Page 36 of Lavender and Honey

A pause, a brief hesitation, as I gathered the courage to bring up what had happened at the market.

"Lydia?…" I heard Avery’s concerned tone, laced with earnest urgency. "Did something happen today?"

I rubbed my temples, the ache of uncertainty mingling with a rush of adrenaline. "Elias kissed me."

For a moment, Avery went completely silent, the pause stretching out as if time itself had stopped.

I winced inwardly. "Avery?"

"I’m sorry— he what?" Her voice was edged with disbelief and a hint of concern.

I groaned inwardly. "He kissed me."

"And you’re just telling me this now? Lydia!" she exclaimed, a mix of shock and incredulous dismay coloring her tone.

I sighed, a huff escaping me as I tried to capture the immediacy of my emotions. "It just happened today!"

Avery made a strangled noise, one that trembled with the weight of the unexpected revelation. "Didn’t you say he was mated?"

"He is… but apparently, he has been courting me and I didn’t know? And the other three Alpha’s are wanting to do the same?" My voice trailed off into a questioning, almost uncertain tone, echoing the flutter of emotions that now filled the quiet space around me.

“Three Alphas? Courting?” Avery seemed to be trying to catch up on everything that happened. I didn’t blame her cause I wasstill in a daze from everything that had happened so quickly this week.

"Yes," I said softly, sinking down onto my couch. "Apparently Elias has been courting me, and the others— Finn, Lucian, and Soren— want to do the same. I... I didn't realize that's what was happening."

Avery was quiet for a moment, processing this information. When she spoke again, her voice was gentle. "Oh, Lydia. I can't imagine how overwhelming this must be for you."

I felt tears prick at my eyes at her understanding tone. "It is. I don't... I don't know what to do, Avery. Part of me is terrified, but another part..."

"Another part wants to give it a chance?" Avery finished softly.

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Yes," I whispered. "They make me feel... safe. Valued... seen.”

Avery was quiet for a moment, digesting my words. When she spoke again, her voice was gentle but firm. "Lydia, honey, I'm glad they make you feel that way. You deserve to feel safe and valued. But I have to ask— are you sure about this? Four men— three Alphas and an Omega... that's a lot to take on.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I know. Believe me, I know. But Soren— he's the one I met today— he suggested we take things slow. No pressure, just... getting to know each other…and said at any time I wanted to step away, just tell them."

"And how do you feel about that?" Avery asked, her tone curious but cautious.

I paused, considering her question. How did I feel? The truth was, I wasn't entirely sure. "Scared," I admitted softly. "But also... hopeful.”

Avery was quiet for a minute before she sighed on the other end of the phone, “If this is something you want to do and you feel comfortable with it…go for it. You deserve to be happy.To find love and be comfortable in your own skin— from what you've told me, these men seem to be willing to take things at your pace. They're not pushing you or pressuring you."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me at Avery's words. Her support meant more to me than I could express. "Thank you," I murmured, my voice thick with emotion. "I just... I don't want to mess this up."

"Oh, honey," Avery said softly, her voice warm with affection. "You won't mess this up. Just be honest with them about your feelings and your boundaries. And remember, you're allowed to change your mind at any time."

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "I know. Soren made that very clear. He said they're in this for the long run, but they'll respect my decisions."

"That's a good sign," Avery said approvingly. "It sounds like they really care about you and want to make sure you're comfortable."

"They do," I admitted softly, a small smile coming to my lips. The knot in my chest loosened just slightly. "Thank you," I whispered, the words carrying my gratitude. "I needed to hear that."

"Anytime," she said, a smile evident in her voice. "Remember, you are the one in control…and if I need to come down there to defend you or make them see reason you know I will be there in a flash.”

I laughed, knowing that was true. I know she would fight an Alpha if they did something to me. We talked for a little longer, my anxiety going down. I ignored the sound of text messages coming in as I took comfort in my time talking to Avery.

Chapter Twenty-Four

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