Page 67 of The Librarian and Her Alphas

“This is the Elysian Crown!” I exclaim, awed by the grand building before me. “How did you even get a reservation here?”

All I know is that it’s the most exclusive five-star hotel in the city. Damon chuckles at my excitement. “Only the best for our omega.”

We check in at the front desk and are then escorted to the fifth floor.

“Enjoy your stay,” the bellboy says with a smile, pushing open the room door for us.

The door shuts behind us as we enter the room. I’ve barely taken ten steps when I stop in my tracks, staring at the sight before me.

Romantic music plays softly from the stereo in the living area, and dozens of lit candles cover the floor, leading to what I assume is the bedroom. Rose petals are scattered across the furniture, and when I follow the candlelit trail to the bedroom, I see more rose petals covering the floor and the bed.

My stomach sinks.

Something is going on. This isn’t just a fancy night for sex. The alphas didn’t wine and dine me to bring me here for our usual fun. No, this might be the night when the alphas want to mark me.

“Lena.”

I turn around at the sound of Damon’s voice. He’s staring at me intently, an uncharacteristic nervousness about him that wasn’t there a moment ago. I stand rooted to the spot, panicked thoughts racing through my mind.

He clears his throat, swallowing hard.

“Yes?” I respond softly.

“Lena, I know I’ve promised you that I’ll always keep you safe, and I want you to know that I mean that,” he says, taking a deep breath. “I want to protect you forever and always. Will you accept our mark tonight?”

CHAPTER21

Damon

Istand there watching Lena, waiting for her to say something.

Max and Gunnar shift restlessly behind me, anxious for her answer. Her eyes widen in surprise, and I see the color drain from her face the longer she stares at me.

Lena looks terrified, and it breaks my heart to see that expression. I don’t want to pressure her into doing something she doesn’t like, but I know that marking her is the best way to keep her safe.

Deep down, I know she’s mine.I always claim what’s mine.

Her mouth opens and closes as if she wants to say something. She struggles with the words, but when they don’t come, her eyes dart around the room.

It’s as though she’s searching for a way out, and I wonder if that has been her plan all along. She won’t kiss any of us on the mouth, and while she’s affectionate in other ways I’ve noticed she avoids being kissed or touched too intimately when we’re not having sex.

Everything is starting to make sense.

“I’m sorry,” she begins, her chest heaving in her sexy black dress. “Damon, as much fun as I’m having with all of you, I don’t feel ready for something as permanent as being marked just yet. It’s too much, too soon, and I don’t think I can handle it.”

Her words cut deeply, and I feel rejected to my core.

I don’t understand why she keeps pushing me away.Haven’t I done enough to show her how much I care?I don’t know what else to do, but I know I can’t let her go without a fight.

“Lena,” I groan, trying to rein in my patience. “I just want to protect you. When you wear my mark, no other alpha can touch you. It guarantees your safety. Please, I don’t under?—”

“You have to understand that this is all so new to me,” she stops me, her voice soft, as if pleading with me. “I want to take my time and get to know each of you better. Why rush into that? We have all the time in the world.”

Sensing my disappointment, Max places a hand on my shoulder as if to tell me to stay calm with her.

“It’s okay,” Max says gently to Lena. “We understand.”

“Take as much time as you need,” Gunnar adds. “We will be waiting.”

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