At the Dinner Table

Mari

I can feel Hutch staring at the side of my face, but I don't dare look at him. I saw the look in his eyes earlier. He wanted to rut me, maybe even hurt me. I still don’t understand how the alpha was able to stop himself, but I wasn’t about to leave my room and risk finding him waiting for me in the hallway. In fact, I didn’t step foot outside of my nest until Everly came to get me for dinner. I briefly thought about refusing the meal, but I was too hungry.

Thankfully, the food here is decent.

It’s much fancier than what I’m used to, but I like the roasted duck, and the mashed potatoes must have at least a pound of butter in them. But I haven’t touched the weird chunks of cabbage. That shade of purple isn’t natural.

“Are you okay?” Izan asks in a hushed voice. The alpha sits next to me at the head of the table, looking over his pack. Me and Hutch on one side, then Everly and Dassy on the other. I keep looking at the beta across from me.

I wish she was sitting next to me instead of Hutch.

“Mari?” Everly’s voice is small, obviously concerned that I didn’t answer Izan’s question.

“I’m good.” I force a smile, but it’s too late. Deep worry is etched between Everly’s brows. It’s clear the beta is looking for reasons to fret over me. “Thank you again for the new dress.” I quickly change the subject. “It’s very soft.” I touch one of the small capped sleeves. The deep blue fabric hangs off of my shoulders and it’s way too long—bunching up under my feet when I walk—but it’s comfortable. And that’s all that matters. “I like this more than the pink one.”

“Of course,” Everly says, her expression instantly as light as her voice. “Mrs. Florence said she’ll deliver most of your clothes in a few days. There are a few dresses that will need to be custom made, but she should be able to get you all your shirts, leggings, and jeans in her store.”

“ Jeans ?” Izan’s dark green eyes go wide with surprise. I didn’t realize until this moment how similar his eyes are to Stefan’s. They’re a bit darker, but the shape and sparkle are the same. “What kind of omega wears jeans ?” He makes a face at my bizarre choice in clothes.

“I do,” I say simply.

“I thought the fabric was too rough for omegas.” Hutch looks at me as if finding it hard to believe. “Don't the seams and metal buttons hurt your kind?”

“It doesn't bother me,” I say, trying to remember the first pair of jeans I wore.

Stefan and I had been on the run for a few months and were in desperate need of fresh clothes. The terrain was getting rougher, and our omega-made outfits were torn and soiled. We found a cabin with some clothes hanging outside to dry. I grabbed what I could and ran. It took a few weeks for me to get used to the denim, but the thick fabric helped keep me warm and it was sturdy. They are perfect for living in the woods.

“You are horrible.” Everly giggles, and I realize I’ve zoned out.

Both Izan and Hutch are staring intensely at my face, but Dassy and Everly are oblivious, chatting happily to one another.

“Besides, I’ve decided to grow roses this year.” Everly leans into Dassy’s side, giving him a brilliant smile. “I think they’ll do much better than the sunflowers did.”

“Roses?” Dassy snorts, popping a big chunk of meat into his mouth. “Did you not kill enough greenery last year?”

“Hey!” Everly smacks the alpha’s bicep. “I didn’t kill anything.”

“Is that what you tell yourself?” Dassy laughs at the same time Hutch snorts loudly. “Did they just give up? Decide life was too much and wilted on the spot?”

I bow my head, pretending to spear a piece of cabbage to hide my smile.

“Don’t make me sic Izan on your ass,” Everly says with a shocking amount of sass. I glance at our pack alpha, pleased to see him smiling too.

“Don’t we already have rose bushes?” Izan asks as he takes a sip of his wine. I wasn’t offered any alcohol with my meal. I got water. It makes me a little sad. I’m curious as to what red liquid tastes like.

“We have red roses that the gardener planted and cares for,” Everly says, pushing her glasses up her nose. “I want to grow yellow roses all on my own.”

“Maybe you should grow some marigolds.” Dassy winks at me from across the table. His playful spirit is a little hard to get used to, given how stern Hutch is in comparison. It probably wouldn’t be so weird if they weren’t identical in every other way. “Why don’t you like going by Marigold?” Dassy asks, reaching for his beer.

“Why do you go by Dassy?” I shoot back, matching his bright energy.

“I go by Dassy, because it’s my name.” The blond alpha smirks before taking a long pull of his drink.

“Really?” My eyes go wide. “That’s not a nickname? Your mother named you Dassy ?”

“Yes.” He lets out a deep, rumbling chuckle. I get the feeling he’s been teased about this before. “Dassy is my actual name.”

“That’s a horrible name,” I blurt out before I can stop myself. That was definitely a rude thing to say, but thankfully Everly snorts and Hutch lets out a booming laugh.

“It’s better than being named after a piece of fucking furniture,” Dassy shoots at his twin. Hutch’s smile quickly falls, and for a second he looks almost wounded, before returning his brother’s hard glare.

A laugh leaps from my throat and I don’t bother trying to stop it. “Don’t feel too bad,” I say to Dassy. “Marigold is basically a weed.”

“A weed?” Everly’s dark brows rise in disbelief.

“Yeah.” I take the last bite of my mashed potatoes. “They can be intrusive and kill other plants they grow around. No one wants marigolds in their garden.”

“Well, maybe I do.” Dassy sets his fork on his plate as he stares right into my eyes. “Maybe I want big beautiful marigolds growing over every inch of this place.” His voice is deep and rumbly, making my cheeks hot. I quickly lower my gaze, staring at my plate.

I’m not sure what to say to that.

“I think that’s enough for today,” Izan says, motioning for a beta in a black suit to come take my plate. It’s weird. This place has all kinds of staff—maids and cooks and gardeners—but I’ve barely seen any of them. It’s like they’re hiding from me. “It’s time for bed, Mari.” And dread pools in my belly.

My fear isn’t as sharp as it was yesterday, but it still makes my chest tight and my palms sweat.

Nothing has gone the way I expected. But there’s no helping it. I’m clearly not the sexy vixen I thought I was. Instead, I’m a frightened, sad omega, destined to be mated and trapped if I don’t pull my shit together soon.

Do not fall asleep! I remind myself. Fuck him, then get the hell out of his room.

“Come on.” Izan stands, reaching for my hand.

I pull in a slow breath, letting him circle his long fingers around my wrist. A wash of relief hits me when Dassy and Hutch don’t get up too. They aren’t coming. Thank god.

I don’t have it in me to handle all three alphas.

We walk quietly as Izan leads me through the house. I’m pleased to find that I can anticipate each twist and turn. I hope I can remember my way to the east sitting room from here.

And if luck is on my side, then that tablet should still be on the bookshelf.

All too quickly, we step foot into Izan’s dark bedroom, and he shuts the door behind us. “Take off your clothes,” he says, and my face goes numb.

Suck it up , I tell myself. You got through this last night. You can do it again.

Without saying a word, I pull the blue dress over my head, exposing my naked body to the alpha. I half expect him to already be naked too, but Izan stands against the wall, in his fitted blue dress shirt and black slacks, staring at me.

“You are incredibly beautiful.” His voice is deep and gravelly as he slowly approaches me. Step by step. Closing the space between us. His big body looms over me, strong and broad.

He smells so good. So bright and warm at the same time. Sweet vanilla and crisp apples.

The aroma grows as he gazes into my eyes and my sex begins to pulse. I squeeze my thighs together, trying like hell to ignore the wild sensation.

How can someone’s simple presence turn me on so much?

“Such a small omega.” Izan pinches my chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing me to tip my head up even further. “I’m not your first alpha. Am I?” he asks and something like anger stabs at my chest.

Furious at his crass question, I jerk out of his hold, but before I can back up, Izan’s hand flings out, wrapping firmly around my throat. He’s not choking me, but his grip is firm. Possessive.

“Answer me,” he commands in his alpha voice.

My muscles lock up as every inch of my stupid body hums with the desire to answer. To submit. But I’ve been playing this game a hell of a lot longer than he has. I’ve been poked, prodded, examined, commanded, and analyzed by both alphas and betas for years now.

I don’t submit that easily.

“I don’t remember.” I swallow hard, shoving down the urge to gag. I hate that resisting an alpha’s order physically hurts.

“So you don’t recall fucking anyone before me?” His dark eyes slip down my body, staring at my breasts before returning to my face. “My cock is the only one you know?” He locks eyes with me, not allowing me to look away. I suck in a deep breath, desperately wanting to escape this conversation, but all it does is pull in more of his thick aroma into my body. The effect is immediate, making my pussy wet and my nipples hard. “Is that true?” Izan asks firmly. “Do you remember being fucked before me?”

I have no idea what he wants to hear. Does he want a virgin? Does he want an experienced siren? Why does he even care?

Annoyed that I have to answer at all, I stare at the carpet and force myself to stick to my lie. “I don’t remember.”

Izan releases my neck, then abruptly spins, making his way to the bed. “Then you need to be taught.” He unbuttons his shirt, pulling it from his waistband. “Get on the bed.”

Good. Let’s get this over with.

My feet move and my mind begins to drift. I climb onto the bed and the room falls away. I can feel the soft bedspread beneath my hands and knees, but it’s as if I’m somewhere else. Somewhere far away, safe and quiet. I’m rushed by the memory of a hidden cave that Stefan and I lived in for a few months one spring. The days were warm, and the cave was cool. It eased our sunburnt skin, allowing us to sleep soundly without the fear of being found.

We ate wild strawberries and listened to the rain tap the leaves outside.

Everything smelled of moss and earth, and jasmine and primrose.

“Mari,” Izan says my name loudly, ripping me back to the present.

It takes a second for my eyes to focus on the alpha lying in the center of the bed. He’s completely naked, displaying his firm pecs and cut abs. My gaze drifts from the cut V at his hips down to his dick. The thick cock juts from a nest of dark curls, bobbing slightly as he speaks.

“Come here.” Izan motions me closer. “Sit on my lap.”

Deep confusion twists between my brows. I’m in position to be rutted—on my hands and knees with my ass hanging off the edge of the bed—and he wants me to sit on his lap? “What?—”

“Now,” Izan barks, pointing at his dick.

Confused, and more than a little frustrated, I crawl to him. Slick trickles down the inside of my thighs. My body is ready to be filled, but my mind wants to wander.

I pause at Izan’s side, not sure what he wants me to do.

“Like this.” He grabs me by the upper arms, forcing me to straddle his hips. His cock rests against his belly as I sit. My pussy lips surround his shaft, forcing my clit to rub up against him. It’s almost painful.

I don’t like it.

“No.” I shake my head, then lift up so I can slide off of him.

“Put my cock inside you.” Izan grips my hips hard, refusing to allow me to move even an inch.

“You want me to sit on you with your dick inside me?” I ask, shocked at his request. This isn’t how alphas rut their omegas. It’s an unnatural position.

“Yes.” Izan grabs the base of his shaft with one hand, guiding my body with the other. “Be a good girl and do as you're told.” He holds my gaze, staring intently at my face. “If you don’t, I’ll lick between your legs.”

The hot, cinnamon wash of embarrassment burns my face as I slowly obey. My fingers tremble when they graze the velvety soft skin of his cock. It’s rock hard, covered in thick twisting veins. I push at it, guiding the tip toward my entrance. Then it pops inside me, and Izan slams my hips all the way down. I gasp at the sudden intrusion as I’m filled to the brim, stretched and soaked. Looking down my body, I swear my stomach looks distended, and it makes sense. The pressure inside me is insane .

I honestly don’t remember much about the feel of Izan’s cock inside me last night, so I can’t tell if it’s this position that’s making me feel so full or if this is normal.

“Now bounce.” Izan’s green eyes flash.

“Bounce?” I ask, not sure what he means.

“Yes.” His fingers curl around my waist as he lifts me, forcing my body up and down, over and over again.

It feels… good ? Maybe. I don’t know. This is all so embarrassing.

I’m so exposed, my tits jiggling with each jarring movement. Izan stares at my body, licking his lips as he takes in every inch of me. It’s clear he likes what he sees, but I hate it. I feel like a prisoner, forced to perform for my captor.

This is lewd.

Maybe even humiliating.

Slowly, Izan releases me, letting me control the movements. I keep bouncing, praying it will be over soon. Desperate to escape, I squeeze my eyes shut, trying like hell to drift back to that cave, but I can’t. My mind is kept in place as I’m forced to focus on my movements.

It’s beyond frustrating. It’s enraging.

“No,” I snarl. I’m not doing this. He can fuck me if he wants, but I’m not going to be forced to do it like this. I stop bouncing, and lift one leg, but Izan’s hand grips my hip, stopping me. “I don’t like this,” I say, trying to move again.

“You aren’t going anywhere, omega.” His fingers bite into my skin and my temper flares.

“Let go of me!” I push at his firm chest, trying to get off of him, but it’s no use. He’s too strong. “Let go!” I repeat, slapping his chest hard.

“No,” Izan says in a shockingly calm voice. He pushes my body down onto his, making me grind on his cock. “You are mine , Marigold. You will do as I say, and this is how I want to take you.”

Rage burns through me and I let out a high-pitched growl. “Fuck off!” I scream, hitting his chest and arms with everything I have. My pussy spasms, gripping his cock so hard it almost hurts.

“Don’t stop!” Izan flashes his teeth as he lifts me in one swift movement. We’re suddenly standing with my back pressing against the wall, and my legs dangling on either side of his hips. “Hit me harder!” He thrusts forward, pushing his cock deep inside me.

I gasp as he fucks me against the wall, and my head starts to spin. The dizzying sensation creeps back in, and the cool cave comes into focus. Finally .

“Hit me again, Mari!” Izan roars, ripping me from my comforting cave. “Show me how strong you are! Fucking do it!”

Enraged that he won’t let me drift away, something in my mind breaks, and I scream at the top of my lungs. “I hate you!” I hit Izan’s chest and neck, even his face, over and over again. He growls deep in his chest when I begin scratching him, clawing at his shoulders as his cock drives into me. My pussy grows tighter and wetter, but I don’t stop hitting him.

It feels like there’s a rubber band deep inside me, ready to pop.

“That’s my girl.” Izan moans when my nails catch on his skin. Crimson blood seeps under my nails, and something wonderful deep inside me erupts.

Pleasure ricochets everywhere .

I’m flying and falling at the same time, unable to catch my breath or even see. My body locks up and my pussy flutters as I struggle to make sense of the powerful sensation ripping through me. It’s intense, almost painful, and I cry out loud as Izan continues to fuck me. The whole thing is unreal and for a moment I feel as if I’ve left my body.

Slowly, confusion creeps in as the pleasure eventually subsides.

What the fuck?

“That’s my good girl,” Izan whispers. His hands cup my ass as he continues thrusting in and out of me. Slick covers his hips, dripping from his cock. “I’m going to fill you up,” he grits out, looking deep into my eyes.

My body shudders from the after effects of my orgasm, and I realize tears are dripping down my cheeks. The sight of them seems to spur Izan on, and he pounds me into the unforgiving wall. His wild aggression makes my pussy tighten once again, and the coil quickly returns. I claw at the alpha’s back and shoulders, leaving angry red streaks on his olive skin.

“That’s it.” Izan growls with pleasure. “Mark me up. Show the world who you belong to.”

Moving purely on instinct, I strike forward, sinking my teeth into his skin. Tangy blood hits my tongue and Izan grunts loudly as a gush of warmth erupts from his cock. I’m forced over that invisible ledge once more, sucked into another wave of pleasure.

“Alpha!” I gasp, tilting my head back against the wall. There’s a pounding at the base of my skull that beats in time with my pussy.

“I’ve got you,” Izan whispers, holding me in place like I’m something precious. “I’ve got you.” One of his hands moves to my face, cupping my cheek.

My eyes flutter as I struggle to focus on Izan’s face. “What happened?” It’s a stupid question. I know what happened. I came. But it was like nothing I’ve ever felt before.

It was consuming.

Shattering.

Almost devastating.

And I’ve never been so scared in my life.