Page 90 of Consider The Lilies

“Give it up,” Yuki says, taking another step. “The only way you’re getting out of this alive is to let go of our omega.”

Lappen snarls, his eyes darting around the porch. He’s trapped, and he knows it. Then he lets out a vicious roar and raises his knife, but right before he can bring it down, he stumbles forward as if pushed.

Stefan’s arms flail as they both fall to the ground. He lands with a heavy thud, Lappen sprawled out next to him. Lucy runs up behind them, grabbing Stefan’s arm and heaving him up.

“Fuck!” Lappen swipes out his hand, grabbing Lucy by the hair. He jerks her, forcing the slight beta onto her back. “You fucking bitch!” He draws back his fist.

Yuki roars, her vicious anger making the air vibrate, but before any of us can move, Stefan snatches the knife off the ground. He moves so fast, lunging and shoving the blade deep into the alpha’s ribs. Lappen screams, releasing Lucy.

And we all move at the same time.

Stefan grabs Lucy, pulling her away from the bleeding fucker. Yuki and Jack jump on Lappen while I rush our small mates. I fling Lucy over one shoulder and lift Stefan off his feet, then I turn and run.

But I’m not fast enough, and Lappen’s wet screams fill the air.

I hate that Stefan and Lucy had to hear that.

In Bear’s Arms

Stefan

Bear practically runs through the house, carrying me and Lucy far away from the horrifying noises on the back porch. I can hear that evil alpha screaming in unbelievable pain, followed by terrible growls, then a wet, gurgling sound.

My lower abdomen twists and turns and my hands won’t stop shaking.Am I in shock?

“It’s okay.” Bear bursts into my bedroom. “You’re both safe.” He moves to the bed, but I stop him.

“My nest.” My voice is tense, pitching high.

Bear instantly turns, making his way to the pile of pillows and blankets in the corner. He places me gently on the edge, and I quickly reach for Lucy. The beta’s whole body shakes violently as I drag her to the center of my nest.She’s definitely in shock.

“It’s okay,” I whisper as I pull Lucy’s shirt off then peel her leggings down her legs. Her skin is clammy to the touch, and herforehead is covered in sweat. “I’m here. Bear is here. And soon Yuki and Jack will be here too.”

Lucy looks up at me with her frightened eyes. Her pupils are blown wide, and she shivers once again. “Jack? He’s coming?”

“He’s coming.” I pull off my sweater and pants, then I wrap my arms around the beta. She’s so cold pressed against my chest. Or am I too hot? I can't tell. My body feels weirdly numb.

I close my eyes, searching out my bond with Jack. But I instantly regret it. While the alpha is usually very good at blocking out his more aggressive feelings, he’s too enraged right now, leaving a small crack in our bond. His emotions are red-hot violence, desperate to inflict the most amount of pain he can.

“Bear?” I tremble when a sharp burst of pain cuts through me, making me grunt.

“I’m here,” my bearded alpha says. I glance down at him, pleased to see him sitting on the floor next to my nest. He looks terrified, but he’s respecting my safe space.It’s so sweet.

“I don’t know why I’m crying,” Lucy manages to say.

“You’re in shock.” I reach for Bear. “Please, come here.”

Bear’s eyes go wide. “You’re inviting me into your nest?”

“Yes.” I nod, eager to have him close.

Bear places one hand inside my nest, and I immediately grimace. “What is it?” He stops, lifting his hand.

I stare at his rough jeans. “Your clothes.”

I don’t have to say anything else. Bear stands and strips down, tearing away his shirt, jeans, and even his underwear. His limp cock hangs down the side of his leg, and the pain in my belly grows.

Am I in shock too?

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