Chapter Twenty Nine.

With the challenge accepted, Micah and I spring into action, the previous coziness of the blanket forgotten as we dive into the kitchen. I rummage through cabinets, while Micah opens the fridge, his eyes lighting up as he scans the contents.

“Okay, let’s see what we can find!” I say, giggling as I pull out a box of granola bars. “Score! This could be a good start.”

“Nice find!” Micah replies, glancing over his shoulder at me. “But I think I can do better.” He continues to search, and moments later, I hear a triumphant shout. “Found it!”

He holds up a half-eaten jar of peanut butter, grinning like he’s just discovered treasure. “This will definitely work!”

I can’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm. “You’re planning on eating peanut butter straight from the jar?”

“Why not?” He winks, taking a spoon from the drawer and plunging it into the creamy goodness. “It’s delicious!”

I roll my eyes playfully, but the sight of him happily digging into the jar brings a smile to my face. “Alright, but I’m not sharing my granola bars if you’re hogging the peanut butter!”

“Deal!” he says, taking a big scoop and offering it to me. I take a taste, and the combination of flavors sends a wave of satisfaction through me.

As we snack, the playful banter flows easily, and I feel a sense of comfort and intimacy growing between us. “So, what’s next on our scavenger hunt?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.

“Hmm, how about we check the pantry for something sweet?” Micah suggests, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

We head over to the pantry, and as I open the door, I’m greeted by a delightful assortment of snacks. “Look at all this!” I exclaim, pulling out a bag of chocolate chips. “These could definitely work for dessert!”

Micah’s eyes light up. “Perfect! Let’s make some cookie sandwiches with peanut butter!”

“Now that’s a plan,” I say, tossing a few chocolate chips into my mouth. The sweetness melts on my tongue, and I feel a giddy rush of energy.

Together, we gather the ingredients, and as we start to mix everything together, the kitchen fills with laughter and playful shoves. Micah leans in closer, his shoulder brushing against mine as we work side by side, and I can’t help but steal glances at him, my heart fluttering at the easy chemistry we share.

Suddenly, Micah stops and looks at me with a serious expression. “I’m really glad you decided to stay another night,” he says softly, his voice sincere. “It feels… right.”

I meet his gaze, feeling the warmth in his words. “Me too,” I admit, my heart swelling. “I didn’t realize how much I needed this—just being here with you all.”

He smiles, a genuine warmth spreading across his face. “I want you to feel at home. You’re part of our pack now, Ivy.”

The weight of his words settles around us, and I feel an overwhelming sense of belonging. “Thank you,” I whisper, the sincerity in my voice matching his.

Just then, the bathroom door swings open, and Callum emerges, looking refreshed and ready for action. “What’s going on in here?” he asks, eyeing the scene with amusement as he catches sight of the peanut butter jar and the mess we’ve made.

“Snack scavenger hunt!” Micah replies, grinning. “And we’re making cookie sandwiches! Want to help?”

Callum raises an eyebrow, a playful smile forming on his lips. “Count me in. But I get to taste test!”

~~~~

About an hour and a half later, Callum eventually joins Micah and me on the couch with our culinary disasters—our sugar-laden masterpieces. The combination of sweet and savory must have knocked us both out, and I wake to find Micah asleep on my chest, my head resting at an awkward angle against the couch arm.

The enticing smell of grilled meat wafts through the air, pulling me from my sleepy haze. I slowly get up, letting Micah softly fall beside me, careful not to wake him. As I step out into the open space, I spot Theo through the sheer back sliding door, freshly showered and grilling steaks, a beer in hand, looking every bit the picture of relaxed confidence.

In the kitchen, I see Callum washing vegetables, presumably for a salad. My body revolts at the sight, craving the vitamins I’ve been lacking. “Hey,” I croak, my voice raspy from sleep.

“Oh hello, sleepyhead!” Callum exclaims, turning around with a bright smile. “Theo and Elias are outside if you wanna go sit with them?”

“Maybe in a moment,” I reply, my mind still hazy as I head towards the bedroom. I decide to change out of my comfy jeans and sweater into a cute jean skirt and a long-sleeve top, wanting to feel a bit more put together while surrounded by these stunning beings.

Once I’m dressed, I step back out onto the balcony. Theo looks up from the grill, a warm smile spreading across his face, and Elias rises from his spot, crossing over to me. He gives me a searing kiss, his lips warm and inviting against mine.

“How are you feeling, baby girl?” he asks, his hand stroking my face reverently.

I flush at the attention, feeling both cherished and a little shy. “I am amazing,” I whisper, leaning in for another kiss, his whiskey scent wrapping around me like a familiar embrace.

Elias pulls away, guiding me down onto his lap, holding me close as he takes a sip of his beer. He continues his conversation with Theo, who is flipping the steaks with practiced ease. They’re discussing a sports show they both enjoy, their banter light and filled with camaraderie.

As I settle into Elias’s warmth, I can’t help but smile. The sun is beginning to dip, casting a golden glow over everything, and I feel a sense of belonging wash over me. The laughter and easy conversation between the three of them fill me with joy, and I realize how much I love being in their company.

“Do you want to join the conversation, or are you too comfy there?” Theo teases, glancing back at me with a playful smirk.

“I’m definitely too comfy,” I reply with a grin, snuggling closer to Elias, who chuckles softly.

“Fair enough,” he says, taking another sip of his beer. “You can stay right where you are, then.”

Just then, Micah shuffles out, a playful pout on his lips. “You ditched me,” he complains, his lavender scent wrapping around me like a warm blanket, pulling me closer to him.

Unable to resist, I pull him onto my lap, still nestled against Elias, and kiss him hard. The surprise in his eyes quickly turns to delight as he melts into the kiss. When I finally pull back, he looks slightly starstruck, and I can’t help but giggle.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, nuzzling into him, feeling the warmth radiate between us.

He laughs, that joyous sound filling the air. “Now I know how you guys feel,” he says, glancing around at everyone with a playful grin. Callum steps out of the kitchen, a fresh salad in hand, the vibrant colors of the vegetables bright against the warm tones of the evening.

Theo expertly takes the steaks off the grill, the sizzling sound fading as he places them on a platter. The aroma wafts through the air, rich and mouthwatering, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

“Dinner is served!” he announces with a flourish, a proud grin spreading across his face as he joins us at the table.

We gather around, plates piled high, and I can’t help but feel like we’re dining like kings. Each bite of the perfectly grilled steak is a revelation, juicy and tender, complementing the fresh salad Callum prepared. Micah and I exchange satisfied glances as we dig in, the flavors exploding in our mouths.

“This is amazing, Theo,” I say between bites, my voice filled with genuine appreciation.

“Glad you like it!” he replies, a hint of pride in his tone. “I aim to please.”

As we feast, the conversation flows effortlessly. We share stories, reminiscing about our favorite meals and childhood cooking disasters, laughter filling the space around us. Micah recounts a time he tried to impress someone by baking a cake, only for it to collapse spectacularly.

“I think I have a talent for creating disasters more than anything edible,” he chuckles, shaking his head.

“Hey, at least you tried!” I encourage, and he grins, clearly enjoying the attention.

Callum leans back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face. “Honestly, I could get used to this—good food, good company. What more could you ask for?”

Elias, who’s been quietly enjoying his meal, looks around the table, his eyes warm. “Moments like this are what it’s all about. Just us, together.”

Theo growls and nods his agreement.

I nod too, feeling a rush of gratitude. The sense of pack among us is palpable, and I realize how much I cherish these moments.

As we finish our meal, laughter and lighthearted banter continue to flow. Callum starts clearing the dishes, but Micah quickly protests, “I’ll help!” He jumps up, eager to pitch in.

“Alright, team effort then,” Callum agrees, and I join them, wanting to be part of the camaraderie.

While we wash the dishes, the playful teasing resumes, and I can’t help but feel that this is exactly where I belong. The warmth of the evening envelops us, and I know that this is just the beginning of many more shared meals and laughter-filled nights.