Page 70 of Consider The Lilies

“How dare you prey on that weak and naive boy,” I growl softly, continuing to prod the beta, pushing her right to the edge.I want to know who she is when she’s pissed.“Stefan is impressionable and sensitive, and you are using him to get to my cock.”

Lucy scrunches up her face, letting out a huffy little growl before yelling, “You’re an asshole!”

Shock hits me, and my whole body locks up at her explosion. I’ve seen Lucy in some pretty high-pressure situations. She’s been around many very dangerous men, and the beta has never once lost her cool.

“I would never take advantage of Stefan like that,” Lucy snarls at me. “I amnotan alpha-fucker or some kind of groupie wanting to defile your precious family!” She turns, marching toward the door.

It takes everything in me not to laugh at the way she stomps across the room.It’s kind of cute.

“I can’t believe you’d say that about him.” Lucy stops and turns, glaring at me like she’d love nothing more than to watch me die a slow death. “Stefan isn’t weak or naive. He’s strong and kind and better than you deserve!” She spins again, stomping the rest of the way to the door. This time I let myself smile.

The girl has grit.

There have been a few other people in my life who have spoken to me like this—none of them lived long enough to brag about it—but there's something intriguing about this beta. Especially since she’s pouring all her rage into defending my sweet Stefan.

“I know I was wrong.” Lucy stands tall as she rests her hand on the doorknob. “I kissed Stefan and broke your trust.” Herjaw clenches as swift emotion grips her. She’s not crying, but I can smell the threat of tears rolling off her. “I’ll pack my things and go,” she says, “but you should bethankingBear for bringing Stefan into your life, not punishing him!” She opens the door before adding, “I used to think Stefan was lucky to have you and your pack, but now I pity him.”

“Stop!” I bark, and Lucy freezes in the doorway. Moving to her, I can’t help but appreciate her obedience. Betas aren’t compelled to do what alphas say—not the same way omegas are—but smart betas know the best way to survive in this world is to listen when an angry alpha speaks. “That's an awful lot of rage from such a little girl.” I slip my hand around her upper arm, pulling her back into the room.

Lucy’s slight body trembles as she turns to me, but fury is still clear in her eyes. It’s impressive she can hold on to so much anger while scared.

“I’m not done with you.” I pull the office door shut, purposefully towering over the tiny beta. Then I lean down and growl softly, “Why on earth do you think you have the right to speak to me like that?”

Another shiver works through Lucy’s slight body, and her shoulders curl inward. “Because you’re wrong.” Even though she’s speaking so softly, there’s a subtle confidence in her words. “I don’t want to take advantage of him. And he’snotweak.”

“Oh, I know he’s not weak.” I stand to full height.

Lucy’s big blue eyes flash with confusion. “But that’s not what you said.”

“I know.” I stare at her as the lines between her brows deepen. “There are a few things I need to know about the people I allow into my inner circle.”

Her brows shoot up, her rage completely gone.

“Can they be trusted?” I continue. “Will they tell me the truth even if it’ll piss me off?” I look the beta up and down, wonderingwhat kind of body her stiff uniform is hiding. My voice drops to a rumble as I say, “Are they a decent fuck?”

Lucy goes stiff at the last question.

“Don’t worry,” I chuckle as I look down at the shocked beta, “I’m not going to fuck you.”

A flicker of disappointment shimmers in her blue eyes right before she drops her head, staring at her feet.

Her reaction makes my cock twitch and my blood quicken.

I won’t lie and say I never fantasized about fucking the pretty redhead, but I’m also not a masochist. I don’t torture myself by thinking about things I can’t have.

“Tell me what you’re thinking.” I place a finger under Lucy’s chin, forcing her head up. “What do you want, beta?”

Her chest rises as she pulls in a deep breath, and she licks her pink lips. “Mr. Stanley. I—” Her mouth moves, but she’s too flustered, and no sound comes out.

I can’t help but smile. I do love the taste of innocence. And while Lucy isn’t as innocent as Stefan, I can tell she’d still be very fun to play with.

“You’re loyal, Lucy.” I look deep into her eyes. “I know you can be trusted. And,” I lean down, ghosting my lips over hers, “Stefan likes you.A lot,” I growl the final words, making the beta tremble.

“I like him,” Lucy whispers, and I inhale her sweet breath.

“Is this what you want?” I tease her, slipping the tip of my nose over hers. “Do you want me to kiss you the way you kissed Stefan?”

“Sir…I…um…” Lucy’s heart quickens and the blush on her face crawls down her neck. It heats the air, surrounding me with her sweet and salty scent. “Jack,” she moans my name.

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