Chapter Nineteen.

Back inside my apartment, I unpacked my things, the space feeling emptier than usual after spending the night at the Pack House. I couldn't help but think about the week ahead, each date planned, the way I'd felt wrapped in the warmth of the pack's embrace.

Later that afternoon, as I settled in with a book, my phone buzzed with a text from Micah.

Micah ❤️: You stole my hoodie. I can not describe to you how hot that is 🥵

Was my favourite though. 😒

Ivy: It's my hoodie now. You'll survive 😘

Micah❤️: Bold of you to assume I'm surviving without you 😭😭

I laughed, shaking my head and took a selfie of me on the couch in nothing but his hoodie book in hand.

Ivy: I am taking good care of it. Don't worry 🤭

Micah ❤️: 😱🥵💀

My phone buzzes again.

Elias 💕: What's your favourite color? Hypothetically, of course.

Ivy: Why do I feel like this isn't hypothetical at all?

Elias 💕: Because you're smart. Answer the question, Ivy.

Smiling, I texted back, curious about what he was up to.

Ivy: Green.💚

The pack was nothing if not full of surprises.

Speaking of surprises I barely had time to settle in again before there was a knock at the door. Opening it, I found Micah standing there, grinning widely with a bouquet of wildflowers in one hand and a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Figured I'd jump the gun on tomorrow," he said, holding out the flowers. "Consider this your warm-up for the real date."

"You're impossible," I said, accepting the flowers with a laugh.

"And yet, here I am," he quipped, stepping inside like he owned the place.

It wasn't long before the others arrived, one by one. Theo, of course, strode in with his usual air of authority, his sharp eyes taking in my outfit of Micahs hoodie with approval. Callum followed close behind, giving me a warm, easy smile as he carried in what looked like several containers of food.

"Figured we'd save you from cooking," Callum said, setting everything down on the counter.

Elias was last, leaning casually against the doorway as he greeted me with a soft smirk. "Didn't think we'd let Micah have you all to himself, did you?"

"You're all impossible," I said, shaking my head, though I couldn't keep the smile off my face.

We settled into the living room, the food spread out on the coffee table as we all piled onto the couches. It felt easy, natural, like they belonged here.

"So, Ivy," Callum began, leaning back with his arm draped lazily over the couch. "Big question: What do you want out of life?"

I blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone. "That's... a pretty heavy question for dinner conversation."

"Callum has no filter," Theo said dryly, his sharp gaze fixed on me. "But I'm curious too. You've had us all spinning since you walked into the pack. What do you want, Ivy?"

I hesitated, the weight of their attention making my pulse quicken. "I don't know yet," I admitted finally. "I want to feel like I belong somewhere, like I have a purpose. Beyond that... I guess I'm still figuring it out."

Callum nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That's fair. You don't have to have it all figured out right now."

"I think it's kind of exciting," Micah added. "Not knowing exactly where you're headed. Makes life more interesting."

I smiled at their reassurance, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. "What about you guys? What do you want out of life?"

Elias was the first to speak, his voice quiet but firm. "Stability," he said simply. "I've had enough chaos to last a lifetime."

Callum glanced at him, his expression softening, before he turned to me. "I think I just want to take care of the people I love. That's what matters most to me. That and Gardening."

Theo, ever composed, leaned forward slightly, his gaze intense. "I want to lead the pack well and ensure everyone is safe and taken care of. Especially my Omegas" he possesivly pulls Micah onto to his lap and then looks at me pointedly. "That includes you, Ivy."

Micah, blushing a little but settles in, finally chimes in. "Honestly? I just want to keep doing what I love-drawing, creating-and make people laugh along the way. Maybe help you figure out where you fit in all this."

I couldn't help but smile at that, warmth blooming in my chest. "You're all so... different," I said softly.

"Different works," Elias said with a small smile. "It's what makes us strong."

The conversation shifted after that, the mood lightening as we delved into shared stories and banter. It wasn't until much later, after the food had been cleared away, that they slowly all gave me a hug each and headed back to the pack house.

~~~

The next day came faster than I expected. I spent the morning trying to keep myself busy with errands and cleaning, but no matter how much I distracted myself, my thoughts kept returning to the night ahead. Micah had promised to pick me up for our date with a cute text.

Micah ❤️: "Be ready by 7 we're going to my favourite place 😊

When 7 o'clock arrived, a soft knock at the door pulled me out of my thoughts. I opened it to find Micah standing there, holding a small bouquet of daisies and looking adorably nervous.

He was dressed neatly but casually, the soft pastels of his shirt complementing his warm demeanor.

"These are for you," he said shyly, holding out the flowers. "I-I saw them and thought they were as bright as you are."

My heart melted on the spot. "Micah, they're beautiful. Thank you."

He ducked his head, his cheeks flushed as he smiled. "I'm glad you like them."

"Why are you so nervous" I chuckle as he helps me in to my jacket.

"Your my first date with a gir-- ah woman" he flushes not meeting my eyes.

I just grin nodding in understanding, taking him by his hand.

He led me to his car, the ride filled with soft music and easy conversation. Micah's energy was soothing, his natural sweetness putting me at ease, his scent wrapping around me the only way It could when he was next to me. I was so used to it now it was practically my own.

He took me to a small diner tucked away from the bustle of the city, its retro charm making it feel like a hidden gem. As we slid into a booth, Micah's excitement was contagious, his smile lighting up the room.

"So," he began, leaning forward with his arms resting on the table, "what's something about you I don't know yet?"

I raised an eyebrow, smirking. "That's pretty vague. Can you narrow it down a little?"

He laughed softly, his hand reaching to trace small shapes on the table. "Alright, what's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?"

"Oh no," I groaned, covering my face. "Why would you ask me that?"

"Because I've got one that'll make you feel better," he teased, his voice light and melodic.

I sighed dramatically, giving in. "Fine. When I was twelve, I tried to impress a guy at the pool by jumping off the diving board. My bikini top came undone mid-jump, and I didn't notice until I was underwater."

Micah's eyes widened, his hand flying to his mouth to stifle his laughter. "Oh no, Ivy! Did anyone see?"

"Of course," I said, my face heating up. "The guy I liked wouldn't stop teasing me about it for weeks."

He laughed gently, his amusement tempered with a soft sympathy. "That's pretty epic. Okay, my turn. When I was Sixteen, I tried to impress this guy by drawing his portrait. But back then, my art skills were... let's say, not great. He got so mad, said I made him look like Ghoul."

I couldn't help but laugh, the sound bubbling up naturally. "Micah! That's awful! Did he forgive you?"

"he did eventually," he said with a sheepish grin. "But I still cringe when I think about it."

As the night went on, the conversation deepened.

"What about you?" Micah asked, his voice soft. "What's next for you?" his eyes hopeful, even though he was trying to hide it.

I thought for a moment, his sincerity making me feel safe to open up. "I'm not sure yet. I guess I just want to belong somewhere. To feel like I'm part of something that matters."

Micah nodded, his gaze warm and understanding. "I know that feeling. For me, that's what the pack gave me. Before them, I didn't know what it felt like to truly belong."

"What about your family pack?" I asked gently.

His expression softened, a fond smile appearing. "My mom was amazing. She was Omega like me and She loved Art. always encouraged me to follow my dreams. She passed away when I was young, but I still feel her with me, you know?"

I nodded, my heart aching for him. "And your dad?"

Micah hesitated, his fingers fidgeting slightly. "He..he was an Alpha and..he didn't get it. Art wasn't practical enough for him, so we didn't really connect. But it's okay. I have the pack now. They're my family in every way that matters."

"They're lucky to have you," I said softly.

He blushed again, his eyes shining as he smiled. "Thanks, Ivy. That means a lot."

When he walked me to my door later that evening, he paused, fidgeting nervously.

"Can I... can I give you a goodnight kiss?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I giggled. "Dude, we've more than kissed before."

He flushes at the memory.

"I am..I am just trying to do the date right Ivy." He part whines at me, looking at me through his eyelashes.

His sweetness made my chest ache. "I'd like that, Micah."

He leans in slowly, his lips brushing mine in the gentlest, softest kiss I'd ever felt. It was tender and unhurried, filled with a quiet affection that made my knees weak. When he pulled back, his cheeks were pink, and he was smiling shyly.

"Goodnight, Ivy," he murmured.

"Goodnight, Micah," I whispered, my heart fluttering as I watched him walk away.