Page 59 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

"Of course it is," Lucas said with a wink in my direction.

I hid my smile behind my napkin, oddly charmed by their dynamics. Despite being a four Alpha pack, they could be quiet domestic.

"So, what movies are we choosing from?" I asked, changing the subject as I spooned some of the beef and broccoli onto my plate.

Lucas brightened immediately, grabbing a remote from the coffee table. "We've narrowed it down to three options. Action, comedy, or classic thriller." He scrolled through the selections on the screen. "Democratic vote, majority rules."

"Unless it's a terrible choice," Dakota muttered, reaching for an egg roll. "Then Gabriel overrules everyone."

Gabriel gave a slight shrug, not denying it. "Pack leader privilege."

I rolled my eyes. "I think I can handle a democracy that occasionally turns into a benevolent dictatorship."

"See?" Gabriel said, his eyes meeting mine with unexpected warmth. "She understands leadership."

"She's just being diplomatic," Lucas countered, scrolling through the movie options. "So, what's your preference, Vivian? Action, comedy, or thriller?"

I considered for a moment, chewing thoughtfully on a piece of broccoli. "What kind of thriller?"

"Classic Hitchcock," Theo supplied, his eyes lighting up. "Rear Window."

"Good choice," I said, genuinely impressed. "I love old films."

"Another vote for Hitchcock," Theo announced, looking pleased.

Dakota grunted something that might have been agreement while scooping more rice onto his plate. "As long as it's not another one of Lucas's superhero movies," he muttered, shooting Lucas a pointed look. "If I have to watch one more guy in spandex save the world, I might lose my mind."

"They're classics of modern cinema!" Lucas protested, clutching his chest in mock offense.

"They're the same movie with different costumes," Dakota countered, reaching for the container of lo mein.

I laughed, enjoying their easy banter. "Rear Window it is, then. I haven't seen it in years."

Gabriel nodded, something like approval warming his expression as he looked at me. "Good choice."

As Lucas queued up the movie, I settled more comfortably against the cushions, plate balanced on my lap. The food was delicious—rich flavors and perfect textures that testified to the pack's good taste in restaurants. More than that, though, was the unexpected comfort of being included in their routine—this casual dinner and movie night that spoke of established traditions and comfortable familiarity.

As the opening credits rolled, I found myself stealing glances at the four Alphas around me. Gabriel sat to my right, his posture relaxed but still carrying that undeniable air of authority. Dakota lounged on the floor, his back against the couch, while Lucas sprawled comfortably across one end of the sofa. Theo perched on the other end, his plate arranged with mathematical precision as he focused on the film.

There was something surreal about the moment—me, an independent Omega who'd spent years avoiding Alpha entanglements, now sitting comfortably in a room full of them, sharing food and preparing to watch a classic film. If someone had told me a week ago this would be my reality, I would have laughed in their face.

As if sensing my thoughts, Gabriel's eyes met mine, a silent question in their blue depths. I gave him a small smile, hoping to convey that I was okay—better than okay, actually. There was something unexpectedly comforting about being here, surrounded by these four very different Alphas who had, in their own ways, made me feel welcome.

Gabriel returned my smile, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly before he turned his attention back to the screen. But I felt the warmth of his presence beside me, solid and reassuring without being overwhelming.

As the movie progressed, I found myself becoming increasingly aware of the subtle dynamics in the room. The way Lucas would occasionally whisper commentary to Theo, who would respond with historical facts about the film's production. The way Dakota would grunt in appreciation at particularly well-crafted scenes. The way Gabriel remained still and attentive, missing nothing.

About halfway through the film, I noticed my plate was empty. Before I could set it aside, Gabriel reached out, silently offering to take it. Our fingers brushed as I handed it to him, that now-familiar spark of awareness flaring between us. He stacked my plate on his plate and the others, before rising soundlessly to carry them to the kitchen.

When he returned, he settled back beside me, his weight causing a slight shift in the cushions that nudged me closer to him. Neither of us moved to adjust the distance, and I found myself hyperaware of the warmth radiating from him, the subtle scent of his cologne mingling with his natural Alpha scent—sandalwood and something distinctly his own.

As the film continued, I felt myself growing drowsy, the combination of good food, emotional exhaustion, and the soothing darkness of the room taking its toll. I tried to stifle a yawn, but Gabriel caught it, his eyes finding mine in the dim light.

"Tired?" he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I nodded, reluctant to admit defeat but unable to deny my exhaustion. "It's been a long day."

"You can rest," he said simply, gesturing to the couch behind us. "No one will mind."

---