Standing in the Hallway
Bear
I pinch the bridge of my nose, thinking about what Stanley just said to me: “You will act as if that beta has the power to destroy you because she does. Don’t fucking touch Stefan, or you’ll be out on your ass with no pack, no omega, and a bounty on your head.”
Stanley won’t kill me.
I know that for a fact.
He’s just trying to hammer home how serious this is. And I get it. I fucked up, and this is my penance. But it’s taking everything in me not to smile like a fool. I get to spend all damn day with him. Even if I can’t touch him, I can still see him. Talk to him. Make sure he’s okay.
A hard hand slaps my back. “Don’t disappoint me,” Stanley growls low in his chest.
I look him in the eye before making my promise, “I won’t.”
“You can be done with your breakfast,” Stanley calls back at Stefan. His dark gaze drops to the omega’s nearly empty plate. “You’ve done well, and I expect you to eat well at lunch and dinner too.”
Stefan nods, keeping his head bowed. “Yes, alpha,” he says slowly, almost as if he’s scared Stanley might jump across the table and attack him.
Seemingly pleased with his response, my pack alpha turns and marches off. “Don’t fuck this up,” he snarls as he passes me.
I nod, waiting for him to turn the corner. The second he does, a rush of excitement grips me, and I step into the dining room. “Well,” I look between Lucy and Stefan, “what would you like to do today?”
Lucy bites her plump bottom lip, thinking, while Stefan pushes his plate away with a thankful sigh. “We can start with a tour of the house,” she offers, and I nod. It’s as good an idea as any. “Um,” her brows pull together, “what part of the house should I show him?”
I instantly know why she’s asking.
This house is filled with alphas. Many people, both friends and strangers, come and go throughout the day and night. Sometimes close friends stay in a guest room; sometimes random alphas drop by looking for work, but mostly, this house is a central location for us to talk business…and we don’t exactly work with friendly people.
“I guess we should show Stefan the places he’s allowed to go,” I say, going over the safe rooms within the house—the kitchen, a few guest rooms that are rarely occupied, and a few bathrooms. We technically have a library too, but Yuki turned it into a sparring room. She removed all the books, leaving it as one big open room with empty bookshelves along the walls.
“Okay.” Lucy frowns, clearly unsure of where that might be. And honestly, I don’t have a clue either.
A few hours later, the three of us are standing on the porch, looking over the vast backyard. There wasn’t much to show Stefan in the house. I wasn’t comfortable taking him to the areas where other alphas hang out…which is pretty much everywhere. I’ll need to talk to Stanley about that. It isn’t safe to have a bunch of unknown alphas in the house with Stefan in our care.
“I don’t think I’ve ever noticed how overgrown the backyard is,” Lucy says, looking out at the enormous cut of land. She’s right. The grass is at least knee-high, and heavy vines twist and turn over every tree, bush, and rock. It’s a mess.
“It’s wonderful,” Stefan says, inhaling deeply. “It smells good too.”
Scenting the air, I take in the aroma of rotted wood and murky dirt. It’s not a great smell. But Stefan seems to love it. He even closes his eyes as the wind rustles his curly hair, lifting it off his forehead. He looks so happy and sweet. I admire his full form, taking in everything from his pretty neck to his pale legs. Every inch of him is perfect, even his swollen little belly. He did eat a lot at breakfast.
“This is so nice.” Stefan admires the stone walls around us. The house forms a U shape around the porch, blocking us from the wind. “It’s like a cubby.”
“It always reminded me of a courtyard at a palace.” Lucy takes a deep breath as if savoring the air. I know neither can smell things as deeply as I do, but surely they realize how stale everything is out here. “It’s still early spring,” she continues, “but once the wildflowers bloom, it feels kind of like a fairytale.”
I glance up at the house on either side of us, trying to see whatever it is they like so much. But the porch is just a simple square of worn wood overlooking an overgrown patch of dirt.
“What’s over there?” Stefan points to a far corner of the yard as the wind rustles his hair over his forehead. I can’t help but wonder if it’s as soft as it looks.
Lucy squints, trying to see what he’s looking at, but I can see them perfectly. Small pink and white flowers float on a flooded patch of land. The ground dips in that part of the yard, creating pretty deep pools of water. Sometime last year, it filled up after a bad rainstorm and never drained. It’s slowly become a permanent fixture.
“Are you talking about the flowers?” she asks, and Stefan nods. “I think they’re water lilies. It’s kind of a pond,” she tries to describe it. “Do you want to go and see it?”
Stefan eagerly nods, making me smile. He’s such a happy omega. I was worried he’d be deeply distressed after those meds wore off, but he’s acclimated well. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Happy omegas are known for easily adapting to the different environments their alphas expose them to. All they need is a little affection, lots of food, and a nest.
A nest. Fuck!
He doesn’t have a nest.
“Hold my hand.” Stefan curls his fingers around Lucy’s. “The ground is a little uneven.” A pang of jealousy hits me, but I try to ignore it. I’m not allowed to touch him.
Walking slowly, I follow the pair down the few steps and through the overgrown yard. Stefan stumbles a few times, but he manages to keep from falling over. I hate that he’s barefoot. He needs a good pair of shoes. I know his kind don’t like the way they feel, but I’m sure there are some good omega-approved brands out there.
“Maybe we should go back up to the house,” I say, worried that he’ll fall and hurt himself.
“Do we have to go back?” Stefan looks at me with those big green eyes, and I immediately buckle.
“Just be careful,” I say. “Pick up your feet a little more.” He beams at me, and Lucy quickly smiles too. She looks so happy to be out here with the omega. They say there are some betas who are made to care for omegas. They’re naturals with the more sensitive creatures, and Lucy seems to be one of them.
“So pretty,” Stefan hums as we cut around a thick mess of bushes. I can’t help but smile at his happiness. After seeing how broken he was at the Morder, I’m thrilled I’m able to give him even a little bit of joy.
“They really are.” Lucy looks at the omega like he’s the cutest thing she’s ever seen. And I have to agree. His innocence is so endearing.
My boots sink into the soft earth as we get closer. I look down at the red clay pushing up around my feet. The thick substance sucks me in a little deeper with each step. “That’s far enough.” I don’t want to get stuck.
Stefan’s body locks up, obeying my order almost instantly.
“Mr. Cosner is right.” Lucy grunts as she lifts one foot. The mud makes an awful squelching sound as it frees her. “Let's go.” She squeezes Stefan’s hand. He slowly turns, and my heart sinks. He’s trying so hard to hide his disappointment, but I saw the flash of sadness in his eyes.
“Are there any other flowers?” Stefan asks, keeping his voice light and friendly. “Or does Jack have a garden?”
Lucy freezes up when Stefan says his name, and her bright blue eyes cut to me.
“What’s wrong?” Stefan looks between us. “Did I say something wrong?”
“Did he tell you to call him Jack?” I lean in, very curious.
“No. I guess not.” Stefan’s voice drops, clearly worried he’s in trouble. “I just heard Yuki call him that.”
I pause, wondering what could have caused the she-alpha to say his name in front of Stefan. She doesn’t normally slip up. I’m the one that forgets. Especially when I’m pissed.
“Mr. Stanley doesn’t like being called by his first name,” Lucy says, keeping her voice light.
Deep lines pull between the omega’s brows as he thinks that over. “Not even his packmates call him Jack?” He looks at me.
I can’t help but smile. “We can call him by his first name, but not in front of the staff.” My gaze flickers to Lucy.
Stefan’s eyes go wide as if suddenly remembering that Lucy is a maid, and not my mate.
“I’m sorry,” Stefan mumbles as he ducks his head. His blond curls hide his eyes. “I didn’t mean to be disrespectful.”
“It’s okay.” I tuck my hands behind my back to keep from touching him.
“Let’s head back in.” Lucy pulls Stefan forward with a smile. She happily chats as we make our way back to the house, telling the omega about a field of wildflowers not far off. The pair talk about their favorite flowers this time of year, making plans to see the lilies again once the mud dries up.
The wind shifts as we step up on the porch. It smells like pine, sharp and crisp. Stefan sniffles as he talks, then he clears his throat. Then he does it again. I stare at the omega, watching him rub the front of his throat. He coughs once, the sound tight and dry.
“Stefan?” Lucy grabs his arm, her voice filled with concern. “Are you okay?”
He nods, trying to smile as he coughs again. “I’m sorry,” he rasps, patting his chest. “I’m okay. I think I just…just…” He coughs hard, pulling in shallow breaths. Then, all too quickly, he’s gasping for air.
I don’t think. I act. Rushing to the omega’s side, I curl my arms around him, lifting him up. He goes limp in my arms as he wheezes, struggling to breathe.
“Mr. Cosner.” Lucy looks at my hands touching Stefan’s back and legs. “You can’t.” She frantically shakes her head, making a few strands of hair break free from her bun. “Mr. Stanley will kick you out.”
Fuck .
“My pocket.” I angle my body, letting the beta know where to find my phone. “Call Stanley.”
Lucy shoves her little hand into my front pocket. She holds the phone up to my face, logging in. Then she quickly finds his number and puts it on speaker.
“What?” Stanley’s hard voice cuts through the phone.
“Sir?” Lucy’s voice pitches high as she holds the phone up between us. “I think Stefan is having a panic attack. He can’t breathe, and he’s?—”
“Shit,” Stanley cuts her off. “He has asthma. His inhaler is on my bedside table.”
I lean forward, speaking loudly, “He collapsed. Can I carry him inside?”
There’s a painful, lengthy pause as Stanley thinks it over.
“Please,” I snarl, holding Stefan close to my chest. He makes a horrible squeaking sound, and I fear he’s going to pass out. “He needs his medicine, and it’ll be faster if I carry him. Please.”
“Lucy?” Stanley’s tone is hard. Obviously irritated.
“Yes, sir?” She rocks on the balls of her feet, just as anxious as I am.
“Bear is going to carry Stefan up to my room,” he says. “Do not leave them alone.”
“Yes, sir!” Lucy hangs up, then she runs to the back door. I follow her, racing across the porch and into the house.
All the color is gone from Stefan’s face, and his head lolls from one side to the other as I run up the stairs. I curse how big this fucking house is as we cut down one long hallway and then another, finally reaching Stanley’s room.
“Found it!” Lucy yells the second she enters the bedroom. She snatches it from the side table, and I sink to my knees in the middle of the floor.
“Stefan.” I adjust the omega in my arms, forcing him to sit on my lap. “We have your inhaler.” I cradle his face as Lucy brings the device to his lips. She squeezes it, pushing the medicine into his mouth. Stefan inhales as deeply as he can, then he holds his breath. After what feels like a lifetime, he slowly exhales.
“Thank you,” he mumbles, lifting his hands to take the device from Lucy. His hands tremble slightly, and his upper body sways as he takes another puff, inhaling once again. This time, he doesn’t squeak, and it’s a deeper breath, pushing his whole chest out.
The fear in my gut slowly eases when he finally exhales.
“Thank goodness.” Lucy lets out a breath of relief. “You scared me.” She cups his cheek as she pretends to scold the omega.
“Sorry,” he whispers, giving her a half-hearted smile.
“It’s okay.” She leans in, brushing the hair off his forehead. “Thankfully, Mr. Cosner was here. He got you inside very fast.” She smiles up at me, her blue eyes twinkling. I always liked Lucy, but now I have a whole new appreciation for the beta. She was so calm and focused. She’s the perfect person to watch over our omega.
“Lucy,” I wish I could express all of my gratitude, “call me Bear.”
Her brows shoot up, then she smiles. “Really?”
I nod then smile as Stefan lays his head against my shoulder. He’s so exhausted. “We’ll be spending a lot of time together.” My eyes flicker to Stefan. “We might as well be friends.”
Lucy’s smile grows, and a deep blush creeps across her freckled cheeks. “I’d like that.”
“Let me see him.” Stanley bursts into the room. My hold on Stefan instinctively tightens, but I know I won’t be able to keep him. “Omega?” The pack alpha drops to his knees next to me. “Are you okay?” He angles his head down, looking into Stefan’s eyes.
“I’m okay,” he mumbles. “You didn’t have to come.” But the rose hue creeping across his cheeks tells me he likes that the alpha is here. It’s a good sign—both Stanley’s willingness to abandon work for the small omega and Stefan's reaction.
They’re bonding, and it’s beautiful.
“Give him to me.” Stanley slides his hands under Stefan’s body, lifting him off my lap. It takes everything in me not to snarl and lash out. “Go get Jessica,” he says to Lucy. “Stefan will be taking the rest of his meals in my room today. He needs to rest.”
Lucy bows her head before walking briskly from the room. I stare at the door as she vanishes down the hall. I’m so thankful I had her with me today.
“Alpha,” Stefan says in such a calm and composed voice. “I promise I’m okay.” But Stanley ignores him.
“What exactly were you doing that caused this?” the pack alpha growls at me as he places Stefan on the bed. The omega seems to shrink into the bedding, clearly upset by the alpha’s tone.
“Nothing,” I say honestly. “We were on the back porch, looking at the trees. The wind kicked up, and he suddenly couldn’t breathe.”
Stanley's dark eyes narrow, assessing me. “It just happened?” He turns his hard gaze on Stefan. I know he’s not actually pissed —he’s simply scared for the omega—but Stanley doesn't know how to express that without sounding like a dick. “Is that true?”
Stefan swallows thickly and nods. “Yes.” His voice is so small. “It’s the pine trees.”
“What?” Stanley’s face screws up. “The pine trees?” he asks in his usual booming voice.
Stefan nods. “I’m allergic to them.”
Stanley pulls in a deep breath, flexing his fingers to calm himself down. “Allergic to trees,” he says like it’s just one more fucking thing. “Bear.” He cuts me a glare, then he marches past me.
Understanding his silent order, I follow him into the hallway, fighting every instinct I have to stay and comfort the sweet omega.
“He’s allergic to the fucking trees ,” Stanley growls quietly so Stefan doesn’t overhear. “Asthma, malnourished, delayed puberty, and now he can’t be around trees .”
I jerk as he rattles off the list of things wrong with the omega. “Delayed puberty?” I ask, not sure what that means.
“You claimed an omega that can’t generate any slick.” Stanley takes a step toward me, closing the space between us. My mouth falls open, shocked. “You picked the most broken, pathetic creature you could find, then forced him and all his fucking problems on me.” His teeth flash, and my hands instinctively curl into fists.
“I’m sorry, alpha.” I bow my head, praying he doesn’t make any rash decisions.
But if he didn’t like Stefan, he wouldn't have come here to check on him.
“New punishment,” Stanley barks, and I tense. “Not only do you not get to touch that omega,” he glares up into my face, “but you don’t get to touch yourself either.”
I frown, tilting my head to one side.
“No orgasms,” he spells it out for me. “No stroking that fat cock or teasing your balls,” he declares with a gleam in his eyes. Stanley loves this dominant shit, and he knows it’s not my thing, which is probably why he’s doing it. “Do you hear me, alpha?” he asks. “You do not get to come until I say so.”
“Yes, sir,” I say, suddenly very aware of my dick. Spending all day with Stefan has me uncomfortably amped. I was looking forward to locking myself in my room tonight and fantasizing about all the wonderful things I’d get to do to Stefan once my punishment was over.
“That is my omega.” Stanley’s nose twitches, begging me to challenge him. “And this is my cock.” He palms the front of my pants, squeezing my shaft in a wonderfully painful way.
“Yes, alpha,” I grunt when his grip slowly tightens.
“Now,” Stanley brings his lips to my ear, whispering, “Yuki is downstairs teaching a rogue alpha a lesson. Why don’t you go help her?”
I nod, eager to slam my fists against something until it bleeds.
“While you’re handling that,” he shifts his head, looking deep into my eyes, “just know that I’ll be up here violating your precious boy.” He releases my dick, then steps into his room and slams the door in my face.
Why the fuck did that turn me on so much?