Page 42 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

"I thought you might want a room with a better view," Gabriel explained, pushing open a door to reveal a spacious bedroom with large windows overlooking the gardens. "The morning sunlight is particularly good in here."

The room was beautiful—airy and bright, with a queen-sized bed covered in what looked like impossibly soft linens in shades of sage green and cream. A reading nook was nestled in the bay window, complete with cushions and throw pillows that looked perfect for curling up with a book. The walls were a soft gray, adorned with tasteful botanical prints that reminded me of my own apartment.

"This is..." I trailed off, stepping inside and setting my tote bag carefully on a nearby chair. "Did you plan this?"

Gabriel set my suitcase down, a hint of uncertainty crossing his features. "Theo might have mentioned your preference for plants and natural light. We want you to be comfortable here, Vivian. As comfortable as possible under the circumstances."

I ran my hand along the footboard of the bed, touched by this unexpected thoughtfulness. "Thank you. It's perfect."

Gabriel nodded, seemingly relieved by my approval. "The bathroom is through there," he said, gesturing to a door on the right. "And there's plenty of closet space for your things."

I moved to the window, gazing out at the well-maintained gardens below. Neat beds of perennials lined stone pathways, and I could see a small greenhouse nestled among the trees at the far end of the property.

"Is that a greenhouse?" I asked, unable to hide my interest.

Gabriel moved to stand beside me, his presence warm but not intrusive. "Yes. It's Theo's domain, primarily. He grows herbs and some experimental hybrids. You're welcome to use it, if you'd like. I think he'd appreciate another plant enthusiast."

"I'd like that," I said softly, genuinely touched by this unexpected kindness. The thought of having access to a greenhouse during my stay here offered a small comfort—a piece of normalcy in the chaos my life had become.

Gabriel cleared his throat, stepping back slightly. "I'll let you get settled. Take your time unpacking. Dinner's usually around seven, but there's no pressure to join if you'd prefer some time alone…"

“What about the security…”I didn’t get to even finish before Gabriel gave a small laugh.

“I will have Theo go over everything when he is back. Since they were so close to your apartment, I think going back to the store today isn’t a good idea.” Gabriel gave me a sympathetic smile, but I understood as I nodded. We stood in silence for a moment before I spoke again.

"Thank you. For all of this." I broke the silence as I gestured to the room. "It's more than I expected."

"What did you expect?" he asked, his head tilting slightly in curiosity.

"I don't know," I admitted with a small shrug. "A spare room with bare necessities? Some kind of Alpha power play about territory and protection. Not... thoughtfulness."

Gabriel's expression softened, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "We're not all the stereotypes, Vivian. My pack, we..." he paused, seeming to choose his words carefully. "We've all experienced things that taught us power isn't the same as strength."

I studied his face, struck by the genuine emotion I saw there. There was clearly a story behind his words, something personal that had shaped his worldview. Part of me wanted to ask, to understand this Alpha who defied my expectations at every turn. But another part—the cautious, self-protective part—warned me against getting too close.

"I should unpack," I said instead, breaking the moment.

Gabriel nodded, respecting my unspoken boundary. "Of course. I'll leave you to it." He moved toward the door, pausing with his hand on the doorknob. "If you need anything, just ask. Someone's always around."

After he left, I sat on the edge of the bed, finally allowing myself a moment to process everything. The softness of the mattress beneath me was a stark contrast to the hardness of my reality—a shop in ruins, an apartment no longer safe, and a killer who seemed determined to find me.

I pulled the African violet from my tote bag, carefully unwrapping it and placing it on the windowsill where it would catch the morning light. The familiar routine of checking its soil, adjusting its position for optimal sunlight, grounded me in a way nothing else could.

"Just you and me now," I murmured to the plant, gently touching one of its velvety purple blooms before setting it on the side table of the bed. "At least until this nightmare is over."

I sat down on the bed, feeling everything start to catch up with me, a low whimper leaving me as I buried my face in my hands and allowed myself a moment of weakness now that I was alone. Hot tears slipped between my fingers as I finally let go of the tight control I'd been maintaining.

My life felt so out of control….I didn’t know how long I could stand it. For now, I would let myself cry and figure out things one day at a time.

Chapter Eighteen

Iblinkawake,theworldstill hazy around me. The weight of tears lingers on my cheeks, evidence of a sleepless night spent wrestling with my thoughts. A soft knock cuts through the fog, pulling me back from the depths sleep. I can’t make out who it is, and for a moment, the prospect of company stirs anxiety in the pit of my stomach.

I murmur, “Come in,” my voice barely breaking the silence of the room. The door creaks open, and the shape of Lucas fills the frame. He steps inside, a gentle smile dancing at the corners of his lips. He stops, taking a moment to look at me, and though he says nothing, I can see the worry etched into the lines of his brow. My eyes must betray the remnants of my tears—red and puffy, as if I’d been sparring with emotions too heavy for the morning.

“Hey,” he finally says, his tone low, careful not to disrupt the fragile air between us. “I was just checking in. Would you like to join us for dinner? It’s all set up in the kitchen. Or I can bring you something here if you want more time.”

I take a deep breath, the idea of being alone with my thoughts gnawing at my insides. But then there’s another feeling—a flicker of warmth at the thought of their company, the comfort of voices mingling in the air, and perhaps the chance to distract myself from this cloud hovering over my heart. A small smile emerges, hesitant but sincere.

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