Page 166 of Wisteria and Cloves

She shook her head, a laugh leaving her, “No just making an observation.” I gave a chuckle as we stepped inside. The shop was warm and colorful, filled with sunlight streaming throughthe tall windows. Canvases lined the walls in varying sizes—abstract swirls, serene landscapes, and portraits that seemed to hold quiet emotion in every brushstroke. Dried flower bundles hung from beams above, and the scent of them mixed with fresh paint created something uniquely comforting.

“Wow…” Lilianna breathed, stepping further in, her fingers trailing along a nearby shelf that held tiny hand-painted wood charms, preservatives and herbal teas.

Lydia looked up from her display as we entered, her face breaking into a genuine smile. She was petite with warm blue eyes and freckles scattered across her nose, her auburn hair escaping from its messy bun in soft tendrils. There was something immediately approachable about her—an openness that reminded me of Miles, though with a creative energy all her own.

"You must be Lilianna," she said, wiping her paint-stained hands on her apron before extending one toward us. "I'm Lydia. Nicolaus told Lucian you might be stopping by."

Lilianna stepped forward, accepting the handshake with a shy smile. "It's wonderful to meet you. Your shop is incredible—I've never seen anything like it."

"Thank you," Lydia beamed, her eyes lighting up with pride. "I am just finishing remodeling.” The Alpha beside her—Lucian—was tall and broad-shouldered, with the same auburn hair and an easy confidence that spoke of someone comfortable in his own skin.

"We're very proud of her," Lucian said, his deep voice carrying a warmth that matched his smile. He extended his hand to me first, a customary greeting between Alphas, before turning to Lilianna. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

I watched Lilianna carefully, noting how she straightened slightly before accepting his handshake. She was becoming moreconfident with each passing day—more comfortable asserting her presence around unfamiliar Alphas.

"Thank you for having us," she replied, her voice steady despite the nervousness I could sense beneath her calm exterior.

"Would you like some tea?" Lydia asked, gesturing toward the back of the shop where a small seating area was arranged around a low table. "I just put on a kettle of chamomile and Lemon.”

"That sounds lovely," Lilianna said, her voice carrying genuine warmth. "I'd love to try it."

Lucian caught my eye and nodded toward the front of the shop. "Why don't we let them get acquainted?”

I understood the subtle suggestion—give the Omegas space to connect without Alpha presence potentially influencing their conversation. "Of course," I agreed, following him toward the window, far enough to not be hovering while they talked.

As we moved away, I could hear Lydia's voice, bright and welcoming as she guided Lilianna toward the seating area. "I hope you don't mind the paint smell. I've been working on repainting the store this week and haven't had time to properly air everything out."

"I don't mind at all," Lilianna replied, her eyes glancing over to me but I gave her a reassuring smile before letting her do what she wanted. I hoped she could make a new friend here and maybe get some reassurance. She deserved it.

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Lilianna

Ifollowed Lydia to the back of the shop where a cozy seating area awaited. A low wooden table sat surrounded by mismatched armchairs that somehow worked perfectly together—one covered in faded blue velvet, another in warm brown leather, and a third wrapped in a patchwork of colorful fabrics. The space felt lived-in and welcoming, like someone's favorite reading nook.

"Please, make yourself comfortable," Lydia said, gesturing to the chairs as she moved to a small kitchenette tucked into the corner. "Do you take honey in your tea?"

"Yes, please," I answered, settling into the blue velvet chair. My fingers traced the worn armrests, appreciating how many people must have sat here before me, finding comfort in this little sanctuary.

Lydia busied herself with the tea, humming softly as she worked. There was an ease to her movements, a contentment that spoke of someone who had found her place in the world. I watched her pour the steaming water over tea bags, the fragrant steam rising between us.

"I have to admit," I said quietly, "I'm a little nervous. I've never really had a friend who... who understood what it was like to leave everything behind."

Lydia paused in her tea preparation, turning to look at me with gentle understanding. "It's terrifying, isn't it? That first step into the unknown." She brought over two steaming mugs, handing me one before settling into the patchwork chair across from me. "But also liberating in ways you never expected."

I nodded, wrapping my hands around the warm ceramic. "Yes, exactly. Some days I can't believe I actually did it. Other days I wonder how I survived as long as I did in that life."

Lydia's lips curved into a knowing smile as she took a sip of her tea. "I understand completely. It's like you were sleepwalking through your own life, and then suddenly..." She snapped her fingers softly. "You're awake."

"Yes," I breathed, relieved at being so quickly understood. "That's exactly it. Like I was playing a part in someone else's story."

"Your parent's story," Lydia said gently, not a question but a statement of fact.

I nodded, staring down into my tea. The golden liquid rippled slightly with my unsteady hands. "My Mother…she had my entire life planned out before I was even born. The right schools, the right skills, the right Alpha from the right family with the right connections." I looked up, meeting Lydia's empathetic gaze. "Did your family...?"

“Yes. They had a pack picked out for me. An Alpha who already had Omegas who were more broodmares than anything.” Lydia told me, eyes glancing down at the cup of tea in front of her.

"Three of them," Lydia continued, her voice soft but steady. "All pregnant, all quiet, all... empty behind the eyes. And I was supposed to be number four." She took another sip of tea, a small furrow appearing between her brows. "My parents thought it was the greatest honor—being chosen for such a 'prestigious' pack."

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