23. Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Three
I didn’t know how long I was immersed in the books, until someone cleared their throughs. Lucas stood there, a smile on his face holding a plate of food, a sandwich and some fruit.
"Theo mentioned you hadn't eaten lunch yet," he said, setting the plate down on a side table next to me. "I volunteered for delivery duty."
I glanced at my watch, surprised to discover it was already past two in the afternoon. I'd been so absorbed in Eleanor's botanical collection that time had slipped away completely.
"Thank you," I said, marking my place in the book with a thin leather bookmark. "I didn't realize how late it had gotten."
Lucas settled into the chair opposite mine, his usual playful demeanor softened by the quiet atmosphere of the library. "Easy to lose track of time in here. Happens to Theo all the time—we've found him asleep surrounded by books more than once."
I smiled at the image, picking up half of the sandwich—turkey and avocado on whole grain, with a hint of something spicy in the mayo. "Who made it?”
Lucas laughed, “Dakota did actually. He can make things simple like this. He made it when he was making his own food. He hopes ya don’t mind the small hit of spice. I can get you something else if it isn’t something you like.”
I shook my head, “No it is good. Thank him for me…and thank you for delivering it to me.”
Lucas nodded a smile on his face, as he glanced at the book in my lap, “Finding anything interesting?"
I nodded, gently stroking the cover of the antique volume. "These botanical illustrations are incredible. The detail, the artistry... you don't see this kind of craftsmanship anymore."
I carefully turned the page of the book I'd been absorbed in, revealing another exquisite illustration of a rare orchid. "This one shows a species that's practically extinct now. The artist captured every detail so perfectly you can almost smell it."
Lucas leaned forward, his interest seemingly genuine rather than performative. "Gabriel said his mother was obsessed with preserving knowledge. Said she believed every plant had a story worth telling."
"She wasn't wrong," I replied, taking another bite of the sandwich. The spice was perfect—just enough to add interest without overwhelming the other flavors. "Plants have been telling their stories for millions of years. We're just not always good at listening."
Lucas smiled, a softer expression than his usual playful grin. "You remind me of her sometimes. The way Gabriel described her, at least." At my surprised look, he continued, "Not physically—she was tall, blonde and a Beta.”
“She sounds like she was wonderful.” I put the book back down and took another bit of my sandwich.
“We didn’t meat Gabriel till he was twenty-one, so we didn’t get to know her…but we have been told stories.” Lucas told me, as he glanced back at the drawing again. “It is beautifully done though. You don’t see things like that much anymore.”
"It's almost like we've lost something in the digital age," I mused, taking another bite of the sandwich. "Everything's so perfect now, but there was something special about the human hand rendering these plants, the slight imperfections that make them feel alive."
Lucas leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You sound like Theo. He's always going on about the 'soul' of analog things." He grinned, a boyish charm lighting up his features. "I'm more of a modern convenience guy myself."
"Let me guess," I said, returning his smile. "You'd choose a smartphone over a leather-bound journal any day?"
"Guilty as charged," he admitted with a theatrical sigh. "Though I can appreciate the aesthetics of old things. Just prefer my books in digital form where I can adjust the font size."
I laughed, feeling unexpectedly relaxed in his company. There was an ease to Lucas that I hadn't fully appreciated before—a lightness that balanced the intensity of the other Alphas.
"I have to admit," I said, selecting a grape from the plate, "I didn't expect to find such a magnificent library in a house full of law enforcement Alphas."
Lucas leaned back, stretching his long legs out in front of him. "We're full of surprises. Dakota's secretly a decent cook, Theo can recite poetry in three languages, and Gabriel..." he paused, a mischievous glint in his eye, "Gabriel has the most extensive vinyl record collection you've ever seen. Classical, mostly, but don't get him started on jazz unless you want a three-hour lecture on the evolution of music."
"Really?" I couldn't hide my surprise. The stoic, controlled Alpha didn't strike me as a music lover, but the saying goes ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’ really does apply to people.
"Music is his escape," Lucas explained. "When a case gets too heavy or he needs to clear his head, he disappears into his room and puts on a record. The volume's never high, but we all know not to disturb him when the music starts."
I tried to picture Gabriel lost in music, those intense blue eyes closed as he let the notes wash over him. The image was unexpectedly intimate, and I felt my cheeks warm slightly.
"What about you?" I asked, deliberately changing the subject. "What's your secret talent?"
Lucas grinned, a boyish charm lighting up his face. "Who says it's a secret? I'm an open book."
"Everyone has something," I insisted, popping another grape into my mouth. "Something that doesn't fit their obvious persona."
He studied me for a moment, amusement dancing in his eyes but I could see a a hint of self-consciousness crossing his features. "Promise not to laugh?"
"No guarantees," I replied, smiling over the rim of my water glass.
"I build model ships," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Historically accurate, down to the tiniest details. Started when I was a kid and never stopped.”
I blinked, genuinely surprised. "Model ships? Like... sailing vessels?"
Lucas nodded, a hint of pride breaking through his self-consciousness. "Eighteenth and nineteenth-century warships, mostly. The craftsmanship of those vessels was incredible—the way they balanced function and beauty, strength and grace." His eyes lit up as he spoke, passion evident in his voice. "Each one takes months to complete. All those tiny riggings and sails..."
"That's actually really impressive," I said, leaning forward with genuine interest. "I wouldn't have pegged you for having that kind of patience."
He laughed, the sound warm and rich. "Most people don't. I've got a reputation for being impulsive, but there's something calming about focusing on something so detailed. Forces you to slow down, be present."
"I understand that completely," I replied, then gave a grin of genuine interest, "I'd love to see them sometime.” The image of this playful, energetic Alpha hunched over delicate rigging and miniature details was endearing in a way I hadn't expected.
Lucas's face brightened. "Really? Most people's eyes glaze over when I start talking about the difference between a brigantine and a Braque."
"I appreciate craftsmanship," I said simply, finishing the last of my sandwich. "And patience. Building those must take incredible focus."
"It's meditative," Lucas admitted, a thoughtful expression replacing his usual grin. "Like your flowers, I imagine. When you're working, arranging stems and blooms, everything else fades away."
"Exactly," I agreed, surprised by his insight. "It's like the world narrows down to just your hands and what you're creating."
"I'd definitely like to see them," I said sincerely. "Maybe you could show me after I finish the Sullivan wedding arrangements?"
Lucas seemed genuinely pleased by my interest. "It's a date." He immediately winced. "Not a date-date. Just a... friendly showing of tiny boats."
I laughed at his awkward backtracking. "I knew what you meant."
Lucas relaxed, grinning again. "Good. Because I really don’t want to make you uncomfortable or anything.”
"You're not making me uncomfortable," I assured him, surprised to find it was true. Despite my usual wariness around Alphas, there was something about Lucas—and if I was being honest, all four of them—that put me at ease. Maybe it was their lack of typical Alpha posturing, or the way they treated me as a person rather than just an Omega.
Lucas's smile softened. "Good. Because I think we're all enjoying having you here, despite the circumstances." He hesitated, then added, "It's been a long time since this house felt... I don't know, balanced."
I tilted my head, curious about his choice of words. "Balanced?"
He seemed to search for the right explanation. "Four Alphas under one roof can be intense sometimes. Lots of energy, lots of opinions. But since you've been here, it's different. Calmer, somehow."
I wasn't sure how to respond to that. The idea that my presence—an Omega they barely knew—could somehow balance a household of Alphas seemed both flattering and slightly concerning. Was it just my designation affecting them, or something more?
"I'm not doing anything special," I said finally, setting my empty plate aside.
Lucas leaned forward, his expression unusually serious. "You don't have to do anything special. It's just who you are." He paused, seeming to consider his next words carefully. "Omegas have a natural ability to create harmony. It's not the stereotypical stuff they teach in school—it's subtler than that. More powerful."
I shifted uncomfortably, not entirely sure how to take his words. "That sounds dangerously close to biological determinism."
Lucas laughed, the tension breaking. "Theo's rubbing off on you already. Big words and all.”
I laughed and shook my head, “I still think that two days isn’t enough time to do anything.”
Lucas shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "Sometimes it doesn't take much. Like adding a single drop of essential oil to water—it spreads, changes everything." He gestured vaguely around us. "This house has been functional for years. Efficient. But lately it feels more like..."
"A home?" I suggested softly.
"Yeah," he agreed, looking almost surprised by the realization. "A home."
The weight of his words settled between us, and I found myself wondering about these four Alphas who had taken me in. What had their lives been like before I arrived? Had they simply coexisted in this beautiful house, focused on work and responsibilities and not much else.
Our conversation lapsed into comfortable silence as I considered Lucas's words. The idea that my presence could transform their house from a functional space into a home was both flattering and intimidating. I'd spent so long maintaining my independence, keeping emotional distance from others—especially Alphas—that the thought of creating connections here felt dangerous.
"I should probably get back to my reading," I said finally, gesturing to the botanical tome in my lap. "And I'm sure you have work to do."
Lucas gave me a grin, “I probably should get back to Theo before he comes looking for me.”
He stood up, stretching his arms above his head in a languid movement. "Though I wouldn't mind being distracted by tiny boats rather than case files for a while."
"Is the case giving you trouble?" I asked, unable to suppress my curiosity about the investigation that had inadvertently swept me into its orbit.
Lucas's expression sobered slightly. "Nothing we can't handle. Just... complicated." He hesitated, clearly weighing how much to share. "Whoever's behind this has resources and connections. Makes tracking them difficult."
A chill ran through me at the reminder that someone was still out there, someone who had tried to hurt me and had succeeded in hurting others. "Do you think they'll try again? To find me, I mean."
Lucas's eyes met mine, all traces of his usual playfulness gone. "Honestly? Yes. Which is why you're staying right here with us until we catch them to make sure you are safe.”
“Thank you for telling me.” I told him, I didn’t know what they could and couldn’t tell me so I did appreciate feeling like i was in the loop.
“We will tell you what we can.” Lucas reassured me in a serious voice before taking a breath and giving me a teasing grin. "Don't get too lost in those books. If you're not out by dinner, we might have to send a search party."
I smiled, appreciating his light-hearted concern. "I'll set an alarm for five so I can remember to eat dinner."
“Speaking of dinner.” Lucas grinned, eyes lighting up as if a lightbulb going off in his head, “We're having pack time tonight. Nothing formal, just takeout and maybe a movie after. You're welcome to join us if you want."
"That sounds nice," I said, surprised by how much I meant it. "What time?"
"Around seven. We're thinking Chinese food, unless you have another preference?"
I shook my head. "Chinese is perfect."
"Great." Lucas flashed another smile before disappearing through the doorway, leaving me alone with my thoughts and Eleanor's botanical treasures. I turned my attention back to the book in my lap, but found my mind wandering. Lucas's words about balance and home lingered, stirring emotions I wasn't quite ready to examine.