rossi sit on the leather couch, chatting quietly. Lucy stands at the back wall, her head lowered, waiting for me to dismiss her. But I won’t be. Not until I have a chance to speak with her privately.

“It’s no problem,” Rossi says as I unbutton my suit jacket and sit in the armchair across from him. “Omegas can be a handful.”

I force a polite smile. “Did Yuki tell you about our new addition?” I can’t help the glare I cut her way. Telling peopleabout Stefan isn’t smart. As much as I hate to admit it, Romner had a point. I have plenty of enemies who want to hurt me, and they’ll see Stefan as the perfect way to exact their revenge.

“Yuki didn’t say shit.” Rossi leans back, spreading his legs wide as he gets comfortable. “I saw the boy when I walked in. I figured you were either dealing with him or grabbing a smoke.”

“Actually, I’m trying to quit,” I say, and Yuki’s eyes go wide.

“Yeah,” Rossi says as if understanding. “Smoking isn’t good for omegas.”

He’s right. That’s why I’m quitting, but I won’t admit that out loud.

“Well, congratulations,” Rossi says to me, then Yuki. The she-alpha surprises me by giving him a convincing smile. “Your omega is very pretty.”

It takes everything in me not to snarl at his compliment. I don’t like the idea of anyone admiring Stefan that way. “He’s a good-looking man,” I say simply, smoothing my hand down my tie. “Talk to me about the bay area.”

“Is Bear not joining us?” Rossi asks, glancing at the doorway. “I miss that bastard’s scowl.”

Yuki snorts loudly. “He does have one hell of a resting bitch face.”

“Better than yours.” Rossi teases the she-alpha. “And yours isveryimpressive.”

Yuki smirks and her dark eyes narrow. “Fuck off.”

“He’s not joining us,” I say loudly, making it clear that I’m eager to get this over with.

Rossi’s smile falls, and he jumps into his report, giving me all the numbers. Injuries, deaths, and the status of the leftover supplies. I take note of each outstanding problem, thrilled to hear that it was a fairly seamless takeover.

“We took out all but four of Henley’s men.” Rossi taps the end of his nose, pointing to the deep cut along the bridge. “But I’ve got one of them chained to the wall for fucking up my nose.”

“That’s a shame.” Yuki smirks. “You had such a pretty face.”

“Hey. I’m still gorgeous,” Rossi shoots back with a wink. “But what do you say, Lucy?” He glances over at the beta. “Do you think one scar has ruined me for all the pretty ladies?”

Lucy’s blue eyes flicker from Rossi to me, then back again. When she speaks, her voice is soft and strained, “Some ladies like scars.” She smiles, but it’s tight. Is she worried I know about her kiss with my omega? Is she scared I’ll lash out for her touching what’s mine?

I haven’t fully decided what I’ll do yet, but the little beta should be scared.

After all, if she were a man or an alpha, she’d be dead. But I’ve known Lucy for years now, and she’s a good woman. She’s also incredibly beautiful, so I get why Stefan has a crush on her. But this transgression won’t be ignored.

“Anything else?” Yuki asks.

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