The Next Morning

Izan

I wake up before dawn, unable to take the heat of so many people crammed in my bed. I’m used to sleeping alone, and having four other people in my bed is too damn much. And while Mari’s snoring isn’t terrible, it also didn’t help.

I lift Mari’s small hand off of my chest, then slowly shift, praying I don’t wake her.

The small omega clung to me all night. She mumbled and whimpered at first, but after about an hour of having my cock nestled in her hot pussy, I finally rolled us, and fucked her gently while she slept. A soft hum drifted from her lips as I came, and then she settled for the night, sleeping like a baby.

My feet touch the cool wooden floor, and I turn to admire my pack. All four are dead asleep. The twins and Everly twist around one another on one side of the bed, and Mari curls around my pillow, clinging to my scent.

It’s a beautiful sight .

And for the first time in days, I finally feel like I can breathe.

Between Hutch’s nerves, Everly’s grief, Dassy’s past and Mari’s trauma, I’ve been exhausted. But this moment makes it all worth it.

I skip the shower, wanting to smell Mari’s peppermint perfume on me all day. But I do wash my face and clean up the edges of my facial hair. Then I get dressed for my day. I put on a crisp purple dress shirt and black slacks. Everly loves me in purple. She says it brings out the green in my eyes.

Once I style my hair and brush my teeth, I step back into the bedroom, immediately stopping short.

Mari is sitting up in the center of the bed. The poor omega looks around the room with a disconnected look on her face. It’s almost as if she’s lost. I stare at her, waiting for her to notice me. Her blonde hair is a mess, falling over her shoulders and into her face in frizzy waves. Her bare chest and outer thighs are lightly bruised from the twin’s rough handling, and her lips are puffy and pink.

“Omega?” I whisper, hoping not to wake anyone else.

Mari’s sleepy eyes widen when they find me. The corner of her lips twitch, but before she can smile, the omega tilts her head to one side, displeasure clear in her frown. “Where are you going?”

“Work,” I say simply, pushing my hands into my pockets. I want nothing more than to cross this room and sink into her soft body, but there’s too much to do. I have an empire to run.

“Oh.” Mari’s shoulders fall, but then her brows shoot up as if thinking of something. “Can I come with you?”

My instinct is to say no. There are too many alphas on that side of the house, but I’m also intrigued. Mari has yet to express any desire to be with me during the day. She’s been difficult to bond with, but this could be a turning point for us. I would be a fool to say no.

“Let’s get you dressed,” I say, angling my body toward the door.

Pure excitement fills her pretty brown eyes. She scoots to the edge of the bed, placing her tiptoes on the hardwood floor. She shivers, crossing her arms over her chest as she rushes to me.

The house is a bit cool in the mornings this time of year. In the middle of summer, it’s too warm, but right now, with spring starting to bloom, the air stays chilly until the sun comes up.

“Come here.” I place an arm under Mari’s ass and easily lift her. She lets out a hushed gasp, curling her fingers into my shoulders. Her legs settle on either side of my waist and her hot pussy presses against the thin fabric of my shirt. It’s hell not to press her back against the nearest wall and fuck her into oblivion, but her sweet body needs time to recover from last night.

Mari picks out a simple long-sleeved dress for the day. The bright blue fabric has a high neckline, and it falls to her knees. It swishes slightly as she walks, complementing the curve of her hips.

We reach the secured doors to the office, and Mari watches intensely as I take out my key card. I scan it, and the door beeps, then clicks as the lock releases. I pull one of the doors open, then step to one side. Mari stares down the long hallway in front of her. Her feet shuffle forward and she sniffs the air. Despite the air purifier on the other side of the door, the aroma of strange alphas still hangs in the air.

Many people come and go through this part of the house, and not just the household staff. I employ many alphas, each one with a distinctive scent, and many are often covered in traces of blood. I’m sure it all smells very scary to her.

“I can take you back to bed,” I say, closely watching Mari’s reaction.

“No.” She reaches for my hand. Her fingers are cold as she curls them around mine. “I want to be with you.”

Pride beats in my chest, and I stand a little taller. There aren’t many omegas that would happily make themselves uncomfortable to spend the day with their alpha. But it seems Mari has grown attached to me. Finally .

“Right this way.” I hold her hand, closing the door to the house behind us.

Mari walks slowly next to me, peering into every room as we pass. Of course, it’s far too early for anyone else to be here, but I don’t rush her. Letting her walk at her own pace.

“Here we are,” I say, pushing open my office door.

It’s a large space with my desk on one side of the room, tall windows along one wall, and a sitting area on the other. I have a comfortable couch and a few sitting chairs but nothing omega-made. Perhaps I should get furniture more to her liking, in case she wants to come to work with me.

I think I’d like to see her lovely face throughout the day.

“Izan? What exactly do you do for a living?” Mari’s voice is tight, almost alarmed. I quickly follow her gaze to see what she’s looking at.

Sitting on my desk is an open black duffle bag. Stacks of money are visible, as is a gun and a blood-covered rag. One of the guys must have dropped it off yesterday after I left.

“I own a few casinos.” I drop Mari’s hand, moving to the bag. I shove everything inside and zip it up. “I also have a business for sports bets.”

“You’re a bookie ?” she asks, and I can’t help but smile. I didn’t expect her to know the term.

“I guess you could say that,” I say.

“Is that…” Her brown eyes follow the duffle bag as I place it on the floor behind my desk. “Is that legal ?”

For half a second, I consider lying to her. Telling her some fairytale that I’m an honorable man with an honorable business that would never even consider breaking the law. But if she’s going to be on this side of the house, I need her to know who she’s dealing with.

“Most of it is legal,” I say as I take my seat behind my desk. “Come here.” I pat the top of my leg.

Mari’s feet move, those big brown eyes staying glued to mine. “Most of it?” She stops next to my chair. “What does that mean?”

“It means that I have created a very lucrative career managing bets on sports and horses.” I wrap an arm around her waist, urging her to sit in my lap.

“And the blood?”

I’m not sure how to answer this question, but the look on Mari’s face isn’t one of horror. In fact, she looks intrigued. But even if I do feel comfortable telling her more, you never know what might upset an omega.

“Some people don’t like to pay their debts,” I say simply. “Now,” I cup her face, brushing her cheekbone with my thumb, “How do you feel? Sore? Hungry? Do you need to be fucked again?” A small part of me hopes she does. The fantasy of fucking her over my desk is too tempting.

“I’m sore,” she says, dropping her gaze. “I don’t…” her voice drops to a whisper and her fingers curl into the thin fabric of her dress. “I don’t want to be rutted.” Her timid mannerisms make me want to smile. It’s obvious she wants to be touched, but is simply too shy to ask for it.

I glance at the clock on the wall. It’s past seven. Tonia will be in soon. Too soon.

“Let me look at you,” I lift Mari, setting her on the desk in front of me.

“What?” Her voice is much lower this time. “Why?” She grabs the hem of her dress, shoving it past her knees. “I said I don’t want to be fucked.”

Her crass language makes my brows raise, but I let it go this time. It’s obvious my omega has a mouth. I can either fight it or accept it. And honestly, the twins say much worse, so it doesn’t really matter.

“I want to make sure you’re okay.” I rest my hands on her tiny fists, looking deep into her eyes. “I promise, I’m not trying to fuck you. I need to know how you managed last night.”

Mari looks enraged, her jaw set and fire in her eyes. I can’t tell if she wants me to put her in her place, or if she actually wants to kill me.

“Spread your legs.” I tap the side of her thighs. “Now.”

Mari’s knees slowly part as her lips pull into a tight line. Stepping between her soft thighs, I lift her dress, inhaling the glorious scent that washes over me. Peppermint laced with vanilla. So decadent.

Slipping my hands under Mari’s knees, I lift, resting her feet on the edge of the desk. “That’s better.” I lean back, then frown. “Why are you wearing underwear?” I ask, shocked she even owns them.

“Everly bought them for me.” Mari tips her chin up, almost as if having them on is in some way an act of defiance. My girl does love to fight. “Don’t you like them?”

“No,” I say flatly. Then I grip the waistband and pull them off her in one fierce movement. Mari jerks and gasps, but I don’t give her time to argue, placing her feet right back onto the edge of the desk. “That’s better.” I spread her wide, admiring her properly exposed pussy. Her wet folds glisten, a trickle of slick gathering at the base of her entrance. It’s so close to spilling over and dripping down the seam of her pretty ass. I want to dip my head and lap it up, but I made a promise not to fuck her. A stupid, misguided promise. But still a promise.

“Don’t move,” I say, looking hard into Mari’s eyes. The last thing I want is for her to try to run and end up hurting herself. “Do you understand?”

Just as I expected, she doesn’t say a word. Mari simply glares as she slowly bows her head in submission to me. That’s probably the only communication I’ll get from my fiery girl, but I’m okay with that.

Once I’m sure Mari won’t move, I drop my attention to the apex of her thighs. Her pussy is stunning. Red and raw. Properly abused after a night stuffed full of cock. My dick springs to life as I place my thumbs on either one of her slit, spreading gently so I can see more of the entrance. A drip of slick trickles at her opening.

“Are you in pain, or is it only an ache?” I push my thumb just past the entrance of her pussy, dipping into the pool of slick that’s gathered there.

Mari sucks in a sharp breath, pushing her breasts out. Another alpha might think she’s trying to tempt me to fuck her, but her reaction is simply an unintentional reflex. I can feel how swollen she still is. There’s no way she could handle another cock right now. Hell, I probably shouldn’t have even fucked her after she took the twins last night, but I couldn’t help myself.

“Omega?” I angle my head down, catching Mari’s eye. She startles slightly as if ripped from a dream. “Does this hurt?” I push a little deeper inside her.

“I don’t know.” Her throat works as she swallows hard. Her expression is so tight and her breathing restrained. It almost looks like she wants to pant. She’s so fucking responsive. My thumb isn’t even moving, it’s resting at her entrance, feeling her wet slippery cunt.

“Should I call a doctor?” I ask, to make sure.

“I’m just sore.” Mari’s voice raises, clearly irritated. Her attitude grates across my skin, and the urge to put her in her place grips me. But instead, I remove my thumb from her wet body, then replace it with two fingers. Mari gasps loudly as I push into her. A violent tremble makes her body tense, and her thighs shake. Yup. She needs to get off.

I take my time, winding my girl up as I feel the wet pillowy softness inside her. I marvel at how hot her pussy is. It’s like an oven, sucking me deeper and deeper inside her. My cock twitches and my balls grow heavy at the thought of being buried deep inside her, but I can’t. She needs to rest. Fucking her could damage her already tender body.

“I think you’ll live.” I pull my fingers from her, pleased when she whimpers. Holding her gaze, I suck my fingers, humming at the vibrant flavor of my omega. So perfect. “Fuck.” I lick my lips clean. “You taste like heaven.”

Mari stares at me, her chest rising and falling in deep, full breaths. “Can I put my legs down now?” Her voice is still laced with far too much attitude, but the drip of slick and the way her hands tremble tells me everything I need to know—she wants more. She needs more.

Omegas are so sensitive.

But I can’t give Mari what she needs. My girl needs the fight. She needs to be pushed to the point of no return.

I open the lap drawer of my desk, and Mari sits a little taller, looking between her legs to see what’s inside. But she’s careful to keep her feet in place and her legs spread wide. Such a good girl.

“You’re making a mess of my desk.” I pull out a handkerchief, holding it up so she can see. “Do you want me to clean you up?”

“No,” she says far too quickly, snatching the cloth out of my hand. She presses it to her hot pussy, snapping her legs closed, but the moan that jumps from her throat is almost painful. Mari squirms, shifting her hips, as she tries to clean herself up, but the scent of her sweet arousal only grows, filling my entire office.

“Mari?” I place my hands on either side of her hips, feeling the deep tremble in her body. She’s in pain. “Do you need to come, omega?”

“No.” She snarls, sucking in a sharp breath between her teeth.

I adore Mari. I love her fire and determination. Hell, she’s got more fight than half the alphas on my payroll, but she’s also shit at letting her pack care for her.

Sitting in my office chair, I push away from my desk, allowing me to sit with my legs spread wide. “Omega,” I say in a commanding tone. Mari’s head snaps to me, her body obeying like the good omega she is. “Come here.” I pat my knee. “You need to be tended to.”

“You said—” She grunts, squeezing her thighs together as another wave of her sweet peppermint scent hits the air. It’s too soon for her heat to start, but the early signs are very clear—this omega’s heat isn’t far off. It could be days. Maybe even a week. But her heat-suppressors are already wearing off. It won’t be long.

“You need to get off,” I say, flashing my teeth as I speak. “Now you can either sit on my lap and we can handle this like adults, or we can fight.” I smirk, dropping my voice to a deep rumble. “Do you want to fight, pretty omega? Do you want to claw at my skin while I fuck you so hard you can’t see?”

Mari’s big brown eyes dart back and forth, testing to see how serious I am. But I’m dead serious. I can’t leave my omega in need, even when her pussy is too abused to be properly used. Leaving her in pain would be worse.

“If you don’t sit that tight ass on my leg right now,” I point to the top of my thigh, “I’m going to pin you down and lick every inch of that pussy.”

Rage flickers in Mari’s eyes, followed by fear. She has yet to let me lick her. I ask every fucking night. Her refusal to let me taste her cuts through me like a fucking blade—especially after she let Dassy—but for whatever reason, denying me the privilege of eating her out makes her feel in control. And her peace of mind is all that matters to me.

But at least I can use it to get my way.

“What do you want, Mari?” I narrow my eyes. “Do you want to fight? Or do you want to obey?”

Mari’s jaw clenches as she lets out a high-pitched growl. For a second, I think we’re going to fight, but then to my surprise, she stands. Her soft blue dress falls down her body, covering her pretty pussy. But all I can see is the river of slick still pouring down the inside of her thighs.

“Good,” I say, leaning back once again. “Now use me.”

“Use you?” Mari’s face crunches up as she takes in my still-clothed body.

“Yes.” I reach for her, guiding her so she’s straddling one of my legs. She inches forward, holding onto my shoulders to steady herself.

“What do you mean?” Her eyes flicker to my crotch, no doubt noticing my very hard cock. But this isn’t about me. It’s about helping my omega.

“Lower down.” I push at her hips, helping her sit. Slick immediately soaks through my slacks as her heat presses against me. “Now rub that pussy against me,” I say. “Get yourself off.”

Mari’s eyes go wide with shock, and her body lifts as she tries to stand, but I double my hold, not allowing her to move. “What the hell, Izan!” she yells, then looks around the empty room as if terrified someone might have overheard. Then she whispers, “I can’t…” she looks down at my leg. “I can’t do that .”

“Why not?”

“Because—”

I tug her slight body toward me, making her pussy drag over the fabric of my pants. A shocked gasp, quickly followed by a deep moan rolls from Mari’s chest. I do it again and again.

“Please,” she pants, squeezing her eyes shut tight. “Don’t.” The word falls into a breathy moan and her hips begin to roll. All the fight and embarrassment in my girl is gone, replaced by pure need.

Omegas really are fascinating creatures.

So delicate and fragile. But when given the chance to come, they turn into tiny beasts, desperate to chase their next orgasm.

“Does that feel good?” I stare at Mari’s expression, watching as her pleasure slowly builds. It’s just like when I fuck her—at first her movements are shaky, but they soon become fluid as her fingers curl into my shoulders. “That’s a good girl,” I purr, lessening my grip so my omega can get herself off. Then I shift my hand, touching her hard, little clit.

“Fuck!” Mari snarls as her head falls back, exposing her beautiful neck.

“That’s right.” I slip my other hand under her dress, pinching her tight nipples. “Don’t stop until you make a mess all over me.” I eye the wet puddle of slick growing on my slacks. She’s close. I can sense it.

Mari’s eyes shut tight and her fingernails bite into the back of my neck, then all at once she comes undone. Her orgasm is swift, making her legs shake, but she keeps grinding down on me, chasing those last few seconds of pleasure. She’s stunning when she comes. So breathless and beautiful.

“That’s my good girl.” I pull Mari’s limp body to me, laying her head against my chest. Slick covers my whole thigh, dripping down the inside of my pants, making its way toward my ankle. “Do you feel better?” I sniff the top of her head, pulling in as much of her scent as I can. There’s nothing like the aroma of a freshly satisfied omega.

“I really hate you,” Mari mumbles against my chest, making me smile.

“That’s okay.” I kiss her hair, caressing the full length of her back. “You can hate me all you want.”

Mari slowly lifts her head, resting her chin against my chest, then speaks with slow, lazy words, “You are a mean alpha. Bossy. And controlling.” Her lips lift with a kind of satisfaction that tells me she thinks she’s really cut me deep. It's adorable.

“I will try to be nicer to you.” I kiss the tip of her nose.

A loud knock rips through the room, and Mari lets out a violent scream. I quickly hug her to me, angling my body away from the door.

“Sir?” Tonia’s uneasy voice cuts through my office door. Mari curls her shoulders inward, pushing so hard against my chest it feels like she’s trying to crawl inside me. “Mr. Silva?” Tonia knocks again.

I look out the window, noticing the rising sun. I didn’t realize how late it was. While the rest of the office won’t be getting here for another hour or so, Tonia always comes in early. And once she knows Mari is here, the damn beta won’t leave me alone until she’s had a chance to chat Mari up. Tonia is excellent at her job, but I swear the woman talks just to hear the sound of her own voice.

“Sir?” Tonia’s voice is louder this time, her face obviously pressed against the door.

“Who is that?” Mari cuts an angry glare at the door.

“It’s the office manager,” I say with an annoyed huff. “She’s a harmless beta.” Leaning toward the door, I try to keep my voice even and devoid of all emotion as I loudly say, “I’ll be right there, Tonia.” But I still sound angry. I hate that Mari is scared .

“Sir?” The shadow from the beta’s feet shifts nervously under the door. “Bear is here to see you, sir.”

“Bear?” I sit a little taller, lessening my hold on Mari’s slight body. I don’t miss the way she pouts, but unfortunately, I have work to do. “Is Stanley with him?”

“Nope. It’s just Bear,” Tonia says, and I imagine her flat grimace. Stanley’s pack is pretty aggressive. He and Bear are both assholes. It’s nothing Tonia can’t handle, but she’s not fond of either one.

I, on the other hand, am annoyed that Stan didn’t show up to sign the fucking paperwork. We have a contract that should have been finalized weeks ago.

“Give me five minutes,” I say, trying to hide my frustration. “I’ll meet him in Dassy’s office.”

“ Dassy’s office?” Tonia says at my bizarre request, but thankfully she’s already walking off.

“Are you leaving me?” Mari’s brown eyes flood with worry as I pick her up, setting her back on my desk.

“I won’t be long.” I kiss her forehead. Fuck, she smells good. “I’ll be just next door.” I point to the bookcase on the other side of the room. “If you need me for any reason, yell and I’ll be here in less than a second.”

“You can’t do that to me,” she motions to my lower half, “and then just leave.” Her jaw sets and her eyes flash. And while I’d love to sit in here all day, fucking her mouthy ass into submission, I have work to do.

“I won’t be long,” I say, making sure my shirt is tucked in. My pants are ruined, but I kind of like the idea of walking around the office soaked in my omega’s slick.

“What am I supposed to do while you're off talking to your friends?” Mari pouts, crossing her arms.

“My friends ?” I can't help but laugh at her choice of words. “This is business . Not a garden party.”

“But,” Mari huffs loudly, making her sound more like a toddler than an adult. “Can I at least play on your computer while you're gone?” She glances at the laptop on the edge of my desk.

“Play?” I repeat the word, making sure I heard her right.

“Yeah.” She nods, reaching for my computer. Her fingers trace the edge as her expression shifts from annoyed to longing. You gotta love those omega hormones.

“I don’t have games,” I say simply.

Mari’s shoulders fall, her head lowering. “I don’t know,” she mumbles, looking so small and sad. “Everly showed me an online library. I love to read.” She looks up with those big, beautiful eyes and I instantly know I’ll give her whatever the hell she wants. “I just don't want to feel alone.”

“Fine.” I relent, and open the laptop. Mari smiles wide, eagerly waiting for me to login. I scan my fingerprint, then quickly double-check my most sensitive files. They’re all closed and password protected, but I like to make sure. “Here you go.” I adjust my belt, making sure I look presentable. My pants are soaked in my girl’s arousal, but I like it. I want the world to scent the delicious creature I own.

“Thank you, alpha!” Mari hops off the desk, curling up in my chair. She looks so damn happy.

I make myself walk to the door, but then I pause and glance back at my girl. My omega. She’s so lively and beautiful, sitting in my office chair with her wild blonde hair framing her pretty face. And she’s finally starting to bond with me.

I hate leaving her. Even if it is for just a few minutes.