Page 16 of The Comfort of Pain (The Black Market Omega #1)

Basil

Jeremy leans against the kitchen counter, watching me rummage through the drawers. He looks so cute with his ruffled hair and puffy eyes. I wish he wasn’t so tired.

After Beth’s outburst last night, the sweet beta was beside himself with grief for the omega. I brought him up to my room, but it took me a few hours to calm him down. I told him that it wasn’t our fault how Beth ended up at the Morder and that she’d probably be dead or worse if we hadn’t claimed her. Unfortunately, Beth hasn’t realized that yet, and she’s going to have a lot of anger until she does.

I hope Killian bonded with her well. She needs to feel loved and protected for once in her young life.

“What are you looking for?” Jeremy takes a slow sip of his cup of coffee. His icy-blue eyes drift over my bare chest, down to the front of my loose black sweats. I normally enjoy it when he checks me out, but I’m too frustrated right now.

“I can’t find my phone charger.” I shut the drawer a little too forcefully.

“It’s not in your room?”

“No,” I let out a pained sigh, then glance up at the ceiling, toward Killian’s room. “I think it's in one of the bags we took to the Morder.”

As if reading my mind, Jeremy says, “In Killian’s room?” I nod and he smiles.

“I emptied them out and put them in his closet.” I grimace. I really don’t want to go up there and risk waking Beth up. She needs to rest. But I also need my phone. I’m expecting an important call about some work for me and Tristan. We just poured through all our savings at the Morder, and adding a whole new member to our pack won’t be cheap. And as much as I hate the idea of leaving Beth during such a difficult time, we need the money.

“Maybe it’s time to get on the family plan.” Jeremy pushes his hand into the pocket of the oversized pajama pants he stole out of my closet. He pulls out his fancy, sleek phone, shaking it at me.

“I am on the family plan,” I say flatly, but I know that’s not what he means. My phone is ancient. It’s so outdated it uses a completely different charger than everyone else’s, but I like it. The navigation is simple, and it doesn’t buzz at me all damn day.

“Do you want me to go get your charger?” Jeremy asks, taking another sip of his coffee.

“No.” I check my phone. The red 3% in the corner changes to 2%, and I grimace. “I’ll do it.” I slip it into my pocket, but before I can go, Jeremy lets out a little hum as if remembering something.

“I almost forgot.” He sets down his coffee, then turns away from me. “Will you take this up?” He pushes up onto his toes, reaching for a small cardboard box on top of the fridge. His shirt lifts, showing me the small dimples on his lower back. He really is so fucking sexy. “I had planned to give it to Beth last night after dinner, but…” Jeremy trails off as sadness pulls at the corners of his pretty eyes.

“What is it?” I ask, eagerly taking the box and flipping it upside down to inspect it. The shipping label has Jeremy’s name and our PO box, but no return address.

“Let me show you.” The beta opens it and pulls out a teal velvet bag. “While you guys were gone, I read an article that said that some omegas don’t have their heat when they’re stressed.” He reaches for his coffee. “I wasn’t sure if our omega would have that issue, so I ordered this.” He pulls out a silver necklace with a circular charm hanging from it. “It’s a pre-mating tracker.” He lifts it high so I can see it. “It has GPS so we can keep track of Beth until you guys have a chance to mate her.” He smiles as if really proud of himself. “It’ll help us protect her should anyone try to snatch her.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Who would possibly try to snatch her?” I ask the beta. “She has three alphas and a beta to protect her.”

Jeremy gives me a pointed look before glancing out the main window. “I mean, we don’t exactly live in the suburbs.”

I think about that for half a second, then say, “You’re right.”

Jeremy smiles, giving me a little giggle. “I know I am.” He hands me the necklace. I toss the box onto the kitchen island and take the piece of jewelry. It’s pretty. The thin chain is short with a dangling circular charm. It has a B engraved in a pretty cursive font in the center. “They had a few options for what to put on the pendant, but I thought ‘ B ’ for the Bava pack was simple but elegant.”

It really is very nice, and delicate, but I’m worried Beth might not wear it. “So,” I keep my tone light, trying not to upset the beta over such a thoughtful gift. “I don’t think omegas are known for wearing jewelry,” I say, hoping Jeremy won’t be offended if Beth doesn't wear it. “They have very sensitive skin.”

“Oh, I know,” Jeremy says quickly. “It’s omega-made with micro-fasteners and coated in some kind of poly-something-another that makes it lay very softly against the skin.”

I nod, impressed.

“It does have a tricky lock.” Jeremy points to the clasp along the back. He pulls it, showing me how to unlock it then lock it back. “It’s supposed to be difficult for the omega to take off. This way you can track them easily if they run off.”

“This is such a great gift,” I say to the beta as I examine the circular charm a little more closely. “The staff at the Morder did say it might be a month before she goes into her heat.” I feel the silky metal chain, letting it slip between my fingers. It’s unbelievably soft. “I wish it wasn’t so dangerous to mate an omega outside of their heat. What do you—” I cut myself off when I see the look on Jeremy’s face. He looks upset, lost in some far-off thought. “What’s wrong?” I set down the necklace and wrap my arm around the beta’s trim waist, pulling him to me.

It takes a second for the beta to gather his thoughts, but he finally asks, “Do you think Beth will run away from us like she did from her family?” His abrupt question catches me off guard, and I momentarily free him.

“Well…” I think it over, not sure how to answer that. My gut says yes, but I refuse to scare the beta by telling him the truth. “I think Beth ran away from a very hard life,” I sigh, saddened by the fact. “But I think she’ll see that she has nothing to run from here.”

Jeremy’s blue eyes drift, and our faint bond flares with intense concern. My alpha instincts kick in, and I lean down, nuzzling his mating bite, then kissing his cheeks. He melts against my chest as I pepper kisses all over his face. He laughs when I pretend to bite the tip of his nose, finally smiling.

“It was really thoughtful of you to get her something that will help keep her safe.” I kiss him once more. “It’s a wonderful gift.”

“What’s a wonderful gift?” Tristan breezes around the corner, wearing only a pair of shorts. He clearly just finished working out. His sweaty tattooed chest is on full display. He looks very good.

“Jeremy got Beth a pre-mating tracker.” I hold the necklace up, letting the burly alpha see it.

“That’s a fan-fucking-tastic idea,” Tristan snorts loudly as he heads straight for the fridge. “I’m pretty sure she was making a run for it when she did this.” He points to the healing mark on his bicep. It looks pretty good, a thin scar already taking hold. Jeremy is always complaining about how quickly our kind heal.

“Wait?” Jeremy sets his mug on the kitchen island. He leans into Tristan’s space, crossing his arms. “You think she was running away ?”

“Yeah,” he says like it’s no big deal as he opens the fridge.

“Tristan,” Jeremy’s voice pitches higher, clearly upset. “Why didn’t you say she was so scared she ran off?” He turns his cutting glare on me. “Why didn’t you ? I just asked you if she’d try to run away.”

“Hey now,” I hold up my hands as if trying to push back the beta’s swift anger. “To be fair, I didn’t know she tried to run off.” I cut Tristan an angry look, but he simply shrugs. Not bothered in the least. “However,” I turn back to Jeremy, hoping to settle him before he gets too worked up, “it doesn’t really surprise me. Omegas like to run from their packs before they’re mated. It’s not that uncommon.”

Jeremy’s face scrunches up, clearly not believing me. “Are you kidding me?” He snorts loudly, almost as if what I just said was a joke. I get it. He’s a beta with beta parents. He doesn’t have any experience with omegas. None of us do, really. “Where the hell did you hear that omegas like to run away?” Jeremy asks with way too much attitude.

“Omega studies,” I say simply, trying not to rise to his emotions. After all, he’s on edge. It’s been a very stressful week.

“Yup.” Tristan pulls a carton of orange juice out of the fridge. “They shove all kinds of omega mating bullshit down your throat in high school.” He removes the lid, then lifts the carton as if he’s going to drink out of it.

“No, sir,” Jeremy says loudly, grabbing the juice before it touches the alpha’s lips. “Were you raised by wolves?” He smacks Tristan’s arm as he grabs a glass out of the nearby cupboard.

Tristan leans into Jeremy’s side, smiling widely. “I like it when you hit me.” He angles his body, presenting his arm to the beta. “Do it again. Make it hurt this time,” he growls softly.

Jeremy smiles wide and his cheeks go rosy. Tristan’s ability to distract the passionate beta is impressive. “You are ridiculous.” Jeremy rolls his eyes. “Now go away so I can get breakfast in the oven.”

“Do you want me to give this to Beth?” I hold up the necklace, but Jeremy is too busy giggling as Tristan cages him in against the counter. I put the necklace in my pocket, leaving the pair to flirt in private.

Jeremy needs the extra attention.

The rest of the house is dead quiet. It rained a bit last night, stopping around five this morning, but the birds still haven’t come out yet. I think we might be in for a bit more dreary weather.

I crack open Killian’s bedroom door, then stop. The air is thick with sweet omega slick, dried cum, and Beth’s precious sugary scent. The aroma cuts straight to my core. My canines tingle and my cock instantly grows thick and long. I tuck it up into my waistband, wishing I had worn something other than sweatpants. Jeans would do a much better job of hiding my erection. The last thing I want is to scare Beth. Omegas need to be gently eased into pack life.

I creep past the bed, peeking at the lump in the center. Killian is asleep on his back with Beth on his chest. Her face is squished against his firm pecs, making her lips pucker out. It’s adorable.

The closet door creaks as I open it, and I quickly step inside. I find the bags and rummage in every single pocket until I find what I’m looking for.

“There you are,” I whisper to the black cable. I really need to buy a backup charger.

Moving slowly, I tiptoe back into the bedroom, then make my way to the bedside table. I pull out the necklace, but right as I’m about to set it down, Killian whispers, “What’s that?”

I startle. “Jeremy got it for Beth,” I whisper, trying not to wake Beth, but it’s too late. The omega stares up at me, her dark eyes wide and puffy with sleep. The bruise on the side of her face looks decent. It’s already fading and the swelling has gone down too.

“I’m sorry.” Beth’s words are somewhat slurred, making me think she might still be asleep. “I’m getting up to make breakfast.” She pushes against Killian’s chest as she sits up. I get a flash of her bare chest, but I divert my eyes.

I’ve already seen her naked, but it feels rude to stare when there’s cum dried in her hair. “It’s half-past eight,” I say, and Beth shakes.

“What?” Her eyes go wide, and she blinks rapidly. It takes a second, but once her eyes focus, she looks around the room as if suddenly remembering where she is. “It’s eight?” She hugs the comforter to her chest. “Eight in the morning ?” I nod and the omega’s mouth falls open as if it’s impossible to believe. “I don’t think I’ve ever slept this late before.”

“Really?” Killian tucks his hands behind his head. “What time do you normally wake up?”

The energy in Beth’s bright eyes dims, and she turns her head away from us, staring at the other side of the room. “Four.”

“In the morning!” I don’t mean to yell, but I can’t help it.

“Why the hell would you wake up at four AM?” Killian sits up, just as floored as I am. “That’s practically in the middle of the night.” He turns on the bedside lamp, bathing the whole room in a warm, yellow glow.

“My father liked to have breakfast ready when he got up,” she says simply. But it’s clear there’s a lot she’s not saying.

Killian and I talked a bit about Beth’s situation before dinner. He told me about how she practically admitted to her father beating her. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. My biggest fear is that it wasn’t just physical abuse, but emotional as well. And considering that her pack forced her to wake up before sunrise, I can only assume what other ridiculous things they did to control the sweet omega.

“Jeremy got you something.” I hold up the necklace, eager to put a smile on the omega’s face. “Something pretty.” The charm sways, catching the light.

Beth’s big brown eyes go wide. “That’s for me ?” Her fingers curl around the blanket, clearly wanting to touch it.

My feet move, the intense need to be closer to her pulling me around the bed. “Go on.” I sit on the edge of the bed, encouraging her to take it. But the omega doesn’t move. She just stares at the piece of jewelry with her lips parted, almost as if lost in a trance. “Do you like it?” I rest the charm on my palm, bringing it closer to her.

“Yes,” Beth whispers so softly, as she touches the engraved B. Her finger circles it once, before pulling her hand back. “It’s too nice.” She shakes her head, looking up at me. “I’m sorry. I can’t accept this.”

“Nonsense,” I say firmly as I undo the clasp like Jeremy showed me. Leaning forward, I wrap my arms around Beth’s smooth, soft neck. It’s completely free of any marks. How the hell did Killian keep from marking her?

Leaning forward, I inhale deeply. Beth’s warm vanilla scent slams into me and my fingers tremble. My heart races and my cock grows as I struggle to get the damn necklace locked.

“You got it?” Killian asks with a gentle lift in his tone. I’m sure he can sense my arousal and frustration building. Being so close to Beth is both torture and heaven at the same time.

“Got it.” I examine the lock, pleased.

But then Beth turns her head toward me, her mouth inches from mine, and she whispers, “Will you lift my hair?”

My hands shake as I gather Beth’s long, dark hair. The silky strands are so soft and thick. Then I lift, pulling it out from under her necklace. A fresh wave of her sweet aroma washes over me and my mouth waters.

My gaze drops to the charm, then lower to the soft curve of cleavage peeking out of the top of the comforter. “It’s beautiful on you,” I say, before ripping my eyes off her sweet body.

A small smile lifts Beth’s pretty lips. “Thank you.” She presses her palm over the charm.

I want to pull her sweet body to mine and kiss her deeply. But I force myself to lean back, keeping my distance. I know that Killian wouldn’t mind—he’s not an overly possessive pack alpha—but it’s important we don’t overwhelm Beth.

“Are you hungry? I try to discreetly adjust my cock as I stand. Killian’s dark eyes zero in on the movement, and he licks his lips. This is torture . “I think Jeremy has something planned for breakfast.” My voice pitches higher, pained.

Beth’s eyes widen slightly at the mention of food. “I’m starving.” She seems so much calmer today.

It gives me hope.

“Let me get you something to wear.” Killian slips out of bed. He’s completely naked, his limp cock swinging between his muscular legs. Beth stares at his impressive form, before looking at me. Her face flushes and she drops her gaze, embarrassed to be caught staring. I want to laugh and tell her she can look all she wants. We belong to her as much as she belongs to us.

“Okay.” I clear my throat roughly, trying to force myself out of the room. “I’ll see you down there.” I push my hands into my pockets as I walk to the door. My body screams not to leave, but if I don't leave his room right this second, I’m going to end up doing something I regret.

The second I reach the door, I glance back at the gorgeous omega one more time. She smiles, her pretty pink lips lifting so sweetly. All the fear, distress, and anger she suffered last night seems to be gone.

Killian did good work.

I just hope Beth doesn’t have another episode.