Page 21 of Consider The Lilies

He’s right. An omega’s natural aroma doesn't affect my body the same way as a male. Now, when they’re in heat, I’ve heard she-alphas can be just as vicious as males, but I’ve never been around an omega like that, so I really have no idea. But even if I were, I can’t believe that I’d go nuts for the submissive creatures. I prefer the rough touch of my own kind—forcing a powerfulalpha to submit to me is downright thrilling. Or, when I’m with Stanley, and I submit to him…it’s a high like no other.

But either way, I have no use for a submissive omega. They’re too timid and pliable. They’re like putty. There’s no resistance or thrill of a conquest.

Not to mention how fucking emotional they are.

“Stanley isn’t keen on having a packmate that requires constant supervision,” I say. “Hell, in the past, he wouldn't even consider adding abetato the pack.”

“I know,” Bear says quickly. “And I understand why.” He slips a hand down my arm, trying to assure me. “I wish I could explain how I felt during the auction.” He looks so sad. Like a giant wounded teddy bear. “Ineededthat omega. And he needs us.” His dark brown eyes hold me. “I could feel it.”

I stare at his face, trying to figure what the hell to say to that. But there’s nothing to say. When a male alpha decides he wants an omega, there’s no stopping him. He’ll destroy anyone and anything in his path, including his packmates.And that scares the shit out of me.

“Well, then,” I let out a long sigh, deciding there’s nothing I can do about it right now, “I guess it is what it is. We’ll just have to make the best of it.”

Bear’s dark brows shoot up, surprised by my answer. “Really? That's it?” His voice lifts with disbelief. “You’ve got nothing else you want to say? You don’t want to curse at me or call me any names? You don’t even want to throw a punch?”

“Not my style.” I shrug, not really having anything else to say on the matter. I trust my pack alpha, and if he thinks he can make this omega work for us, then he will. Otherwise, he’ll get rid of him, and we can go back to normal. “You had better hope that omega is the amazing fuck everyone says males are.”

Bear tilts his head to one side, not understanding.

“If he’s shit in bed, Stanley will dispose of him very quickly,” I say matter-of-factly.

Bear’s whole body tenses, and his jaw ticks. “Stan won’t get rid of him,” he says softly. “It’ll be okay. We’ll get to keep the omega.” But it’s clear the alpha isn’t talking to me. He’s trying to assure himself.

Deep worry slips over me, and I wonder if his rut is coming soon. It would explain his impulsive decision. I should probably let Stanley know.

“Maybe the doctor should look you over too.” I look him up and down. “Check your hormone levels. Maybe even give you a brain scan,” I say flatly. “A head injury would explain so much.”

Bear lets out a pained groan, clearly not in the mood to be teased. “You didn’t see him on that table, Yuki,” he says, his voice shockingly soft. It’s a bizarre tone for him. While Bear isn’t exactly devoid of all emotion, he’s not a sentimental guy. “You didn’t smell his fear mixed with his addictive scent.” He inhales deeply, closing his eyes as if savoring the aroma. “I couldn’t leave him.” He opens his eyes, and they pulse with an unusual fire. “Every instinct inside merefusedto leave him.”

“They’re all scared,” I try to reason with the man. “That’s how scavenged omegas are.”

His jaw clenches, knowing exactly what I’m going to say next.

“Those omegas are like orphaned puppies,” I say just like I do every time we discuss going to the Morder. “If you get too close, you’ll end up wanting to adopt them all.”

Bear gives me a pointed look, not pleased with my advice. “Like you’d know,” he says flatly. “You never leave the fucking car.”

“And there’s a reason for that.” I rest my hand on my belt, making sure it’s perfectly centered. While fussing with my clothes, I take another look at what Bear’s wearing. “Why are you all dressed up?” I look at him from head to toe. “Did you trimyour beard?” I stare up at the clean edges along the underside of his jaw. “You never trim your beard.” I take a step back so I can admire the whole look. “Are you hoping to impress the omega, or do you have a date?”

Bear laughs, but the sound is way too tense. “Why?” He cocks an eyebrow. “Jealous at the idea of me going out with someone else?”

I roll my eyes, groaning as I turn back to the door. “I feel pity for the poor beta you’ll end up shoving that cock into.”Maybe he is about to start his rut.

“Where the fuck is Pearson?” Bear checks the time on his phone.

“He’s got another minute or two,” I say, glancing back at the grandfather clock.

A soft knock echoes through the entryway one second before the clock chimes. It’s nine o’clock. Right on time. I step forward and open the heavy wooden door. It creaks, the old hinges needing more oil. Houses like this always need something. It’s a never-ending project.

“Ms. Ito,” Dr. Pearson greets me, then Bear. “Mr. Cosner.” He gives us a little bow, making his thinning gray hair slip across his forehead. “Mr. Stanley texted me last night about an omega.” He lifts the large bag slung over his shoulder, handing it to me. It’s very heavy. So heavy, I’m surprised the old beta was able to carry it up to the house.

“We just got a new omega.” Bear moves to the staircase, his impatience very obvious. I don’t know why he’s so eager to get upstairs. We both know Stanley won’t let him in the room during the exam. Hell, he’s lucky he didn’t kick him out of the damn house for what he did.

I step to one side, silently inviting the doctor inside. He bows again as he passes me, leaving behind a scent of cotton balls and a weird sterile aroma.

Bear leads the way up the stairs and through the house. We cut down several long corridors, into the private part of the house. The ceiling overhead changes from long beams with antique chandeliers to more modern white walls with ornate molding. I turn right, heading toward the west wing. All of our bedrooms are in different areas of the house. As alphas, we need space from one another and the freedom to fuck whoever we want without the risk of pissing each other off. But I can’t help but wonder if adding this omega to the pack might change that desire.

It has to.Right?

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