“You’re right,” Garrett said, his tone softening. “It’s not fair. But sometimes, these things happen, especially when new packs start forming. People feel threatened.”
“Threatened?” I echoed, incredulous. I was just trying to live my life. I didn’t want to threaten anyone or be a source of conflict.
“It’s how some see it,” he replied, a hint of sympathy in his voice. “Omegas like her often get caught in the crossfire. It’s easier for them to lash out than to communicate.”
I nodded, digesting his words. I had spent years perfecting solitude, learning to navigate life without entanglements. But now, there was a flicker of something—an unsettling thought—that perhaps I was more entangled than I’d realized. “So, what, am I supposed to just stand by while she makes a scene? I don’twant to be the center of attention, especially not like that. I also didn’t think it was fair to corner someone like that.”
Oliver gave me a small smile, “I do appreciate it. I would have had a harder time getting away if it wasn’t for you.”
I felt a wave of relief wash over me at Oliver's acknowledgment. It was a small gesture, but it made me feel like I wasn’t entirely lost in this chaotic web of emotions and expectations.
“Thanks,” I replied, my voice steadying as I met his gaze. “But I still don’t want to be part of this.” I gestured toward the crowd, the laughter and chatter growing louder as people filtered past us. “I just want to tend to my garden and sell them at the market.”
Garrett gave a small smile at my words, “Then we will leave you alone. But…if you need any help feel free to ask.” I gave a nod glancing at the two. I never dealt with pack dynamics before, having grown up just with my grandmother who was a beta.
“I am going to go home now.” I gave the two Alpha’s a look before quickly making a hasty exit. I did something unlike myself and got into someone else’s business. I just felt compelled when I saw Oliver. I shook my head trying to get the thoughts out of my head.
I would go home and this all would be forgotten. Nothing would come out of a meeting like this.
Chapter Six
Garrett
By the time Daphne disappeared down the street, I was still standing there, watching the sway of her hair in the sunlight until she turned the corner and was gone. I let out a slow, frustrated breath and ran a hand through my hair. The market noise seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the faint hum of my own thoughts—thoughts I wasn’t entirely comfortable having.
Oliver was watching me, arms crossed, eyes sharp and calculating. I knew that look. He didn’t have to say a word for me to know what he was thinking.
“What?” I said finally, rubbing the back of my neck. The tension from earlier still clung to me like static.
Oliver’s mouth twitched into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Is she the one you mentioned?” His tone was casual, but I could hear the edge beneath it—the interest, the curiosity, the warning. “The woman you said might be a good fit for us? The one you couldn’t stop talking about since we moved in?”
I let out a low laugh, part exhale, part deflection. “You make it sound like I’ve been obsessing.”
“Maybe not obsessing,” he said, stepping closer, “but I’ve known you long enough to recognize when something—or someone—gets under your skin.”
I glanced toward the direction Daphne had gone again, even though there was no sign of her. The crowd had begun to disperse, people returning to their stalls and small-town chatter like nothing monumental had just happened. But ithad—at least for me.
“Maybe,” I admitted finally, my voice quieter than before. “There’s something about her.”
Oliver’s eyebrow lifted. “Something like what?”
I hesitated. How did I explain it? Daphne wasn’t like anyone I’d met before. Most Omegas I’d encountered wore their emotions like perfume—sweet, obvious, impossible to ignore. But Daphne… she was quiet fire. The kind that burned steady and deep. She didn’t chase attention, didn’t soften her words to please anyone. There was a sharpness to her, an independence that drew me like a magnet.
“She’s grounded,” I said finally. “Strong. Doesn’t bend just because someone else wants her to. It’s rare.”
Oliver chuckled under his breath. “Fierce, you mean.”
“Yeah,” I said with a grin. “That too.”
He studied me for a long moment, the corner of his mouth tilting in thought. “Fierceness can be good. It can also be difficult. Especially for someone like her, who’s probably used to doing everything on her own.”
I leaned against the edge of a wooden stall, crossing my arms. “That’s part of what makes her… interesting. She’s not looking for someone to fix her or save her. Hell, I doubt she even wants anyone around.”
“And that’s appealing to you?” Oliver asked, his tone more curious than judgmental.
I shrugged, glancing out toward the market square again. “Maybe I’ve just had enough of the ones who cling. I want someone who looks me in the eye and sees me for who I am—not my family name, not the pack, not what I can offer.” I paused, exhaling slowly. “Daphne didn’t even flinch when she found out we moved in nearby. She wasn’t impressed or intimidated. She just… existed. Like my presence didn’t shift her world at all.”
Oliver gave a low hum of understanding. “That’s rare.”
