Page 101 of Written in Scent

I pause just inside the doorway, heart giving a small, helpless flutter as I take them all in.

Alex looks devastating in a tailored charcoal button-down that stretches across his broad shoulders, the top button undone just enough to show a hint of dark skin and the strong line of his throat. His dark hair is neatly styled but still carries that natural wave I love, and the neat stubble along his jaw makes him look both polished and powerful.

Beside him, Adrian is breathtaking in a crisp white shirt layered under a muted brown blazer that matches the restaurant’s amber lighting perfectly. His wire-rimmed glasses catch the candlelight every time he turns his head, and the thoughtful, focused way he carries himself makes my stomach flutter.

Jamie flashes me a bright grin, looking effortlessly charming in a deep navy button-up with the sleeves rolled to his forearms, showing the lean muscle underneath. His sun kissed blond hair is artfully messy, and those mischievous blue eyes sparkle with pure joy as he watches me.

Even Chase has dressed up, trading his usual dark t-shirt for a fitted black button-down that strains across his massive chest and bulky arms. He looks almost dangerous in the best way, tattoos creeping out of the open collar.

A wave of relief washes over me. Thank goodness Sophie convinced me to wear the black knee length dress. With my cream cardigan draped over my shoulders and the diamond butterfly necklace sparkling at my throat, I suddenly feel like I belong here beside them.

Jamie lifts his wine glass first the moment we’re all served. “To Elodie, the only freshman who snatched a spot on the rainforest expedition. You’re officially a legend, baby. We’re so proud of you.”

The others quickly follow, glasses clinking warmly around the table.

Chase raises his with a rare, genuine smile. “You earned every bit of it.”

Adrian leans forward, eyes bright behind his glasses. “I have no doubt you will make the Dean’s List after mid-terms. Your work is already far beyond freshman level. I’m so incredibly proud of you, Elodie.”

Alex squeezes my hand under the table, his thumb brushing circles across my knuckles. “We all are. This is only the beginning of everything you are going to accomplish.”

The food arrives in elegant courses, and conversation flows easily between bites of tender osso buco, silky risotto, and bright salads. Laughter fills the private room as Jamie tells stories about filming that he’s been doing for the drama club recently and Chase grumbles about one of his patients at the clinic. For the first time since the archives incident, I feel completely at ease.

Tonight feels perfect. Joyful, intimate, and completely ours. I let the warmth of their praise and their presence wrap around me like the golden light filling the room.

A heat starts low in my belly, a sudden bloom of heat that spreads outward like honey poured into tea. At first I think it’s only the rich food and the closeness of the room mixed with wine, but then my skin prickles in a way I recognize.

Their scents sharpen around me. Alex’s dark cedar and pepper, Adrian’s rain on stone and paper, Jamie’s golden amber and vanilla, Chase’s pine and clean musk. Each note grows deeper, more vivid, until I can almost taste them on the back of my tongue.

My own scent answers without permission, a faint strawberry peach bloom that slips past the blockers I am wearing. The memory of the library is still fresh enough that I know exactly what is happening. I can already feel the slick building between my legs. The realization hits fast and clear instead of leaving me dazed.

I set my fork down carefully and reach for Alex’s hand under the table. “I think I’m starting a heat spike,” I say, my shaky voice betraying my nerves. “It’s small right now, but it reminds me of… before.”

The shift in the pack is immediate and seamless.

Alex’s gray eyes lock on mine with intense focus. He doesn’t panic, he simply nods once and squeezes my fingers. “We have you,” he murmurs. “Breathe through it, sweetheart. We’re right here.”

Jamie slides his chair closer on my left, his arm slipping around my waist in a gentle, grounding hold. His thumb strokes against my side, and the golden warmth of his scent wrapping around me. “That’s it, baby. Just stay with us. You’re doing so well telling us right away.”

Adrian leans across the table, his hand finding mine. His touch is cool, the bergamot and ink of him sharpening my focus even as the heat tries to pull me under. He keeps his voice soft and even, the way he does when we study together. “We’re in a private room. No one else will scent you. You’re safe.”

Chase is already half out of his seat, scanning the room with sharp, protective eyes. He locates the discreet staff door at the back and gives Alex a short nod. His massive frame radiates calm control even as his pine and musk scent deepens with the need to shield me.

The private room that felt like a luxury minutes ago now feels like a necessity. My scent is blooming stronger, sweet and unmistakable, but the thick walls and closed door keep it contained. No curious glances from other tables or risk of strangers catching even a trace.

Alex rises smoothly, still holding my hand. “I’ll take care of the bill. Chase, bring the car to the back entrance, I’ll meet you all there. Jamie, Adrian, stay with her.”

The celebration has vanished in an instant, replaced by the pack moving as one, every instinct focused on me. The heat under my skin keeps spreading, but their reassurance keeps the spike from swallowing me whole.

Alex brushes a quick, reassuring kiss against my temple before slipping out of the room as though nothing at all is wrong. No one outside would ever guess the urgency pulsing beneath his confident steps.

Chase is already moving. He gives my shoulder one firm, grounding squeeze, then heads for the discreet staff door at the rear of the room. “Car will be waiting. Two minutes.” His massive frame fills the doorway for a heartbeat before he disappears into the hallway, radiating power and protective focus.

Adrian closes in on my right without a word. Jamie’s arm is an anchor around my waist, while Adrian slips his hand into mine, fingers laced tight. Their combined scents wrap around me like a shield, keeping the growing heat from flaring too fast.

“Easy, baby,” Jamie murmurs against my hair as they guide me toward the back door. “We’ve got you. Just lean on us.”

Adrian’s thumb strokes over my knuckles, his voice intimate. “Breathe with me. In and out. You’re safe.”