Page 169 of Bred
Nix was right, though. I had more than one opportunity to jump to a higher position or skirt the rules. But I could never do that and continue to hold my head high. No self-respecting alpha could.
Luca's high-pitched laugh carried across the garden. I narrowed my eyes, wishing like hell he was alone. He had the balls to touch my mate, then tried to hurt someone else. Who knew how many omegas he had terrorized over the years.
Unable to stand being away from Lily for one more moment, I turned and marched off. "I'm heading home."
"What about the stables?" Nix called out.
"They'll be there tomorrow."
I shook out my hands, trying to force the tension from my body. The last thing I needed was for Lily to see me so wound up. Our bond was still so new, and I was shit at blocking my feelings out. Lily, on the other hand, was already very good at controlling what emotions she shared, and right now, she was silent. I was sure she could feel my anger and was buried deep in her nest, scared of why I was upset.
"Lily?" I called out, shutting the front door behind me. It was silent—deadly silent. I walked straight to the pantry, knowing she'd be there.
Big brown eyes stared up at me from the edge of a blanket. "Are you mad at me?" she whispered.
"Why would I be mad at you?" I knelt, hovering my hand over her nest, silently asking if I could come in. She tensed, making sure I didn't actually touch it, then she nodded. I crawled toward her, pulling her to my chest. She was naked. I had kept her that way since the day we mated.
"You weren't mad that I touched…" she trailed off, her gaze falling down her body.
I kissed her temple. "I am not mad about that."
The tension eased from her, and her expression shifted from fearful to worried. "Did something bad happen at work?"
"Yes," I said flatly, nuzzling her neck. I kissed my mating bite, loving the way she shivered. "I was forced to leave my sexy mate. It was hell."
She laughed, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. "You are awful."
"I'm not the one that spent the morning doing sinful things to myself."
Her cheeks blushed, and she pouted, "I missed you."
I settled back, allowing the soft scent of her nest to calm me. This was the kind of happiness that fairy tales promised. I just didn't imagine it taking place on the pantry room floor.
Lily let out a contented sigh, threading her fingers through my hair. "You aren't going to tell me what happened, are you?"
"I have a demanding job." I kept my voice soft, hoping she'd understand. "I train, fight, and occasionally get mad at new recruits. I'm sorry you're bound to those feelings, but I'll try harder to block them out."
"It's okay. I like feeling you throughout the day.” She bit her bottom lip, then added, “I was thinking of spending some time at the bakery tomorrow. I want to see my mom and dad."
"Bring home some bread. Something sweet."
"Got it," she nodded. "Flax seed. Extra flax."
THE BAKERY
LILY
"Matedlifesuitsyou,"Mom said, giving me a knowing smile.
I turned away from her. My sex was far too sore for my mother to give me a look like that while mentioning my mate. "Rowan is a good alpha," I said simply, placing the last loaf of warm bread into the basket. I wrapped them with a tea towel, then handed the basket to my mother.
She stepped a little closer, restrained excitement pouring from her big brown eyes. "Is he catering to you?" I pulled my brows together, not sure what she meant. "Omegas showered with lots of…affection…tend to become pregnant much faster than ones that—"
"Mom!" I gasped, walking around her toward the front of the shop. She quickly followed, the basket clutched tight in her hands.
"I just want to make sure Rowan's caring for you. That he's being a good mate. The early days of bonding should be the best of your life." She smiled as if remembering something blissful. "In fact, your father and I—"
"Rowan is a wonderful mate," I said loudly, desperately trying to end the conversation. "I amveryhappy." My cheeks burned as I gave her my most sincere smile. Hoping she'd drop it, I grabbed a dust rag and began wiping down the countertop as if my life depended on it.
