Page 17 of Lavender and Honey

I nodded, grateful for the suggestion. "That sounds good," I murmured, peeking over the top of my menu. Elias and Finn exchanged a glance, a silent communication passing between them that I couldn't quite decipher.

The waitress approached, her cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to the nervous energy thrumming through my body. "What can I get for you folks today?" she asked brightly.

Finn ordered first, his deep voice confident as he requested the soup of the day and a turkey club sandwich. Elias followed, opting for the grilled chicken sandwich he'd recommended to me. When the waitress turned to me, I felt my throat tighten.

"I'll have the same as him," I managed, gesturing vaguely towards Elias. "And a glass of water, please." As the waitress jotted down our orders and departed, I felt Elias shift beside me. His honey-sweet scent enveloped me, and I found myself unconsciously leaning towards him before catching myself.

"So, Lydia," Elias began, his voice soft and warm, "what made you decide to open an art supply store?"

I tensed slightly at the question, memories of my past life flashing through my mind. How could I explain that it was both my sanctuary and my rebellion? That each brush and tube of paint represented a step away from the life that had been planned for me?

"I've always loved art," I said carefully, my fingers tracing patterns on the condensation of my water glass. "And when I… when I left my family's pack, I needed something that was just mine. The store seemed like the perfect way to combine my passion with a fresh start."

I could feel both Elias and Finn watching me intently, their gazes heavy with unasked questions. The air around us seemed to thicken with tension.

"Left your family's pack?" Finn echoed his eyes soft as he looked at me.

I tensed at Finn's words, my fingers tightening around my water glass. The memory of that night — the ultimatum, the fear, the exhilarating and terrifying rush of freedom— washed over me in a dizzying wave. I took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words.

"Yes," I said softly, my eyes fixed on the table. "It was... it was time for me to forge my own path." The words felt hollow, inadequate to convey the magnitude of what I'd done, what I'd left behind.

"I'm sorry," Elias said softly, his honey-warm scent washing over me in a soothing wave. "We didn't mean to pry. You don't have to talk about it if you're not comfortable."

"It's okay," I murmured, though my heart was racing. "It's just... not something I talk about often."

Elias leaned in slightly, his honey-sweet scent wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. "You don't have to explain if you're not comfortable," he said gently. "We understand that pack dynamics can be... complicated."

Finn nodded in agreement, his deep voice soft as he added, "Everyone has their own journey. We're just glad you found your way to Haven's Rest." I know what was left unsaid. Usually Omegas were not without a pack, be it a family or one made themselves of friends or lovers. I didn’t have any of that…I was alone in this town.

I gave a small nod, grateful for their understanding. "Thank you," I murmured, my eyes still fixed on the table. "It's been... an adjustment. But opening the store has given me purpose, a place to belong…I'm happier now." And it was true, despite the loneliness and uncertainty that often plagued me. The freedom to make my own choices, to pursue my passion for art, was worth the hardships.

As I spoke, I could feel the weight of their gazes on me. There was no judgment in their eyes, only a gentle curiosity and something that felt almost like protectiveness. It was a stark contrast to the controlling, oppressive atmosphere of my family's pack.

The arrival of our food provided a welcome distraction. I breathed a sigh of relief as the waitress set our plates down, grateful for the interruption. The aroma of grilled chicken and fresh herbs wafted up, making my stomach growl appreciatively.

"This looks amazing," Elias said, his eyes lighting up at the sight of his sandwich.

Finn nodded in agreement, stirring his soup. "It smells delicious too."

I took a small bite of my sandwich, the flavors exploding on my tongue. The chicken was perfectly grilled, juicy and tender, complemented by the crisp vegetables and tangy sauce. For a moment, I closed my eyes, savoring the taste and the simple pleasure of a good meal.

When I opened them again, I caught Elias watching me, a soft smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Good?" he asked, his honey-warm voice sending a shiver down my spine.

I nodded, swallowing before I spoke. "It's delicious," I admitted. "Thank you for suggesting it."

Finn chuckled, the sound deep and rich. "Elias has excellent taste," he said, his green eyes twinkling as he glanced at his partner. "In food and in company."

I felt a blush start to form on my cheeks as I glanced at Elias, who gave me a beaming smile, a small dollop of sauce clinging to the corner of his mouth. "I'm glad you like it," he said warmly. Without thinking, I reached out, gently brushing the sauce away with my thumb. The moment I realized what I'd done, I froze, my eyes widening in shock at my own boldness.

Elias blinked, surprise flickering across his face before a soft smile curved his lips. "Thank you," he said softly, his eyes almost glowing with warmth as he looked at me.

I felt my cheeks flush hot as I quickly withdrew my hand, mortified by my impulsive action. "I'm sorry," I mumbled, dropping my gaze to my plate. "I don't know what came over me."

"It's alright," Elias said gently, his voice warm and reassuring. "No need to apologize."

I dared to glance up, catching the soft look in Elias's eyes. There was no judgment there, only a gentle understanding that made my heart flutter. Finn watched us with a knowing smile, his green eyes twinkling with amusement. I went back to my meal, my cheeks still warm, but as I glanced back up to look at Elias, he just gave me another smile.

"So, Lydia," Finn said, smoothly changing the subject, "do you ever showcase local artists in your store? Or is it strictly supplies?"

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