Page 69 of Consider The Lilies

“We’ve gotten the usual death threats from the usual suspects. Sroka sent a nasty message warning us to stay away from his area, and…” Rossi pulls out his phone. He taps the screen before turning it to me. I lean forward, examining the picture. “Box full of dead rats,” he says before turning it to Yuki.

“Lappen.” The she-alpha rolls her eyes. “That fucker will never change.”

I can’t help but agree with her. “Those old guys think these kinds of symbolic threats still carry the same weight as a knife to your throat.”

“Want me to send a few guys over to Lappen’s place?” Rossi asks. “Send him a message of our own?”

I consider it for half a second, but I really don’t need the extra headache. Not with Stefan in my care. “There’s no need.”

Yuki frowns, not happy with my decision.

“Alright.” Rossi leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I don’t want to be a dick, but I’m starving. Any chance I can hit up one of the pretty betas in your kitchen?”

“Go on.” I dismiss Rossi before turning to Yuki. “Take Rossi to the main hall. Make sure he eats before hitting the road.”

Yuki frowns, tilting her head to one side. “Okay.” She laughs as if my request is ridiculous. I get her reaction. After all, Rossi has been here a million times before, but I need a private word with the beta still hiding in the corner.

“Lucy.” Yuki stands, waving the beta over. “Get Rossi?—”

“No,” I say. “I need to discuss something with Lucy. But you can go.”

Yuki freezes, looking at me with a peculiar look. I can’t tell if she’s worried for the girl or simply annoyed that she's being dismissed. “Okay,” she finally says. I don’t miss the quick look she shares with the beta before leading Rossi across the room.

Lucy shifts nervously from one foot to the other, staring at Yuki’s back like she’d love nothing more than to chase after the she-alpha. The second the door closes, I move to my desk. I take my time, taking a pack of gum out of the lap drawer. It’s the only thing I asked Jessica to do for me today. That, and to occasionally check on Stefan. I didn’t want him wandering around…but it seems he ended up doing that anyway.

The omega might need a permanent bodyguard.

“Sir?” Lucy shuffles toward the middle of the room.

I cut around my desk, slowly unwrapping the gum. I’m probably going to need something a little stronger if I’m going to stop smoking, but this will have to do for now. I pop the gum into my mouth, then toss the trash onto my desk. Sharp mint bursts across my tongue, making me grimace. I hate mint.

“Lucy.” I lean against the front of my desk. “I understand you kissed my omega.”

The small beta quickly drops her gaze, her heart pounding so hard, I can hear it from here. Then she takes a deep breath, almost as if steadying herself. “I did,” she whispers, and her hands curl into fists. “I’m s-sorry.” Her voice shakes.

I appreciate the obvious display of fear. It tells me she takes me and her actions seriously. “There are many alphas out there who wouldn’t hesitate to kill you for that.”

A shiver works through Lucy’s slight body and her scent shifts. As a beta, her aroma isn’t very strong, but right now, she’s pumped full of so much fear, she smells almost acidic.

“Do you want to fuck Stefan?” I keep my tone even and calm.

Lucy snaps her head up. “What?” Her mouth hangs open, and she shakes her head. “No! I….” she swallows hard. “I don’t —”

“Why not?” I cut in, loving how frazzled she is. She won’t be hard to break. “You don’t think he’s attractive?”

“I didn’t say that.” Lucy pales as confusion twists between her brows. “He’s very handsome. I only meant?—”

“So you do want to fuck him?”

“No.” She jerks, raising her hands as if to shield herself from this whole conversation. “I wouldn’t—” She cuts herself off, struggling to find her words. “I only meant?—”

“Are you some kind of pack groupie?” I look her up and down. “Are you a beta slut, hoping to ride my omega’s cock just for the novelty?”

“Stop it!” Her voice rises as her nerves spike. “I am not?—”

“I’ve heard about betas like you.” I push away from my desk, stalking toward the flustered beta. Her cheeks are flushed a pretty shade of pink. “Alpha-fuckers like you will do anything to get a knot, even weasel their way into a pack through a delicate omega. Is that what you’re doing?”

Lucy’s mouth falls open, and her face burns bright red, completely outraged at my insult. “I would never,” she cuts back. “Stefan is my friend. I care for?—”

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