Page 22 of Golden Desires

“You too,” I whisper. I don’t know why these Alphas are being so kind to me, but I’m nearly in tears because of it.

“I should make them breakfast…or clean. Or both…” I whisper to myself, as I begin my hunt for something to make. Of course, I’ve never made breakfast before. I wasn’t allowed near the food, not even to cook for my parents.

I’ve seen it done plenty of times.

It can’t be that hard, can it?

Turns out, cooking can be hard, especially with my wrist wrapped to prevent it from being used. Very, very hard. Which is how I find myself standing in a half destroyed kitchen, with nothing edible to show for my efforts.

Of course, that’s the exact moment Cillian walks out from the hall. He pauses when he sees me. I watch his face as his bright smile turns into a confused frown.

“What are you up to, Goldie?” he asks, amusement in his tone, and I let out a heavy sigh that turns into a sob.

“I’m sorry! I was trying to cook breakfast for you three, to say thank you for being so kind yesterday, but I don’t know what I’m doing, and I don’t know what half of this stuff does. I mean, I’ve never made breakfast before. I usually just eat whatever leftover fruits and such I can find…sometimes I steal Bear’s carrots. He doesn’t love that. But I only do it if I’m desperate...” I trail off, realizing I’m rambling as tears fall down my cheeks.

Cillian just stands there, staring at me with wide eyes. I’ve stunned the poor man into silence. Then he stuns me right back, by laughing.

He laughs so hard that my sob turns into a giggle I can’t contain.

“Stop that! Don’t laugh at me!” I scold him, still giggling. Cillian walks over to me, and despite the wasted food all over me, he pulls me into a hug. I haven’t had a lot of them in the last…many years.

“You’re completely adorable, little Omega, but maybe leave the cooking to me, hmm?” he teases, giving me a tight squeeze, before releasing me. I stand there, realizing I’m disappointed the hug has ended. I like the way his strong arms felt wrapped around me. The way his scent settled the frantic energy inside of me. His warmth.

“What…happened?” Aldair asks as he takes in the sight of his ruined home. I hadn’t heard his approach while in Cillian’s arms.

“I’m not good at cooking,” I answer, wincing.

“You cooked?” His face lights up, and he looks so happy and excited that it pains me to answer him.

“Uh, no. I attempted to. And failed epically. Seriously, tales will be written in the histories about how terrible this truly was. I’m not sure if I’m very good at anything except for cleaning, and…sleeping,” I say with a shrug.

“Oh, I don’t know about that. I’m sure there are a few things you haven’t even tried that you’ll be fantastic at.” Cillian says, his voice deepening with every word.

I shrug. “Or I just suck.”

“You can suck…” Cillian starts, but Aldair cuts him off with a shove.

“Why don’t you go get cleaned up while my brother and I make breakfast?” Aldair offers, and I shift on my feet. “I placed a pile of clean clothes on Ky’s bed for you.”

“Nice warm pair of fuzzy socks in there too,” Cillian adds, and my eyes light up. I am loving these fuzzy socks he’s supplying.

I hustle off into the hall, and over to Ky’s bed. When I see the pile of clean clothes, as well as my saddlebag, I frown. I take a few moments to remove the box holding my treasured locket, and place it on the small table by the bed. It feels like I am making this room my own.

This morning, when I couldn’t fall back asleep, it wasn’t because I was uncomfortable. I think, for the first time since I can remember, I’m TOO comfortable.

How many hours have I known these Alphas? Not enough for me to already feel so trusting. But even as I think that, I can feel it in my chest, I do trust them, at least a little.

I need to snap out of this! Whatever this is… I’m too complacent. I’m not being careful enough. My safety relies on my ability to keep my guard up. Making them breakfast? What was I thinking! I saw one man half naked, and now I’m losing all sense! What happened to being cautious but open-minded? What part of making them breakfast was cautious? I suppose that was more on the open-minded side…

No, I know what this is, it’s my Omega instincts taking over, turning me into a woman I don’t recognize.

Was my life really so terrible before that the simplest acts of kindness are breaking my walls down at the speed of light? Am I this weak?

I shake off those negative thoughts. No. I’m not. These Alphas are just the exception.

I’m very eager to meet the woman who raised them to be so dang unique.

“She should know what an amazing job she did,” I whisper, not knowing if I’ll have the courage to tell her myself, but I think I should at least try.

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