But because I know exactly how this would look to the wrong alpha.
I swallow and focus on the bowl, forcing my breathing steady.
"I hope you don't think I'm—" I start, then stop, unsure how to finish.
Finn tilts his head. "Think you're what?"
I shake my head. "Never mind."
Alex studies me more closely. "You okay?"
"Yes. I just—"
You're allowed to be here because Ragon thinks you're safe, my mind supplies.Because he doesn't see them as athreat. Because he thinks any pack that took in a beta is inherently weaker.
Because he doesn't think they could take you from him even if they wanted to.
I scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Finn slips the tray into the oven, brushing my fingers as he does. I don't pull away. I don't lean in, either.
We wait for the bars to bake, leaning against counters, sipping coffee. Finn talks about a ridiculous work story. Malcolm listens with quiet amusement. Alex watches me like he's memorizing something.
"You know," Finn says suddenly, bumping my shoulder, "you're always welcome here. You know that, right?"
I nod. "I know."
And I do. That's the problem.
Because I can see it now, clearer than ever: Ragon will never let me go.
Not to the registry. Not to another pack. Not even to myself.
And standing here, wrapped in warmth that isn't his, I understand exactly how dangerous that makes me.
The timer goes off. The smell of baked apples fills the room. Finn whoops and pulls the pan out.
"Worth it," he declares.
I smile, but it feels fragile.
Because somewhere deep down, something in me recognizes this for what it is:
Not temptation.
Not betrayal.
But a glimpse of a life I was never meant to touch.
And I know—I know—that the moment someone decides I want it, everything will change.
***
Arden arrives the next day.
Not with a dramatic knock, not with heavy alpha presence. He arrives the way professionals do—on time, prepared, quietly certain that the work matters.
I know he's here before anyone tells me, because the air changes.
Not with dominance.
