Page 98 of Claimed By My Exiled Alphas
“I made several lists,” he said seriously. “Organization prevents panic.”
“This is why we love you,” Jace said, sliding plates of food onto the table. “Your lists and Cassian’s spreadsheets and Talia’s intuition and my ability to find things in the woods. We’re a perfectly balanced pack.”
We ate breakfast together, the bonds humming with contentment and anticipation. This was what I’d come to value most about pack. Not just the romantic connection or the support during heat, but these quiet morning moments. The comfortable coordination of four people who’d learned to function as one unit.
“What time should we arrive?” Hollis asked. “Opening is at eleven, but you’ll want time for prep.”
“Eight thirty,” I said. “That gives me time for final prep work without rushing. And I’d like you all there when we unlock the doors for the first time.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Jace said immediately.
At eight AM, we walked to The Hearthstone Bistro together. Sarah from The Brew was already waiting outside with a massive bouquet of flowers.
“Congratulations,” she said warmly. “From everyone at The Brew. We’re all so proud of what you’ve built.”
“Thank you,” I said, accepting the flowers with tears prickling my eyes. “This means so much.”
Inside, my small staff was already prepping. I’d hired three people, all omegas who’d found their way to Hollow Haven seeking fresh starts like I had. Maya handled front of house. Peyton worked the line with me. Sofia managed desserts and baking.
“Boss,” Maya called from the front. “There are people gathering outside already. It’s not even nine yet.”
I looked through the window to see a small crowd forming. Martha from the farmer’s market. Wes Thatcher and several other rangers. Sophie from the bookstore. Even Gerald Whitmore, who’d become unexpectedly supportive after Cassian’s revelation at the town council meeting.
“Hollow Haven takes care of its own,” Hollis said quietly. “They’re here to support you.”
The next two hours passed in controlled chaos. Final prep work, plating tests, making sure every station was properly stocked. Cassian handled the register and reservation system. Jace made himself useful carrying supplies and being generally encouraging. Hollis managed the small details I would have forgotten, like making sure we had enough napkins and that the bathrooms were spotless.
At ten forty-five, I looked around the bistro with satisfaction. Everything was ready. The kitchen gleamed. The dining room looked warm and inviting. The menu was focused but creative, featuring local ingredients and the kind of food I loved to make. Comfort food elevated with technique and care.
“Five minutes,” Maya called from the front.
My pack gathered around me in the kitchen, the four of us in a tight circle.
“You’ve got this,” Jace said confidently.
“You’re going to be amazing,” Hollis added.
“I’ve reviewed the financials,” Cassian said with a slight smile. “Even with conservative estimates, you’ll be profitable within six months. This is going to work.”
“Thank you,” I said, pulling all three of them into a tight hug. “For everything. I couldn’t have done any of this without pack support.”
“That’s what we’re here for,” Jace said. “Now go feed Hollow Haven and show them what you can do.”
At exactly eleven AM, Maya unlocked the front door.
The crowd that had been waiting surged in with supportive cheers. Every table filled within twenty minutes. The energy was electric, joyful, the entire town seemingly determined to make my opening day a success.
I worked the line with Peyton, falling into the familiar rhythm of restaurant service that I’d missed more than I’d realized. Calling orders, plating dishes, tasting and adjusting and creating. This was what I was meant to do. This was home.
Orders flew. Roasted chicken with herbs Jace had foraged. Pasta with wild mushrooms. Sourdough bread from Micah’s bakery transformed into elevated avocado toast. Desserts from Sofia that made people audibly moan with pleasure.
Through the bonds I could feel my pack’s presence even when I couldn’t see them. Cassian managing the front with calm efficiency. Jace charming customers with stories about where ingredients came from. Hollis quietly supporting wherever he was needed.
Around two PM, during a brief lull, I stepped out of the kitchen to see the dining room. Every table full, people laughing and talking, the warm buzz of community gathering to eat good food. Several people stopped me to offer congratulations. To say how much they’d enjoyed their meals. To ask when they could come back.
“This is incredible,” Martha said, stopping me on her way out. “The food is exactly what this town needed. Elevated but not pretentious. Delicious but not trying too hard. You’ve found the perfect balance.”
“Thank you,” I said, meaning it deeply. “That’s exactly what I was hoping for.”
