I looked around at the four of them—Gabriel with his commanding presence now softened with something that looked almost like uncertainty; Theo analyzing my every micro-expression behind his glasses; Lucas watching me with uncharacteristic seriousness; Dakota's steady gaze unwavering as he waited for my response.
"And if I don't want to go back yet?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
Something shifted in Gabriel's expression—hope, perhaps, or relief. "Then you stay," he said simply. "For as long as you need."
"Or want," Lucas added, the corner of his mouth lifting in that familiar playful smile, though his eyes remained serious.
Theo adjusted his glasses, his analytical mind clearly processing the implications of this conversation.
"The conversation has shifted from immediate security concerns to potential long-term arrangements," he observed, his voice matter-of-fact yet somehow gentle. "Which suggests a significant emotional development between all parties involved."
I felt warmth rise to my cheeks at his precise assessment. Trust Theo to analyze the unspoken undercurrents with scientific accuracy.
"What Theo means," Dakota rumbled from across the table, "is that we want you to stay. If you want to."
The simple directness of his statement made my heart flutter. I looked between the four of them, these Alphas who had turned everything I thought I knew about designation dynamics upside down.
“I do want that," I said, the words feeling both terrifying and right as they left my lips. "I want to stay."
The tension that had been building in the room seemed to dissipate at my words. Gabriel's hand tightened briefly on my shoulder, a subtle gesture that conveyed more than any words could have. Lucas's smile bloomed into something genuine and bright, the playfulness returning to his eyes. Dakota's expression remained steady, but I caught the slight softening around his mouth that I'd come to recognize as his version of a smile. Theo adjusted his glasses, but not before I glimpsed the satisfaction in his analytical gaze.
"Good," Gabriel said simply, that single word carrying the weight of his authority and, now, something warmer.
"Excellent decision, flower girl," Lucas added, squeezing my hand. "Though I might be slightly biased."
I laughed softly, feeling something settle inside me—a sense of belonging, of rightness, that I hadn't felt in years, if ever.
"There are practical considerations we should discuss," Theo said, his analytical mind already working through the logistics. "Your business, for instance. You've built something meaningful at Petal & Thorn. Abandoning it would be suboptimal."
I shook my head quickly. "I don't want to abandon my shop. It's part of who I am."
Gabriel nodded, understanding in his eyes. "No one is asking you to give up what you've built, Vivian. We can find solutions that allow you to maintain your independence while still being... with us."
"The flower shop is only twenty-three minutes from the main house," Theo pointed out, clearly having already calculated this. "A perfectly reasonable commute."
Lucas grinned. "And think of the possibilities for expansion with our resources. Your little shop could become the premier floral design studio in the city." His enthusiasm was infectious, his mind clearly racing with possibilities.
Dakota, ever practical, spoke next. "You'd need security for a while. At least until the trial is over. We can arrange that without disrupting your business."
I nodded, overwhelmed by their consideration, the way they were all thinking about how to incorporate my needs and dreams into whatever this was becoming between us. No demands, no control—just support and protection that didn't smother.
"What exactly are we talking about here?" I asked finally, needing clarity despite my racing heart. "Between all of us, I mean."
The four Alphas exchanged glances, some silent communication passing between them before Gabriel spoke.
"A pack bond," he said simply, his blue eyes intense as they met mine. "All of us, together."
There was silence for a minute as I looked at each of them, “Are you sure?”
"We've never been more certain of anything," Gabriel replied, his voice carrying that quiet authority that somehow never felt domineering. His blue eyes held mine, unwavering in their intensity. "This isn't a decision we've made lightly."
"We've discussed it extensively," Theo added, his analytical mind clearly having processed every angle. "The compatibility metrics between all parties involved are exceptionally high—statistically improbable, in fact."
Lucas leaned forward, his usual playfulness tempered with sincerity. "What the walking calculator means is that what's happening between us doesn't happen every day." His smile was warm, genuine. "The five of us together—it feels right in a way that defies explanation, even for Theo."
“Yes.” I told them. I was sure. I never felt more comfortable with anyone than I have with these four.
The expression on their faces - Gabriel's intensity, Theo's analytical satisfaction, Lucas's unbridled joy, and Dakota's steady, quiet happiness - made my heart swell with emotion. They each moved closer to me, forming a circle of warmth and protection that felt like coming home.
