Page 38 of Forget me Knot
“A chat?” Lily scoffs. “That sounded more like a challenge. This isn’t some testosterone-fuelled alpha pissing contest. Emily does not need that bullshit around her right now, and quite frankly, neither do I.”
Her words hit me like a bucket of cold water. I glance at Sam, who looks equally chastised. We’re both completely captivated by the same omega, and it’s time I came to terms with the fact that if I want this to go anywhere at all, to have any kind of future with her, I need to start getting my stubborn, jealous head around to thinking of her asours. Assuming Max will even entertain the thought. He doesn’t know her. I’ve kept her close. She only knows Sam because she’s seen him around the village a few times.
“Sorry, Lily,” I say, my voice softening. “You’re right. We didn’t mean to stress you out.”
She sighs and rubs her temples.
Sam steps forward, his expression sincere. “Of course. We’ll behave.”
I nod in agreement, though my insides twist with the urge to keep challenging him. But for Lily’s sake, I push it aside.
“Thank you,” she says softly, her shoulders relaxing a bit.
“We’re here to help, not cause more problems,” Sam adds, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
Lily nods slowly, her eyes softening. “I appreciate that. Things have been a bit overwhelming lately.”
“Yeah,” I say, trying to lighten the mood. “You’d think running a flower shop would be all sunshine and roses, but it’s got its share of dirt, too.”
Lily chuckles, and I feel a small triumph in getting that laugh out of her. Sam smirks and shakes his head.
“You’re such a dork,” he says, but there’s no malice in his voice.
I shrug. “Someone’s got to be the comic relief around here.”
Lily takes a deep breath and gives us both a grateful smile. “Right, let’s focus on what we plan to do about tonight. We don’t need both of you here, but I suppose an extra alpha on the premises might give Nigel second thoughts.”
“Whose Nigel?” Sam asks before I can.
“The idiot enforcer after Emily.”
“He’s a complete tool,” I grouse.
“Well, no arguments there. Uhm, Sam. Is there any chance you could follow up with George about having Emily stay over there? I don’t mean to be pushy, but… she will be safer there.”
I notice the hesitation before the word ‘she’ and catch her gaze. She gives me a weak smile, but Sam doesn’t notice or comment if he does.
“Yeah, I’ll chase him up. I’m sure it will be fine.” Sam gives her a reassuring smile.
She smiles back, angling her body towards him, and I shake my head. This has spiralled, but maybe that’s the only way I will get what I want. It’s time to start thinking of the bigger picture and that means having Lily as our pack omega.
Chapter 18
Lily
“I’ll go and see Mum and the pack in person,” Sam says after a few minutes. “I think it would be best if I go and make a case. George is less involved in this.”
“Well, I don’t know about that,” I mutter and then smile as Sam gives me a curious stare and add, “Thanks. I’d appreciate that.”
Sam leaves the shop, the bell tinkling as the door shuts behind him. Jack gets up and starts faffing about with some plants near the window. He’s trying to look busy, but I know he’s keeping an eye out for any sign of Nigel.
“You don’t have to stay in the window like that dog in the song, you know,” I say with a giggle.
Jack looks up from the pot he’s been pretending to examine and snorts. “Course I do. That prick Nigel’s still out there somewhere. And I’d better not be some cute puppy in this analogy, but rather some fierce and protective guard dog.”
I nod, grateful for his presence. “Always fierce and protective. I just hope Sam can sort something out with his family.”
“He will,” Jack says, more confident than I feel.
