In the Backyard
Stefan
I t’s been a weird day.
I’ve only seen Jack and Yuki a few times, and I only saw Lucy once. She was at dinner, showing Jessica how to serve us and manage the alphas’ schedules. And even then, the beta wouldn’t look at me. I shouldn’t have kissed her. It’s obvious Jack is having her train her own replacement, and now, because of my stupid impulsive actions, Lucy will be gone.
And as silly as it is, my heart is broken at the thought of losing her. I’ve only known her for a short time now, but her soft presence brings me so much comfort. And she’s the first friend I’ve had in a really long time.
I wonder if I’ll be allowed to say goodbye.
“We should go inside soon.” Bear’s nose curls as if smelling something unpleasant. I check the tree line stretching out in front of us, not seeing anything that might be bothering the alpha.
The north wind blows, swirling the scent of crisp mountain air all around me, and my eyes float closed. The scent of the sweet forest fills my lungs, making me hum. But when I open my eyes, Bear doesn’t look near as relaxed as I am. In fact, the alpha looks a bit uneasy.
“No need to worry, alpha. I have my inhaler.” I pat the front pocket of my shorts. They’re a pair of Jack’s gym shorts. The waistband is a little rough, but he said he ordered me some proper clothes, so I shouldn’t have to wear his things much longer.
“No.” Bear curls his hand around my upper arm, stopping me from stepping over a downed tree. “We’re not going that way.”
“Why?” I check the other side of the log for a sign of something dangerous, but the ground is covered in moss and mud. “It looks safe.”
“You’re barefoot,” he says, cutting a firm look at my feet.
“It’s okay.” I can’t help but laugh at his concern. “I lived in the woods for quite a while, and most of the time, I didn’t have any shoes at all.” Bear frowns at that, making me laugh again. “It’s okay, alpha. It’s only a bit of squishy mud. It won’t kill me. In fact,” I lean into the alpha and whisper, “it feels amazing between your toes. You should try it.”
“Are you kidding me?” Bear looks at me as if struggling to believe I’m unbothered.
“You might like it.” I smile wide, trying to entice him, but the big alpha doesn’t budge. Instead, he stares at me as if trying to read a secret in my eyes.
“Stef, I have to ask,” his voice drops, edging more serious, “why do you like it so much back here? It’s such a mess.” He glances around the overgrown yard, and I guess I see what he means. To anyone else, the mess of vines, tangled bushes, and flooded patch of land would seem like something to avoid. But I like it.
“It’s weirdly comforting,” I say as he motions for me to walk back toward the house. The lilies float not far from us, sending gentle ripples through the makeshift pond. I inhale deeply, enjoying their sweet, almost citrus aroma. It’s heavenly today, mixed with the wet scent of earth. “And it smells good too,” I hum.
“Really?” Bear screws up his face. “Good?” I nod, and he shakes his head. “All I can smell is rotting wood and stagnant water.”
I edge a little closer to the alpha, slipping my hand into his. He’s so warm. His fingers curl around mine, and some of the tension in his shoulders lifts. “There’s always something to admire.” I smile up at him.
Bear’s eyes sparkle, and he pulls me to a stop. He places one long finger under my chin, tipping my head back a little more. “You’re the only thing worth admiring out here, omega.” His hand moves, drifting over my mating bite and down my arm. “The rest of it needs to be bulldozed, so we can put in a flower garden worthy of your admiration.”
I gasp, upset that he’d want to ruin it. “You can’t bulldoze this.” I motion to the lush greenery all around us. “It’s perfect the way it is.”
“Perfect?” Bear’s eyes go wide. I give him a fierce nod, and he snorts. “That's a bold compliment for a pile of rotting weeds.”
“They aren’t weeds.” I cross my arms, desperate to make him understand. “Consider the lilies,” I say, moving toward the floating pink and white flowers. “They’re stunning little bursts of color growing in an accidental pond.”
Bear’s expression shifts from sweet to downright adoring. The alpha is clearly amused by my description.
“At first glance, they might seem out of place,” I say, wanting so badly for him to understand, “but if you think about it, they wouldn't be able to thrive anywhere else.” Bear doesn’t say a word, letting me talk. “They wouldn't get enough light in the forest, and rivers move too much for them to take root. It takes a certain kind of environment for them to grow. And even though this yard isn’t a picture-perfect garden, it’s still perfect for the lilies.”
Bear’s smile grows as does his wonderful leather scent. It’s almost painful not to jump into his arms and nuzzle his chest. “That’s a wonderful way to see the world, Stefan.” His compliment feels genuine, but I can’t really tell. “I wish I could see everything the way you do.”
I duck my head, feeling a little silly. “My sister used to say I was a sap.” I glance up at him, gauging his reaction.
“No.” He leans down, careful not to get too close. “Not a sap. Just incredibly sweet.” His dark brown eyes hold mine as an intensity moves through him. Bear is so big. So powerful. So sexy.
I wish like crazy he was allowed to kiss me.
And touch me.
And rut me.
Suddenly, the reckless feelings I experienced this morning grip me, and I have to physically stop myself from crashing my mouth to Bear’s. It’s like someone is inside my head, pushing me to act out my most devious desires.
“Stefan?” Bear cups my cheek, and heat blooms in my belly. “Are you okay?”
I take a step back, fighting the urge to fling myself at the alpha and demand he take me right here and now.
“All good.” My voice pitches high as I turn toward the house. I walk as fast as my legs will carry me, praying I don’t start slicking myself.
In seconds, I’m on the back porch, racing for the door. I pull it open, then startle, shocked to find Yuki blocking my path.
“Oh.” Her dark eyes go wide at the sight of me. “Sorry.” She steps to one side, letting me edge past her. Her smoky-sweet aroma hits me like a brick wall, making me stumble as I pass her.
“Careful!” Lucy runs to me, grabbing my upper arms for support. The sight of her sends a rush of relief over me.
“You aren’t gone yet.” A breath of relief flies from me. I want so badly to hug her.
“Am I going somewhere?” Lucy smiles at my statement.
“Are you not…” I trail off as Bear steps inside the house. I don’t know if Jack told the alpha that I kissed Lucy. I will tell him. Just not right now. The last thing I want is for him to get angry at me and take it out on Lucy.
“Stanley needs you,” Yuki says to Bear and her amber scent grows. It reminds me of bonfires. Warm, crackling wood deep in the forest.
Bear’s gaze flicks to me. “Is everything okay?”
“He’s running some errands.” The she-alpha shrugs. “He said he wanted you as backup.”
“How about we get you upstairs?” Lucy glances at my mud-covered feet, but I don’t want to leave Bear.
“Go on.” Bear ushers me toward Lucy. “I’m sure I won’t be gone long.”
I want to protest, but I know that will only make the alphas angry. So, instead, I force a smile.
“Let’s go.” Yuki pats my back when I don’t move. “Stanley has strict orders for you this evening.”
Bear gives me a kind smile before I’m forced to turn away from him. While I’m excited to be with Lucy, I’m a little scared of spending time with Yuki. She’s just so… intimidating .
“I’ll start your bath,” Lucy says when we enter my bedroom, but I’m too restless for that. I’d rather rinse off in the shower and get into my nest as quickly as possible.
“It’s okay.” I make my way to the bathroom. “I can manage myself.”
“Wait,” Yuki calls out. “Jack said you need to take one of these.” She opens the bedside table. I hear the rattle of pills bouncing around in a bottle. I’ve done a horrible job taking my vitamins. “Let me get you some water.” She places two long white pills in the palm of my hand.
I stare at them, a little worried I’ll choke to death. “Thank you, but I can get my own water.” I smile at the she-alpha, trying to be friendly.
She nods once, and for some reason, her expression doesn’t seem as hard as it has in the past. While she’s not exactly smiling down at me, she’s also not scowling. “Let me know if you need any help.” Her dark eyes flicker to the bathroom, and I suddenly feel like she wants me out of the room.
“I’ll be right there to help.” Lucy fluffs a few pillows on Jack’s bed. I’m glad she had new ones brought up because I completely forgot.
The second I step into the bathroom, I take a deep breath, enjoying the few moments of quiet. I didn’t realize how overwhelmed I was. Between my tense conversation with Jack, fear that Lucy was leaving me, and my worry that everyone will hate me for kissing Lucy, I’m a little frazzled.
I stick my head under the faucet, downing both enormous pills, then I turn on the shower. It throws off a chilly spray at first before slowly warming up. I take my time, pulling off my shorts and oversized shirt. I know my new clothes will probably be here soon, but a small part of me doesn’t really want to wear anything else. I like being wrapped up in his scent all day. It makes me feel like I truly belong here.
“What happened with Stanley?” Yuki’s sharp whisper cuts through the cracked bathroom door. It’s clear she doesn’t want me to hear their conversation, but I had no idea he and Lucy had talked, and now I’m dying to know too. Leaving the shower on full blast, I inch my way to the door, listening quietly.
“Nothing,” Lucy says. I imagine her giving the she-alpha a pretty smile, trying not to worry her.
Yuki’s tone shifts to a firm command, “Tell me, beta.”
“Honestly, nothing.” Lucy gives a girlie laugh. “He wanted to talk about Stefan’s safety and to make sure he’s protected should anything like that happen again.”
“Protected?” Yuki’s feet move, stomping closer to Lucy’s voice. “Did he talk to you about Lappen?”
“Andrew Lappen?” Lucy asks with a twist of confusion. “The mob boss? Why? Is he threatening you? Is your pack in danger?”
Fear rises in my belly as I remember those two alphas Jack ordered to be killed. Are there more alphas who want to hurt my pack? I know Jack, Bear, and Yuki can handle themselves, but I’m still scared for them. What if they’re outnumbered next time?
“Calm down,” Yuki says firmly, and for a second, it feels like she’s talking to me. “It’s nothing like that. You know how our work is. Someone is always pissed and making threats. Lappen is only the latest.” She pauses, and I hear Lucy let out a gentle sigh of relief. “Jack is a little more on edge now that we have Stefan.”
“ We have Stefan?” Lucy’s voice rises a little more girlie. Flirty.
There’s a pause, and I’m dying to know what’s happening. Is Yuki snarling? Frowning? Smiling? I know that last one isn’t likely, but a guy can hope. Because as much as she scares me, I still like Yuki. I can’t help it. There’s just something so alluring about her.
“Tell me what Jack said about you two kissing,” Yuki says, and heat floods my cheeks.
I hate that they’re talking about this, but I’m dying to know.
“Well,” Lucy’s voice lifts with restrained excitement. “He basically said I could date Stefan.”
I’m numb. I’m so shocked and excited and filled with disbelief that my whole body has gone numb.
“Really?” Yuki gasps like she’s thrilled.
Lucy giggles as she says, “Yeah.”
I can’t even hear anything else. My mind is a flurry of endless possibilities. I can date Lucy! And it sounds like she wants to date me. I can’t believe this. A shiver cuts through me, and I suddenly realize I’m completely naked and the shower is still running. Heavy footsteps move toward me, and I run to the shower, jumping in.
“Everything okay?” Yuki sticks her head into the bathroom right as the burning hot water hits my face.
“I’m good!” I yell a little too loudly as I fumble with the knobs.
The she-alpha says something else, but I can’t hear her over the blood rushing in my ears. Lucy likes me! And from the sound of things, Yuki is okay with that. And Jack is okay with that. And I’m willing to bet Bear will be okay with it too.
Is this really my life?
I’m lost in a world of absolute joy and endless possibilities when the first cramp hits my belly. It’s weak at first, making me stretch my arms over my head to relieve it. But it quickly builds, growing so intense, the muscles in my neck strain.
“Shit,” I grunt hard as I curl inward. “Please stop,” I whisper to myself, cradling my stomach. “Stop. Stop. Stop,” I beg when my cock begins to grow.
This is a nightmare. I can’t go into heat—or a mini-heat like the other night—with only Lucy and Yuki here. I need Jack. He knows what to do.
A sharp pain cuts through my lower abdomen, twisting my guts hard. I fall to my hands and knees.
Water pours down on my back, but it no longer feels good. The spray is too strong, tapping my skin like a thousand tiny needles. I stifle a whine, pressing my forehead to the wet tile floor. Then my backside begins to ache as a deep pressure grows. I suck in a harsh breath through my teeth, then I grunt hard as a wave of slick erupts from my trembling body.
Jack , I think about my alpha, trying to concentrate hard on our bond. I can feel him. But just barely. He’s faint, almost like he’s trying to block me out. “P-please,” I whisper to my mate, praying he can feel me. “Come home.”
“What the—” Yuki’s voice is right next to me. But I can’t look up at her. I can’t see anything other than white-hot pain. It’s like the other night with Jack. Nothing but horrible, burning pain.
“Lucy!” Yuki yells, and a warm hand presses to my back. I hiss when her skin touches mine. It’s all too much—the hot water pouring over me, Yuki’s strong presence, and Lucy’s gentle aroma drifting from the other room. I feel like I might combust.
“What’s wrong?” Lucy’s voice is high-pitched. Filled with fear. “Is he okay?”
The shower is turned off, and a soft towel is thrown over me.
“Grab my phone. Call Jack.” Yuki circles an arm around my back, then she helps me stand. I’m terrified my knees will give out, but the she-alpha forces me to lean against her as we walk. “It’s okay.” Yuki’s voice is tight. Strained. Is she angry?
“Help,” I whine as another cramp grips me, squeezing my eyes shut tight.
“No one is answering,” Lucy says, and I hear the full-on panic in her voice.
“Fuck.” Yuki helps me lean against the side of the bed, then she maneuvers me so I’m lying on my back. “Stefan.” She grabs my face, forcing me to look at her. “Open your eyes, omega.”
I do as she says, but the woman looking down at me isn’t the stoic, controlled she-alpha I’ve come to know. Instead, Yuki looks wild. Her eyes are blown out, and her fangs flash when speaks.
“It’s okay,” she says, her voice husky but still so controlled.
I nod, but having the she-alpha so close sends another wave of heat over me, and my cock twitches. It’s so long and hard, my erection becoming almost too painful. “Make it st-stop!” I ghost my trembling hands over my member, terrified to touch it. I don’t want to come in front of Lucy. I don’t want her to see me like this.
“Lock the door behind you,” Yuki commands the beta, but her eyes stay glued to my face.
“But…” Lucy steps up next to the bed. She looks so scared for me, her big blue eyes drifting over my face, down my chest, to my straining erection. I hate that she’s looking at me, but I love it too. It’s all so confusing. “I want to stay,” Lucy’s voice cracks, and I know my heart will break if she leaves me.
“Stay.” I reach for the beta, happy she wants to be here, but my hand sways in the air, unable to move with any confidence. “Please,” I manage to get the single word out before another cramp grips me. “Fuck!” I scream as more slick gushes from my body.
I’m on fire, burning and dying all over again. Do all omegas endure this? Is it just me? Or just males? There’s no way this is normal.
“Lucy,” Yuki growls low in her chest, making a vicious tremble work through me.
“Lock the door, pretty girl. Then strip down. We’re going to make this sweet omega feel good.”
I shouldn’t be doing this. I should demand they leave the room and handle it on my own until Jack returns. But I can’t. Yuki’s powerful pheromones are soaking into me, winding me up and turning me on, and I no longer care if it’ll upset Jack. In fact, I hope it does. It serves him right for leaving me.
“Alpha.” I reach for Yuki, pleased when she presses her hand to her cheek. “Help,” I whine high in my throat. I feel like I’m going to die if she doesn’t touch me soon.
“Don’t worry, little omega,” she purrs. “I’m going to make it all better.”