Page 32 of A Pack of Cozy

"They actually sent it in a company-wide email so everyone at every branch knows," he replied. I accepted the drink, but put the cash I'd planned to use to pay in the tip jar along with the tip money I was going to give them anyway.

"Okay, book club at the Evergreen Packhouse," I say. "We can text about it after the Ice Festival."

"Hey, also, we should all meet up at the Ice Festival. The vendors come out on Saturday night, and I would love to get a few things," Clara suggests. We all agree to text the day of the event to schedule a time to meet. I leave the Café ready to take on the week.

Connor

"Wherearewegoing?"Cali asks as we stand in her driveway. I'd texted her earlier to see if I could come over to pick her up for our date. I told her not to change anything about her appearance. No dressing up or special makeup. She agreed, but also asked a million questions, all of which I refused to answer. It's Sunday, so thankfully she doesn't have work and the guys agreed to cover anything that came up at the Café.

"Nowhere," I reply. I brace myself, hoping that I didn't misjudge our omega. If she displays even the slightest bit of disappointment in my plan, I'd rearrange the whole thing.

But, as I expected, she slumps in relief and smiles. "Really? Are you sure?" she asks. I walk around to the trunk of my Jeep and pull out two bags of groceries.

"I'm very sure. I'll go start making this. It's a surprise," I remind her as her mouth opens to ask me what I'm making. It's no wonder our omega likes it when we take control. Her mind works a million miles a minute. I can practically see it working now. "While I'm cooking, how about you change into these?" I hand her a bag. She doesn't try to ask more questions or peek into the bag I've handed her, but she narrows her eyes at me.

I smile as she makes her way to her nest. I carry in the groceries, my heart racing with anticipation. In the cozy warmth of the small kitchen, I find myself lost in thoughts of Cali, our lovely omega. I'd watched her savor meals before, her eyes lighting up as she indulged.

There's something enchanting about how she closes her eyes in bliss with each bite of meat and carbs, as if each flavor stitches magic around her. It's become my newfound purpose to create delectable meals for her. To see that blissful joy reflect on her face when I prepare a meal she adores. Her happiness is the sweetest reward. I long to fill her plate and her heart, ensuring she's nourished physically and emotionally. Wrapped in the warmth of love, laughter, and shared meals that will forever bind our pack together.

So, I cook cheesy bechamel sauce, poached lobster, noodles, a perfect medium-rare filet, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet creamed corn. When she comes down, I'm only halfway done.

Cali wears a soft V-neck sweater that hangs loosely on her frame, matching soft pants and a pair of slippers shaped like flowers that might burst from the amount of stuffing in them. They absolutely swallow her feet. And she's in a head wrap that encases her beautiful hair. It's soft against her head, and keeps her hair out of her eyes. I'd done a ton of research on omega forums, and these items were deemed the very best, softest, and most coveted on most of the sites I'd been on. She looks so cute and so incredibly comfortable. I want to wrap her in my arms and purr for her. Fuck it, that's just what I do.

I walk over to Cali and let my purr envelop us. She melts into my chest, and I scent-mark the top of her head. When she pulls back to look up at me, she's beaming.

"Are you sure this is ok? You don't…" She trails off.

"What?" I don't want her to keep her thoughts from me. I cherish every one. Then, her question clicks. With Cali's permission, Bax and Seth told me about their date conversations with her. We want to ensure we're keeping up with her needs, and all the information she's given us individually can only help.

"Cali, I chose this date for two reasons. "First, I understand that many interactions can be draining for you. I saw it when I saw you at the Café the other day. You like going out and doing stuff, but you need a break to recharge, right?" She nods, and I continue. "The other reason is that the guys and I also work and interact with people all day. It's not the same as working a service-facing job like you, but we deal with our team and vendors all day. I really want to be a person you can recharge with. I don't need you to focus on me. I want to focus on you." She blushes pink, and I bend down to kiss her nose.

Cali wraps her fingers in my hair and pulls me lower into her kiss. Her lips are soft, and she parts them to let me sweep in. We pull apart, and I sigh. I don't want to let her go, but I don't want to burn everything on the stove. "There's another bag for you." I gesture to one on the couch.

She opens the bag and pulls out two new coloring books, one fantasy-themed and one calledCozy Vibes, which has a lot of cats and happy ghosts. I also have a new set of quality watercolor markers, colored pencils, highlighters, and two new puzzles featuring libraries worldwide. I'd gotten it all from a crafting store in town. I'd seen Cali looking through the display window on my way home from work the other day.

Once she'd gotten into her car, I stopped in and asked Cameron, the beta owner, if he'd seen her come in. He had, and I'd had to seriously keep myself from whooping in joy. He pointed out a few things she'd been lingering over but never bought. My guess was that budget was a factor, though my independent omega would never admit it or ask. Bax was right. We'd probably let it be if it was a matter of pride. But in Cali's case, we thought it was more a combination of budget and her ex convincing her she wasn't worthy of nice things. I'll override that false belief with everything I have, goddamnit. And as our omega, she's fully entitled to every penny we have, and we'll make sure she uses it. What do we even have money for if not to give our omega everything she desires?

She looks up at me in awe. "I… how did you know?"

I'd have liked to remain mysterious, but I can't hold anything from her. I explain about my happy happenstance.

She laughs. "I guess I do go in there and dream a lot. Cameron probably knows everything I've ever wanted in there."

"Later this week, I want to take you in and get you everything else you want." I envision creating a puzzle, coloring, and reading area for Cali in our office so she can be with us even when we're busy. It fills me with light and joy in every corner of my soul.

"You don't have to," she begins, but I sweep an arm around her waist and squeeze her to my chest.

"What was that omega?" I ask. "Because I know you weren't about to deny me my right to spoil you." Her eyes are wide, but a small smile crooks her lips.

"Yes, alpha," she replies, and my cock is instantly hard between us. I cough and turn slightly from her. Though I hope we'll end up with her wrapped tightly around me at some point tonight, I don't want her to think that our interest in her is purely physical.

I'm falling for Cali in every way. From her blush to her passion for books and a community she's only just moved to, to how her nose crinkles, to her selfless nature. I need her to understand that I'll adore her in any situation. Including when she's just relaxing at the end of a hard day. Especially then, actually.

"If you want, you can relax with those while I set everything up to eat," I say. She nods and heads for the floral couch.

Tonight is about relaxation, so I don't set up the table as I'm sure she expects. Instead, I head out to my car and bring in the fanciest TV trays I've ever seen, a DVD, and some candles. As Cali colors and peers at me over her new book, I set up the trays in front of the TV and plate up the dinners. Lobster mac and cheese, filet, potatoes, and sweet corn. I place them in front of us and then pop the DVD in.

When she ate the last time we were over, I noticed she took small bites and covered her mouth with her hand. I'd worked in restaurants long before opening our first Café with my pack. I know deipnophobia, or anxiety around eating in public,when I see it. It makes her anxious when she thinks someone is watching her eat.

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