21. Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-One
I woke to sunlight streaming through the windows, casting warm patterns across my nest. For a moment, disorientation gripped me—this wasn't my apartment, wasn't my bed—but then memories flooded back. The attack, the shop, Gabriel's pack house. My nest.
I stretched, surprised by how deeply I'd slept. The combination of physical exhaustion and emotional drain had pulled me under completely, and for the first time since the attack, I'd slept without nightmares. The nest had worked its magic, creating a cocoon of safety that even my subconscious had accepted.
The subtle scent of coffee drifted in from somewhere in the house, along with the low murmur of voices. I reluctantly extracted myself from the nest, careful not to disturb its structure. My muscles protested slightly, stiff from hours curled in one position, but the discomfort was worth the good nights sleep.
After a quick shower, I dressed in fresh clothes from my suitcase—comfortable jeans and a soft sweater that wouldn't irritate my skin while working with flowers. I ran a brush through my purple hair, twisting it into a messy bun to keep it out of my face. The woman in the mirror looked more rested than she had in days, though the shadows hadn't completely disappeared from under my eyes.
I followed the scent of coffee through the hallway, padding quietly on bare feet. The house was quiet, but not eerily so—more like the peaceful calm of early morning. As I approached the kitchen, I could hear the soft tapping of keys and the occasional clink of a mug against a countertop.
Theo sat at the island, glasses perched on his nose as he focused intently on his laptop. He glanced up as I entered, a small smile touching his lips.
"Good morning," he greeted, adjusting his glasses. "Sleep well?"
"Better than I have in days," I admitted, making my way to the coffee pot. "The nest helped."
Theo nodded, unsurprised. "Studies show that nesting significantly reduces cortisol levels in Omegas experiencing stress or trauma. The familiar behaviors activate the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting fight-or-flight responses."
I smiled, pouring myself a cup of coffee. "Is there anything you don't know the scientific explanation for?"
A hint of color touched his cheeks as he adjusted his glasses again—a gesture I was beginning to recognize as his version of bashfulness. "Many things. I just tend to research topics that interest me."
"And Omega physiology interests you?" I asked, adding cream to my coffee.
"Human behavior in general," he clarified, turning back to his laptop.
"Understanding why people do what they do helps us solve cases." He hesitated, then added, "And yes, Omega physiology is particularly fascinating from a scientific perspective. It's the most adaptable designation, biologically speaking."
I leaned against the counter, sipping my coffee. "I've never thought of it that way. Most people focus on the... less scientific aspects."
"You mean the stereotypes," Theo said, his tone matter-of-fact rather than judgmental. "The emotional sensitivity, the nesting, the heats. Society tends to reduce Omegas to those characteristics alone."
"While conveniently ignoring that those traits have biological purposes beyond making us seem weak," I added, surprising myself with the bitterness in my voice.
Theo looked up, his eyes sharp behind his glasses. "Exactly. Emotional sensitivity is actually heightened intuition—an evolutionary advantage that helps Omegas assess potential threats and identify safe allies. Nesting behaviors create secure environments for vulnerable periods. Even heats, which are often sexualized in popular culture, are actually complex biological processes that enhance pair bonding and genetic compatibility assessment."
I stared at him, momentarily speechless. I'd never heard an Alpha speak about Omega physiology with such respect and scientific understanding.
"Sorry," Theo said, mistaking my silence for discomfort. "I tend to lecture when I'm interested in a topic."
"No, it's fine," I assured him, moving to sit across from him at the island. "It's just... refreshing to hear an Alpha talk about these things without the usual condescension."
Theo's lips quirked in a small smile. "We're not all walking stereotypes."
"So I'm learning," I replied, wrapping my hands around my mug and took a sip of coffee, relishing the quiet companionship of the moment. "Where is everyone else?"
"Gabriel's in his office on a call with the department. Dakota's running perimeter checks—standard morning protocol. Lucas is still sleeping—he worked late last night." Theo glanced at the clock on the microwave. "He should be up soon, though. He rarely sleeps past nine."
I nodded, taking another sip of coffee. The domesticity of the moment felt surreal against the backdrop of everything that had happened. Here I was, having morning coffee with an Alpha I barely knew, discussing the sleeping habits of his packmates as if this were all perfectly normal.
"What about the shop?" I asked, setting my mug down. "Any updates?"
Theo tapped a few keys on his laptop, pulling up what looked like a project management system. "Window replacement was completed yesterday afternoon. Security system upgrades are scheduled for completion today. The cleaning crew finished the main floor, but there's still some work to be done in the back room." He adjusted his glasses. "Overall, I'd estimate the shop could be operational in a few more days.”
He glanced at me eyes assessing me for a minute before he spoke again, “Even with your shop done, I think it best you do all your outstanding orders here for now…or at least until we figure out a plan to keep you safe since they know where you work and could show up anytime.”
I nodded, the reality of my situation hitting me again. Safety was the priority, even if it meant further disruption to my business.
"That makes sense," I conceded, running my finger along the rim of my mug. "I don't particularly want to be looking over my shoulder while arranging wedding bouquets."
"Speaking of which," Theo said, turning his laptop toward me, "I've set up the sunroom for your work. The flowers for the Sullivan wedding are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. I've already ordered all the standard supplies—floral foam, wire, tape, ribbons—but if there's anything specific you need, just let me know."
"You've really thought of everything," I murmured, scanning the comprehensive list on his screen.
Theo shrugged, a hint of color touching his cheeks again, “I just want to make things as easy for you as I can.”
"Theo, you're my favorite person right now," I said, my voice tinged with genuine gratitude. "I don't know how to thank you for all of this."
His cheeks flushed deeper, and he busied himself with adjusting his glasses. "No thanks necessary. It's practical for everyone involved."
The sound of heavy footsteps interrupted our conversation. Gabriel appeared in the doorway, dressed in a crisp button-down shirt and dark slacks, his hair still slightly damp from a shower. His eyes found mine immediately, something warming in his expression.
"Good morning," he said, his deep voice sending an unexpected flutter through my stomach. "You look rested."
"The nest worked its magic," I admitted, hiding my sudden nervousness behind my coffee mug. "Best sleep I've had since... everything."
Gabriel nodded, moving to pour himself coffee. "Good. You needed it.” He glanced at Theo's laptop. "Showing her the sunroom setup?"
"Just the supply list," Theo confirmed, turning the screen back toward himself. "Everything should be ready for her to start working when the flowers arrive tomorrow."
I finished my coffee, setting the mug in the sink. "I'd like to see the sunroom, if that's possible. Get a feel for the space before the supplies arrive."
"Of course," Gabriel said, gesturing toward the hallway. "I can show you now, if you'd like."
I nodded, following him out of the kitchen. We walked in comfortable silence down a long corridor I hadn't explored yet, eventually reaching a set of French doors at the far end of the house. The doors opened to the back yard, and across the distance I could see the greenhouse.
“I thought you said I could use the sunroom before…” I asked, glancing around me as he walked me through the maintained yard, the stone path a little damp as we walked.
“I was, but Theo reminded me of the greenhouse that we don’t use. I had used it when I was younger but not anymore.” He gave me a soft smile, “I thought this would suit your needs more than the sunroom, and this way if you make a mess you don’t have to worry about cleaning it up or ruining anything.”
I felt a surge of gratitude as we approached the greenhouse. It was larger than it had appeared from a distance—a beautiful Victorian-style structure with gleaming glass panels and an ornate metal framework. As Gabriel opened the door, warm, humid air enveloped us, carrying the rich scent of soil and growing things.
"Oh," I breathed, stepping inside. The space was magnificent—far more impressive than any sunroom could have been. Long workbenches lined the perimeter, their surfaces clean and ready for use. Shelves filled with empty pots and gardening tools stretched along one wall, while the center featured a large island perfect for arranging flowers.
Sunlight streamed through the glass ceiling, creating a dappled pattern on the stone floor. A few hardy plants occupied one corner—herbs and succulents that needed minimal care—but the rest of the greenhouse was empty, waiting to be filled.
"This is..." I trailed off, turning in a slow circle to take in the entire space. "This is perfect. More than perfect."
Gabriel leaned against one of the workbenches, watching me with a small smile playing at his lips. "I thought you might like it. It's been mostly unused for years—just Theo's occasional experiments with hybrid plants. But it has good bones."
"Good bones?" I laughed softly, running my hand along the smooth surface of the center island. "It's a botanical paradise. The light, the space, the setup..." I gestured to the high ceilings and the rows of windows. "I couldn't have designed a better workspace if I'd tried."
"It was my mother's originally," Gabriel said quietly, his expression softening with memory. "She loved gardening—grew everything from orchids to vegetables. Said this place was her sanctuary."
He looked around the greenhouse, "It hasn't been used properly in years. My mother was the gardener in the family. After she passed, no one had the heart to maintain it."
I glanced at him, surprised by this personal revelation. It was the first time he'd mentioned his family. "I'm sorry about your mother," I said softly.
He nodded, his expression thoughtful rather than pained. "It was a long time ago. But I think she'd be pleased to see the greenhouse being used again, especially for something creative."
I ran my fingers along one of the workbenches, feeling the smooth, well-crafted wood beneath my touch. I really apricated it. This place was definitely perfect and would work while I was here. This was definitely better than the sunroom. I gave him a smile, my eyes bright, “Thank you.”
I was saying it for more then the greenhouse, and by the look on his face, he knew it too. He gave me a nod, before motioning me to go explore, which I happily did.