Page 20 of Consider The Lilies

I close my eyes slower this time, preparing myself for him to laugh or mock me. But then, Mister releases my wrists and pushes himself up, getting off the bed. I pull my arms to my chest, trying to rub the sensation back into my fingers. I don’t dare look at the alpha, but I do hear the rustling of clothing, followed by the click of a lamp. The room goes dark, and the bed dips once again.

Large hands grab me by the upper arm, manhandling me until I’m under the blankets. I don’t fight it, too tired and scared. Mister arranges me just the way he wants. My back is pressed against the alpha’s bare chest, and his big legs curl up under mine. One arm slips around my middle, tucking me close. The familiar position makes me even more confused.

Is this mating?I hope not.

Mari and I slept this way many times on cold winter nights. This can’t be what alphas do to omegas. It’s too…snuggly. It might be the lingering effects of the drugs in my system, but I like it…I think.

“Stefan.” Mister’s lips are right at my ear. His breath is so warm. “Go to sleep, omega.”

And my body eagerly obeys.

The Next Morning

Yuki

Crossing my arms, I glance at the front door again, waiting patiently for someone to knock. It’s only eight fifty in the morning, but Dr. Pearson said he’d be here by nine. The beta had better not be late.

Trying like hell not to fidget, I let my gaze drift to the wall. I take in the flat gray stones that adorn the entryway. Most of the house has been updated with smooth white walls made of plaster, but this part of the house still has the original stonework. I’ve overheard a few people complain that our home looks like a dungeon, but I don’t give a shit.

I like it.

The antique grandfather clock in the corner ticks with each swing of the pendulum. Eight fifty-one.

Restless, I smooth my hand over my hair, feeling every bump in my braid. I check that my hair tie is still in place, then I slip myhand over the buttons on my black blouse, making sure the right amount of cleavage is showing.

“Is Pearson not here yet?” Bear stomps down the long staircase. He’s freshly showered, his black hair still wet on the ends. I scan his outfit, taking in his navy polo and gray slacks. It’s an odd choice. The alpha never wears anything other than t-shirts and jeans. When he reaches the bottom step, I notice the dark circles under his eyes and his puffy cheeks.

He must have been up all night.

“You look like shit,” I say, and the alpha glares at me. I smile at his pissy attitude, then check the clock again. Eight fifty-two.

“Hey. I want to talk to you before the doc gets here.” Bear pulls in a deep breath, crossing his arms. He does this whenever he wants to talk about something serious. “Be honest. How pissed are you?” He steadies his feet, ready for me to give it to him.

I’ve been waiting for him to ask me this since we spoke last night. He rambled for a solid hour about how sorry he was for claiming this goddamn omega and how he didn’t have a choice.

I just listened. I didn’t know what to say, and I honestly still don’t.

It’s all so out of character for the alpha. Bear isn’t emotional or sentimental. He doesn’t believe in true love or fated mates, and he’s always sworn the mindless pull other alphas claim to feel for omegas is bullshit. But it seems his feelings have changed. And now our pack’s entire dynamic could be at risk.

“You need to prepare yourself to lose that omega,” I say. “Stanley has said time and time again that he doesn’t want to add anyone else to our pack.”

Bear nods at his feet. “I know.”

“And both of you have always been pretty against getting anomega.” I’m unable to hide the bitter edge in my tone. “Omegas change alphas,” I remind him of our many conversations on thematter. He nods again, not arguing with me. “They make our kind docile, taking away most alphas’ ambitions and replacing them with the mindless need to breed. Is that what you want?”

“No,” Bear says firmly. “I love our pack. I love you and Stanley, and the balance we’ve created.” He takes a step toward me, forcing me to tip my head up to look him in the eye. “I know that most alpha packs have a lot of issues, but I really am very happy with our little family.”

I want to believe him, but his actions say otherwise. “Then why fuck it all up for a little omega pussy?”

Bear’s mouth pulls into a lopsided grin. “He’s a male.” He shrugs. “No pussy.”

A sharp laugh leaps from my throat, and I check the time again. Five minutes to go. “Everyone makes fun of female alphas.” I give Bear a pointed look. “But it’s the men who will destroy everything around them for the promise of a few drops of slick.”

Bear’s mouth pulls into a tight line. For a moment, I think he might argue with me, but then he sighs hard and simply nods. “Yup. I really fucked up.” He looks so sad, his dark brown eyes pulling in the corners.

“I gotta be honest,” I say simply, pushing my hands into my pockets, “I don’t get it.”

“Look,” Bear gives me an irritated look, “I get that an omega’s pheromones really only affect she-alphas when they're in heat, but I don’t get how you can be so oblivious to how amazing he is.”

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