19. Nora
19
Nora
Even after an evening of eating dinner with the pack and reading the "Knot Just Heat," I wake up a little unsettled.
Theoretically, I understand what happened yesterday on the paintball field with Blaine yesterday is an expected evolution of a relationship with my Alpha. And he made it very clear to me, during and on the drive home, that he was grateful I shared that with him. I pleased him, he says, so why do I feel like that was something only for me?
I'm up early to make breakfast for everyone, and to my surprise, another box awaits me at my door. This time the book within is called "The Care and Keeping of O" and appears to be geared towards Alphas and the things they can do to make Omegas feel more comfortable.
At the bottom of the box is an apron that makes my heart sing.
It's black on the bottom, ruffled with polka dots, but on the upper layer of the fabric is a bold print of lemons. There are two pockets on the front, and it ties around the waist, with no covering on the chest. It's beautiful, so well made it's almost like a skirt.
I wish I knew who was leaving these gifts so I knew who to thank, but I'll have to just say thank you to them all to cover my bases. Even before I make it to the kitchen, I tie the apron around my waist to protect the light green dress I'm wearing today.
For breakfast this morning, I've decided to make crepes with a custard filling and macerated strawberries with mint. Luckily, I made the custard last night before bed, or this would not have come together so seamlessly.
I've just finished plating the first few crepes, delicately rolled up and dusted with powdered sugar when Nolan and Levi come downstairs.
"Nora," Levi says, moving into the kitchen and pulling me into a hug. He's not much taller than I am, but I still have to look up at him. Despite him being the Alpha I've spent the least amount of time with, I feel a kinship with him. I rise up on my toes to gently kiss him on the mouth. I'm not sure what compels me, but my other Alphas have responded well to this sort of physical affection, so perhaps he will, too. I hope I'm not overstepping.
His face is flushed pink when I pull away from his lips, and he pulls me tighter to him. "I'm so glad to see you're getting more comfortable here, Nora," he whispers into my hair. "I can't wait until Saturday so we can spend a day together."
Because he's a teacher, Levi and I don't get to have our date day during the week. It's okay, though, because I get these moments with him in the morning. Nolan is watching us as he bites into his crepes with a grin. "You're going to be a terror on my waistline, sweetie," he says, shoveling another bite into his mouth.
"It won't always be crepes," I giggle, pouring him a cup of coffee. "I just felt like making something sweet today."
Everyone was curious how my day with Blaine went, but he just said we had a wonderful time. I'm glad he didn't tell them about the way it felt when his hand was in my pants, the whines that were near constant. Omegas aren't supposed to try to control their Alphas with their sexual whims outside of a heat, and while he initiated the contact, it still felt like what happened was about me, which makes me worry that they may not be happy with my behavior.
But this little voice in the back of my head tells me that they're different than the Alphas mother and Dr. Greene spoke of. That Pack Sloane may not mind too much if I'm a little less than perfect.
It appears the members of the pack have all gotten used to getting up early because the other three end up in the kitchen while I'm finishing up making the crepes. When I notice all of them, even Chase, are grabbing plates and eating my crepes, my heart swells. My whole life, I've been told it will be my responsibility to make sure my pack is well taken care of. I'm just thrilled that I am succeeding in doing that.
"Mint?" Chase says with a mouthful. "What made you put mint with your strawberries?"
"I like the depth of flavor it adds," I tell him, washing some of my mixing bowls from this morning. "I never use a whole lot, but I find it helps cut through the sweetness of the custard, so it's not as cloying. Do you not like it?"
"S'fine," he says around a mouthful of crepe. I'll take that as a win when it comes to Chase.
"While I have you all here," I say, wiping my hands on my apron. "I'm not sure who's been leaving the gifts outside my door, but I want to express my sincerest gratitude. This apron is incredible." I give it a little spin, giggling at how it flares out. "Who should I thank?"
None of them say anything. In fact, all of them glance at one another, no one willing to take credit.
"Well then, I'll just thank you all. Thank you. You have made me feel very much at home. I am so happy to be here." I grab the coffee pot and top off Joey and Blaine's cups. Neither of them looks like they're used to being up this early.
Levi is the first to leave, dropping his plate in the sink and giving me a sweet kiss on the mouth. He nuzzles into my neck, sighing. "Apple cider. I'll never get over that. You smell just like cold days." I think this may be the first time Levi shared with me what I smell like to him. I like that I smell like something so cozy to my cozy Alpha.
After Nolan leaves with a kiss on the cheek and a squeeze to my hip, I look at my three night owl Alphas. All of them keep unusual work hours, so it surprises me that they've made an effort to be up for breakfast with me every day so far.
"Little bird, it's my day with you today," Joey says with a big smile. "Though, it'll be more evening for our plans."
Chase sets down his fork on his empty plate. "Where are you taking her?" he asks, looking curious for once.
"Roberto's," Joey replies as he shoves what has got to half of a crepe in his mouth at once.
"That's where we met!" My excitement bleeds into my voice as I wash the dishes from breakfast.
He grins, crossing his massive arms over his chest. "Yup, but this time, you won't be sitting at the bar. You're gonna be behind it."
"You're going to have her tending bar?" Chase barks out. He mirrors Joey's stance and shakes his head. "Absolutely not."
"Wow, now you're worried about her?" Blaine says with a bit of a bite. "You've been pretty content to be checked out, so why worry about the plans the rest of us have for her and work on whatever excuse you're going to spew to get out of your day."
"I already know what I'm doing with my day," Chase grits out, not making eye contact with me.
It goes against everything I've been taught to ignore the two bickering Alphas, but I do, reaching my hand over the island to put it on Joey's arm. "I am very good at making cocktails."
He laughs. "I'm sure you are, birdie, but remember, this is a dive. It's more about talking and listening and maybe pulling a few beers from the taps." He motions for me to come to him, and I walk around the island. He pulls me onto his lap, and I cuddle around his torso, luxuriating in how small I feel in his arms.
It's surprising to me how comfortable I've become with the Beta. From the moment I met him, when I was so upset I was breaking all of the rules, he made me feel comfortable. "It sounds wonderful."
"Those men are going to eat her alive," Chase says through clenched teeth. "Don't you remember what happened to her last time she was there?"
"In case you forget, I was fucking there," Joey snaps. I tense in his lap, and he pulls me closer. "I'm not gonna take my eyes off of her, Chase."
Chase stomps out of the room and back up the stairs. It's an odd interaction. I wasn't aware he cared so much about what I did.
"You'll have a blast, honey," Blaine says, kissing me on the forehead. It's a chaste kiss, but my whole body heats at the reminder of what we did yesterday. I squirm a little and whine quietly. Blaine's eyes heat, and he chuckles. "Don't worry, you're not the only one thinking about paintball."
He heads back up the stairs, blowing me a kiss over his shoulder and then leaving Joey and me alone. "Let's go cuddle up in your nest, huh? We'll have a later night, so we can take a nap or just relax," he suggests.
"I have some books to read," I say, standing up and taking him by the hand. "And some time in the nest sounds very comforting right now."