Page 87 of Consider The Lilies

Jack’s big voice is booming before I even reach the hallway.

Jessica is all business, marching through the house like she’s on a mission. “Come on, Mr. Kane,” she encourages me to keep up. But I’m a little drained after the intense conversation with Jack. I want to stroll and think.

“Go on,” I say, hoping she doesn’t insist on sticking to me like glue. Jack has been weirdly overprotective lately, but I’m sure all newly mated alphas go through that. “I know you’re busy. I’ll get there eventually.”

Jessica slows down, looking at me as if torn. “Mr. Stanley said?—”

“He said he wants me to go to the dining room, and that’s what I’m doing,” I assure her. “You don’t have to wait on me.”

Her mouth pulls into a tight line. For a moment, I think she’s going to refuse, but then she finally asks, “Are you sure?”

“Go on,” I urge her. “I know this house is big, but I promise I won’t get lost.”

The beta’s eyes drift over my face before picking up speed. “Go straight there,” she says with a stern voice. It reminds me of the way a mother would talk to a wayward child.

“I promise.” I’m pleased when she finally walks off. Her short legs move quickly, carrying her down the hall and around the corner at lightning speed.

Relief flies out of me, and I quickly rub my stomach. I don’t know if I’m too hungry, but my stomach keeps cramping. It doesn’t feel like the cramps I feel when I’m with Jack—it’s deeper.I hope I’m not getting sick.

Walking slowly, I make my way toward the other side of the house. By the time I reach the entryway, Jessica’s footsteps have all but disappeared. The entryway is quiet, filled with only the soft ticking of the grandfather clock, but then something catches my eye.

The front door is cracked open.

“That's weird.” I move to it. The heavy wooden door creaks as I pull it open, but no one is there. All I see is the lush front lawn and the paved driveway. Honestly, there are so many alphas who come and go, anyone could have left it open.

“And what’s your name, little omega?” an unknown voice startles me, and I spin around.

I don’t recognize the bald alpha standing by the staircase, but Jack has so many people working for him, it’s almost impossible to keep track.

“Cat got your tongue?” The alpha lets out a jovial laugh, patting his big belly.I’ve never seen an overweight alpha before.I didn’t know it was possible.

“Jack is in his office,” I say as I shut the front door. I don’t want to be rude, but it feels wrong to be talking to this stranger without one of my packmates here.

The alpha leans down to my height, talking to me like I’m a child. “Why don’t you take me to him?” And his beady eyes narrow.

Suddenly feeling incredibly uneasy, I edge around the alpha, inching my way toward the grandfather clock. “He’s that way.” I point past the alpha to the hallway behind him as I move a little faster.I need to get to the dining room.

“Hey, now,” The alpha holds up his hands as if in surrender. “There’s no need to run away from me.” He walks toward me, his boots jingling with each step. “I won’t hurt you.” He smiles again, but this one feels menacing, creeping ever so slowly across his face. Then the alpha’s lips part, and pointed fangs flash at me. “How about it?Stefan?”

Wild fear grips me, and I run down the nearest hallway.

“Come here!” the alpha roars as his hand curls around my upper arm.

I fling out my hand, popping him hard right in the mouth. The alpha stumbles backward, covering his face. I don’t waste a second, running as fast as I can. But I’m going the wrong way! I’m movingawayfrom the dining room, but it’s too late to turn around. I can already hear the alpha’s heavy footsteps right behind me. Catching up. Pumping my arms and legs, I race straight for the back of the house, praying Bear is still on the back porch.

The alpha behind me grunts, his heavy footsteps keeping up with me as I fly through the house. Eventually, the back glassdoor comes into view, and while I can’t see anyone through it, that doesn’t mean my alpha isn’t out there.

Please be out there.

Please!

My body hits the door. I fumble for a second, trying to open it, but before I can get it open, a massive body barrels into me. The door whips open, sending both of us onto the porch face-first.

“Fuck!” the alpha snarls, and his hot breath fans across the side of my face. His thick aroma burns the inside of my nose. It’s a sharp scent, laced with a faint hint of blood.

“Get off,” I wheeze. He’s so heavy, I can’t pull in a full breath of air.

“Stanley owes me an apology.” Fingers tangle in my hair, then jerk. My head is forced back, allowing me to see the completely empty porch and backyard.

---