Page 57 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

"And Theo?" I prompted, finding myself genuinely interested in these men who had become my unexpected protectors.

"Theo was the quiet one," Dakota said, his voice softening further. "Brilliant mind, terrible social skills. Had a photographic memory that made the rest of us look like idiots." He shifted in his seat, crossing his arms. "People underestimated him because he wasn't physically imposing, didn't assert himself like most Alphas. But Gabriel saw what he could do with information, how his mind worked."

"Sounds like Gabriel was the one who brought you all together," I observed.

Dakota nodded, his expression thoughtful. "He saw something in each of us that others missed. Potential.”

“He really does see things no one does doesn’t he.” He seemed to do that to me when we have talked.

Dakota nodded, a rare smile softening his features. "He's the best Alpha I've ever known. We all would follow him anywhere." He paused, seeming to realize how much he'd revealed. "Don't tell him I said that. He's got enough on his plate without me inflating his ego."

I laughed, finding Dakota's unexpected warmth oddly endearing. "Your secret's safe with me," I promised, drawing an imaginary 'X' over my heart.

Dakota's posture relaxed slightly, as if relieved I wasn't going to make a big deal of his moment of openness. "Good. Can't have them thinking I've gone soft."

"Heaven forbid," I teased gently, surprising myself with how comfortable I felt in his presence. The intimidating Alpha I'd first met was still there, but layered with something more complex—loyalty, protectiveness, even a hint of vulnerability beneath the gruff exterior.

"You know," Dakota said after a moment of comfortable silence, "you're not what I expected."

"What did you expect?" I asked, genuinely curious about his perception.

He seemed to consider his words carefully. "When Gabriel said we were bringing an Omega witness home, I thought you'd be scared. Fragile. Needing constant reassurance."

I raised an eyebrow. "And instead?"

"Instead, you're..." he gestured vaguely, searching for the right words, "resilient. Self-contained. You've had your world turned upside down, but you're still standing." A hint of respect colored his tone. "It's impressive."

I looked down at my hands, unexpectedly touched by his assessment. "I've had practice at standing on my own," I said quietly. "Being an independent Omega isn't always easy, but it teaches you to be resourceful."

Dakota nodded, understanding in his dark eyes. "Strength comes in different forms. Most people only recognize the obvious kind." He gave a hum, as he looked at me again. "Speaking of which, I should get back to patrol. Just wanted to make sure you were settled."

"I am," I assured him, a smile on my face. Dakota was definitely different than I thought he was after our first meeting.

Dakota shifted in his seat, clearly having revealed more than he'd intended. "Anyway, Lucas mentioned you're joining us for dinner and movie night."

"If that's okay," I said, suddenly uncertain. "I don't want to intrude on pack time."

Dakota's eyes met mine, surprisingly direct. "You're not intruding. We invited you."

The simplicity of his statement eased some of my anxiety. "Thank you. I'd like that. "We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, before Dakota stood up and stretched.

I studied Dakota for a minute. Behind his gruff exterior, there was a loyalty and steadfastness that was becoming increasingly apparent. Like the others, he defied my expectations of what an Alpha should be.

“I’ll be heading out then.” Dakota told me, rolling his shoulder. I could tell he was a bit awkward being around me.

I nodded, standing as well. "I think I'll go rest in my nest for a bit before dinner."

Dakota paused at the door, his expression softening slightly. "Good idea. Nesting helps regulate stress hormones. At least that's what Theo's always saying." He shrugged, seemingly embarrassed by this display of knowledge. "Anyway, someone will knock when food arrives."

"Thank you, Dakota," I said, meaning it for more than just the information about dinner.

He gave a short nod before disappearing down the hallway, his footsteps fading as I made my way back to my room. The nest welcomed me like an old friend, its soft confines immediately soothing something restless inside me. I curled into its center, pulling one of the quilts closer around me.

My mind wandered over the conversations I'd had today—Gabriel, Lucas and Dakota all sharing with me more than I thought. Today was definitely a day of firsts.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ijustfinishedfixingmynest when there was a knock on the door. Taking a deep breath I opened the door to be greeted with Theo.

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