Page 2 of A Pack of Cozy

"I'm Calliope, but everyone calls me Cali. I'm the new librarian."

"You took over Moon Cottage?" he asks.

I freeze. Is he a stalker? Maybe my paranoia about serial killers wasn't paranoia.

Connor seems to sense my unease and quickly adds, "The previous librarian, Agnes, rented moon cottage. There aren't a lot of rentals in town this time of year. The snow birds are gone, and the tourist season is passed so it was a guess. Agnes just retired and left to travel the world."

I feel myself relax a little.

"Yeah, I just moved in last week. I've been unpacking a lot, so I haven't had time to explore the town."

"My pack and I live just a little ways up from the cottage. We're the house just before yours on the left."

Now that we've talked a little my anxiousness from earlier has started to melt away. Something in me tugs to the surface and I want to ask him more questions but a gale of snowy, freezing wind and snow reminds me that I'm close to shivering to death.

"It was nice meeting you. Since we're going the same way, I'll drive behind you until my turn to ensure you don't get stuck again." I agree and get back into my car.

He follows me, but after a few minutes turns off to the left on an obscure dirt lane. Technically, it's close enough to be my nearest neighbor, but it isn't as close as the suburban houses I'm used to. It's at least a twenty minute walk to the lane, and who knows how long the lane was before I would get to his house. In the snow, it would be even longer. Not that I'm thinking of visiting the handsome alpha at his house. Nope. Not me.

I drive and, thankfully, don't get stuck again. My side lane is to the right. Finally, I pull up in front of Moon Cottage. It's a little white cottage, just big enough for one person, with a porch. Struggling through the snow I'm dreading shoveling tomorrow, make it to my front door.

A small, beeping alarm rings from a thermostat near the door. I quickly check the gauge for the outdoor wood boiler and groan. It's below ideal temp. The landlord, a surly man with a gut and a scraggly beard, had explained how the outdoor wood boiler worked. Something about pipes and water. The only part I need to remember is that when the alarm sounds, that's my sign to add more wood to the furnace…which is around the back of the house…outside.

I plunge back into the storm, with the wind howling and snow pelting against me. I make my way to the side of the house, where wood is stacked under an overhang and covered with a tarp. I select a few logs, their rough texture scraping against my coat, and carefully approach the chrome furnace while snow drifts underfoot.

As I open the furnace, a wave of heat washes over me, enveloping me in comforting warmth. I carefully feed in the logs. They crackle and pop before I close the door. After grabbing a few more logs from the pile, I quickly shuffle back into the cottage, the snowflakes clinging to my clothes.

The inside is cold and dark, but I know it'll quickly warm up. I flip on the light. The walls, adorned with white shiplap, feel inviting and bright. The kitchen is to the left. Copper pots and pans hang cheerfully on one wall. The white farmhouse sink gleams and the wooden slab countertop gives the room a rustic touch, while the light blue cupboards add a splash of color.

Next to the kitchen is a cozy half bath with an attractive, yellow door. The living room and breakfast nook combo are to my right, featuring a bay window overlooking the forest. An older, wooden round table is closest to the front door. An overstuffed couch with floral patterns faces a cold fireplace ornamenting the main wall. All the furniture came with the cottage. Which was convenient since I hadn't had any furniture to bring with me. Past the fireplace on the left is a set of stairs that leads to my loft bedroom and combination nest.

Nesting is one of the few omega instincts I genuinely enjoy. Heavier scent? No. Weaker than other designations? No. The need to eat carbs every day? While enjoyable, I wished I could stop. But nesting? I like that. I'd created a soft place to sleep featuring pillows, blankets, books, and more. I'm fiercely protective of it, as any omega would be. Despite my short time here, the place feels like a warm hug whenever I come back to it.

I climb the stairs with the wood from the porch balanced in my arms. The loft ceiling slopes gracefully on both sides, creating a charming, barn-like feel. The light forest green paint adorning the ceiling and door adds a soothing touch. Built-in bookshelves, brimming with cherished titles, frame the door leading to the master bathroom, where a vintage claw-foot tub and a quaint pedestal sink await. Perfect for long, relaxing soaks.

A window looks out onto the woods. Outside, the world is wrapped in darkness, but I feel safe and snug inside. Across the tops of the trees, I can see the light from the lighthouse sweeping across. The snow fall sparkles as the light hits it over and over again in a slow rhythm. My small bedroom is the perfect place to unwind, a haven against the chill, where I can curl up with a book.

A squat black stove fireplace is nestled in the corner near the built-in bookshelves. I gently place the two logs within, and add a few crumpled pages of old newspaper I keep in a basket near the stove. Striking a match, I ignite the newspaper with a merry crackle. As I close the stove door, the flames dance joyfully, casting a soft, flickering glow that warms the small room. Shadows play on the walls, creating a serene atmosphere.

The fire makes me think of Connor and his gorgeous hair. His sharp jaw and sharper green eyes have my eyes fluttering closed.Get it together, I internally chastise my omega. I just got over a break-up. I'm not looking to jump into another. I flop myself into the queen-sized bed I made into my nest.

The built-in bookshelves are overflowing. Not only are the shelves packed tight, but stacks spill over in various corners. The chaos makes the place feel like home

I spot one of my favorite rereads peeking out from a pile as I glance around. With a tug, I liberate it, letting a few books topple over. I settle into my nest. The soft light from the crackling fire casts a warm glow. Connor's face lingers in my thoughts, but I push it away. Eventually, the words on the page blur, and I drift off to sleep, his face fading into the gentle embrace of my dreams.

Connor

Ipulluptomy packhouse, feeling dazed and uneasy. My mind races as I process the whirlwind of emotions that engulf me. Cali had been an unexpected detour tonight. When I first looked at her, an uncanny familiarity tugged at the edges of my mind. Her beautiful auburn hair fell under her winter hat in soft, enchanting waves cascading down to her shoulders. Her hazel eyes held a swirling blend of colors that drew me in deep. Her button nose crinkled with the faintest hint of a smile. I hadn't detected a scent, so she might be a beta, but the cold made it impossible to tell. I would remember if I'd met her before.

The house I share with my pack is still lit up inside. I can see the guys sitting in the living room window on the sectional leather couch. Clearly, they're watching the game. From the raucous yells and cheers, I imagine the Fangs won against the Pilgrims. I'd like to go in and enjoy the game with them but Cali's all I can think about. I have to mentally push my mixed thoughts about her to the side. I'm still struggling as I head inside.

.

Calliope

Attheheartofthis little lakeside town is Evergreen's Café. It's located on the first floor of a two-story house. The inside is all carved wood and shiplap. When I walk through the door, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. My drink of choice is a large mocha frappuccino. It's the perfect drink, soothing and fragrant on a cold winter morning. The honey cakes they sell are heavenly. Their sweetness is a gentle hug in the morning. Sunlight filters through the windows, casting a soft glow on the rustic wooden tables.

My phone buzzes while I'm in line.

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