Page 32 of The Comfort of Pain (The Black Market Omega #1)

Tristan

The house is a fucking mess.

Glass, blood, and rainwater is everywhere.

Killian and I were hoping to have everything cleaned up before Beth woke up, but the couch is ruined. Basil tried a million different kinds of cleaner but it only smeared the blood. It didn't take long before we gave up and carried the damn thing outside. We’ll burn it once everything dries out.

“Thank goodness we don’t have carpet down here.” Killian looks over the hardwood floor.

We’ve spent the last two hours scrubbing and sweeping, trying to get all the glass and leaves out of here.

“Good morning.”

Killian and I both turn to Beth and my heart sinks. She looks so teeny in one of Basil’s oversized sweatshirts and Jeremy's baggy pajama pants.

“You shouldn’t be walking on that ankle.” Killian tosses a wet rag onto a pile with the rest before moving to our omega. She spreads her arms as he nears, then she falls into his warm embrace.

“I’m okay,” she mumbles against his chest, before nuzzling him. Killian smooths his hand over her long, dark hair then he kisses the top of her head. “Is he….” Beth stares at the spotless floor where the couch once was. “Is he gone?”

“Yes,” I say firmly, giving her no doubt that her father will never hurt her again.

Beth lets out a heavy breath as she releases Killian. I expect tears, but she manages to hold it together. “Let me make you two something to eat,” she says.

“We can feed ourselves.” Killian picks her up, carrying her into the kitchen.

“You can’t baby me forever.” Beth gives the alpha a pointed look. “I hate sitting around all day eating cookies and doing nothing.” She pauses, then adds, “Well, not the cookies. I’ll still eat them, but I’d like to be useful between snacks.”

Killian chuckles and my heart swells with relief. I’m sure she’s still in shock, and she’ll have a lot of hard feelings later, but for now, our sweet omega seems okay.

“How about I cook while you slice?” Killian grabs a bunch of apples, setting them right next to Beth. She picks up one of them, turning the red fruit over in her hands.

She cocks a brow and smirks. “Can I have a real knife?”

“Don’t do it,” I warn, walking to her. “She’s a violent little thing.” I situate myself between her legs and her smile grows. “She can’t be trusted with a blade.” I kiss her once, lingering on those sweet lips.

“I only attack alphas who deserve it.” She pops her fist against my arm.

“Good morning,” Jeremy yawns loudly as he rounds the corner.

Basil shuffles up behind him. The alpha looks rough. Dark circles curve under his eyes, and his knuckles are bruised to all hell.

“Come here.” Beth reaches for Basil. I move out of the way, letting her hug him tight. “Thank you,” she whispers, kissing his face as he drops his head into the crook of her neck.

Killian taps me on the forearm, then hands me a package of raw bacon. We start prepping breakfast while Beth and Basil snuggle one another. They both clearly need it.

It doesn’t take long before everything is ready. It’s nothing special. Some eggs, bacon, and fruit, but I don’t think any of us have the energy for anything fancy.

“Did you hear that?” Killian goes still, turning his head toward the door. We all freeze, listening.

Soft footsteps move across our front porch. From the sounds of it, someone small is pacing.

“I’ve got it.” I set the plates on the counter, then make my way down the hall. I see the figure through the narrow, frosted window. They’re small. And I think I know who it is.

I purposefully shove the front door open hard, making it bang against the wall. “What do you want?” I demand of the young alpha standing before me.

His body locks up and his dark brown eyes flicker from me to the house behind me. He’s got a decent shiner, someone clearly having popped him recently. Did he have that the other day?

“I’m so sorry.” The boy’s mouth hangs open. “I’m Beth’s brother,” he says as if I didn't already know that. “Darrion.” He bows and I frown, not sure how to respond to that. “May I speak to my sister?”

I narrow my eyes at the kid, not fully trusting him. I get that he’s still a child, but I don’t trust any of Beth’s family. They’re all clearly fucked.

“Don’t fucking move,” I snarl, then slam the door in his face.

I breeze back into the kitchen to see Jeremy setting the table. Basil carries Beth to her chair, and I take the chance to grab Killian for a second.

“Her brother is at the door,” I tell the pack alpha.

Killian pulls in a deep breath, then pushes it out forcefully. “Fuck.”

“What’s wrong?” Jeremy stares at us, his pale blue eyes wide with fear.

“It’s nothing,” Killian quickly says. “Beth. Your brother is here. Do you want to talk to him?”

“Yes!” She starts to stand, but Basil places his hand on her shoulder, pushing her back into her seat.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he says firmly.

“I’ll go get him,” Killian hands me a handful of silverware before walking off. I’m sure he’s going to warn the kid before letting him into our home. But I plan on sitting right next to Beth, letting the fucker know that I have her back should he try anything.

“Darrion!” Beth gasps when she sees the kid. I settle into the chair next to her and cross my arms. Waiting. “Ouch.” Beth’s gaze shoots straight to Darrion’s black eye, and her shoulders fall. “Did you walk into the pantry door again?” She motions to his eye.

“Yeah.” He snorts like it’s a joke. “That damn door is vicious.”

I don’t get it.

But Basil and Killian seem to understand. They both share a quick look, frowning.

“Um,” Darrion’s gaze drifts from his sister to me and back again. “Have you seen Dad?” His tone is tight, obviously already expecting the worst. “He said he was coming here.” The kid looks ashamed, struggling to look anyone in the eye.

“He’s gone,” Beth says as she reaches for her brother’s hand. “I’m sorry, alpha.” She calls him by his dynamic. Most people don’t start doing that until an alpha is grown and settled, but I guess it makes sense. Darrion will have to step up now that his pack alpha is dead.

“Do you have his body?” Darrion asks Killian, but the pack alpha looks at me.

“He’s gone,” I say flatly.

That’s a lie. I do have the fucker’s body. I dumped it out behind the shed until I can dispose of it later, but I don’t want to give it up. I don’t want this kid carrying that asshole’s carcass all the way, and giving him a proper burial. Burke doesn't deserve it.

“That’s okay.” Darrion gives Beth a sad smile. “I knew he probably wasn't going to return when he said he was coming here last night. It didn’t matter what I said, he was so confident he could take on your whole pack by himself.”

My fists curl, enraged that the boy knew what his father was going to do, but didn’t stop him. But no one else seems pissed.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Basil says with a little bow of his head. “Would you like to join us for breakfast?”

I snap my head around, glaring at the alpha.

“No, thank you,” Darrion says and I nod, happy with his decision. “I need to get home. Tony and Scott are holding things down.”

“Um,” Beth’s grip on his hand tightens, “Maybe you can bring mom to visit?” Her voice lifts, hopeful.

But the young alpha is already shaking his head. “That's not a good idea, Bethie,” he says gently. “It’s too dangerous for your kind to travel through these woods. Mom has to stay home.”

“Can you drive?” Killian asks.

But Darrion instantly frowns. “We have no car. Traveling by foot is the only way.”

Killian nods as if understanding.

“Alpha?” Beth gives the pack alpha those big, puppy dog eyes. “Could we travel to see them?”

Dread settles in my gut. I don’t want to see any of Beth’s family, and she shouldn’t want to either. They’re all horrible fucking people, who enabled that piece-of-shit for far too long.

“Please. Just once?” Beth turns those stunning brown eyes on me. But I’m stronger than Killian. I refuse to back down. “My alphas will keep me safe.” She smiles at me, and all her love and trust thrums through our bond.

“I’m not sure.” Killian glances at me. “Thoughts?”

“We can take her for one visit.” The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. I want to snarl and growl, but Beth slips her small hand over my forearm and squeezes gently.

“Thank you, alpha,” she whispers and my heart melts. Shit .

“Sit.” Jeremy takes his place, patting the chair next to him. It’s my seat. I frown, not happy, but the beta doesn’t seem to care.

“You need to eat before you start your journey home.” Basil pulls out the chair for the youngin.

Darrion finally nods, then sits.

Everyone settles in, and plates are loaded down, but Beth is too busy staring at me.

“What?” I ask, worried I might have blood on my face.

“I just love you.” She leans into my side. “I love all of you.”

And just like that, I instantly know that my life is fucked.

I’ll never be able to say no to this stunning omega.

“I love you too,” I kiss the tip of her nose. “You vicious little thing.”