Page 88 of Consider The Lilies

No one is here.

There’s no one to help or save me.

I’m all alone.

The Kitchens

Bear

Itake a big bite of my sandwich, watching the kitchen staff mill about. They’re working hard, making big batches of fried chicken for our guys. Jack is big on making sure any alpha who works for him has a full belly and a place to sleep. It makes sense, given his past. In fact, it’s one of the things I love about him. He’s a secret softy.

“Mr. Kane needs his lunch.” Jessica breezes around the corner. “Oh.” She smiles when she sees me. “Good afternoon, Mr. Cosner.” She steps up next to me at the counter.

“How’s the new job?” I ask, taking another bite.

“I’ll be honest,” Jessica gives me a pointed look, “it’s harder than I thought. I had no idea Lucy did so much,” she says with a heavy sigh. “But the money doesn’t hurt.” She smiles, and I instantly laugh.

“I’m sure Lucy would be happy to help out anytime you need it,” I say. “I know this is a big transition.”

“Oh, no.” Jessica straightens her back, looking at me as if offended. “This is my job now. And I can handle it without Ms. Williams’ help.”

I give the beta a little bow, liking her attitude. But then I realize I didn’t even know Lucy’s last name until this moment.There’s so much to learn about the pretty beta.

“Here you go, sweetheart.” The main chef slides Stefan’s plate across the kitchen island. He’s getting grilled chicken with a heap of vegetables today.

“Allow me.” I take the plate. “I’m headed up to the dining room anyway,” I say before she can protest.

Jessica’s lips pull into a thin line, and I instantly know she wants to give in.

“Don’t worry,” I lean down and whisper, “I won’t tell anyone you let me help.” I wink, then pop the last bite of my sandwich in my mouth.

Jessica smiles, finally relenting. “Okay.” She steps away from the island. “Just make sure he eats all the chicken,” she says. “Mr. Stanley was very firm in that.”

I give her another bow, then walk out of the room before she can change her mind. I take the narrow servants’ corridor, making my way to the dining room. It cuts right then opens up to the main archway in the dining room.

Carrying the plate high like a waiter, I breeze into the dining room, then stop. “Where’s Stefan?” I ask Yuki. Lucy is pressed against her side, their chairs so close, that they might as well be sitting in each other’s laps.

“He’s in Jack’s office,” Lucy says. “He’s eating later.”

Worry slowly swirls in my stomach as I approach the table. “Jessica said he’d be here.”

Yuki’s body tenses, and she pushes her chair back. “I’ll check Jack’s office.” Her voice is tight, clearly just as concerned as me.“Lucy,” she looks down at our beta, “check his bedroom. Make sure Stefan isn’t in his nest.”

Lucy rushes out of the room. It’s stupid, but after our meeting with Lappen, we’re all on edge. I really don’t think the fucker is dumb enough to come here and try something, but you never really know what people will do when they’re desperate.

I begin to roam the house, going to all the places Stefan loves. Thankfully, there aren’t many places where the omega is allowed. Of course, this would be so much easier if Stefan and I were mated, but hopefully, Yuki gets to Jack quickly. He’ll find our omega fast.

I hope.

“You little shit!” a familiar voice roars, and fear slams into my gut.

It can’t be Lappen.There’s no way he’s that stupid.

I run toward the voice, darting through the house with lightning speed. Another grunt hits the air, followed by a yip.That was definitely Stefan.And it sounded like it came from the back of the house.

Running like a madman, I let instinct pull me toward the back porch. I don’t even slow down to open the door, slamming into the fucking thing and busting it clear off its hinges.

I step outside just in time to see Lappen draw his hand back and slap Stefan right across the face. My vision goes white, and I let out a vicious roar. But before I can take a single step, Lappen spins Stefan, using the slight omega like a shield.

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