23. Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Three
T he gentle rhythmic clack of my boots on the worn sidewalk echoed softly in the hushed glow of the evening, each sound resonating against the surrounding stillness as I made my way back to my apartment. The city was gradually unwinding into the night— street lights flickering to life with a sleepy glow, spilling long, dancing shadows over the pavement. Every step was laden with the weight of Soren’s words, stirring up a turbulent storm of thoughts inside me.
Take it slow.
His words were both a promise and an invitation, a delicate balance of hope and vulnerability. It was everything I had ever yearned for, yet feared in equal measure. The mere thought of letting someone venture close enough to see the intricate tapestry of scars hidden beneath my meticulously layered defenses was daunting. But Soren, with his intense, perceptive gaze and a demeanor marked by quiet patience, had offered me a chance— a gentle opportunity to navigate this uncertain terrain at my own unhurried pace.
By the time I reached the aging brick facade of my apartment building, a familiar veil of solitude had quietly enveloped me. The lobby was steeped in a silent, almost expectant calm, with only the low, persistent hum of the elevator breaking the stillness as I stepped inside and pressed the button for my floor.
Once inside my modest apartment, I carefully unwrapped the soft scarf from around my neck, letting it slip gracefully onto the counter beside my keys. The air in the room was thick with stillness and palpable anticipation, as if it too was waiting on the precipice of an important decision. I already knew what that decision would be.
Avery.
She was far more than a confidante— she was a beacon of clarity amid the chaos of my swirling emotions. With trembling hands that betrayed an undercurrent of nervous energy, I dialed her number and held the phone close to my ear, yearning for the familiar, comforting lilt of her voice.
"Lydia? " Avery answered, her tone immediately soothing, as if wrapping me in a comforting embrace. "Is everything okay?"
"Hi, Avery," I replied hesitantly, pausing to search for the right words amid the torrent of thoughts. "I just… I need to talk."
"Of course… What’s going on?" Her voice, warm and encouraging, was like the gentle press of a reassuring hand on my back, urging me forward.
I swallowed hard, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me. "I had dinner with Elias and Fin and... met Lucian. I told you about that, right?"
"Yes?" Avery’s voice held a note of genuine interest, a soft curiosity that made me feel both exposed and seen. "I remember you telling me about that…did something go awry after that? He’s head Alpha, so did he forbid Elias and Finn from seeing you?"
I gave a mental shake of my head, even though she couldn’t see my small gestures. "No, nothing like that… I agreed to do the calibration and was planning to meet up with Elias at the farmers market today to go over things…"
A pause, a brief hesitation, as I gathered the courage to bring up what had happened at the market.
"Lydia?…" I heard Avery’s concerned tone, laced with earnest urgency. "Did something happen today?"
I rubbed my temples, the ache of uncertainty mingling with a rush of adrenaline. "Elias kissed me."
For a moment, Avery went completely silent, the pause stretching out as if time itself had stopped.
I winced inwardly. "Avery?"
"I’m sorry— he what?" Her voice was edged with disbelief and a hint of concern.
I groaned inwardly. "He kissed me."
"And you’re just telling me this now? Lydia!" she exclaimed, a mix of shock and incredulous dismay coloring her tone.
I sighed, a huff escaping me as I tried to capture the immediacy of my emotions. "It just happened today!"
Avery made a strangled noise, one that trembled with the weight of the unexpected revelation. "Didn’t you say he was mated?"
"He is… but apparently, he has been courting me and I didn’t know? And the other three Alpha’s are wanting to do the same?" My voice trailed off into a questioning, almost uncertain tone, echoing the flutter of emotions that now filled the quiet space around me.
“Three Alphas? Courting?” Avery seemed to be trying to catch up on everything that happened. I didn’t blame her cause I was still in a daze from everything that had happened so quickly this week.
"Yes," I said softly, sinking down onto my couch. "Apparently Elias has been courting me, and the others— Finn, Lucian, and Soren— want to do the same. I... I didn't realize that's what was happening."
Avery was quiet for a moment, processing this information. When she spoke again, her voice was gentle. "Oh, Lydia. I can't imagine how overwhelming this must be for you."
I felt tears prick at my eyes at her understanding tone. "It is. I don't... I don't know what to do, Avery. Part of me is terrified, but another part..."
"Another part wants to give it a chance?" Avery finished softly.
I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Yes," I whispered. "They make me feel... safe. Valued... seen.”
Avery was quiet for a moment, digesting my words. When she spoke again, her voice was gentle but firm. "Lydia, honey, I'm glad they make you feel that way. You deserve to feel safe and valued. But I have to ask— are you sure about this? Four men— three Alphas and an Omega... that's a lot to take on.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I know. Believe me, I know. But Soren— he's the one I met today— he suggested we take things slow. No pressure, just... getting to know each other…and said at any time I wanted to step away, just tell them."
"And how do you feel about that?" Avery asked, her tone curious but cautious.
I paused, considering her question. How did I feel? The truth was, I wasn't entirely sure. "Scared," I admitted softly. "But also... hopeful.”
Avery was quiet for a minute before she sighed on the other end of the phone, “If this is something you want to do and you feel comfortable with it…go for it. You deserve to be happy. To find love and be comfortable in your own skin— from what you've told me, these men seem to be willing to take things at your pace. They're not pushing you or pressuring you."
I felt a wave of relief wash over me at Avery's words. Her support meant more to me than I could express. "Thank you," I murmured, my voice thick with emotion. "I just... I don't want to mess this up."
"Oh, honey," Avery said softly, her voice warm with affection. "You won't mess this up. Just be honest with them about your feelings and your boundaries. And remember, you're allowed to change your mind at any time."
I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "I know. Soren made that very clear. He said they're in this for the long run, but they'll respect my decisions."
"That's a good sign," Avery said approvingly. "It sounds like they really care about you and want to make sure you're comfortable."
"They do," I admitted softly, a small smile coming to my lips. The knot in my chest loosened just slightly. "Thank you," I whispered, the words carrying my gratitude. "I needed to hear that."
"Anytime," she said, a smile evident in her voice. "Remember, you are the one in control…and if I need to come down there to defend you or make them see reason you know I will be there in a flash.”
I laughed, knowing that was true. I know she would fight an Alpha if they did something to me. We talked for a little longer, my anxiety going down. I ignored the sound of text messages coming in as I took comfort in my time talking to Avery.