Page 56 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

"That sounds nice," I said, surprised by how much I meant it. "What time?"

"Around seven. We're thinking Chinese food, unless you have another preference?"

I shook my head. "Chinese is perfect."

"Great." Lucas flashed another smile before disappearing through the doorway, leaving me alone with my thoughts and Eleanor's botanical treasures. I turned my attention back to the book in my lap, but found my mind wandering. Lucas's words about balance and home lingered, stirring emotions I wasn't quite ready to examine.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Ijustfinishedputtingthebooks back, wanting to go back to my room to relax in my nest for a bit when Dakota walked into the library. His expression was less severe than usual, though still far from what anyone would call friendly. He moved with the fluid grace of someone completely comfortable in their own body, stopping a respectful distance away.

"Lucas mentioned you were up here," he said, his deep voice resonating in the quiet space. "Thought I'd check if you needed anything."

"I was just about to head back to my room," I replied, carefully returning the last book to its proper place on the shelf. "Thank you for the sandwich earlier. It was delicious."

Dakota nodded, a flicker of something that might have been pleasure crossing his features. "Good. Not much of a cook, but I can manage the basics."

"The spice level was perfect," I offered, genuinely appreciative. "Most people either go too mild or way too hot."

"Noted," he said, watching as I straightened the books on the shelf, “Enjoying the books?”

"They're incredible," I admitted, carefully placing the last volume back on its shelf. "Eleanor had amazing taste."

Dakota nodded, moving further into the room with a grace that belied his size. "Gabriel's mother was something special, from what I've heard. Never got to meet her myself."

I turned to face him fully, curious about this more relaxed version of Dakota. "Lucas mentioned you all met Gabriel when he was in his twenties?"

"Twenty-one," Dakota confirmed, leaning against one of the bookshelves. "We were all at the academy together. Different backgrounds, different reasons for joining, but we clicked. Formed a pack within the first month."

I nodded, fascinated by this glimpse into their shared history. "And you've been together ever since?"

"More or less," Dakota replied, his eyes drifting to the tall windows. "Went our separate ways for about a year after graduation—different assignments, different cities. But when Gabriel decided to form the special unit, he called us first."

"He must trust you all a great deal," I observed, settling into one of the leather chairs. To my surprise, Dakota took the seat opposite me, his large frame somehow not overwhelming the space.

"Trust is earned," he said simply. "We've been through enough together to know we've got each other's backs."

“That is true.” Trust was earned, I believed that as well. Blindly trusting someone could end up with you hurt in the long run.

"Gabriel was the serious one, even back then. Focused. Driven. Had this natural leadership quality that made people follow him without question. I admired him when I first met him, and even now. He didn’t have to wait long when he earned my trust. He saved my life when I was trying to prove myself.” He told me, eyes softening as he talked about his Pack Leader.

"What happened?" I asked, genuinely curious about these men who had taken me in. I wanted to understand the bonds that tied them together, made them function as a cohesive unit despite their Alpha designations.

Dakota's expression grew distant, his eyes focused on something I couldn't see. "We were on a training exercise. Rural terrain, simulated hostage situation. I was trying to prove myself—fastest, strongest, most aggressive." His mouth twisted in a wry smile. "Classic young Alpha bullshit."

"Let me guess," I said, "it backfired?"

"Spectacularly." Dakota nodded, running a hand through his dark hair. "Went ahead of the team, triggered a booby trap that collapsed part of the building we were in. Would've been crushed if Gabriel hadn't pulled me out." He paused, his voice dropping slightly. "Had to carry me two miles to the extraction point. My leg was shattered in three places."

I winced, imagining the scene. "That couldn't have been easy."

"He never complained. Not once." Dakota's expression softened further, a rare vulnerability showing through his usual stoic exterior. "And when I thanked him later, he just said, 'Pack takes care of pack.' Like it was the simplest thing in the world."

I nodded, understanding dawning. This wasn't just professional loyalty or friendship—these men were bonded in a way that transcended ordinary relationships. True pack bonds were rare in modern society, especially among unrelated Alphas.

"And the others?" I asked. "Theo and Lucas?"

Dakota's lips quirked in what might have been a smile. "Lucas was the troublemaker—always pushing boundaries, questioning authority. Smart as hell but couldn't sit still to save his life." His expression grew affectionate. "He nearly got kicked out twice in the first year for insubordination. Gabriel was the one who convinced him to channel that energy instead of fighting the system."

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