4. Lily
Lily
For the first time in ages, I wake up feeling… rested. It’s a strange sensation, blinking into morning light without the usual knot of dread in my stomach.
I throw on a simple shirt and jeans, trying not to think about last night’s… activities. My stomach rumbles as I step into the corridor. Food.
The rich aroma of coffee and toasted bread draws me into the café, nearly empty this late in the morning. Then I see them—all three Alphas from yesterday, clustered around a table.
Raphael’s challenging gaze meets mine, and he smirks.
My cheeks flush, remembering exactly how I pictured that smirk last night.
Leo waves wildly the moment he notices me, face lighting up like I’m an old friend, and my body betrays me with a flutter.
Alaric, meanwhile, glances over with a cool, unreadable expression before giving me a small nod.
Great, I think, looking down. They’re all here—and of course they know each other.
I hover at the entrance, mortified. How can I face them after the way I touched myself imagining each of them? But Leo gestures me over.
Guess that’s decided. Heart thumping, I approach.
When I’m close, Alaric stands and lightly touches my elbow, guiding me to an empty seat.
My body tenses at the contact, his bourbon-rich scent stirring something in me.
He murmurs a polite “Good morning,” as though testing my reaction.
I settle into the chair, exhaling a breath.
“Sleep well?” Leo asks, pushing a steaming cup of coffee in my direction. His smell mingles with the coffee aroma, and I try not to remember how that scent featured in my last night’s fantasies. His cheerful demeanor contrasts sharply with Raphael’s intense stare.
“Better than I have in a while,” I admit, wrapping both hands around the mug. The warmth is welcome, helping steady my nerves as I sit around them.
Raphael gives a low laugh. “Glad our ‘humble little haven’ met your standards,” he drawls.
His attitude riles me, but Alaric quickly speaks up, his deep voice soothing. “Ignore him, Lily. He’s insufferable before ten a.m. Some things never change.”
“Yep, can confirm,” Leo adds with a grin. “Imagine teenage Raph strutting around the cafeteria like he owns the place.”
Raphael narrows his eyes at them both, but there’s a faint amusement in his expression that suggests this is an old routine.
I sip my coffee, trying to piece it all together. “So… you three went to school together?”
“Yup,” Leo says proudly. “We’ve known each other forever. And I promise we’re not always so… combative.”
Raphael rolls his shoulders, the movement drawing attention to his broad frame. “Though we do love physical contact,” he smirks, his eyes lingering on mine as he claps Leo’s shoulder. “Anyway, I’ve got calls to make.” He pushes to his feet, looming over the table for a heartbeat. “Later, Lily.”
He strides off, his hand grazing my back as he passes. I stiffen at the unexpected contact, unsure if it was intentional. Heat pools between my legs and I shift in my seat, hoping none of them can smell my arousal.
I scoff once he’s out of earshot. “What’s his deal? He acts like he owns the place.”
A flicker passes over Alaric’s face. “He kind of does, in a sense,” he says nonchalantly. “His father runs this haven. He’s on holiday, so… that leaves Raph feeling extra territorial, I guess.”
I set my mug down. Great. An Alpha with an inflated sense of entitlement. “So he’s the boss’s son,” I mutter, leaning back in my chair. “No wonder he’s so pushy. Did he get that from his father or…?”
A staff member interrupts us, placing a plate of fresh pastries on the table. A warm, buttery aroma drifts up, making my stomach rumble. I reach for a croissant. Damn, it’s good.
Leo’s trademark grin returns the instant he catches me savoring the croissant.
“You’re a real foodie, aren’t you?” he teases, lifting another pastry from the plate.
If only he knew how I’d nearly forgotten this part of myself under my ex’s constant shaming.
He looks at me again, eyebrows raised in a silent prompt, clearly expecting an answer.
I blink, a slow warmth creeping into my cheeks, thinking of all those times my ex sneered at my “obsession” with eating.
“I do enjoy good food,” I reply softly, hoping to deflect any further probing.
Leo nods, satisfied with my vague answer, and settles back into his chair with a relaxed demeanor.
Alaric stands, his movement releasing another wave of that intoxicating bourbon scent.
“I should get back to work,” he says, offering me a polite nod. “Lily, your schedule is clear today. Feel free to explore the town—it might help you get your bearings.”
Leo pushes himself up as well, snagging one last pastry.
“I should go too, have to pick up groceries from my supplier. See you around.”
His hand brushes the back of mine as he reaches for his coffee, and that simple touch sends electricity racing up my arm. His smile is warm and friendly, and something inside me melts even as I force myself to keep my expression neutral.
They’re gone and I’m sitting alone, surrounded by their lingering scents. I let out a deep breath, taking another sip of coffee, trying to ignore how my body thrums with awareness of each Alpha’s touch.
***
I’m nibbling on the last bite of my croissant, when a young Beta slides into the seat across from me. Dressed in simple jeans and a blouse, she carries herself with easy confidence. But a faint, unfamiliar scent clings to her, enough to make me pause.
“Morning,” she greets with a friendly smile. “Lily, right? I’m Mari.”
I nod, startled by her directness. “Hi. Um, yeah.”
Her eyes drift to where the Alphas had been sitting, a knowing glint in them. “They run off on you already?”
I can’t help but laugh softly. “Something like that. Work, apparently.”
“Typical of them.” Mari’s lips curl into a playful smirk.
“They’re so busy it’s a wonder they find time to breathe, let alone date.
” She gives me a meaningful look, one eyebrow arched.
“You know, they’re all single. Some rumor about being too dedicated to their careers and never finding the right match. ”
Heat crawls up my neck. “I… well, that’s none of my business.” Yet I can’t deny my curiosity stirs.
“Fair enough.” She leans forward, voice dropping conspiratorially.
“Between you and me, though? Alaric may act all stoic and professional, but that man is definitely not as cool-headed as he pretends. And if I’m not mistaken, he’s giving you that I’m trying to keep it professional but definitely interested vibe. ”
My face burns. “I doubt that,” I mutter, though I can’t help remembering how those green eyes studied me.
Mari’s grin turns knowing. “Anyway,” she continues, “how’re you settling in? Everything okay so far?”
I shift in my seat, oddly more comfortable with another woman. “It’s… a lot. I only got here yesterday, after…” I trail off, memories threatening to surface.
She nods, understanding. “This place can be overwhelming at first, especially if you’re carrying baggage.”
A brief silence lingers between us.
Her gaze catches on my wrist, where his bracelet has found its way back out of habit. “That’s cute. Where’d you get it?”
I stiffen but force myself to relax. “My ex,” I say tightly. “I’m planning to sell it, actually.”
“Well, there’s a pawn shop in town. Probably the best place to offload stuff you don’t want. The owner’s fair, too.” She pauses, like she’s debating whether to say more.
“Listen, if you’re up for it, I’m hitting Tropico tonight. Best dancing bar around. You seem like you could use some fun.”
I hesitate. Getting out sounds good, but… “I don’t know. I’m not really looking to deal with Alphas right now.”
Mari’s expression softens with understanding. She leans back, pulling out a small pill case. “I get it. That’s why I have these.” She pops one in her mouth, swallowing it dry.
The chemical scent clicks. My eyes widen. “Are those—?”
“Suppressants,” she confirms with a wry grin. “I’m actually an Omega. The Beta vibe is just for show.” She pats her pocket.
I blink. “Wow, I… had no idea.”
“I can spot you a couple for tonight,” she continues. “They’re not your prescription, but they should keep the Alphas off your back for one evening.”
I bite my lip. It’s tempting. Just once shouldn’t hurt, right? No real consequences…
“Yeah,” I hear myself say before I can second-guess it. “That sounds nice.”
“Perfect!” She stands, smoothing her blouse. “Meet me in the lobby at eight?”
I nod, and she bounces off with a wave.
I watch her go, relief and anticipation mingling in my gut. She’s refreshing. Maybe a little reckless, but after everything, maybe that’s what I need.
My fingers brush the bracelet. Time to let go. First the pawn shop, then some fun. One step at a time…