Page 31 of Pumpkin Patch Pack
Theo is quiet for a moment, then says, “For what it’s worth, I get it. Not in the same way, maybe, but…” He trails off, then starts again. “Being a beta in an alpha-dominated family isn’t always easy. People make assumptions. They see you as less-than or just… overlook you.”
This makes me glance up, surprised by the hint of pain in his voice. Theo always seems so confident, so comfortable in his skin.
He shrugs—a small, self-deprecating smile on his lips. “Hard to compete when you’re always standing next to someone who naturally commands attention, you know? Rowan walks into a room, and everyone just… notices. Same with Liam, though he hates it. Me? I have to work for it.”
Here I am, hiding everything about myself, and he’s genuinely opening up about his feelings of being overlooked.
“That’s not true,” I say. “You’re the heart of this place. Everyone responds to you.”
Theo’s eyes widen. “That’s… thank you, Emma.” His smile returns. “You’re observant. You notice things. I bet you notice a lot more than people realize.”
Something about how he says it makes me wonder if he’s fishing for information, but his expression remains open and without guile.
“I try to stay aware of my surroundings,” I say carefully. “It’s safer that way.”
Theo’s smile fades, concern replacing it. “You know you’re safe here, right? With us?”
The oven timer saves me from having to answer. As Theo turns to remove the pies, I take a deep breath, steadying myself. I want desperately to trust him. But I’ve been wrong before, with devastating consequences.
After helping Theo package the cooled pies, I excuse myself, claiming I need to update the social media accounts. It’s not entirely a lie; I have posts scheduled, but I mostly need space to clear my head. The warmth of the kitchen, Theo’s cinnamon scent, and easy companionship, the domestic scene we created together… it all feels dangerously like belonging.
Once outside, I decide to check on Maple. The goat has become a strange comfort over the past few weeks, her uncomplicated affection a balm for my constant wariness.
I find her in the petting zoo, but she’s not alone. Liam is there, repairing a section of fencing. His back is to me, and his flannel shirt is stretched across broad shoulders as he hammers a nail into place. Maple spots me immediately, bleating a greeting that makes Liam turn.
“Mornin’,” he says, straightening to his full height. Today’s flannel is dark green, making his eyes pop.
“Sorry,” I say automatically. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You’re not.” He gestures to the fence. “Just fixing what some overenthusiastic kids damaged yesterday.”
Maple trots over to me, butting her head against my hip in her usual greeting. I scratch behind her ears, smiling.
“Been waiting for you,” Liam says, and when I glance up, there’s a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Started bleating the minute you stepped outside the house. Got some kind of radar where you’re concerned.”
The idea that Maple can sense me from a distance is oddly comforting and concerning at the same time. If a goat can trackme that effectively, imagine how an alpha obsessed with you can?
“She’s got a sixth sense,” I agree, watching Maple prance around my legs.
The goat suddenly darts away, grabs something in her mouth from nearby, and returns triumphantly.
I look down. “Is that… my scarf?” The blue fabric dangles from her mouth, the very one I wore yesterday. “How did you even get that?”
Liam chuckles, a deep rumble. The sound makes my skin prickle with warmth. “She likes to collect things.”
I reach for the scarf, but Maple dances away, tossing her head playfully. “Come on, Maple. That’s not a toy.”
She bleats defiantly through the fabric, then takes off running around, my scarf fluttering behind her like a victory flag.
“Great,” I mutter. “What’s next, my underwear?”
Liam’s eyebrows shoot up, and I feel heat crawl up my neck.
“I mean—” I stammer, heart hammering against my ribs.
Why can’t I just think before I speak around this man?
“Actually,” Liam interrupts mercifully, “I could use your help with something, if you’ve got time,” he says, putting down his hammer. “Some of the string lights came undone in the corn maze. Need to nail them back up.”
