Aside from a few texts from Ren to check that I’m doing okay and assuring me that they will follow my lead, the guys have kept their distance. However, every day a new gift has arrived.
First, I got a one-eyed, blue, balding bear stuffed animal from Laz named Mr. Snuggles. Sabs freaked out when she saw it because, apparently, Laz hasn’t been able to sleep without it since he was a kid. Along with it was a goofy cartoon of the bear—which was very well done—as well as a note that read:
He’ll keep you company at night! Hope you’re feeling better.
PS. Sorry about freaking out! I promise, I’ll try not to make you cry again.
The following day, a care package from Cole was delivered. It included everything that an omega coming down off a heat could want: hot cocoa, muffins, scented bubble bath, and a gorgeous striped blanket in four different colors. Each color represents and smells like a different member of the pack. Although, to my disappointment, the green section smelled of nothing, signaling that Damon hasn’t changed his mind. Despite Damon’s lack of representation, it was a thoughtful gift. I still can’t believe Cole went through all that trouble for me. The note inside it read:
I thought this may help if you’re still struggling. We’re here when you want to talk. ~Cole.
“Go on!” Delilah encourages me, nudging the box in my direction. “Open it.”
I tear open the box to find a wooden crate. Inside it are small glass jars full of various rare herbs along with a stunning mortar and pestle made from crystal resin that’s flecked with tiny shreds of lavender. This is incredible. I’ll use it all the time!
Nestled among the jars is a small piece of parchment, inviting me to meet him later today. It has the address of a cafe on the edge of campus, which he claims is the best place for tea.
“Ren wants to meet up,” I tell the girls, nervous butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
“Well?” Delilah squeaks. “Are you gonna?”
Spending time apart has given me a chance to research scent matches. The more I’ve read, the more I have to agree that everything seems to line up—the way I feel when I’m with them, how we seem to be drawn together, the effect their touch has on me… The Silverwood’s have embedded themselves under my skin, and as overwhelming as it may be, I can’t avoid them forever. Out of the guys, Ren is who I know best and feel most comfortable with, so meeting him alone seems like a good place to start.
“I think I’ll go.” I place my new goodies back in the crate.
“Double your dose of suppressants today.” Kady smirks. “If you need one of us to come save you, just drop a black heart emoji in our chat, and we’ll be right there to kick some knot-head butt.“
I laugh. “I thought you didn’t condone violence?”
“I don’t.” She sets down her fork. “Under normal circumstances.”
“Don’t underestimate Kady,” Delilah chuckles. “Did you know that she’s trained in three martial arts?”
My jaw drops. With her willowy figure, I could’ve imagined her being a ballerina.
“My dad insisted on me taking lessons.” Kady shrugs. “Being a Sinclair is dangerous, and I don’t want to rely on an alpha bodyguard to protect me.”
“What’ve I missed?” Sabs glides in. Having just returned from her morning exercise class, she swipes a cooling cupcake off the counter. “You’ve outdone yourself again, Del.” She licks asmidge of pink icing from the corner of her mouth. “I’ve totally earned this. Hot yoga kicked my ass today.”
“I don’t know why you put yourself through it.” Kady wrinkles her nose. “I’d rather eat pineapples on a pizza than sweat while doing downward dog.”
“We all know pineapples belong on pizza!” Sabs argues.
“Not this again! I’ve already told you it works. The combination of the sweet and salty is,” Delilah makes a chef’s kiss motion, “Faye, what’s your opinion?”
“I’m staying out of it.” I play it safe, rising from the table. “I need to change.”
“She’s meeting Ren,” Delilah says for Sabs’s benefit.
“Oooooh!” Sabs teases. “Excited for your date?”
“It’s not a date.” I take my empty cereal bowl to the sink. “It’s just coffee.”
Sabs winks. “Sure, it’s not.”
I grab a cupcake then disappear upstairs to get ready. After changing outfits multiple times, I finally settle on a thrifted blue dress with a sunflower pattern—cute and casual without trying too hard. I tie my hair into a loose braid that falls to my waist then grab my purse, triple-checking I’ve got heat patches in case they’re needed, before heading out into the late morning sun.
Even though I left extra early, Ren is already waiting outside when I arrive at the Tea House. He looks great in his gray shirt, rolled up to the elbows with a cute black sweater vest over the top. Only he can make a sweater vest look hot. He’s holding an enormous stack of books. Plus, the brown, well-worn satchel slung over his shoulder is bulging at the seams, presumably from the number of books stuffed inside there too. His mouth breaks into a wide grin as soon as he sees me.
