Chapter Twelve.

The morning was slow to start, warm and drowsy in the cocoon of Micah's nest. The soft rustle of the blankets and the faint sound of his breath were like a lullaby, pulling me deeper into the quiet intimacy that seemed to fill the room. I had drifted back to sleep after Micah's laughter had filled the space, content to let the calm linger, the soft scent of lavender and freshly baked bread wrapping around me like a comforting embrace.

But the scent of coffee and something savory stirred me awake this time, along with the soft sound of Callum's voice.

"Good morning, sleepyheads," Callum sing-songed loudly as he entered the room, balancing a tray laden with breakfast.

Micah stirred beside me, groaning lightly as he buried his face in my shoulder. I couldn't help but laugh softly, running a hand through his messy curls to wake him.

Callum set the tray down on a small table beside the bed and grinned. "I thought you both could use breakfast in bed after yesterday. Eggs, toast, and a little fruit. Oh, and coffee, Ivy-thought you might need it."

"Callum, you're a saint," I said, sitting up and stretching, my body still heavy with sleep.

"Don't I know it?" Callum smirked, handing me a mug of coffee before nudging Micah. "Come on, sleepy Omega. You'll need to get moving soon if you're going to get to work on time."

Micah grumbled something incoherent but eventually sat up, his hair sticking up in all directions. He accepted the plate Callum handed him with a quiet, "Thanks."

"Don't rush," Callum started, clearing away empty dishes as we finished. "But don't forget, Elias and Theo have already left for the club. You've got time, though, Ivy. And Micah, don't forget your errands later."

Micah rolled his eyes affectionately. "Yes, Dad."

Callum smirked. "I prefer Daddy." He said with a wink as he exited the room.

I choked on my coffee, a rush of heat flooding my face. "Callum-seriously?"

Micah just laughed beside me, eyes twinkling with amusement.

I couldn't help but smile, trying to shake off the awkwardness of Callum's teasing. It was just one of the things that made their pack feel so... natural, despite everything that had happened.

~~~

An hour later, I was ready for work, my hair tied back neatly and my nerves slightly on edge. It was my first proper day in the new routine, and while the pack house felt welcoming, stepping out into the world felt daunting. I wasn't sure what to expect, especially with everything that had changed in the last few days.

Micah gave me a soft smile as I prepared to leave, his presence calm and grounding. "Clara will be there," he reminded me gently, referring to my Omega co-worker who had been a lifeline when I started this job.

"I know," I said, feeling a little more grounded by his reassurance.

"I'll see you tonight," he added, kissing my forehead. "Be safe, Ivy."

I nodded, biting my lip as I gave him one last glance before leaving the room.

At work, the café was already bustling with its usual afternoon crowd. The rhythmic sound of the espresso machine filled the air, and the warm, earthy smell of freshly ground coffee beans mixed with the sweet scent of pastries. Clara was behind the counter, her golden hair pulled back in a neat braid, her cheerful demeanour lighting up the room as she greeted customers with ease.

"Ivy!" she called as I walked in. "You look... different. Relaxed?"

I couldn't help but smile as I joined her at the counter. "Micah's nest is magic, I swear. It's like I finally slept for the first time in weeks."

Clara grinned knowingly, the hint of a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Ah, pack houses and their charms. I take it things are going well?"

I hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one was listening too closely. There were a few regulars at their usual tables, but I didn't want to give away too much. "It's... a lot," I confessed quietly, my cheeks flushing slightly.

Clara's eyes softened, but she kept her voice low. "I can imagine. It's a big change, but you seem happier. More at ease."

I laughed softly, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "I am. It's just... a lot to process, you know?"

She gave me a knowing look, her expression sympathetic as she slid a cup of coffee toward me. "Come on, let's get through the lunch rush. Then you can tell me all about it."

I took the coffee gratefully, letting the warmth of the cup settle my nerves. Clara's comforting presence was always a welcome distraction, and I felt a little lighter in her company.

~~~

As I finished my afternoon shift, I absently left the café and made my way to the bus stop since the pack house was on the other side of town. The cool afternoon breeze brushed against my skin, and I let out a long sigh, still processing everything that had happened lately.

That was when I heard a sharp whistle behind me. I spun around, startled, only to freeze in place when I saw who it was.

Oh. Oh, hello.

Theo was standing there in front of a sleek black car, his towering figure clad in a sharp three-piece black suit. The fabric stretched tightly over his broad chest and thick arms, his presence commanding yet casual, like he was entirely at ease with the world around him. His long, thick golden hair was pulled back into a man bun, showing off the intricate tattoos that covered his neck and parts of his arms.

His gaze caught mine, and his lips curved into a slow, confident grin.

"Hey, baby!" he called out, pulling off his sunglasses with a flourish.

My heart skipped a beat at his grin, the one that always seemed to catch me off guard. My mind was racing, but all I could do was stand there, stunned. The playful smirk on his face was so disarming.

"Ohhh my..." I whispered to myself, my words trailing off as I tried to collect myself.

"H-hi," I stammered, suddenly feeling shy and flushed under his intense gaze.

Theo's grin only widened as he stepped closer, his eyes twinkling with amusement at my reaction. There was something effortlessly charming about the way he carried himself, something magnetic that pulled me in despite my best efforts to remain composed.

"Well, don't just stand there," he teased, his voice pure velvet. "I was hoping you might want a ride home?"

All I could do was nod.

His chuckle was warm, his hand wrapping around mine securely.