Page 60 of Pumpkin Patch Pack
“He’s right,” Rowan agrees. “We have plenty of room. You can take the guest suite on the second floor.”
The thought of leaving my cottage, my space, crushes me. As small as it is, it’s become my sanctuary.
“I appreciate that, but…” I hesitate, not wanting to seem ungrateful. “I like my cottage. It’s the first place I’ve felt safe in a long time.”
“Emma,” Rowan begins, but Theo cuts him off with a raised hand.
“We understand, but at least let us upgrade the security. Maybe some window sensors? I’ll ask my friend what he recommends.”
I nod, grateful for his understanding. “And I have Maple,” I add, earning a small smile from Liam.
“The world’s most terrifying guard goat,” Theo says, some of his usual humor returning.
“She’s actually surprisingly effective,” Liam admits. “Loud as hell when she wants.”
We spent the rest of the day implementing security measures. Rowan installed new deadbolts on my cottage doors, while Theo’s security contact set up cameras that feed directly to all our phones. Liam added motion-sensor lights around the perimeter.
Despite their efforts, I can’t shake the knot of dread in my stomach.
That night, I toss and turn, unable to sleep even with Maple’s reassuring presence at the foot of my bed. Every creak, every rustling leaf outside becomes Marcus in my mind, exactly like he had hoped for in his email.
I’d finally started to let my guard down. Just when I’d begun to believe I could be happy, Marcus resurfaced to steal it away.
I’ve spent months running, hiding, diminishing myself… and for what?
So Marcus can continue to control me from afar?
So I can never truly live?
The past two months atHarvest Home Farmhave healed something fundamental in me. I’ve rediscovered my strength,my worth, and my happiness. I’m not just an omega to be claimed: I’m asocial media manager, photographer, friend, goat whisperer, and now fated mate.
I have three incredible men who see me completely and love what they see. They would never use their strength against me, only to protect me. They encourage me rather than diminish me.
The truth is, Marcus still scares the shit out of me. I’ve seen what he’s capable of, the calculated cruelty, the way he can charm everyone around him while destroying you piece by piece. His family’s connections reach everywhere, and he’s not above using violence when other methods fail.
But I can’t let him win.
Not after everything I’ve built here.
Not after finally finding people who make me feel whole.
“I’m done running,” I whisper in the dark. “This is my home now.”
Maple snores softly.
I’ll take that as an agreement.
“Breakfast delivery!”
When I open the door, I find Theo standing there with a basket of muffins and a thermos of coffee, his smile warm but his eyes concerned.
“Thought you might not feel like coming to the main house this morning,” he says, stepping inside when I gesture him in. “How’d you sleep?”
“Okay,” I admit, accepting the coffee gratefully. “But I kept hearing things.”
“I had an idea, but feel free to say no.” He sets the basket down on my small dining table. “What if we had a sleepover?”
I blink at him, not sure I’ve heard correctly. “A… sleepover?”
