Page 86 of Consider The Lilies

“The omegas in my care receive food and medicine,” he snaps, and I tremble from the force of his words. “I make sure every omega who comes through my market is safe and cared for before placing them withvettedalphas. And,” his fingers dig into me, “I even go the extra mile of providing sedatives to keep them from falling into distress. To comfort you.”

“Comfort me?” My mouth falls open at his ridiculous reasoning. “Those drugs were the worst part!” I scream, trying to break free. I smack his chest, shoving hard, but his fingers dig into my arms, not letting me go.

“You have no fucking clue!” Jack jerks me to him, bringing his face inches from mine. “Do you know what’s worse? Beingkicked out of your house when you’re only ten years old and forced to live on the streets. What’s worse is being snatched by a bunch of evil alphas who get off on pain. What’s worse is being forced to degrade yourself in the hopes your captors will give you a piece of fucking bread.” Each horrible word cuts from his mouth like a dagger.

It’s all so horrible, I freeze up, unable to move.

“Did that happen to you?” I whisper, praying it isn’t true.

“They made me do awful fucking things,” Jack’s voice drops to a vicious growl, unable to reel in his spiraling emotions. “They hurt me like you couldn’t fucking imagine. They debased me, mocked me, then they’d throw me in a freezing cold shower and force me to make a show out of washing the blood and cum off my skin.”

Tears gather in his dark eyes, but they don’t spill over. His control, even in this horrible moment, is so impressive. “So, yes.” Jack takes a deep breath, finally calming down a little. “I know how much worse it can be,” he swallows thickly, and his voice drops to a whisper, “and my omegas don’t endure any of that.”

I blink rapidly, trying to process everything my alpha just said. “Jack.” I move my arms, testing his hold on me. His rage seems to be completely gone, and his hands fall away, immediately releasing me. “I’m so sorry.” I wrap my arms around his shoulders, holding him tight. “I’m so sorry that happened to you.”

My mighty alpha stays frozen in place for a second, his body rigid with so much emotion. I nuzzle him, trailing soft kisses along the side of his face and in his hair. Slowly, the tension in his shoulders leaves, until he finally slips his arms around my waist. He holds me tight, burying his face in my neck while I love on him.

We stay like that for what feels like forever, just holding each other.

My mind drifts, thinking about how Jack and Mari’s pain was so similar. My sweet sister let so many vicious alphas abuse her just to protect me. The bruises and cuts those awful men left on her body will haunt me for the rest of my life. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what they were doing to her, but now I know. And I’ll never be able to tell her how deeply I appreciate what she did for me.

Just like Jack, she saved my life in so many ways.

When Jack finally speaks, his voice is surprisingly soft, “What are you thinking?”

“I don’t want to say.” I cradle his head against my shoulder.

“Please.”

I don’t know why, but that single word grips me.

“What if…” I lick my lips, praying I don’t offend him. “What if all the pain and suffering you endured wasn’t for nothing?”

Jack lifts his head, looking up at me with his brows drawn together. “What do you mean?”

“Well,” I clear my throat as I smooth my fingers over his collar. “If you hadn’t lived through all those horrible years, you wouldn’t be the powerful alpha you are today. There wouldn’t have been a Morder for those alphas to take me to, and I probably would have died on the cliff right alongside my sister.”

I stare at Jack, waiting for him to call me stupid, but he just stares at me, deep love and affection clear in his dark brown eyes. “For us,” I continue, “maybe our painful memories are a path that led both of us to this moment. Because,” I touch the perfect knot in his tie, “I can’t imagine a better pack existing.”

The corner of Jack’s mouth twitches then lifts. “I like that.” He hugs me close, pushing his face into my neck. “I like this path.”

Relief flies out of me, and I squeeze my alpha.

In reality, I’d love nothing more than for us to have found each other without any pain. No suffering. Just two star-crossedlovers who found each other one spring morning. Maybe we could have been walking through a park. But our lives didn’t work out that way. Neither one of us were lucky as kids. So maybe we can be lucky now that we have each other.

Jack’s phone buzzes, rattling across his desk. The name “Rossi” flashes up at the ceiling. I know Jack has to take it, but I wish he wouldn’t.

Just as predicted, my pack alpha grabs his phone and brings it to his ear. “Give me a minute,” he says to Rossi before pressing it to his chest. He opens his mouth to speak right as someone walks by his office door. “Jessica!” he calls out, and the beta backs up into view.

She steps into his office, looking almost terrified to be here. “Sir?”

“Take Stefan down to the dining room.”

I clench my jaw, ready to protest, but Jack gives me a pointed look, telling me to keep quiet. He’s right. I shouldn’t challenge him in front of the staff. It wouldn’t be right.

“I have to take this call,” Jack says, patting my hip and forcing me to stand. “Enjoy your lunch, and I’ll be there shortly.”

All I can do is obey.

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