Page 57 of Consider The Lilies

Yuki scowls, then nods. She’s not willing to admit that Bear is right, but we all know he is. I’m very small for a beta. I can’t offer any real protection for Stefan. I have no strength, no sixth sense for danger, and some have even described me as overly sensitive. Hell, I even cried the last time I tried to fold a fitted sheet.

“Maybe I’m not the right person to watch over Stefan,” I say. “I can’t?—”

“Don’t you dare say you aren’t exactly what he fucking needs,” Yuki snarls at me. “Omegas need kindness and patience, and you are the most loving person I know.” Her words are sweet, but her tone is sharp like a threat. “Any omega would be lucky to have you.”

I know she only wants me around Stefan because it’ll help convince Mr. Stanley to let me join their pack, but her compliment is still so sweet. I can’t help but lean into her, resting my chin on her shoulder.

“Are you feeling a little protective of Stefan?” Bear asks Yuki, his voice lifting with hope.

“I’d like to be able to move on to the next step with my girlfriend,” Yuki snaps, completely dodging his question. “And the fastest way to convince Stanley is to let Lucy and Stefan’s affection for each other grow, because they like each other.” She looks down at me. “Right?”

I nod, my face flushing hot. “I really do.”

“Wait.” Bear’s black eyebrows pull together. “Next step?”

I drop my gaze, but Yuki keeps looking Bear right in the eyes. I can’t tell if she regrets saying it, but my guess is she doesn’t. Yuki rarely does anything she doesn’t mean.

Suddenly, Bear's expression shifts, and his eyes go wide. “You want tomateLucy?” His voice is soft, almost as if he’s really happy by the idea.

I really hope he is.

Yuki has always been open about wanting to see me with Bear and Mr. Stanley. And while they’re both incredibly sexy and strong and would obviously be amazing mates, my biggest fear is that they might not want me.

That would break my heart, especially since I’ve slowly fallen for this pack over the last few years. I know everything about them—the good, the bad, even the shameful. But at the end of the day, they’re all really good people. They’re fierce and loyal, and they love each other dearly.

“Yuki,” Bear says her name so softly, pulling me from my thoughts. “Sweet girl. Have you fallen in love?”

Yuki frowns. “Stop it,” she says flatly. “You know I hate that lovey-dovey stuff.”

Bear’s smile grows, pure affection filling his dark brown eyes. “Face it, alpha. You’re a lovable girl. You need to get used to it.”

“You know the rules,” Yuki’s voice rises. “You aren’t allowed to say the word love unless your dick is inside me.”

Bear’s smile shifts, and a mischievous look flashes in his eyes. “I’ll say whatever you want if you’ll let me?—”

“Is Jack letting you get off now?” Yuki cuts him a firm look.

I instantly drop my gaze, not wanting Bear to know I’m aware of hispunishment. I won’t lie, I’ve thought about the sexually frustrated alpha many times in the last few days. The Stanley pack is filled with very tempting alphas and a stunning omega. I’m not sure I’d be able to deny myself a dirty fantasy at the end of the day.

Bear must have an unbelievable amount of self-control.

“You’re very pissy for someone that’s laying in bed with a gorgeous redhead,” Bear says, and I can’t help but smile.

“I just want both of us to get what we want,” Yuki says matter-of-factly. “I want you to get your omega, and for me to have my beta.” She wraps an arm around my waist, holding me close.She smells so good.“We just need to convince Stanley to let us keep both of them.”

“So you want to keep Stefan?” Bear asks.

“I don’t mind him,” she says with half a shrug.

“That’s not what I asked,” Bear says, refusing to let Yuki off the hook so easily. I love him for pushing her to share how she feels. Yuki is guarded and private, but a little forced honesty is good for her.”Do youwantto keep Stefan?”

Yuki’s mouth pulls into a tight line, and her nose twitches once before finally saying, “He smells good.” The compliment almost sounds painful. “He’s also quiet and kind of cute.” She flips her hair over her shoulder. “I wouldn’t be upset if Stanley decided to keep him.” She’s trying to sound indifferent, but I know her too well.She likes Stefan.

Bear’s mouth pulls into a victorious smile. “You’re such a romantic,” he teases her, and I giggle.

“Are you done?” Yuki’s tone is sharp once again, clearly not in the mood. “Because how I feel doesn’t mean shit if Stanley doesn’t want Lucy.” Her jaw tenses as she says, “Jack told me yesterday he wants Lucy back in the office.” Her voice is low, filled with so much intensity. “Stanley has always said he doesn’t want to add to our pack, but now that we have Stefan, this might be my only chance to claim Lucy.” Her hold on me tightens. “He needs to see that Lucy is just as invaluable as Stefan.”

“Do you like Stefan?” Bear looks right at me. “I know you like him as a friend, but do you want to be with him?” He shifts his feet, rocking slightly. “Or do you just want Yuki? Or…” he trails off.

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