"I'm sorry about your shop, Ms. Reed," the adjuster says, notebook in hand as he surveys the damage. "Let's see what we can do to get you back in business as quickly as possible."
For the next hour, I follow him through the wreckage, answering questions about inventory values, equipment costs, and operating expenses. Gabriel hovers nearby, occasionally offering information I wouldn't have thought to include—replacement costs for the security system, specialized cleaning services for the bloodstains, reinforced glass for the windows.
By the time we finish, I'm mentally exhausted but cautiously optimistic about the insurance coverage. The adjuster promises to expedite my claim, mentioning that "special circumstances" have been noted in my file. I don't ask what those circumstances might be, but I suspect Gabriel's influence extends further than I initially realized.
"That went well," I say as the adjuster leaves, tucking his business card into my pocket. "Better than I expected, actually."
Gabriel nods, surveying the shop with a critical eye. "The cleaning crew should be here within the hour then the window replacement this afternoon.”
I move to the counter, brushing away glass shards to uncover the appointment book. Miraculously, it's mostly intact, though some pages are stained with water and what might be blood. I flip through it, trying to prioritize the upcoming orders.
"The Sullivan wedding is our biggest immediate concern," I murmur, more to myself than to Gabriel. "They've been planning this for months. Eight bridesmaids, four centerpieces for each of twenty tables, plus altar arrangements, boutonnieres..." I trail off, the enormity of the task ahead of me suddenly overwhelming.
Gabriel moves closer, his presence oddly reassuring. "When's the wedding?"
"Next Saturday," I reply, flipping to the detailed order sheet. "They've already paid the deposit. I can't let them down."
"You won't," Gabriel says with a certainty I wish I felt. "We'll make it happen."
I look up at him, surprised by the "we." "You're going to help me arrange flowers for a wedding?"
A hint of a smile touches his lips. "My flower-arranging skills are admittedly limited. But I meant we'll make sure you have what you need to fulfill the order. Space to work and anything else you need.”
“Where did you have in mind for me to work. I know it won’t be here while things are getting fixed.” I sighed, running a hand through my hair in frustration.
Gabriel is quiet for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. "What if we set up a temporary workspace? Not here, but somewhere secure where you could fulfill the orders without disruption."
I glance up at him, surprised by the suggestion. "Like where?"
"We have a sunroom at the house," he says, as if offering up his pack's territory to an Omega he barely knows is the most natural thing in the world. "It gets excellent light, and there's plenty of space for your equipment. It would be temporary, just until your shop is operational again."
I stare at him, trying to process this offer. "You want me to set up a temporary flower shop... in your pack house?"
"Not a shop," he clarifies. "Just a workspace for filling existing orders. No customers, no walk-ins. Just you, your flowers, and whatever supplies you need."
The practical part of me immediately sees the advantages—a secure location, no rent to pay while the shop is being repaired, the continued protection of Gabriel's pack. But another part of me, the fiercely independent Omega who's spent years building a life without Alpha interference, balks at the idea.
"I appreciate the offer," I say carefully, "but that seems like a significant imposition on your pack. And staying there indefinitely? That's a lot to ask."
Gabriel shrugs, the gesture casual though his eyes remain intent on my face. "It's not an imposition if I'm offering. And it's not indefinite—just until your shop is operational again….Though…to be honest it would be better for you to stay till the killer is caught."
I let out a small sigh at the thought. Every aspect of my life was being disrupted, and the thought of being dependent on Gabriel's pack made me deeply uncomfortable. My entire adult life had been built around self-sufficiency and independence.
"And what happens when your pack gets tired of having an Omega in their territory?" I ask, voicing one of my many concerns. "Alphas aren't exactly known for their tolerance of outsiders, especially ones that disrupt their routines."
"My pack isn't typical," Gabriel replies, his voice steady. "We work together closely every day. We're accustomed to adapting."
I raise an eyebrow, still skeptical. "Even Dakota? He didn't seem thrilled about my involvement from the beginning."
Gabriel's expression shifts slightly, a hint of amusement showing through his professional mask. "Dakota's bark is worse than his bite. He's protective of our pack, that's all."
I shake my head, still uncertain. "And Lucas? Theo? They're just fine with a strange Omega invading their space, using their sunroom as a makeshift flower shop?"
Gabriel's lips twitch slightly. "Lucas was the one who suggested it, actually. And Theo's already making a list of supplies you might need."
This surprises me into momentary silence. I hadn't expected that level of consideration from Alphas I barely knew. I look around at my devastated shop, weighing my options. The Sullivan wedding alone would pay my rent for the month, not to mention the other standing orders I'd lose if I couldn't fulfill them.
"Temporary," I say finally, making my decision. "Just until the shop is operational again. And I pay for all supplies, all flowers. This isn't charity."
