But then another thought crept in, slow and unwanted, that maybe I wanted his attention…and that maybe I was really lonely…but I shook the thoughts out of my head and distracted myself so I couldn’t think such thoughts anymore.
Chapter Four
Daphne
Itook a deep breath as I parked my car, the familiar scent of warm asphalt and blooming flowers filling my lungs. The sun hung bright in the sky, casting dappled shadows across the main street of Haven's Rest. I stepped out, allowing the quiet buzz of the town to wrap around me—a comfort I had come to rely on during my weekly trips. I was going to enjoy the main shops in town, the market was only on certain days of the week so I had a lot of free time when not tending to my garden.
I stepped onto the cobbled walkway, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin as I surveyed the storefronts lining the street. I had a list in my pocket—simple errands to run, familiar faces to greet—but today felt different somehow. The lingering effects of Garrett's visit from the day before still fluttered at the edges of my thoughts, like the wings of a restless butterfly.
As I wandered past the antique shop, the comforting chime of the doorbell announced my arrival. Mrs. Thompson was behind the counter, her silver hair catching the light as she sorted through a collection of vintage teacups. "Morning, Daphne!" she called, her voice bright as she looked up.
"Morning, Mrs. Thompson!" I replied, a smile creeping onto my face. She always had a way of making me feel welcome in this small town. I approached the counter, glancing at the array of knick-knacks displayed nearby. "How’s the shop faring this week?"
"Busy as ever!" she said with a chuckle. "You wouldn’t believe the treasures people bring in. I swear half of Haven's Rest has raided their attics lately." I laughed, the tension of the previous day easing slightly. Small talk with Mrs. Thompson was a balm for my spirit, a reminder that the world continued to spin, even if I sometimes felt like I was standing still.
As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice a pair of tourists browsing in the back of the store. They were taking pictures of the old-fashioned items with enthusiastic glee, their laughter ringing out like music in the air. It was a sound I hadn’t realized I missed—a reminder that life was bursting with energy even as I sought solitude.
After a few minutes, I decided to move on, thanking Mrs. Thompson for her hospitality. As I stepped back outside, I felt the sun’s rays warming my skin and the gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh bread from the nearby bakery. My stomach rumbled in response, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten much that morning.
I made my way toward the bakery, the door swinging open with a delightful jingle. The display case was filled with an array of pastries, each one more tempting than the last.
"Good morning, Daphne!" Calista, the owner and another Omega, greeted me with a flour-dusted apron and a wide smile. "What can I get for you today?"
I scanned the options, my mouth watering at the sight of freshly baked croissants and fruit tarts. "I’ll take a croissant and a coffee, please," I said, pulling out my wallet.
"Coming right up!" she replied, moving to prepare my order. As I waited, I glanced around the cozy interior, the wooden beams and rustic decor creating a warm atmosphere. This place felt like home, a part of my routine that grounded me in the community I’d chosen. With my pastry in hand, I stepped back outside, taking a moment to enjoy the sun on my face. I settled on a nearby bench, savoring the flaky layers of my croissant and the rich aroma of my coffee. It was a quiet spot, tucked away from the bustle of the market, where I could enjoy a moment of tranquility.
But as I took a moment to enjoy the sunshine, I noticed a familiar blue truck parked a little further down the street. My stomach twisted, a reminder of Garrett’s presence lingering in my mind like a shadow. Would he be at the market today? Would our paths cross again so soon after I’d barely managed to shake off the previous encounter?
I took another bite of my croissant, the buttery layers melting in my mouth, but my thoughts remained tangled. I could handle this. I could go about my day, minding my own business, without letting anyone intrude on my carefully curated solitude. Yet, the feeling that I was lying to myself gnawed at me, relentless.
I finished the pastry quickly, the last bite leaving a hint of sweetness on my tongue. Wiping my fingers on a napkin, I stood and took a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering nerves in my stomach. The market would be bustling with activity, and I should be able to blend into the crowd, keeping my distance from whatever social entanglements Garrett might bring along with him.
I made my way toward the central square where people gather and there was a fountain and benches to sit and relax. I liked going there to relax and sit in nature, maybe gather my thoughts and not think about a stupid Alpha.
As I got close to the main area where the fountain was I saw a crowd, which wasn’t normal…atleast like this. I could hear raised voices as well. Blinking, I maneuvered my way through and could see a woman and a man. Both I didn’t recognize at all.
“Ah, Daphne. I take it you heard the commotion.” Viola whispered as she moved to stand beside me. She was apart of the pack that owned the line dance bar on the outskirts of town.
“What’s going on?” I whispered back and saw the woman, an omega from the smell of it. Long black hair and brown eyes that were narrowed as she gave the man, an Alpha, a pleading look.
“You heard that someone moved into the Hendersons right? You live next to them so I assume you have.” Viola whispered as she scooted closer to me so she couldn’t be overheard.
“Yes. I met Garrett.” I trailed off, not knowing what she was getting at.
Her eyebrow raised as she spoke, “Well. It is a pack of Alpha’s that moved in and Old man Jack is one of their fathers. You know the lumberjack. He owns the logging and Construction Company.”
I blinked, processing Viola’s words. A pack of Alphas? That was a twist I hadn’t anticipated. The Henderson property was supposed to be a quiet, forgotten piece of land, not a new base for a group of influential Alphas. My heart raced at the implications.
“Old man Jack?” I echoed, trying to piece together what that meant in the larger context of Haven's Rest. I’d heard the stories—rumors of the powerful legacy he held in the region, the kind that built empires on timber and influence.
Viola nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement and concern. “Yeah, he’s been in charge of the logging around here for decades. If his son’s moved in, things could change. You know how Alphas can be—territorial.”
Territorial. The word struck a chord deep within me. I had spent years carving out my own space, my own territory, among the trees and plants that felt like extensions of myself. The thought of a pack of Alphas encroaching on that territory twisted my stomach.
As I glanced back at the scene unfolding in front of me, my gaze landed on the man who had been arguing with the woman. He was tall, commanding in a way that drew attention without needing to raise his voice. I could see the tension in his posture, the way he gestured sharply, as if making a point that mattered greatly.
“What’s the argument about?” I asked Violia, curiosity piquing despite the sense of dread creeping into my chest.
