Cassidy #2
Once again, my mates, my pack, are proving that they want me comfortable enough that this place already smells a little like home.
My shower is quick, the familiar scents wrapping around me until, somehow, this bathroom smells a little like mine, too. The towels are delightfully warm as I lose the heat from the shower, and I’m glad Silas closed my bedroom door when he left.
The outfit he’s laid out for me is unsurprisingly perfect. He might not be a stylist like Harlan, but he clearly knows what suits me.
Folded neatly on the bed is one of my favourite oversized cream jumpers, soft enough that it hangs off one shoulder if I’m not paying attention, paired with black fleece-lined leggings and thick knitted socks to keep the November chill at bay.
Beside them sits my favourite pair of battered tan ankle boots, already cleaned, along with a pale sage green T-shirt to wear underneath.
Even my little silver moon necklace has been placed carefully on top, the chain coiled into a tiny circle.
He’s far too thoughtful.
Not a single piece of this feels like it’s trying to impress anyone. It’s everything I’d have reached for myself if I’d been getting ready at home.
By the time I’m dressed and wander downstairs, the kitchen is already alive with the quiet bustle of breakfast.
Silas is making tea. Isaac stands at the hob, rescuing a piece of toast before it burns completely.
“I wasn’t burning it,” Evander protests from somewhere behind him, and I grin, knowing that he probably was.
“It was seconds away from becoming charcoal,” Isaac snaps. “You’re a menace.”
Evander winks at me, the only one who has noticed I’m here. “I like charcoal.”
Isaac shakes his head, placing the toast on the table. “You absolutely do not.”
He grins at me. “Morning, shortcake. You look beautiful.”
Evander nods in agreement.
I smile, moving into the kitchen, brushing kisses on cheeks as I move to an open spot at the counter.
Silas places my tea in front of me, already prepared how I like it, and I snag a slice of Evander’s toast.
“You’re lucky I love you,” he says, shaking his head. “Anyone else, and I’d have bitten their hand.”
“He really would’ve,” Isaac says with a sigh. “He’s been raised a little feral, sadly.”
Harlan walks in, already dressed despite having only just climbed out of bed, takes one look at the argument, and sighs.
“Next time you stay over, my little luxury, we’re fucking the others off and spending the night together instead,” he says. “You won’t complain at the cuddling.”
I laugh and grin up at him as he hovers over the top of me. My tummy gets butterflies as he lowers his head to brush a kiss against my lips.
“I love you,” I say against his lips, making him the last I’ve said it to, but the one that came the easiest.
My alpha’s kiss deepens, and I whimper into his mouth, turning my head to do more.
“Ah, ah, ah,” Harlan murmurs against my lips. “No taking things further when you’ve yet to do more than bite one slice of toast. Eat, or you’ll not have the energy you need to keep up, little luxury.”
I pout at him, wanting another kiss, and he smirks in return.
“I love you, too,” he offers, squeezing my hip before he rounds the kitchen counter.
I glower at his back, feeling very unsatisfied. Clearly, now that we’re all in, I’m all in.
I do not have the patience to be denied.
I huff dramatically, but obediently reach for another slice of toast anyway, earning an entirely too smug look from Harlan.
The conversation drifts around me after that, moving easily between lunch with Silas’s mum, Evander’s complaints about being traumatised by waking up in Harlan’s arms, and Isaac’s increasingly dry commentary.
I don’t have to keep the conversation going. I don’t have to smooth over awkward silences or make myself useful just to earn my place at the table.
I can just sit there with my tea warming my hands, listening to the people I love tease one another across the kitchen, and for once, that’s enough.
Before long, everyone disappears to tackle their own plans for the day, with promises to meet again that evening for our dinner reservation.
It isn’t goodbye.
It’s simply… see you tonight.
And, fuck, do I love that.
I’m going to be late.
I check the time on my watch for what must be the tenth time in the last three minutes, as though glaring at it might somehow make the numbers change.
7:13 p.m.
Fuck.
Our reservation was for seven, and although I messaged the group chat the moment I realised I’d missed the earlier bus, that doesn’t stop anxiety from crawling beneath my skin.
They know. They’ve all replied, and none of them are annoyed about it.
Isaac told me not to panic. Evander sent a voice note threatening to fight my driver, despite not knowing who they are.
Harlan told me he’d order a glass of wine for me arriving, and Silas simply told me to get there safely.
No matter how kind they’ve been about it, I still feel awful for wasting their time.
The cold November air bites at my cheeks as I hurry along the pavement, my boots clicking too loudly against the concrete.
The city centre is busy tonight, unsurprising for a Saturday, with groups spilling out of bars and restaurants beneath the glow of Christmas lights that have apparently appeared overnight.
I’m already rehearsing my apology when I round the corner towards the restaurant and nearly walk straight into someone.
It’s only when I scent the familiar moss and mahogany that I look into the dark eyes of Frankie.
“I am so sorry,” I gasp, using his arms to steady myself. “My head was a million miles away.”
“Isn’t it always?” a familiar voice drawls.
I flinch at the perceived slight and give Gemma a hesitant smile. She looks gorgeous tonight in a long, flowy red dress and silver heels that are taller than my longest finger.
Her blonde curls are perfectly framed around her face, and her thick lashes enhance the beautiful baby blue of her eyes.
“Gemma,” I say warmly. “You look beautiful.”
She looks me up and down. “Thank you. We’re out together, and I wanted to look nice.”
My smile strains a little, and I curse myself for how rude I’m being.
Frankie’s wearing a tailored pair of trousers, navy rather than black, with a fitted jacket over the top of a baggy shirt.
He’s dressed up, too, for their date.
“Oh, I had no idea,” I say, blushing a little. I nudge Frankie, giving him a teasing smile. “You’ve kept this quiet.”
He gives me a hesitant look. “It’s still new. I’m sorry I’ve been a bit AWOL the last few days.”
I wave him off. “I’ve been just as bad. Did you just have food here? Was it nice?”
“I’m not sure if it’s somewhere you’d enjoy,” Gemma says.
Frankie gives Gemma a look that I can’t read. His face transforms into a broad smile, and guilt punches me directly in the stomach.
I’ve been so wrapped up in my mates that I’ve neglected one of my only friends. I’m a horrid person.
“You’ll love their arrabbiata, trust me,” he says. “I’ll give you a call this week, okay? Work’s still manic, so I’m starving for free time.”
“I’m sure Cassie’s used to a heavy load,” Gemma says, and I flinch once more.
“Gem,” he warns, but Gemma doesn’t seem to care.
Her scent is hidden under the artificial peach one she favours, and I hate that I’m reading into her words for no reason.
“You look nice,” Frankie says, glancing over my outfit. “Meeting up with someone special?”
“She’s absolutely not,” Gemma interrupts. “The only men you see are the ones we work with, right?”
My face flushes, and I nod because she’s not exactly wrong. “I should probably go. I’m running late as it is.”
Frankie nods, reaching forward to hug me. It’s weird, Gemma keeps tight hold of his arm, so it’s more of a one-arm from him.
I brush a kiss against his cheek as normal and give Gemma a friendly smile.
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I startle. Frankie reaches for me with concern in his scent.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
I nod, quickly checking my text messages.
Harlan
Why are you just standing outside?
Harlan
Do you need company?
Evander
If you don’t answer, I’m coming out there.
My pulse jumps, not wanting any of them to have to suffer through this awkwardness.
Frankie’s such a good friend, and I thought Gemma was, too, but right now, everything just feels strange.
Like there’s a weird air hanging around us as we talk that I just can’t escape.
“I’m okay, honest,” I say, forcing brightness into my voice. “I’m so glad you two are together, and hope you enjoy the rest of your night.”
“Trust me, we will,” Gemma says, practically purring her words.
I hurry inside before Gemma can say anything else, and even the rush of warmth from the restaurant barely takes the chill out of me.
The scent of garlic, wine, and roasted tomatoes wash over me as the host directs me towards the back of the restaurant where my party is waiting.
I spot them immediately. Four men seated around a table designed for six, drawing attention without even trying.
It doesn’t hurt that they’re literally the most beautiful men to ever exist.
Evander sees me first and rises, relief softening his expression as his broad shoulders finally loosen, a wave of dark chocolate and coffee reaching me before he does. He pulls out the empty chair between him and Harlan, touching a hand to my waist as I sit.
“There you are,” he says, brushing a kiss to my head. “I was worried when we saw you just standing there.”
“Sorry,” I breathe. “I’m so sorry.”
“You’re here,” Silas says. “That’s all that matters.”
As I place my bag beneath the table, I catch Isaac looking towards the restaurant window.
His eyes meet Silas’s, and he gestures towards it. Something passes between them, but I have no idea of what.
There’s a hint of rage underneath Isaac’s focused concern, and I instinctively reach out to soothe him the best I can.
I glance back through the glass, wondering what they’ve spotted, but don’t see anything out of place.
“What’s wrong?” I ask as Evander places my coat on the spare chair.