Chapter Five
Odette
The music in the shop today wasn’t nearly as loud as usual.
Instead of the usual harsh screams and pounding rhythms, softer guitar melodies drifted quietly through the air, lending the studio a sense of calm.
For once, I didn’t feel the need to drown everything out.
My heart felt lighter somehow, less tangled, though my nerves still simmered faintly beneath my skin.
Henry leaned comfortably against the workbench, arms crossed loosely as he watched me carve, a faintly amused smile tugging at his lips. His jeans and grey T-shirt were already slightly dusty. His boots crossed at the ankle as he relaxed.
“You’re staring,” I accused softly, glancing up briefly from the marble beneath my fingers.
“Yep,” he confirmed unapologetically, grinning gently. “Just thinking it’s nice to see you looking less like you’re sad or about to stab something.”
I laughed quietly, rolling my eyes. “I reserve the right to return to stabbing things if this carving doesn’t behave.”
Before Henry could respond, the door suddenly swung open. My mom, Valia, stepped inside, vibrant energy spilling from her in waves as she guided my four new mates inside the garage.
“Look who I found lurking outside your door, sweetheart!” she announced brightly, flashing me a mischievous smile as she waved dramatically toward the men.
Her beautiful face is bright and happy, and the same blue eyes look back at me.
She’s wearing a pretty deep purple maxi sundress.
Her blond hair was pulled back into a braid that hung down her back.
I snorted softly, setting down my chisel and wiping my dusty hands on my shorts. “Lurking, huh? You sure you didn’t kidnap them yourself?”
Mom pretended offense, one delicate hand pressed to her heart. “Me? Kidnap? How dare you, Odette? I would never, unless you count Henry, and he’s basically family, so he doesn’t count.”
Henry rolled his eyes dramatically. “Your mother threatened my life with a frying pan last Christmas, kid. I wouldn’t put kidnapping past her.”
Mom swatted playfully at Henry’s arm. “You exaggerate terribly. It was a saucepan.”
Micha chuckled quietly, visibly relaxing at the playful banter.
“We appreciate your mercy, Valia.” His easy smile gives me butterflies.
The dark blue jeans hug his thighs in a way that makes my mouth water.
Watching his muscles flex behind his white T-shirt makes me blush when he catches me checking him out.
My mother beamed at Micha, clearly charmed by his effortless manners. “Well, aren’t you a gentleman? At least Odette has excellent taste. My baby deserves the very best.”
I sighed affectionately, shaking my head as warmth bloomed in my cheeks. “Thank you, Mom. But let’s not scare them off just yet.”
Valia leaned over to kiss my temple gently. “Impossible, love. Nothing I say will scare them away if they can handle Henry.”
Henry muttered something about being underappreciated, which my mother pointedly ignored, turning back to the alphas with a dazzling smile.
“Now, you boys behave yourselves. And if you don’t—I’ll know exactly who to hunt down first.” She winked playfully, backing toward the door.
“Yes, ma’am,” Salem responded seriously, though the corners of his mouth twitched slightly with restrained amusement.
He’s also in jeans, though he seems so calm and relaxed.
The rune and geometric tattoos cover both his arms, and I’m sure more since I can see a little bit of ink above the collar of his red T-shirt.
Mom slipped outside again, leaving behind the faint scent of lavender and warmth, the hinges squeaking softly as the door closed.
My heart skipped a little as I turned back to my mates, suddenly shy under their attentive gazes. “Welcome to my little corner of chaos.”
Ravik strolled around the studio, eyes widening slightly as he examined some of the finished sculptures carefully wrapped and waiting to be shipped.
“Odette, these are incredible. I was told you sculpted, but this…” He shook his head softly, genuinely amazed.
“This is art.” He said while he adjusted the rolled-up sleeve of his button-down dark green shirt.
The black jeans he wears make the color seem darker.
“More like witchcraft,” Haze added teasingly, carefully touching the delicate shoulder of a marble woman frozen mid-spin. “This is incredible, omega.”
I blush again. I swear my face is going to be permanently pink for the rest of my life.
I have no shame in checking out his delicious ass as he turns towards me.
The low chuckle that hums from him tells me I’ve been caught.
I love my eyes up to his t-shirt. I laugh, grinning up at him.
“My kink is plausible deniability.” I read it out loud, winking at him. I can hear a soft growl as I turn away.
Salem stepped closer, studying my unfinished piece, the kneeling woman screaming behind her chained wrists. His expression shifted, curiosity blending into something softer. “This one feels…personal. My chest hurts from feeling her pain.”
I swallowed, nerves flickering in my chest. Micha approached slowly, carefully, sensing the sudden shift in mood. “Odette?”
I took a shaky breath, steadying myself. They deserved to know. I owed it to myself, to be honest, even if it was just the edges of it.
“It is personal,” I finally admitted softly, meeting each alpha’s gaze in turn, vulnerability tightening my throat. “A few months ago, I was kidnapped. Held captive and…hurt.”
My voice wavered slightly, but Micha’s steady presence helped me continue. “I don’t want to go into details yet. I can’t, but it’s something you should know. In case I react to something unexpectedly or if I have a panic attack. It still happens.”
Haze’s playful expression shifted instantly into something fiercely protective, his duel colored eyes intense with quiet understanding.
Ravik’s fists clenched briefly, his jaw tight with silent anger, but his gaze on me remained gentle, steady.
Salem’s gray eyes softened further, quiet compassion radiating from him as he stood respectfully silent.
I was afraid to see pity, but I should have known better.
I’ve been around these men for all of a few hours collectively, but I knew they weren’t like that.
Micha stepped closer, carefully maintaining just enough distance to show respect, but his voice was firm, sincere. “Odette, thank you for telling us. I promise we’ll be patient, and we’ll be here whenever you’re ready.”
“Absolutely,” Salem added gently. “We have all the time in the world.”
“I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart,” Haze said, a soft, sincere warmth taking over the teasing tone he normally wore. “However slow you want to take this is completely up to you.”
Ravik finally spoke, voice low and reassuring. “We’ll always respect your boundaries. And we’ll help keep you safe—whatever you need.”
Relief flooded through me, easing the tight knot in my chest. My voice came out steadier now, quietly grateful. “That’s why I have Henry. He’s family, and he’s been helping me through it. I just needed you to understand that he’s not going anywhere. Not now, not ever.”
“We wouldn’t have it any other way,” Micha reassured gently, his smile warm and comforting.
The studio fell into a gentle, peaceful silence, warmth lingering comfortably in the air. Henry, still leaning against the workbench, gave me a subtle, approving nod.
“Thank you,” I whispered softly, emotion catching slightly in my throat.
“You never have to thank us for being here,” Salem said quietly, sincerity shining clearly in his eyes.
Standing there, surrounded by marble dust, half-finished art, and four strong alphas who were already beginning to feel like home, I finally allowed myself to believe in something good again.
It felt like healing. It felt like hope.
“So... this is my job,” I said, waving awkwardly at the chaotic beauty around me, hoping, praying, to steer the conversation onto something lighter. Something that didn’t feel like a weight pressing against my ribs.
Henry snorted from behind me, loud and thoroughly unimpressed. “Real smooth, kid.”
I shot him a look over my shoulder, sighing dramatically. “I tried, okay? It’s just…” I waved vaguely at the air between us, “Too depressing to keep wallowing in.”
A low chuckle rumbled out of Haze, warm and unbothered, as he stepped forward, hands half-lifted like he wanted to reach for me. Instinct flared too fast in my chest, panic tightening my throat. Before I could stop myself, I flinched back a little, gritting my teeth against the reaction.
Haze froze instantly, his playful expression collapsing into something raw and heartbroken. He dropped his hands back to his sides, stepping slower, gentler, giving me space.
“Sorry,” I blurted, wrapping my arms around myself. “Maybe... just slower? For a little while?”
For a heartbeat, he just stood there, looking like I’d gutted him without lifting a finger. But then, carefully, so carefully, he moved forward again. Slow enough that I could see every breath he took, slow enough that I could say no if I needed to.
When I didn’t move away, he slipped his arms around me and drew me gently against his chest.
I breathed him in, mint, cedar, and that crisp bite of frosted pine, and it slammed into me like a memory of winter mornings. Of snow crunching under boots and the unshakable feeling of home.
A soft, rumbling purr stuttered to life beneath my ear, shaky at first, then steadier, vibrating through his chest and into mine. His hand slid slowly up and down my back, careful and comforting, like he was memorizing the shape of me with every pass.