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"Do you want a coffee?” I gesture at the counter at the front. “They have really strange flavors, like unicorn poop and dragon's blood."
She raises an amused brow. ”Uh, I think I want both."
"There are even more than that. Come look." I grab her hand and tug her towards the counter.
She laughs as she reads the menu, her eyes shining, the shadows finally completely banished from her eyes for the moment. Something that makes my chest puff, like the jackass I am.
I don't kid myself that those shadows won't return, but if I can help keep them at bay to give her a break, I'll do whatever it takes to do so.
I get unicorn poop for me so she can try it when she decides on dragon's blood. I get the other two their usual orders and carry the coffees over once they're ready so everyone can caffeinate while they browse.
Some of the tension I've been carrying around fades as I join some of my favorite people at our favorite activity. It doesn't take long for me to have a stack as large as Aurora's. The others are just as bad. It's like we're in some sort of competition to see who can carry the most books.
The grumpy owner who has barely spoken to us finally grumbles at us. "You can set your stacks on the counter so you don't have to keep hauling them around."
Enzo huffs as he carries over his stack. ”We've told you a hundred times that you need to get baskets."
Harry grunts. “Why would I, when you lot are the only ones who come in here buying stacks at a time."
"You should be nicer to your best customers,” Oliver teases.
"Bah. Like you'd ever stop coming here."
I shake my head, a smile on my lips. “We should, you miserable old bastard."
"At least you brought someone new in here today,” Harry gestures at Aurora. “Why are you with these morons, omega?"
She narrows her eyes at him as she sets her stack on the counter. “I have a name."
His eyes light up, but his expression stays mean. “Well, I don't know it, do I?"
She sniffs. “I suppose not, beta."
"Touché. I'm Harry.” He almost smiles, I’m sure of it.
She does smile at him. “Aurora."
"Ah. I've heard about you."
The shadows are back in her eyes.
I glare at Harry with a growl, but he just rolls his eyes.
"Good for you. Alphas run everything, and it's long past time they were overthrown. Viva la resistance, or whatever."
What. The. Fuck.
I exchange baffled glances with Oliver and Enzo. He's never spoken so much at one time before. Actually I'm not sure he's ever said so much in front of us in total. And we come here a lot.
It looks like we're not the only ones charmed by Aurora's bravery and brilliance.
"I read the papers and essays you wrote. Really good work. I ordered hard copies and plan to sell them here. Think you might come in and sign them?"
Her eyes are wide, but shine with an excited light. “Are you sure that's a good idea?"
I could kiss the grumpy shit for putting that expression on her face.
Harry scoffs. “Why the hell not?"
