Page 45 of Knot Baked Out For This
"A chance," he says simply. "Just... a chance to prove not all of us are him."
Him. Korrin Delacroix. The shadow that follows me everywhere, the reason I flinch at sudden movements, the ghost in every interaction.
"You don't even know what he did," I whisper.
"I know enough," Levi says, and there's something dark in his voice now, something that reminds me he's not just a charming rancher but an Alpha who could probably tear someone apart with his bare hands if properly motivated. "I know he hurt you. I know you used to laugh more. I know something broke, and you've been trying to fix it alone ever since."
"Some things can't be fixed."
"Maybe not. But maybe they can be built new. Better. Stronger."
God, why does he have to be like this? Why can't he just be a typical Alpha asshole so I can hate him properly?
The bell chimes, and a new wave of customers floods in. The moment breaks, reality crashing back. I pull my hand away, step back, rebuild my walls with practiced efficiency.
"I need to work," I say.
"I know." He gathers the salvaged flowers, somehow managing to make the water-damaged bouquet look intentional. "But think about what I said?"
"I'll think about thinking about it."
"Progress," he says with that grin that should be illegal. "See you around, sunshine."
He heads for the door, pausing to scratch Muffin behind the ears. She purrs and follows him to the threshold like she's considering switching households.
"Traitor," I call after her.
She gives me a look that clearly saysyou're welcomebefore returning to her perch.
The morning rush continues, but everything feels different now. The flowers sit on my counter in their makeshift vase, bright and defiant. My hand still tingles where he held it. The bakery smells like honey and butter, along with the usual cinnamon and coffee.
"So," Reverie says, appearing at my elbow with the stealth of a ninja, "when's the wedding?"
"I will fire you."
"I don't work here."
Damn…she’s right…she’s just helping when she can.
"Then I'll ban you."
"You'd never. I'm your best customer and friend."
She's not wrong, which is irritating.
"He remembered what I said about wildflowers," I admit quietly. "From three years ago...and I was an Omega in a different pack entirely."
Reverie's expression softens.
"Oh, honey."
"It doesn't mean anything."
"It means everything."
"It can't. I can't—I'm not ready for this. For any of this."
"Maybe you don't have to be ready," she says. "Maybe you just have to be willing to try."
