Page 72 of Consider The Lilies

Lucy looks at me with wide eyes, eager to help.

I stare at the slight beta, gauging her reaction. “Which one of my packmates are you fucking? Yuki or Bear?”

In the Backyard

Stefan

It’s been a weird day.

I’ve only seen Jack and Yuki a few times, and I only saw Lucy once. She was at dinner, showing Jessica how to serve us and manage the alphas’ schedules. And even then, the beta wouldn’t look at me. I shouldn’t have kissed her. It’s obvious Jack is having her train her own replacement, and now, because of my stupid impulsive actions, Lucy will be gone.

And as silly as it is, my heart is broken at the thought of losing her. I’ve only known her for a short time now, but her soft presence brings me so much comfort. And she’s the first friend I’ve had in a really long time.

I wonder if I’ll be allowed to say goodbye.

“We should go inside soon.” Bear’s nose curls as if smelling something unpleasant. I check the tree line stretching out in front of us, not seeing anything that might be bothering the alpha.

The north wind blows, swirling the scent of crisp mountain air all around me, and my eyes float closed. The scent of the sweet forest fills my lungs, making me hum. But when I open my eyes, Bear doesn’t look near as relaxed as I am. In fact, the alpha looks a bit uneasy.

“No need to worry, alpha. I have my inhaler.” I pat the front pocket of my shorts. They’re a pair of Jack’s gym shorts. The waistband is a little rough, but he said he ordered me some proper clothes, so I shouldn’t have to wear his things much longer.

“No.” Bear curls his hand around my upper arm, stopping me from stepping over a downed tree. “We’re not going that way.”

“Why?” I check the other side of the log for a sign of something dangerous, but the ground is covered in moss and mud. “It looks safe.”

“You’re barefoot,” he says, cutting a firm look at my feet.

“It’s okay.” I can’t help but laugh at his concern. “I lived in the woods for quite a while, and most of the time, I didn’t have any shoes at all.” Bear frowns at that, making me laugh again. “It’s okay, alpha. It’s only a bit of squishy mud. It won’t kill me. In fact,” I lean into the alpha and whisper, “it feels amazing between your toes. You should try it.”

“Are you kidding me?” Bear looks at me as if struggling to believe I’m unbothered.

“You might like it.” I smile wide, trying to entice him, but the big alpha doesn’t budge. Instead, he stares at me as if trying to read a secret in my eyes.

“Stef, I have to ask,” his voice drops, edging more serious, “why do you like it so much back here? It’s such a mess.” He glances around the overgrown yard, and I guess I see what he means. To anyone else, the mess of vines, tangled bushes, and flooded patch of land would seem like something to avoid. But I like it.

“It’s weirdly comforting,” I say as he motions for me to walk back toward the house. The lilies float not far from us, sending gentle ripples through the makeshift pond. I inhale deeply, enjoying their sweet, almost citrus aroma. It’s heavenly today, mixed with the wet scent of earth. “And it smells good too,” I hum.

“Really?” Bear screws up his face. “Good?” I nod, and he shakes his head. “All I can smell is rotting wood and stagnant water.”

I edge a little closer to the alpha, slipping my hand into his. He’s so warm. His fingers curl around mine, and some of the tension in his shoulders lifts. “There’s always something to admire.” I smile up at him.

Bear’s eyes sparkle, and he pulls me to a stop. He places one long finger under my chin, tipping my head back a little more. “You’re the only thing worth admiring out here, omega.” His hand moves, drifting over my mating bite and down my arm. “The rest of it needs to be bulldozed, so we can put in a flower garden worthy of your admiration.”

I gasp, upset that he’d want to ruin it. “You can’t bulldoze this.” I motion to the lush greenery all around us. “It’s perfect the way it is.”

“Perfect?” Bear’s eyes go wide. I give him a fierce nod, and he snorts. “That's a bold compliment for a pile of rotting weeds.”

“They aren’t weeds.” I cross my arms, desperate to make him understand. “Consider the lilies,” I say, moving toward the floating pink and white flowers. “They’re stunning little bursts of color growing in an accidental pond.”

Bear’s expression shifts from sweet to downright adoring. The alpha is clearly amused by my description.

“At first glance, they might seem out of place,” I say, wanting so badly for him to understand, “but if you think about it, they wouldn't be able to thrive anywhere else.” Bear doesn’t say aword, letting me talk. “They wouldn't get enough light in the forest, and rivers move too much for them to take root. It takes a certain kind of environment for them to grow. And even though this yard isn’t a picture-perfect garden, it’s still perfect for the lilies.”

Bear’s smile grows as does his wonderful leather scent. It’s almost painful not to jump into his arms and nuzzle his chest. “That’s a wonderful way to see the world, Stefan.” His compliment feels genuine, but I can’t really tell. “I wish I could see everything the way you do.”

I duck my head, feeling a little silly. “My sister used to say I was a sap.” I glance up at him, gauging his reaction.

“No.” He leans down, careful not to get too close. “Not a sap. Just incredibly sweet.” His dark brown eyes hold mine as an intensity moves through him. Bear is so big. So powerful. So sexy.

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