Page 42 of Lavender and Honey

Elias shot Soren a playful glare. "I'll have you know my sourdough discussions are fascinating," he retorted, before turning back to me with a softer expression. "But I promise, no bread lectures unless you ask."

I couldn't help but laugh, the tension in my shoulders easing further. "I wouldn't mind hearing about it, actually," I admitted. "Your passion for baking is... nice."

Elias's face lit up at my words, his honey-warm scent spiking with happiness. "Well, in that case, I'll be sure to bring some of my latest creations for our picnic."

Lucian cleared his throat, drawing our attention. "While Elias has claimed the first official date," he said, his deep voice tinged with amusement, "I will be claiming your for the second one if you don’t mind.”

I heard Finn and Soren call out ‘unfair’ causing me to laugh softly, but I nodded. I felt my cheeks warm at Lucian's declaration, a mix of excitement and nervousness fluttering in my stomach.

"I'd like that," I said softly, meeting his intense steel-grey eyes. "What did you have in mind?"

Lucian's lips curved into a small smile, his eyes warming. "I was thinking we could visit the art museum in the next town over," he suggested. "I've heard they have a new exhibit on contemporary Omega artists that I thought you might enjoy. Afterwards, we could have dinner at a quiet restaurant I know."

The thoughtfulness of his suggestion touched me deeply. Not only had he remembered my passion for art, but he'd specifically chosen an exhibit that celebrated Omega artists. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about his desire to understand and appreciate me.

"That sounds wonderful," I said, my voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "I'd love to see that exhibit."

Lucian grinned, “Good. Do you have a preference for Friday or Saturday night?”

I considered for a moment, weighing my options. "Saturday would probably be better," I said. "The shop is usually busier on Fridays, and I'd hate to rush through closing up."

Lucian nodded, his steel-grey eyes warm with understanding. "Saturday it is, then. I'll make the arrangements."

Finn leaned forward, his green eyes twinkling with playful indignation. "Now hold on," he said, his tone light despite the mock frown on his face. "Are we going to have to fight over who gets to take Lydia out next?"

Soren chuckled, stretching out in his chair. "Looks like it," he said, shooting me a wink. "Better start planning now, Finn, or you'll be left in the dust."

I felt my cheeks warm at their playful banter, a mix of flattery and nervousness fluttering in my stomach. "I'm sure we can figure out a fair system," I said softly, glancing around at the four men. "I don't want anyone to feel left out."

Finn's expression softened, his green eyes warm as he looked at me. "Don't worry, Lydia," he said gently. "We're just teasing. There's no rush or competition here. We all want you to be comfortable and to enjoy getting to know each of us at your own pace."

Soren nodded in agreement, his purple eyes serious despite the playful smirk on his lips. "Exactly. We're a pack, after all. We support each other, including in this."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me at their words. The idea that they were all on the same page, supporting each other and prioritizing my comfort, eased some of the anxiety that had been building in my chest.

"Thank you," I said softly, looking around at each of them. "I appreciate that. This is all so new to me, and I... I don't want to mess it up."

Elias squeezed my hand gently, his honey-warm scent wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. "You won't mess anything up, Lydia," he said, his voice filled with reassurance. "We're all in this together, learning as we go."

Lucian nodded, his steel-grey eyes intense but warm. "Exactly. There's no rulebook for this, no perfect way to do things. We'll figure it out together.”

I nodded at this before offering Finn a small smile, “What did you have in mind for a date?”

Finn's face lit up at my question, his green eyes twinkling with excitement. "Well, I was thinking we could do something a bit different," he said, leaning forward slightly. "How do you feel about stargazing?"

I felt my interest pique at his suggestion. "Stargazing?" I repeated, a small smile tugging at my lips. "That sounds lovely."

Finn nodded, his enthusiasm evident in the way he spoke. "There's a great spot just outside of town where the view of the night sky is incredible. I thought we could pack some blankets,some hot chocolate, and spend an evening under the stars. I could point out some constellations, or we could just talk and enjoy the peace and quiet."

The idea sounded perfect— romantic without being overwhelming, and the thought of spending a quiet evening with Finn under the stars made my heart flutter.

"That sounds wonderful," I said, my voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

"I'm so glad you like the idea," Finn said, his green eyes bright with happiness. "We can plan for it after your dates with Elias and Lucian. Maybe the following weekend?"

Soren leaned forward, a playful smirk on his lips. "Well, I guess that leaves me for last," he said, his purple eyes twinkling with mischief. "But don't worry, I'll make sure it's worth the wait."

I felt my cheeks warm at his words, a mix of curiosity and anticipation fluttering in my stomach. "Oh? And what did you have in mind?"

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