18. Claire
“Does this ever feel surreal to you?” I asked Riley the next morning as we were laying in bed.
It was a blessed day where Corey took the morning bake schedule, and I didn’t have to do anything other than second batches and looking at our production schedule for the goods we distributed.
“The fact that we actually get to spend a morning together? Or that we’re lying here cuddled together, naked?” Riley asked.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m serious. It’s like I spent my entire life wanting something I couldn’t have and deciding that maybe I didn’t need a pack in my life, and now that’s been turned upside down.”
The playfulness dropped from his expression as he pulled me closer, tucking me against his chest. The tightness in his grip was reassuring and I let myself take slow soothing inhales of his spring rain scent.
“Do you not trust what you’re feeling?” Riley asked solemnly. “With us or them?”
“No,” I said immediately. “I bit you, Ri. And if I could, I would have already made the bond between us. It’s not even that I don’t trust what I feel with them, because I do. Hell, I basically went feral when I smelled Vance’s scent for the first time the other day. I don’t doubt they’re ours.”
He was quiet for a moment, and I could tell the gears were working in his head.
“For a long time, when it came to your personal relationships, you didn’t let yourself daydream of everything you wanted, and I know that’s in large part due to me, and I’m so sorry, Claire Bear. I should have talked to you the first time I realized I had feelings for you, and we could have worked it out from there.”
“I could have talked to you too, Ri,” I said. “The past is in the past, I’m not trying to dwell on that. I’m overjoyed with what we have now.
“I am too,” he said, bending down to place a kiss on my lips. “But Claire, it’s okay to hope now. It’s okay to think about kids and our pack, and where we want to live, and how you want your nest to be and all of that. Whatever you want, you know we’ll make it happen.”
“I’m falling in love with them,” I admitted.
“Me too,” he said softly.
Every instinctual drive in my body was calling out to them, and although they’d been over a couple of times, my house felt noticeably empty without their scents. I’d never push Adrien, but maybe Vance could give me some of his shirts or something. Or maybe we should have more sleepovers.
Or maybe we should just move in together since we were courting and should get a real picture of what pack life would be like together?
“I don’t want you to move back to the orchard once renovations are done.”
Riley laughed, pulling me back so that he could see my face. “Honey, you aren’t ever getting rid of me. You sank those pretty little teeth in my neck and that tight little pussy down my cock. Where you go, I go. If that’s here or someplace new, that’s fine. Wherever, whenever.”
“You’re singing Shakira in your head right now, aren’t you?” I asked.
“These hips don’t lie,” he said, giving a little shimmy. “Now, come on, and let’s have some coffee before we have to go.”
My mind stayed pretty occupied for the rest of the day. I made it to the cafe around eight, which for me, seemed late.
Claire’s Coffee and Confections was running like a well oiled machine. For all the time I’d poured into it, making it the sole focus of my life, I was proud of how far I’d come. Even having certain goods sold across the state was something monumental that I had expanded into this past year.
As much as I loved being in the cafe every day, I knew I couldn’t keep both sides of the business to myself. I thought about my different options as I scooped the cherry limeade cupcake batter into the awaiting liners.
I couldn’t resist crafting a new recipe. It was the first time I’d been back in the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but be inspired by Vance’s scent.
Our moment together was burned into my mind and skin, and I couldn’t wait to be back in his arms. His glasses and freckles drove me crazy. He looked like such a sweet alpha, but the things the man had done to my body were anything but, and I couldn’t help but want him again.
I started on the whipped Italian buttercream, adding fresh lime zest and the right amount of dark cherries, tasting as I went to try and capture the exact level of tart and brightness I wanted. By the time the cupcakes cooled I was in the zone, creating the perfect icing swirls, and adding a touch of sprinkles and candied lime wedges. I even remembered the red and white striped paper straws that I had left over and took to cutting those down, and adding them so that each cupcake looked like a drink.
Joy radiated through me as they came together, and I was so focused that I didn’t even notice the door open.
“I could watch you work all day,” a familiar accented voice said.
He was leaning against the wall, with one foot crossed over the other, his black chef coat rolled up to his elbows.
“I didn’t realize you were there,” I said apologetically. “I just got so excited.”
“Show me.”
He walked closer, and I picked up one of the cupcakes and offered it to him.
“I came up with the recipe this afternoon.”
Meticulously he looked over the decorations before peeling back the wrapper and taking a huge bite. A little groan left his lips that had me doing an internal happy dance.
“It’s him,” he said, with a shake of his head, a smile curling his lips. “I’m glad I’m not the only one who derives inspiration from those around them.”
“What did you make?” I asked curiously.
“A chocolate-covered cherry cordial,” Adrien said. “I infused the simple syrup with lime.”
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to need a box of those,” I said, imagining how freaking good they must be.
“I can do that,” Adrien promised. “I actually came over here to see if you’ve had lunch. I remembered you saying at dinner the other night that you sometimes get caught up and forget…”
“Which basically sets all your provide and protect instincts off?”
“Be glad I didn’t lecture you on security in this place, mon chou,” Adrien said drolly.
“What’s the catch?” I asked.
“I figured you would tell me that this is Holiday Hollow and I didn’t have to worry about it,” he said, raising his brow. “But I planned on asking Boone about it when I dropped off the first item to him this afternoon.”
“Okay,” I said with a shrug, knowing his logic was sound.
“Just how much leeway are you giving me here, omega?” He asked, his voice sounding deeper.
A shiver went down my spine as he stepped even closer.
“How much do you want?” I countered.
“Wrong question, mon chou. You offer me that and I’ll take everything.”
I’m pretty sure if I wasn’t holding onto the table, my knees would have quaked. There seemed something so relaxing about letting him take control, about not having to worry about the little things. For so long, it had been just me.
I thought about my discussion with Riley this morning and my thoughts about our living situation. With courting, the intent to form a pack was already there, but it allowed the opportunity to see what life would be like without the permanence of bites and bonds.
I wanted to see what it felt like to fully be their omega. To see that side of Vance and Adrien.
“I don’t want you to hold back with me,” I told him finally, taking that last step and crossing the distance between us. “I want to know what it means to be yours.”
A low rumble echoed from the alpha’s chest as he slanted his lips over mine. Even as he was gripping shamelessly for control, he was gentle, easing into the kiss before amping up the heat.
My lips parted as his fingers tangled in my hair, tugging gently to guide my head to the side so he could deepen the kiss. His tongue swept into my mouth, tasting and teasing me in ways that had slick pooling between my thighs and my knees wanting to buckle.
Adrien’s hands were the only thing holding me upright at this point. Someone cleared their throat behind us, and I pulled away from the alpha to see Corey walking in.
“Hey, my doctor’s appointment ended early, so I swung back by. Do you want me to finish my normal shift?” he asked with a flaming red face.
“Actually, could you take over in here for me? Apparently eating lunch is not optional,” I teased, giving the alpha a mischievous grin as he pursed his lips in disapproval. Teasing Adrien had quickly become one of my favorite things.
“Really?” Corey said. Adrien bit back a laugh as he backed away, letting me handle my employee. I had just thought today how I needed to delegate more, I guess the universe heard me and served the perfect opportunity.
“I know, I know. I’m a kitchen hog. But I really do need to step out, and I know I can trust you to do a good job. I’ve got only one more thing to do, and I think it’s perfect for you to test out,” I said quickly, giving the eager guy a rundown of how to finish the second wave of goodies.
He didn’t hesitate to wash up and dive in as I hung my apron and went after my alpha. Adrien was leaning back against the counter, watching us, a small proud smile on his face.
“You’re a natural leader, Claire. You put just as much love into that as you do your baking. It’s refreshing,” he mused as he held out my sweater for me, helping me into it and ensuring I was ready before taking my hand and leading me out the side door.
“Do you have anyone working for you?” I asked, realizing I’d only ever seen him in the store. Even Vance had never been there when I stopped in.
“No,” he admitted. There was a bit of sheepishness in his voice, and I grinned.
“Alright, Captain Perfection, it’s because you don’t want to let anyone touch your creations, isn’t it?”
He couldn’t even argue, instead laughing as he opened the car door for me, and I slid inside.
“You know me too well already, mon chou,” he agreed. “It’s hard for me to let others in, and I didn’t trust anyone yet. I may have to think about it.”
“They can always wash the dishes,” I deadpanned.
Before he could comment back, his phone was ringing. A frown pulled down at his smile, and he answered quickly.
“Hello?” He listened for a moment before putting it on speaker. I don’t know if it was him not wanting to be rude or simply letting me in, but I chose to think it was the latter.
“I’m so sorry, Adrien. My delivery guy just got in an accident. He’s alright, but the shipment… well, your high end chocolate is now on the pavement, I’m afraid.”
“No,” Adrien said with real sadness. “The imported chocolate? Damien, no.”
“Don’t worry, we have insurance that covers this kind of thing, but I can’t get you a replacement until next week. I apologize, and we’ll make sure you get a refund and a discount,” he promised as he apologized profusely.
“I’m glad he’s alright. I will look forward to next week’s shipment,” Adrien said. It was an attempt at reassuring the man on the phone, but I could see the panic welling up in my alpha.
They said a quick goodbye, and he ended the call, staring down at the now dark screen with a sense of defeat.
“Okay, so here’s what we’re going to do,” I said easily. “There’s a shop I go to anytime this happens. It’s about a forty minute drive, but they never let me down. Imports? I don’t know. But they have decent quality products, and it might save your plans for this week.”
He blinked over at me, confused but processing.
“What?”
“We can fix this. Start heading for the highway and go east, I’ve got you from there,” I said. “It’s only lunchtime so they’re open for several more hours. Oh, and they have the best pizza and hot dogs so we can cover both of our bases,” I said with a grin. For once, I got to be the solver. There was something so poetic about being able to swoop in and help my alpha, even though he’d intended for it to be the other way around.
“You’d do this for me?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t I?” I asked. I wanted to ask why he was always so surprised by simple kindness, but I bit back the question.
“Because not everyone is so giving,” he admitted. “Let me call Boone.” The call was quick, Boone was never a talker, and they set a new time tomorrow to pick up what he had planned.
“Buckle up,” I reminded him.
“You’ve caught me at a rare moment, I’m afraid,” he sighed as if he were disappointed in himself. He hadn’t started the car, so I unbuckled and leaned over the console, using my hand to gently make him face me. I pressed a kiss to his lips and pulled back, staring into his eyes.
“This is what makes a pack, alpha. These vulnerable moments where we choose to step up for each other. It’s alright, and I’m honored you let me in like this,” I said seriously before kissing him once more and settling back in my seat.
“I’m a lucky alpha,” he said more to himself than me as he put his seatbelt on and started the car. He followed my directions out of town, and we sat in companionable silence until I couldn’t take it anymore.
“Okay, tell me something I don’t know about you,” I prompted. “That’s what courting is about, right?”
“Well, I do have something to discuss with you,” he admitted. “It’s not happy though, I’m afraid.”
“I’ll take whatever you give me,” I reassured him. “Happy can come next.”
“The reason we left France was how strongly my parents disapproved of me. Or Vance and I specifically. They rejected me, disowned me, the whole nine yards,” he explained. His eyes were focused on the road, but I watched him tense as he explained. My hand went to his thigh, resting there and squeezing as I tried to hide my heartbreak on his behalf.
It all made so much sense. The shock at kindness, the hesitation to show who they were, the blockers.
“I’m so sorry.”
“It wasn’t the only thing we faced. Several towns and cities before this… we had encounters about our choice. But I would never give up Vance,” he said vehemently.
“And you shouldn’t. He’s amazing, and you both deserve love. Honestly? Fuck them all, including your parents. They’re assholes if they can’t look past designation to see how good you are together.”
He didn’t bother to hide his amusement as he looked over at me.
“I’m glad you think so. Holiday Hollow has been a nice change from the rest of the world. There’s always going to be someone who disapproves of you. I’m trying to learn that their opinion doesn’t matter. But when your parents are at the heart of it… that makes it harder.”
“It does,” I said. “I’m sorry they failed you like this. Did Vance’s family feel the same?”
“It was more his sexuality in general, but I’ll let him tell you more about that,” he said. “I bring this up not only because we’re courting, but because I heard from my lawyer recently. The one I had in France to help cancel my affairs.”
“Oh no,” I breathed out. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes and no. He thinks my parents are trying to find me and are going to eventually come to America looking,” he admitted.
“Oh! Turn at the next exit!” I blurted out, startling him. Of course, the calm, collected alpha didn’t even swerve like Riley or I would have done. “And Holiday Hollow won’t let anyone bother you or us. The sheriff might have some ideas, trust the people in town to back you up. You’re not alone anymore.”
He chuckled. “I’m starting to realize that.”
We slid easily into lighter conversation as we reached the large restaurant supply store. It was fairly slow today so I was even more excited to show Adrien around.
“You like this place? You seem excited.” Adrien questioned as he opened my door and helped me out. I took his hand and let him lead me toward the front doors.
“I do. For some reason, the giant warehouse stores always feel special. It’s a reminder that I made it as a business owner,” I admitted. “It’s silly.”
“It’s adorable,” he corrected, wrapping an arm around me to stave off the chill in the air as we picked up the pace. I flashed my membership card and the doorman let us in. Adrien gaped at the store as I grabbed a cart, unsure if we’d need it. But anytime I came here needing one thing, I left with ten. The deals were unmatched.
“Buckle up, Buttercup,” I said. “You needed chocolate? Do you want to head straight there, or explore?”
“Oh, definitely explore,” he said as he matched my energy. Apparently telling me about his past and finally realizing just how much we were in his corner had lightened his mood significantly.
By the time we reached the chocolate, Adrien had a few new chocolate molds, some new kitchen gadgets, and I’d found my way to the cupcake liner section. They always had seasonal ones, and I nabbed four different Valentine’s styles.
He’d gushed about the prices and was shocked by the random finds. Sometimes it was like finding a needle in a haystack and other times it was incredible. It was hilarious watching him be a mix of shocked and excited as we searched for sales.
“This place is crazy,” Adrien said as he stared at the entire aisle of chocolate.
I half expected him to find nothing until my crazy chocolatier had more than enough chocolate to make anything he could possibly dream up and then some. Apparently, even though it wasn’t the quality he was used to, he decided he could make a lower-end line for kids and families to enjoy.
His stomach rumbled loudly and his eyes widened.
“I have to feed you.”
I laughed. “Your stomach rumbles and your first thought is me?”
“I lost track of time. I apologize,” he said sincerely, but I waved it off.
“This store will do that to you. And I told you, we can get lunch here. Are you finished?”
He gave a reluctant yes and took us to the checkout. Adrien, not so slyly, put my liners up on the belt with his and gave me a look that begged me to argue. I bit back my tongue for once and let the alpha take the lead. It might be strange to do because I knew it wasn’t about me not being able to afford it, but him being able to provide it.
The best part of the trip was seeing Adrien side-eye the menu.
“What kind of pizza could be this cheap?” he hissed.
“The best kind,” I said, ordering a drink and slice for both of us and shooing him to one of the tables. When I brought the plates back he didn’t hesitate to take a bite.
“Okay, this is amazing,” he gushed as he chewed the slice of pepperoni. “New favorite store. We might have to sneak off to shop once a month or something. Make a new tradition.”
“I love the sound of that.”
It was not where I expected the day to go, but he was right, this was the kind of day that starts crazy and ends in the best way possible. And I knew it was just one of many we’d have together.