Page 46 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

"Still, I appreciate it." I touched the soft fabric again, already imagining how I would arrange these items. The instinct to nest was growing stronger by the minute, a primal urge to create a safe space where I could process everything that had happened.

Lucas glanced around the room, his eyes landing on the reading nook by the window. "That spot would make a great nest location. Good light, defensible position with your back to the wall, clear view of both the door and the windows."

I blinked at his tactical assessment of what I'd been thinking would be a perfect nesting spot. "You've really studied this, haven't you?"

"Professional necessity," he replied with a casual shrug, though something in his expression suggested there might be more to it. "Understanding Omega instincts helps us better protect witnesses."

"And yet you can't remember to file your reports on time," Theo commented dryly, earning a scowl from Lucas.

I smiled at their banter, feeling oddly comfortable despite the strangeness of my situation. "Well, I appreciate the expertise, tactical or otherwise."

The three Alphas stood awkwardly for a moment, clearly unsure whether to leave me to my nesting or offer further assistance. It was Dakota who broke the silence, clearing his throat.

"We'll leave you to it," he said, already backing toward the door. "Nesting is... private."

"Actually," I found myself saying before I could think better of it, "would you mind staying for a minute? I could use some help moving the furniture."

The surprise on their faces would have been comical if I wasn't so surprised by my own request. Nesting was indeed private—an intimate process most Omegas only shared with pack members or mates. Yet here I was, inviting three Alpha strangers to participate in the beginning stages of my nest building. I know it wasn’t something I should do, but something told me to. I was used to listening to my instincts, so that is what I would do.

"You sure?" Lucas asked, his expression carefully neutral. "We don't want to intrude."

I nodded, surprising myself with my certainty. "I'm sure. That reading nook is perfect, but I'll need to move the bookshelf and rearrange some furniture."

The Alphas exchanged glances, some unspoken communication passing between them before Theo nodded. "Of course. Just tell us what you need. I can get Gabriel here to help too?"

It was said as a question, and a paused, before I nodded. Theo brought out his phone texting something real quick before putting his phone away with a smile.

The door opened a few minutes later, Gabriel stepping in with a curious expression. His eyes swept the room, taking in the piles of blankets and pillows, then the three Alphas standing somewhat awkwardly in the middle of the space.

"Vivian needs help rearranging some furniture for her nest," Theo explained before Gabriel could ask, gesturing toward the reading nook.

Gabriel's gaze shifted to me, a question in his blue eyes. "You're sure you want us involved in this?"

The concern in his voice warmed something in me. He understood the significance—that nesting was intimate, personal, not typically shared with those outside one's inner circle. Yet here I was, inviting four Alpha strangers to participate.

"I'm sure," I confirmed, surprising myself with how certain I felt. "I can't move the bookshelf alone, and that corner would be perfect."

Gabriel nodded, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "Then we're happy to help. Just direct us."

I surveyed the room, mentally arranging the space. "If we could move the bookshelf to that wall," I pointed across the room, "and shift the armchair closer to the window, that would create enough space for a proper nest in the corner."

The Alphas moved with surprising efficiency, each seeming to understand their role without discussion. Dakota and Lucas took either end of the heavy bookshelf, lifting it with ease and carrying it to the spot I'd indicated. Gabriel and Theo repositioned the armchair, angling it to provide additional privacy for the nesting area while still allowing me a view of the door.

"The side table should go there," I directed, pointing to a spot beside the relocated armchair. "And maybe we could move the lamp closer?"

Gabriel nodded, adjusting the lamp while Theo positioned the side table precisely where I'd indicated. Within minutes, they had transformed the corner into a perfect nesting space—sheltered, with good light, and positioned to give me a clear view of both the door and windows.

"How's that?" Gabriel asked, stepping back to survey their work.

I nodded, already feeling the pull to start arranging my nest. "Perfect. Thank you."

An awkward silence fell as the four Alphas seemed to realize simultaneously that the next stage—the actual building of the nest—was typically done in private.

"We should let you get to it," Dakota said, already backing toward the door.

"Yes, of course," Theo agreed, adjusting his glasses. "If you need anything else, just let us know."

Lucas gave me a small smile before following them, but Gabriel lingered for a moment, his blue eyes meeting mine with an unreadable expression.

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