Page 23 of A Pack of Cozy

Clara hugs me, and it's so unexpected that I nearly tip over. Sunny, surprisingly, swoops in for a hug as well.

"That's really hard," Sunny says. "I don't understand exactly cause I haven't gone through what you've gone through, but you're working on it. Be patient with yourself. Don't push yourself to do anything you don't want to do. We've known the Evergreen Pack for a long time. They'll wait."

"And if they don't, I'll tell their mothers," Clara says. "They're badass bitches too. They'll put those alpha's in their place."

I laugh, and Stella glares daggers at us.

Seth

SettingupforCali'sdate was easy. It's the most confident I've ever felt setting up a date for anyone. I called Papa, the omega of my family's pack, and asked him what he thought of the idea. He'd said it sounded good, but to add soft places and warm layers for Cali. Plus some warm drinks to bring. That was sound advice that I hadn't thought of. Alphas don't crave warmth and softness like omegas do. Alpha bodies are built and regulated differently, so we're never as cold. But I should layer as much warmth as possible for this date, especially considering the location. I think I've done well. It could be overkill, especially after the things I'd ordered after talking to Papa.

Cali tried to drag the date details out of me over text. It was so adorable to imagine her frustrated scowl. But it was a tradition that alphas planned all dates, especially the first ones during courtship. She'd asked what she should wear, and I told her to wear something warm. When she opens the door, I'm glad to see she's followed my advice. She wears a long knit sweater dress that crisscrosses in the front and dips low, giving me a fantastic view, especially considering I tower over her. I don't look away. I won't pretend that my omega is anything less than stunning.

"Hi," Cali says. She's tamed her beautiful, wild auburn curls and clipped up the left half of her hair with a sparkling claw.

"Hi." I smile and bend down to kiss her trying to keep myself from bouncing. It's soft and sweet, and when we pull back, we're both grinning like idiots. I lead her to my Jeep and open the door, ensuring she's fully bundled in before shutting it. In northern Michigan, in the dead of winter, the sunset is around five in the evening, so when I pick her up at seven, it's already pitch black. The weather is clear, with no clouds in sight, and only a half-moon hangs in the air.

We drive along the lake, taking the Peninsula's west coast down. Finally, we come to a pull-off. I help Cali out of the car, and she shivers in the cool night air. I grab a blanket from the back seat and wrap it around her shoulders.

"It's just a little beyond these trees," I promise her.

"What is?" she asks, smiling up at me, and damn if that smile doesn't suck the soul right out of my body.

I wink at her, teasing. "Surprises will not be spoiled tonight, Precious."

We take a thin trail that cuts through a wooded area. Looking back, I see she's struggling with walking and the blanket, so I do the only thing I can think of. I lift her into my arms. She gives a small squeak and lightly whacks me on the chest.

"I can walk." She says.

"I know you can, but why should you do it when I love having an excuse to touch you?" She blushes prettily but grins up at me. I can't help leaning my face down and scent marking her cheek with mine. She nuzzles me right back.

We finally break through the tree line, and Cali gasps.

Calliope

Thewoodsopentoan expansive beach blanketed in a soft layer of snow that shimmers like fine crystals under the moonlight. Each step on the crisp, white surface crunches softly. The lake sprawls out before me, its surface frozen solid, creating a vast mirror of the stars and moon that stretches endlessly to the horizon.

On the snowy beach is a large, transparent, igloo-shaped inflatable structure. Through its clear dome, I can see a charming two-person table adorned with flickering candles and a vase of fresh flowers. A queen bed, piled high with fluffy blankets and abundant plush pillows, sits in the middle. A soft, handwoven rug is spread underneath it all. The entire thing is a haven away from the biting cold outside.

The thought of a blow-up igloo is almost absurd, yet here it is, inviting us in. As we approach, Seth guides me gently, his hand lingering on the small of my back, igniting a warmth that spreads through me.

He opens the plastic door, and I step inside, immediately enveloped by surprising warmth. A cordless space heater casts a soft glow, keeping the jaws of winter firmly outside. The table is adorned with a tantalizing spread of snacks featuring cream cheese, crisp crackers, sweet raspberries and delectable finger foods wrapped in crispy bacon. My eyes dance over specialty grilled cheeses paired with rich tomato soup. Nestled among it all are Oreos, a playful touch amidst the elegance.

I turn to him, questioning. He chuckles. "I may have done some recon with Clara about your food preferences, since she did help you raid our café."

My omega feels an intense wave of jealousy at the thought of Seth spending time with any other omega. Even though Clara is a lovely person, and a good friend, it doesn't help ease the knot in my stomach. The idea of him sharing space with someone else eats at me. Discussing my food preferences isn't wrong, but the possessiveness is overwhelming. I've heard how omega's possessiveness intensifies with scent-sensitive matches, and I can feel it building within me. It'll be a challenge until bonding solidifies our connection.

My thoughts must show in my face because Seth chuckles again and wraps his arms around my waist, hoisting me up against his chest so that my feet aren't touching the ground and I'm flush against him.

He scent-marks the top of my head, and I can feel his smile against my hair. "Don't worry, Precious. I've known Clara for a long time. We're not even remotely scent-matched." His purr revs up, and I relax against him, my hands resting against his chest and my head on his shoulder.

At that moment, my stomach gives a loud, unpleasant gurgle. I tense up, but he simply chuckles, sets me down, and pulls out a chair at the table. We sit facing each other, with an unobstructed view of the frozen water to my left.

The soft glow of several small lights twinkles around the igloo, creating a warm ambiance within the bubble while maintaining a perfect view of the world outside. The food is absolutely divine, and I can't shake the feeling that Connor had a hand in some of the delectable choices, especially the grilled cheese. Thick brioche buns, perfectly toasted to golden crisps, hug an array of specialty cheeses that melt together in a creamy symphony. Vibrant slices of heirloom tomatoes wedged between the cheeses burst with sweetness. The accompanying tomato soup is a revelation. Its unique blend of spices dances on my palate, coaxing me to savor every last drop, and I have to keep myself from slurping it down out of sheer enjoyment. I take small bites and cover my mouth as much as possible, trying not to let my self consciousness ruin the moment. The food is excellent. I just wish we weren't directly across from each other, or that there was something else for him to focus on. I've never been fond of people looking at me when I'm eating. Even when I was a child. But when I was with Nick he made it so much worse. Regardless, the meal feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, leaving me utterly satisfied. And Seth doesn't seem to catch my unease or, more likely, politely ignores it.

"This was a wonderful surprise," I say once I've eaten my fill.

"This wasn't the surprise. Not really. It's a part of everything, but the real surprise will happen soon," he says. I cock my head. He moves to my side of the table and pulls me up, scooping me into his arms again.

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