Page 184 of Defiant Beta

“And if the alpha fights the omega on it?” I ask.

Garrison’s expression hardens. “Then they won’t like what we do. Kylian and Cian have volunteered to lend a hand.” He gets to his feet. “I’ll let you enjoy your breakfast.”

We say our goodbyes, and I reflect on what it all means. Things are changing in bigger and more permanent ways than I could have ever hoped for.

“Is Haven Academy opening again, then?” I ask.

“For now, it’s closed,” Vincent says.

“We leaked the news about an omega serial killer to the press,” Xavier explains. “Not sure if any parent would want to send their child there, but there’s going to be a lot of changes happening before it reopens. If it ever does.”

“And us?” I ask.

Xavier claims a kiss. “We take you to Paris, come home, and figure out what we all want to do with the rest of our lives.”

Epilogue

Levi

Paris

One Week Later

Della kicks her feet while lying face down on the bed with silk sheets, a box of chocolates beside her, idly flipping the pages of her magazine.

She’s wearing a pink slip that reveals the back of her freckled thighs. Nothing else. The strap slides down her arm as I watch her from the doorway, trying hard not to notice her pebbled nipples, a sign she’s not wearing a bra.

We brought her to Paris to spoil her. Not spend the month we intend to be here in bed having sex and doing little else.

Before we left the States, Della started seeing a therapist. She had a Zoom session and didn’t hate it, so she’s continuing the weekly calls while we’re in Paris. Her nightmares haven’t completely stopped, but they are getting better, and so is she.

I thought she’d be busy getting ready for dinner by now. I should be as well. Xavier and Vince headed out for a short walk.They’ll be back soon and wonder why neither of us has dressed yet.

I cross over to her, perching on the side of her bed.

“Not interested in the restaurant?” I drop a kiss on the top of her head, nuzzling as I inhale her scent. She doesn’t smell sweet like an omega, but she has a scent I can’t get enough of.

She smells like mine.

Vincent made a reservation at Sphère, one of the best restaurants in the city. From our lack of movement, it’s going to be yet another night we order in and spend the evening looking at the Eiffel Tower from our hotel room.

She muffles a yawn with her hand, then glances over her shoulder.

I haven’t buttoned up my shirt yet, and from the look in her eyes, I’m almost positive we’re not going out to dinner.

“Tired.” She smiles. “You guys wore me out.”

“If I remember correctly, that last time,youwere sitting onme.”

We’ve all been laughing a lot since we got here—even Vincent. A whole new world of light and laughter has opened up to all of us, and all because of this woman with brilliant blue eyes and red hair that looks like someone crushed a handful of fall leaves together.

She yawns again, snaps the magazine shut, and rolls onto her back, stretching. I dip my head and taste her lips.

Just a taste or nothing will happen tonight but sex.

Della might not be an omega, but she enjoys soft, cozy, and self-indulgent lovemaking, and I love giving it to her. We all do.

“Have I told you recently that I love you?” she whispers against my lips, stroking her hands up and down my back.

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