Three Weeks Later

Mari

H utch has been gone for over a week now. Nine days to be exact.

Not long after my heat, he packed a bag, kissed me and Everly, then left with Izan’s blessing. I know it has something to do with the Tenus pack because Dassy was really pissed at Izan for the first few days. I searched my bond with Hutch, praying I’d be able to feel what he was doing, but the damn alpha keeps me shut out, only seeping into my dreams.

But on the third day, I overheard Izan and Dassy arguing about whatever it was that Hutch was out doing. Izan told Dassy that he was too emotionally involved, and emotions meant that he was more likely to make a mistake. Dassy growled and snarled, but in the end, he agreed with Izan, saying that there was no room for mistakes when it came to my safety. It was the first time in my life I heard an alpha set their pride aside for someone else…and it was for me .

Since then, I’ve spent every moment I can kissing or cuddling the big blond alpha, letting him know how much I love that he’s been home with me. Afterall, his love language is touch, but today we won’t be spending the afternoon snuggling in my nest. We have somewhere to go.

Apparently, Izan closed an important contract with another pack, so we’re meeting them at a fancy restaurant to celebrate. Everly woke up this morning practically vibrating with excitement for me to meet their omega. Even Izan thinks it’ll be good for me to know another omega, but I’m not so sure I want any friends. I’m happy with my little pack. I don’t need anyone else.

“We should probably take an umbrella.” Everly steps over to a small coat closet. She bends over, riffling through the contents, but all I can do is stare at her pretty ass. Her black dress is a little short, showing off the beta’s long legs. “It’s supposed to rain,” she mumbles, shoving a few coats out of the way. “I know we have at least one umbrella in here.” She huffs as she pushes up onto her tiptoes, and now all I can see is the long curve of her back. My beta is so fucking pretty.

I bite my bottom lip, trying to fight a moan. “Maybe we should cancel,” I say, hoping she’ll agree to stay here and snuggle. “I’m not a fan of rain.”

“We can’t cancel.” Everly’s voice is shockingly loud as she spins around. She almost looks upset at the suggestion. “We have to go.” She marches to me, then immediately starts fussing with my hair. I let her, sensing that she needs some kind of outlet for her weird manic energy.

“Alright,” I say, not wanting to say or do anything else to set the beta off. “No need to yell.” She’s been a nervous ball of energy all morning.

“Okay, ladies. How do I look?” Dassy struts down the stairs, holding out his arms so we can see his entire outfit. He’s wearing a dark purple button up and black slacks. I admire his trim waist and thick thighs. They flex with each step, making my sex clench over and over and over.

Everly wraps her arm around my waist and licks her lips as she looks him up and down. “You look…” she lets out a dreamy sigh, “good.”

I nod, leaning into the beta’s wonderful aroma. “Very good.” I really wish we’d just stay home.

“Are you wearing your underwear?” Izan appears from the hallway next to the stairs. He’s wearing a soft gray shirt, black silk tie, and black slacks. I haven’t seen him wear a tie since the day he claimed me. All of my boys look good dressed up. “Mari?” he says my name as if waiting for me to answer a question. “Are you wearing your slick-underwear?”

“Oh! Yes.” I lift the skirt of my sage green dress, flashing my red panties. Izan and Dassy’s eyes go dark and I smirk, praying both alphas are too tempted to leave the house. “I’m already a little wet.” I look up at Izan through my lashes, giving him a flirty look. “Maybe we should stay in,” I whisper.

Izan’s wet tongue slips out over his bottom lip, and his mighty chest rises as he inhales deeply.

“Nope!” Everly practically barks as she snatches my skirt out of my hands, and forces it back over my legs. “Izan made these plans weeks ago.”

“Everly is right.” Izan adjusts his cock as he crosses the entryway. He places a kiss to the top of my head, patting my arm like we’re distant friends. “I’d love to stay here and fuck you raw, but sadly, I’ve made a commitment to the Stanley Pack.”

“And you might end up loving their omega,” Dassy adds quickly, but it’s the meaningful look he immediately shares with Everly that has me suspicious as hell. But before I can ask what’s going on, the front door pops open. Hutch steps into the entryway, and our eyes meet.

I don’t know what I imagined Hutch would look like when he returned, but it wasn’t this. He mostly looks… normal . There are bags under the alpha’s eyes, and his knuckles are bruised with deep cuts that still look fresh. But that’s it. He looks like he’s simply returning from a jaunt to the store. Not a nine-day journey across the mountains.

“Alpha!” Everly gasps as her senses return, then she runs into Hutch’s arms.

Hutch catches her, kissing her deeply. They share an intimate moment, one that I don’t want to end. I give a needy whine, looking up at Izan, but his firm look tells me that we still aren’t canceling lunch.

“Where’s everyone going?” Hutch asks as he slowly places Everly back on her feet.

“Stanley invited the whole pack over for lunch,” Izan says. “We thought it would be nice for our omegas to meet.”

The air in the room seems to shift as everyone turns to look at me as one. All the bizarre looks and hushed conversations have my nerves shot, and I snap, “What the hell is going on?” I cross my arms, very annoyed. “Why does everyone want me to meet this omega so damn bad?”

“Because you need a fucking friend,” Hutch snaps back with just as much attitude. He definitely needs a nap.

Everly pats his chest, silently telling him that she’ll take it from here. “We’re just excited to show you off.”

I don’t know why, but that makes me startle, then blush. “Really?”

“Fuck, yes,” Izan looks me up and down. “Stan swears he’s got the most beautiful omega in this country. I want to see the look on his face when he sees you.” His green eyes narrow at my face, and the heat in my cheeks crawls up to my hair.

“Okay.” I give in, liking the idea of my pack being proud of me. I don’t think anyone has ever been proud of me for any reason. “But only if Hutch comes.” I look up at my big alpha, needing to have him near.

“Of course.” Hutch’s blue eyes look deep into mine and the wall that he’s built around our bond falls. I’m hit with a rush of his all-consuming emotions. Just like Izan and Dassy, there’s so much love and affection for me, but there’s something else there too. Something almost willful. Defiant ?

“I got you something,” Hutch says, pushing his hand into his pocket.

“Hutch,” Izan’s tone is a warning, watching the alpha as he approaches me. “We discussed this. Mari doesn’t need to know?—”

“We both know she can handle a hell of a lot more than most alphas,” Hutch says as he takes my hand, resting his fist against my palm. “It was bloody and painful, and they both knew it was for you.” He opens his hand, leaving behind a single ratty, black ponytail.

Pride bursts in my chest, followed by something so much deeper. It’s like mourning. I’ve been on this path for so long, and while I wasn’t the one to avenge my brother, someone I love was able to do it for me.

“Thank you.” I cradle the braid to my chest, imagining the pain inflicted on the alpha who once wore it. “Did you ask about Stefan?”

“Neither one of them remembered him.”

I nod, knowing that would likely be the case. Alphas like that rarely only abuse one omega in their lifetime. I’m sure Stefan and I were just one in a sea of broken creatures.

Hutch brushes his calloused thumb against my cheekbone. Then he leans down and presses his lips to mine. It’s not a lust- filled kiss, demanding something from me, but one of love and respect.

“Okay,” Izan says gently. “It’s time to go.” I know he’s not trying to completely kill our tender moment, but he’s made it very clear all morning that we have a reservation. And it will not be broken.

I take a single step toward the door, but Izan stops me and he holds out his hand, motioning for me to hand over the braid. “Maybe leave the trophy at home.”

Forty minutes later, Hutch pulls the SUV up to a fancy-looking building. It’s four stories high, with ornate white frames around each window and a decorative glass archway around the front door.

Everly giggles, chatting excitedly about the food served here. Apparently, the chef specializes in French and Japanese fusion, but she assures me that the dining style is more European than anything else. I nod as she talks, trying to hide my nerves. This is something they tried to teach me at Havenfield, but none of those lessons took. At the time, I had no use for proper etiquette, dancing, or knowing what fucking fork to use at dinner. But now I regret not paying better attention.

I pray I don’t embarrass Izan.

Someone opens the car door, and Dassy slides out of the car first, followed by Everly.

A strange beta in a tight black skirt greets us at a little podium. She greets Izan like he’s a king, going on about our private omega-approved dining suite. She keeps talking to me, flipping her curled red hair every time she giggles, but I can’t hear a single word she says. I’m too overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds, and so many smells .

There are little tables everywhere, with great big alphas and betas, eating and talking. Their voices overlap and their silverware clanks. The lights overhead are too bright. It smells like everyone has ordered something different, and every dish has an aroma that is determined to knock me over.

I press against Dassy’s side as we walk a little faster toward the elevator. We step on and the floor jolts, then everything hums as we move. I hold onto Dassy’s big hand and press my nose against his arm, waiting for the door to open again. The second they do, a sense of calm washes over me.

All the smells from downstairs are gone and the lights are softer. More natural. The red-haired hostess points out the air purifiers as she takes us to our private dining room. Our room is the last one on the right, and she flings the door open as if presenting a prize on a game show.

No one goes inside, waiting for me to enter first.

It’s a lovely enough room with off-white walls, a long white table, and tons of flat wear. But I can’t help but notice the look of disappointment on Everly’s face when she steps inside.

“They’re not here,” the beta whispers to Dassy.

“You’re making a lot of assumptions,” Hutch mumbles as he passes the pair.

I frown, hating that I have no idea what they’re talking about. It’s like there’s this big secret between all of them, and they’re leaving me out on purpose. It sucks.

“Stanley!” Izan’s voice booms as he shakes someone’s hand in the doorway.

I plop into a seat at the table, staring at all the utensils. There are three forks. Why the fuck are there three forks?

“How have you been?” An unfamiliar voice says in a booming voice. I assume it’s this Stanley guy. “Hutch!” An alpha steps into the doorway, smiling widely at my mate. He’s tall and broad with dark eyes. His brown hair is slicked back and his expression is hard. Almost like he just finished a fight. “How the fuck are you?” He shakes Hutch’s hand. “Dassy.” He nods to Dassy as he sits next to me.

“Where’s your mate?” Everly asks.

Stanley squints at her, almost as if offended she’d ask that, but then he turns back to the doorway. “Bear!” He pops his head back into the hallway. “Omega! Hurry your ass up!” He looks back at Everly. “He loves chatting up the hostess.”

“Sorry, alpha!” An omega's soft voice hits the air and my ears prickle. It’s familiar. Or maybe I just want it to be.

Desperate to hear it again, I turn my whole body in my chair, staring intently at the door, as the omega steps into the room. My eyes focus on his clothes first—fitted green slacks and a pale pink button-up shirt. And then I see his familiar face, and shock slams into me.

“It’s about time!” Stanley greets his omega, kissing his cheek. “Stefan. This is Izan’s mate, Mari.”

Stefan smiles brightly at his alpha, then his bright green eyes drift to me, but the second they land on me, he freezes. His smile falls and all the color drains from his face. He looks like he’s seeing a ghost. I know the feeling.

But this can’t be him.

I’m hallucinating.

Or I’ve died, and this is heaven.

This omega looks a lot like my Stefan but so different at the same time. He has the same curly blond hair and green eyes. But this omega has no dark circles under his eyes or gaunt features. His face is soft and round, and he has color in his cheeks. He looks healthy. Glowing. He looks happy.

“Is it really you?” I slowly stand, terrified my legs will give out. Dassy holds out his hands, hovering them near my hips as I move away from the table.

“What’s happening?” Stanley asks, and I hear Izan answer him, but all my focus is on my brother. My sweet, beautiful living brother.

“Marigold?” Stefan takes a single step toward me. “I watched you die.” He looks me up and down. “And you’re in a dress .” His mouth falls open, and a laugh bursts from my chest.

I run, flinging myself into his arms. Stefan instantly catches me, and we both fall to the floor, laughing and crying and hugging and snuggling one another. I’m so confused and overwhelmed, but still so happy too. It takes a few minutes to calm us down, but once they do, we start talking.

“You look amazing.” I run my fingers over his shoulders, feeling his firm chest. “I can’t believe you’re alive.”

“Me too” Stefan nuzzles my cheek, filling my lungs with that familiar jasmine and primrose scent.

“What the fuck is happening?” Stanley demands of Izan. I bristle at his tone, not caring for the way he’s speaking to my pack alpha.

“I’m just as lost as you are,” Izan says, matching Stanley’s harsh tone.

“Alpha,” Stefan says, his voice the perfect blend of submissive and sweet. “This is my sister.” He threads our fingers together. “This is my Marigold.”

Stanley’s brows pull together as he examines my face. “Your sister that died ?” Stefan nods fiercely and Stanley lets out a barking laugh, making me flinch. “Well, shit!” The alpha falls into a nearby chair. “Bear! Where the fuck did he go?” Stefan continues to smile sweetly at me, making it clear that he’s used to all the yelling.

“I’m here, alpha.” A mountain-of-a-man steps into the room. He’s easily as tall as the twins but he’s twice as broad with dark, shaggy hair and a matching beard. His fitted polo stretches across his barrel chest, and the sleeves dig into his bulging biceps. The word “ bear ” definitely fits.

“Mari.” Stefan tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear. “Tell me everything. Where have you been? What happened after you fell?”

I look around the room, seeing my adoring pack sitting at the table. The twins are sitting next to Everly and Izan. While Stanley sits next to Bear. I’m sure there will be formal introductions soon, but for now, I just want to talk to my brother. So that’s what we do.

We talk for what feels like hours.

I talk about Havenfield and the Silvas. He talks about what happened after that horrible day, and meeting his pack. We gloss over the hard parts, but spend hours talking about the things that make us happy.

We talk for so long the alphas finish eating and eventually look bored. Dassy even falls asleep at the table, his arms crossed and his chin resting on his broad chest.

But then Stanley checks his watch, then speaks up. “Time to go home, omega.”

Stefan’s hold on my arm instantly lessens and panic grips me. He can’t leave me! I won’t let him!

“Wait!” I grab my brother’s forearm “You can’t go.”

“It’s okay, Mari.” Izan is suddenly at my side, helping me stand as Stanley pulls Stefan away from me. The urge to lash out at the asshole and claw his fucking eyes out grips me, and I snarl.

“ Not a good idea,” Hutch whispers to me, while Dassy pushes soft reassurances through our bond. I feel like I’m being ganged up on.

“I’m so sorry, Mari.” Stefan wraps his arms around my neck, squeezing me extra tight. “But I have to go.”

“Why?” My voice pitches higher as Everly rubs soft circles on my lower back.

“Because,” Stefan leans back, smiling down at me. He looks so calm. Mature. “I have to get home to my alpha.” His smile grows, pure excitement bursting from ear to ear. “She’s pregnant and I don’t like being away from her for too long.”

For the second time today, I am too stunned for words. “You’re going to have a baby?” My mouth falls open. “You’re going to be a father?”

Stanley lets out a grating noise. “He insisted on naming the baby Marigold if it was a girl,” he says, giving me a pointed look.

“Really?” I look up at my brother. He’s suddenly bashful, his cheeks rosy red. He was always too easy to embarrass.

“Well, I guess we can come up with something different now that I know you aren’t dead,” he says with a half-hearted shrug.

I immediately smack his arm, offended. “You had better name that babe after me or I’ll jump off another fucking cliff.”

Hutch and Dassy snort, but Stanley looks disgusted. I’m not sure if it’s my language or my threat, but either way, I have a feeling he’s not pleased with the kind of omega that his mate grew up with.

“When can I see you again?” I ask Stefan. I have to know before I let him go.

“Alpha?” Stefan turns to Stanley.

The dark-haired alpha pulls his phone out of his pocket, pressing a few buttons before looking up at Izan. “Tuesday. Bear can bring Stefan to your house for lunch.”

Izan nods, and just like that, my entire life has changed once again.

I have my amazing pack of alphas. My beautiful beta. And my precious brother.

How the fuck did I manage to get such a good life?

“What are you thinking, omega?” Izan asks the second Stefan disappears with his alphas.

“I’m thinking about how lucky I am,” I say honestly, looking up into Izan’s dark green eyes. He looks so pleased, almost self-satisfied. “Did you know Stefan would be here today?” I ask, concentrating hard on our bond.

“Of course not,” he says, but before I can call him out on it, Everly gasps loudly.

“What’s wrong?” Dassy reaches for the beta, cupping her cheek as he looks into her eyes. “Are you okay?”

“I…I…” Everly pats her chest, right over her heart, struggling to find her words. “I felt that.” She looks up at Izan. “I felt the lie in my head. I felt you .”

Our pack alpha goes still, staring intensely at Everly’s face. His eyes slowly narrow, then he startles, making me flinch. “Oh, fuck.” His mouth falls open, and his chest rises as he pulls in a deep breath. “Everly!” He rushes our beta, sweeping her up into his big arms. “I can feel you!”

“Holy shit.” Hutch circles an arm around my waist, pressing my back to his chest. Dassy leans against his brother, all three of us admiring our pack alpha and beta embracing.

“I guess our bond with you knocked something loose,” Dassy says, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

I smile, elated for my beautiful beta. She deserves to have that bond with our alphas—to soak up their love and to feel their constant presence.

But more than anything else, I’m really fucking excited that the two of us can now gang up on our boys, and pick the lies out of their heads when they let their guard down.

Nice .

Need more Mari and her intense pack ? Sign up for my newsletter at kittlynn.com to get access to a dirty epilogue with a hot new scene.