34. Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Four
I wiped my hands on the hem of my apron and surveyed the greenhouse one last time. Every ribbon was back in its box, the trimmings swept into the compost bin, and the last of the evening light spilled like honey across the clean worktable. I stretched, spine popping, and groaned under my breath. My arms ached pleasantly from the work.
The centerpieces had turned out better than I'd hoped—lush arrangements of burgundy roses, blush peonies, and delicate sprigs of lavender, all nestled in vintage brass containers that would complement the Sullivan wedding perfectly.
I glanced at my watch and winced. Dinner would be in less than thirty minutes, and I still needed to shower and change. More importantly, I needed to prepare myself mentally for the conversation that would follow. A conversation with four Alphas about... whatever this was that was happening between us.
The walk back to the house felt longer than usual, my mind racing with possibilities and questions. What exactly did Gabriel mean when he said I "fit" with their pack? And how was this even supposed to work? Four Alphas and one Omega—it wasn't exactly conventional.
Then again, nothing about my life had been conventional since meeting any of these Alphas.
I slipped into the house through the back door, hoping to make it to my room without running into any of them. I needed a few minutes to collect myself, to wash away the sweat and soil of the day's work before facing what was to come. But as I rounded the corner into the hallway, I nearly collided with Theo, who was carrying a stack of folders.
"Oh!" I exclaimed, stepping back quickly. "Sorry."
Theo adjusted his glasses, his eyes scanning me briefly. "No need to apologize. Your autonomic nervous system is exhibiting signs of anxiety. Elevated respiratory rate, dilated pupils." He paused, his expression softening slightly. "Are you alright?"
I almost laughed at his clinical assessment of my emotional state, but there was genuine concern beneath his analytical exterior.
"I'm fine," I said, though the slight tremor in my voice betrayed me. "Just... processing a lot."
Theo studied me for a moment longer, his head tilting slightly in that analytical way of his. "Gabriel mentioned there would be a discussion after dinner. About the developing dynamics between you and the pack."
Heat crawled up my neck at his direct approach. Leave it to Theo to address the elephant in the room without hesitation.
"Yes," I admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "It seems we have a lot to talk about."
Theo nodded, his expression unreadable behind his glasses. "Social and romantic entanglements often appear chaotic on the surface, but they typically follow predictable patterns when analyzed properly."
I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me. "Is that your way of saying relationships are complicated but make sense if you look at them logically?"
Theo's lips quirked in what might have been the ghost of a smile. "Essentially, yes." He shifted the folders in his arms, his posture relaxing slightly. "Physical attraction is governed by pheromone compatibility, while emotional connection develops through shared experiences and complementary personality traits."
"You make it sound so simple," I said, leaning against the wall.
"It isn't simple," Theo admitted, his voice softening. "But it is natural. What's happening between you and us—it follows biological and psychological patterns that have existed for centuries." He paused, adjusting his glasses again. "That doesn't make it any less significant."
I studied Theo's face, struck by the sincerity behind his analytical facade. "Thank you for that," I said softly. "I think I needed to hear it framed that way."
"I find clarity helps when emotions become overwhelming," Theo replied, his gaze steady on mine. "Dinner will be ready in approximately twenty-three minutes. That should give you adequate time to shower and change if you wish."
I smiled, appreciating his practical thoughtfulness. "Always keeping track of the details, aren't you?"
"Someone has to," he said, and for a moment I could have sworn I saw a glimmer of humor in his eyes.
"For what it's worth," he said, his eyes meeting mine with unexpected directness, "I believe you complement our pack dynamics in ways none of us anticipated but all of us need."
He gave me a small smile not letting me say anything to his words, "I'll see you at dinner, Vivian."
As he walked away, I found myself watching him go, noticing the straight line of his shoulders, the careful precision in his movements. Each of these Alphas was so different, yet somehow they formed a pack together. And now I was being pulled into that orbit too.
I showered quickly, letting the hot water ease the ache in my muscles while my mind continued to race. By the time I'd changed into clean jeans and a soft sweater, combed my damp hair, and headed back downstairs, my stomach was in knots. Not just from hunger, but from anticipation.
The smell of garlic and herbs guided me to the kitchen, where I found Lucas at the stove, stirring something that smelled divine. He looked up when I entered, his usual playful smile softening into something more genuine.
"Perfect timing," he said, his eyes taking in my damp hair and clean clothes. "I was just about to send a search party."
"Sorry," I replied, hovering in the doorway. "Lost track of time finishing the centerpieces."
Lucas's smile widened as he set down his wooden spoon and gestured toward the dining room. "Everyone's waiting. I made spaghetti, it is one of the dishes I know how to make without messing it up.” He trailed off, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his usually confident demeanor.
"It smells amazing," I said, moving closer despite my nervousness. "I didn't know you cooked."
"There's a lot you don't know about me yet," Lucas replied with a wink, though there was something more sincere beneath his playful tone. "I'm a man of many talents."
"So you keep saying," I teased, feeling some of my tension ease in his presence.
Lucas chuckled, returning his attention to the pasta. "Gabriel and Dakota are setting the table. Theo's probably reorganizing the silverware to be geometrically perfect." His tone was affectionate when he talked about them.
"Can I help with anything?" I asked, hoping for a task to keep my hands—and thoughts—occupied.
"You can bring this to the table," Lucas said, handing me a large bowl of salad. "I know you're nervous about the talk after dinner," he added softly, his playful expression giving way to genuine concern. "But it'll be okay. We just want to be honest with each other."
I nodded, accepting the bowl. "Honesty is good. It's just... a lot to process."
Lucas stepped closer, his eyes searching mine. "For all of us," he agreed. "None of us expected you, Vivian. But sometimes the best things in life are the ones you don't see coming."
Before I could respond, he leaned forward and pressed a quick, gentle kiss to my forehead. "For the record," he murmured, his voice dropping to a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine, "I've been wanting to do that since I first saw you."
I felt my cheeks flush at his admission, my heart rate picking up. "Is that part of your many talents? Catching women off guard?"
Lucas grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Only the special ones." He stepped back, giving me space. "Now go on, before the pasta gets cold and Dakota starts growling about punctuality."
I took the salad bowl and made my way to the dining room, where the other three Alphas were already seated around the table. The sight of them together—Gabriel at the head, Dakota and Theo on either side—made my steps falter for a moment. They looked up in unison as I entered, three pairs of eyes following my movements with undisguised interest.
"Sorry I'm late," I said, setting the salad bowl in the center of the table. "I wanted to finish the centerpieces."
"You're not late," Gabriel assured me, his blue eyes warm as they met mine. "We just sat down ourselves."
Dakota pulled out the empty chair beside him, his dark gaze intense as he watched me. "Sit. Before Lucas's pasta gets cold and he throws a fit."
"I heard that!" Lucas called from the kitchen, emerging a moment later with a steaming pot of spaghetti. "My culinary masterpiece deserves respect."
I slid into the offered seat, acutely aware of Dakota's proximity on one side and Theo's careful attention from across the table. The air felt charged, vibrating with unspoken tension and anticipation.
"The arrangements are finished?" Theo asked, passing me the bread basket.
I nodded, grateful for the neutral topic. "All done. They just need to stay cool until the wedding. I'll need to do the bouquets, but those won't take long."
"You work quickly," Gabriel observed, serving himself some pasta. "Efficiently."
"Years of practice," I replied, accepting the bowl of spaghetti Lucas passed to me. "Wedding flowers are always on a tight schedule."
"I learned that the hard way," I added with a small laugh. "Once had a bride change her entire color scheme three days before the wedding. Let's just say I didn't sleep much that weekend."
"That sounds stressful," Theo commented, his analytical gaze assessing me as he precisely twirled pasta around his fork.
"It was," I admitted, taking a bite of the spaghetti. The rich garlic and herb flavors exploded on my tongue, and I couldn't suppress a small moan of appreciation. "Lucas, this is delicious."
Lucas beamed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Told you. Man of many talents."
"One of the few things he doesn't exaggerate about," Dakota murmured, though there was fondness beneath his gruff tone.
For a few minutes, we ate in companionable silence, the clink of silverware and the occasional murmur of appreciation the only sounds breaking the silence. I found myself stealing glances at each of them in turn—Gabriel's composed authority, Dakota's controlled intensity, Theo's analytical precision, and Lucas's infectious warmth. Four pieces of a whole that somehow worked in perfect harmony.
"So," Lucas said finally, setting down his fork and leaning back in his chair. "The centerpieces are done, the food is eaten, and we're all avoiding the elephant in the room."
I nearly choked on my water, not expecting such direct acknowledgment of the tension that had been building all day. Dakota's hand immediately moved to my back, a gentle, steadying pressure between my shoulder blades.
"Lucas," Gabriel said, his tone carrying a note of warning.
"What?" Lucas shrugged, unrepentant. "We all know why we're here. Might as well address it head-on." He turned his warm gaze to me, his expression
softening.
"Vivian deserves to know where we all stand," Lucas continued, his gaze unwavering. "And I think we all deserve to know where she stands too."
I set down my water glass, suddenly finding it difficult to meet any of their eyes. The weight of four Alpha gazes felt almost physical, like a warm pressure against my skin.
"You're right," I said finally, my voice steadier than I expected. "We should talk about... whatever this is." I gestured vaguely between us.
Gabriel nodded, his expression thoughtful as he pushed his plate slightly away. "As I told you earlier, Vivian, none of us anticipated this situation. The four of us have been a pack for years, but we've never felt drawn to anyone the way we're drawn to you."
"All four of you?" I asked, glancing around the table. "Because so far, I've only heard from Gabriel and Dakota." My eyes flicked to Theo, whose analytical gaze remained steady behind his glasses, then to Lucas, who watched me with unusual intensity.
"All four of us," Theo confirmed, adjusting his glasses with precise fingers. "Though we each process and express attraction differently."
Lucas leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "What Theo means is that he and I might not have pushed boundaries by kissing you senseless in the greenhouse—" he shot a pointed look at Dakota, whose jaw tightened "—but that doesn't mean we don't feel the same pull."
Dakota growled low in his throat, but Gabriel held up a hand, silencing him before he could respond to Lucas's taunt.
"The point," Gabriel continued, his voice steady and measured, "is that we've all recognized there's something here. Something none of us expected."
I looked down at my half-eaten pasta, trying to organize my chaotic thoughts. "So what exactly are you proposing? Because I'm not... I've never been with multiple partners before. Let alone four Alphas."
"We're not proposing anything specific yet," Gabriel clarified, his blue eyes intent on my face. "This conversation is about acknowledging what's happening and deciding together how to proceed."
"Or if we proceed at all," Theo added, his analytical gaze somehow gentler than usual. "You have a say if this goes anywhere, Vivian."
I took a deep breath, looking around at each of their faces in turn. Lucas, with his warm eyes and easy smile that hid depths of perceptiveness I was only beginning to understand. Theo, whose analytical exterior masked a deep capacity for care that showed in unexpected ways. Dakota, intense and protective, whose kiss still burned on my lips. And Gabriel, their leader, whose quiet authority somehow made me feel both safe and seen.
"I don't know what I want," I admitted finally, my voice soft but steady. "This wasn't in my plans. Any of it. I've spent years being independent, keeping Alphas at arm's length. And now here I am, sitting at a table with four of you, trying to figure out why I can't seem to keep my distance the way I always have before."
"Why did you?" Dakota asked, his dark eyes intense as they met mine. "Keep your distance from Alphas, I mean."
I bit my lip at this, I should have figured this question would come up. I took a deep breath as I prepared to answer, “When I was eighteen I was being courted by an Alpha. I thought we were a good fit.”
"We dated for almost a year," I continued, staring down at my plate rather than meeting their eyes. "He was charming, attentive. Everything an Omega is supposed to want in an Alpha. But as time went on, he became... controlling. Little things at first—commenting on what I wore, who I spent time with. Then bigger things."
I felt Dakota stiffen beside me, his scent sharpening with anger that wasn't directed at me.
“When I inherited the flower shop, he didn’t like it.” Said Omegas weren't meant to run businesses, that I should focus on 'more suitable pursuits.' When I disagreed, he'd use his Alpha voice on me." I wrapped my arms around myself. "After that, I promised myself I'd never let an Alpha have that kind of control over me again."
I noticed all four of them had tensed, their scents shifting to protective anger. Gabriel's jaw was tight, his eyes stormy. Dakota's hands had curled into fists on the table. Theo's analytical expression had hardened to something colder, and Lucas's usual playful demeanor had disappeared entirely.
"He used his voice on you?" Lucas asked, his tone uncharacteristically serious, an edge of barely contained rage underneath.
I nodded, swallowing past the lump in my throat. "To make me quit my job, to stop seeing certain friends. To... other things." I didn't elaborate, but from their expressions, they understood.
“The shop had almost been sold, if it wasn’t for a friend of my Grandfathers, a beta, didn’t step in.” I told them softly, eyes downcast to the table.
"What was his name?" Dakota growled, his voice dangerous and low.
"It doesn't matter now," I said quickly. "He moved away years ago. It's in the past." I wasn't ready to dredge up those memories fully, not tonight.
"It matters," Gabriel said, his voice controlled but with an undercurrent of something fierce. "What he did was abuse, Vivian. Using an Alpha voice to control an Omega is—"
"Criminal," Theo finished, his clinical tone belied by the anger in his eyes. "It's considered coercive control under current statutes."
"I know," I said quietly. "I just... I got out. I rebuilt my life. I focused on my business and kept my interactions with Alphas strictly professional after that."
Lucas reached across the table, his hand stopping just short of touching mine. "Until us," he said softly.
I nodded, finally looking up to meet their gazes. "Until you four came crashing into my life and turned everything upside down…”
I paused, gathering my thoughts. "I never expected to feel... whatever this is. Not after what happened."
Dakota's hand found mine under the table, his touch surprisingly gentle for someone so intense. "We would never use our voices on you," he said, his tone fierce with conviction. "Not to control you. Not ever."
"I know," I replied softly, surprised by how true it was. Despite knowing them such a short time, I did believe that. "That's part of what confuses me. I should be more cautious, more guarded. But instead..."
"Instead?" Gabriel prompted, his blue eyes intent on my face.
I took a deep breath. "Instead, I find myself trusting you. All of you. And that scares me almost more than anything else." The room fell quiet, the weight of my admission hanging in the air between us and no one saying anything to break that silence.