46. Lily

Chapter 46

Lily

M y heart is pounding as my alphas lead me outside. My neck is aching from the bites, my heart is raw from the ordeal of the Trial showing up here to take me away, and now Max's idea about digging around to take them down is all a bit much. I don't think I can handle much else, right now. Did something happen to my shop after all? My mind races with scenarios, each one worse than the last.

As we round the corner of the house, I freeze, my mouth dropping open in shock. There, in front of the barn, is a newly planted garden filled with all my flowers and plants from the shop, and above the barn door hangs a handmade sign that reads ‘Forget Me Knot' with a sketch of a flower in the corner.

"What... what is this?" I stammer.

Jack squeezes my hand gently. "We moved your shop here last night, Lily. Everything - the inventory, equipment, even the garden."

"And the cactus!" Sam exclaims.

"You... you did what?" I'm having trouble processing this information.

"We wanted to keep you safe," Jack explains softly. "After what happened with those alphas, we couldn't bear the thought of you being alone and vulnerable at the shop."

I walk forward slowly, taking in the sight before me. The garden is beautiful, lovingly recreated with obvious care and attention to detail, and as advertised, standing guard by the door is my monster cactus that I've actually grown quite fond of. A lump forms in my throat.

"You did all this for me?" I whisper, tears pricking at my eyes.

Max comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. "We know it's overstepping, and you didn't tell us we could do this, but we made an executive decision based on being your mates and the alphas who want to keep you safe and keep you near us."

My heart feels like it hasn't taken a beat in the last few seconds. "What about the shop? My customers?"

"We set up a sign to redirect them," Sam says carefully. "It's not too far to come, and once word gets out that you've moved, it should attract not only your regulars but also new customers."

I stare into his eyes and blink, unable to fully process what is happening here.

"Do you hate us?" Jack asks, worry in his tone.

I turn my head to face him, and my heart aches at the expression on his face. "No, of course not. I love it. I'm just in shock, that's all."

I take a deep breath, trying to process everything. My alphas moved my entire shop overnight to keep me safe. It's overwhelming, but I can't deny the warmth spreading through my chest at their devotion.

"Really?"

"Really. This is incredible. I can't believe you did all this in one night."

Jack's shoulders visibly relax. "We wanted to surprise you. To show you that we love you and need you."

I walk towards the barn, reaching up to run my fingers over the bottom of the handmade sign. "Who made this?"

"That would be Max's handiwork," Sam says with a grin.

I turn to Max, eyebrows raised. "It's so pretty."

He shrugs, a faint blush colouring his cheeks. "I'm full of surprises."

Stepping inside the barn, I gasp. They've recreated my shop layout almost perfectly, with all my equipment neatly arranged and ready for use. Tears well up in my eyes as I take it all in.

"This is amazing," I whisper. "You guys really thought of everything."

Sam comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. "We just want you to be happy, Lily."

I lean back into his embrace, overwhelmed by the love I feel for these three men. "I am. I really am." Tears seep out of my eyes as it all becomes too much. I sob openly as I turn into Sam's chest and soak his t-shirt.

Sam holds me tight as I cry, his strong arms wrapped around me protectively. Jack and Max crowd close, too, surrounding me with their warmth and comforting scents.

Sam rubs my back soothingly, and I calm down a bit with a sniffle, trying to get myself under control. "I'm sorry," I choke out. "I don't know why I'm crying."

"You've been through a lot," Max says softly. "It's understandable to feel overwhelmed."

Jack presses a kiss to the top of my head. "We're here for you, Lily. Always."

Their words and presence soothe me, and slowly, my sobs subside. I take a shaky breath and lift my head from Sam's chest.

"Thank you," I whisper, looking at each of them in turn. "For everything. I don't know what I'd do without you all."

"Good thing you'll never have to find out," Jack says with a gentle smile.

I nod, managing a watery smile in return. Wiping my eyes, I take another look around the barn-turned-shop. "This really is incredible. I can't believe you did all this in one night."

"Well, we had some pretty good motivation," Sam says, giving me a squeeze.

"Yeah, keeping our omega safe and happy," Max adds.

I take a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed by their love and devotion. "You guys are amazing. I don't know how I got so lucky."

Jack grins and pulls me into his arms. "We're the lucky ones, Lily. You're the heart of this pack."

I melt into his embrace, breathing in his comforting scent.

"Let's get you back inside. Finish up that breakfast," Sam says.

Before I can protest, Jack scoops me up into his arms. I let out a surprised squeak but quickly settle against his broad chest.

"I can walk, you know," I say, even as I nuzzle closer.

"I know," Jack says softly. "But I like carrying you."

As we head back to the house, I feel a deep sense of contentment wash over me. Despite the fear and uncertainty that has always been a cloud over my head, I know I'm safe here with my alphas. They've created a sanctuary for me - not just a new shop, but a home filled with love and protection.

Jack carries me into the kitchen and sets me down to finish my cold toast and tepid tea. Pulling my face, I laugh. "Eww."

"Not a problem," Sam declares. "I can whip up some more."

"You are a god among men."

He preens as he gets to work, remaking breakfast while Jack sits practically on top of me, clutching my hand tightly as if he never wants to let me go.

"I love you. All of you," I murmur, knowing it's true and real. This is what love is, no matter how fast, how much fate has already chosen for you, this is love.

And I'm one lucky omega to have found it.