Page 48 of Lavender and Honey

He gives me a nod, his expression unreadable, but his eyes are soft as they look down at me. He says nothing more, his silence isn't empty; it's full of all the things we don't need words for. The waitress comes by, her smile easy and genuine as she takes our orders, before leaving the two of us to our silence.

As the waitress walks away, I find myself studying Lucian's face in the soft glow of the diner lights. His features are strong, chiseled, but there's a gentleness in his eyes that belies his imposing presence.

"I'm sorry for worrying everyone," I say softly, breaking the silence between us. "I didn't think not being able to get a hold of me for the day would cause trouble.”

Lucian's expression softens slightly. "We care about you, Lydia. When we couldn't reach you..." He trails off, a flicker of concern passing over his features.

"I’m sorry…and thank you," I say again, my voice soft. "For coming to check on me. I didn't mean to worry anyone."

Lucian's expression softens further, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. "You don't need to apologize, Lydia. We're just glad you're safe." He pauses, his steel-grey eyes holding mine. "But maybe we could set up some kind of system for the future? In case something like this happens again?"

I nod slowly, feeling a mix of warmth and nervousness at his suggestion. It's been so long since anyone has cared enough to want to check in on me regularly. "That... that sounds reasonable," I admit softly. "What did you have in mind?"

Lucian leans back slightly, his posture relaxed but attentive. "Perhaps we could agree on a check in time each day? Just a quick text or call to let us know you're okay. And if we don't hear from you by a certain time, we'll know to come to your store to check on you or your apartment.”

I consider Lucian's suggestion, feeling a mix of emotions swirl inside me. Part of me bristles at the idea of needing to check in with anyone, my fiercely independent nature rearing its head. But another part, a part I've kept hidden and protected for so long, feels a warmth at the thought of having people who care enough to want to know that I'm safe.

"I... I think I could do that," I say slowly, my fingers tracing the edge of the napkin in front of me. "Maybe a text in the evening? Around closing time for the shop?"

Lucian nods, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "That sounds perfect. And if something comes up and you can't text, don't worry. We'll just come to check on you, no questions asked."

I nod slowly, feeling a mix of emotions at his words. The idea of having people check in on me, care about my wellbeing, is both comforting and slightly overwhelming. "Thank you," I say softly. "I'm not used to... this. Having people worry about me."

Lucian's expression softens, his steel-grey eyes warm as they meet mine. "I know it's an adjustment," he says gently. "But we're here for you, Lydia. All of us."

Before I can respond, the waitress returns with our food. The aroma of grilled cheese and tomato soup fills the air, making my stomach growl embarrassingly loud. I blush, realizing just how hungry I am.

Lucian chuckles softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Eat," he says, pushing my plate closer to me. "We can talk more about that another time. For now let's get you fed.”

As we begin to eat, a comfortable silence settles between us. I'm surprised by how at ease I feel in Lucian's presence. Despite his imposing stature and Alpha status, there's something about him that drew me to him and even the other two Alphas in his pack.

“Thank you.” I told him, taking a bite of my sandwich, but I was thanking him for more than the food. By his smile, he knew it, too.

Chapter Thirty

It's been four days since the incident with my phone. I had gotten a replacement the next day, before I opened my shop. I had sent a text to everyone letting them know that I had a phone and was able to be reached again.

It was now Saturday and I was home getting ready for my date with Lucian.

I stood in front of my closet, fingers trailing over the hangers of dresses and blouses. I felt a flutter of nervous anticipation in my stomach. My date with Lucian was just hours away, and I found myself second guessing every choice.

"It's just dinner and an art exhibit," I murmured to myself, trying to calm my racing heart. But I knew it was more than that. This wasn't just any date - this was a step towards something bigger, something that both thrilled and terrified me.

Finally, I settled on a deep blue dress that hugged my curves without being too revealing. It was elegant enough for the art museum but not so formal that I'd feel out of place at dinnerafterwards. I paired it with simple silver jewelry and low heels, comfortable enough for walking through exhibits.

I lightly applied some makeup— I didn’t like wearing a lot of it. Using a lot of makeup also made my skin break out. As I put the makeup brush down, my phone chimed signaling I had a text message. I blinked and grabbed my phone.

A text from Lucian:On my way. See you soon.

I took a deep breath, trying to get my nerves under control. I know I shouldn’t be nervous, but I feel like if I do something wrong then he may not want to continue putting up with me.

“Don’t think like that,” I muttered to myself. I needed to stay positive. These men haven’t given me a reason to not trust them. The knock at my door came just as I was about to get up to grab my purse and head downstairs. My stomach did a little flip, and I exhaled slowly, smoothing my dress before stepping forward to open the door.

Lucian stood on the other side, dressed in a black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal strong forearms, and dark dress pants that fit him just right. His hair was slightly tousled, like he’d run his hands through it a few times, and when he smiled, the corner of his mouth quirked up in that effortlessly charming way of his.

"You look beautiful," he said, his voice warm as his eyes roamed over me appreciatively.

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks but managed a steady, "Thank you. You look good, too."

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