Page 73 of Consider The Lilies

I wish like crazy he was allowed to kiss me.

And touch me.

And rut me.

Suddenly, the reckless feelings I experienced this morning grip me, and I have to physically stop myself from crashing my mouth to Bear’s. It’s like someone is inside my head, pushing me to act out my most devious desires.

“Stefan?” Bear cups my cheek, and heat blooms in my belly. “Are you okay?”

I take a step back, fighting the urge to fling myself at the alpha and demand he take me right here and now.

“All good.” My voice pitches high as I turn toward the house. I walk as fast as my legs will carry me, praying I don’t start slicking myself.

In seconds, I’m on the back porch, racing for the door. I pull it open, then startle, shocked to find Yuki blocking my path.

“Oh.” Her dark eyes go wide at the sight of me. “Sorry.” She steps to one side, letting me edge past her. Her smoky-sweet aroma hits me like a brick wall, making me stumble as I pass her.

“Careful!” Lucy runs to me, grabbing my upper arms for support. The sight of her sends a rush of relief over me.

“You aren’t gone yet.” A breath of relief flies from me.I want so badly to hug her.

“Am I going somewhere?” Lucy smiles at my statement.

“Are you not…” I trail off as Bear steps inside the house. I don’t know if Jack told the alpha that I kissed Lucy. I will tell him. Just not right now. The last thing I want is for him to get angry at me and take it out on Lucy.

“Stanley needs you,” Yuki says to Bear and her amber scent grows. It reminds me of bonfires. Warm, crackling wood deep in the forest.

Bear’s gaze flicks to me. “Is everything okay?”

“He’s running some errands.” The she-alpha shrugs. “He said he wanted you as backup.”

“How about we get you upstairs?” Lucy glances at my mud-covered feet, but I don’t want to leave Bear.

“Go on.” Bear ushers me toward Lucy. “I’m sure I won’t be gone long.”

I want to protest, but I know that will only make the alphas angry. So, instead, I force a smile.

“Let’s go.” Yuki pats my back when I don’t move. “Stanley has strict orders for you this evening.”

Bear gives me a kind smile before I’m forced to turn away from him. While I’m excited to be with Lucy, I’m a little scared of spending time with Yuki. She’s just so…intimidating.

“I’ll start your bath,” Lucy says when we enter my bedroom, but I’m too restless for that. I’d rather rinse off in the shower and get into my nest as quickly as possible.

“It’s okay.” I make my way to the bathroom. “I can manage myself.”

“Wait,” Yuki calls out. “Jack said you need to take one of these.” She opens the bedside table. I hear the rattle of pills bouncing around in a bottle.I’ve done a horrible job taking my vitamins.“Let me get you some water.” She places two long white pills in the palm of my hand.

I stare at them, a little worried I’ll choke to death. “Thank you, but I can get my own water.” I smile at the she-alpha, trying to be friendly.

She nods once, and for some reason, her expression doesn’t seem as hard as it has in the past. While she’s not exactly smiling down at me, she’s also not scowling. “Let me know if you need any help.” Her dark eyes flicker to the bathroom, and I suddenly feel like she wants me out of the room.

“I’ll be right there to help.” Lucy fluffs a few pillows on Jack’s bed. I’m glad she had new ones brought up because I completely forgot.

The second I step into the bathroom, I take a deep breath, enjoying the few moments of quiet. I didn’t realize how overwhelmed I was. Between my tense conversation with Jack, fear that Lucy was leaving me, and my worry that everyone will hate me for kissing Lucy, I’m a little frazzled.

I stick my head under the faucet, downing both enormous pills, then I turn on the shower. It throws off a chilly spray at first before slowly warming up. I take my time, pulling off my shorts and oversized shirt. I know my new clothes will probably be here soon, but a small part of me doesn’t really want to wear anything else. I like being wrapped up in his scent all day. It makes me feel like I truly belong here.

“What happened with Stanley?” Yuki’s sharp whisper cuts through the cracked bathroom door. It’s clear she doesn’t want me to hear their conversation, but I had no idea he and Lucy hadtalked, and now I’m dying to know too. Leaving the shower on full blast, I inch my way to the door, listening quietly.

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