Julian moved to stand beside me, close enough that I could feel his warmth but not so close as to crowd me. "Try the weighted samples," he suggested gently. "Some omegas find the pressure soothing."
I moved to a display of weighted fabric squares, lifting one experimentally. The gentle pressure felt immediately comforting, like a reassuring embrace. "This is nice," I admitted, surprised by how naturally my body responded to the sensation
"Weighted blankets are very popular among our omega customers," Davina explained, moving to a nearby display. "Deep pressure stimulation can help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep." She gestured to several blankets in different weights and fabrics. "These range from ten to twenty-five pounds, depending on your body weight and preference."
I ran my hands over a fifteen-pound blanket covered in the same merino wool I'd been drawn to earlier. The combination of the soft fabric and gentle weight felt like security made tangible.
"What about scent-retaining materials?" Julian asked, his voice carefully neutral despite the slight flush I caught on his cheeks.
Davina's expression remained professional as she led us to another section. "These fabrics are specially treated to hold scent longer than traditional materials. They're washable but maintain their absorption properties." She held up a throw pillow covered in a soft, cream-colored material. "This line is particularly effective—it can hold a scent for up to two weeks with regular use."
My fingers brushed against the pillow, immediately appreciating the softness combined with the subtle texture. "It's beautiful," I murmured, imagining how comforting it would be to have something that could maintain a reassuring scent when I felt anxious or overwhelmed.
"We also have these," Davina continued, moving to a display of what looked like soft scarves in various colors. "They're designed to be scented and worn close to the body when you need comfort outside your nest. Many omegas find them helpful during stressful situations or when traveling."
Julian picked up a deep forest green scarf, the color reminding me of Miles's eyes. "This would suit you," he said quietly, holding it out for me to touch.
The material was incredibly soft against my fingertips, with a subtle sheen that caught the light beautifully. I could imagine how comforting it would be to have something like this during my doctor appointments or other anxiety-inducing situations.
"That's one of our most popular items," Davina noted approvingly. "The fabric is a bamboo-silk blend that's both breathable and incredibly soft. Holds a scent beautifully, but isn't overwhelming."
I found myself nodding, already imagining how the scarf might provide comfort during difficult moments. "I think I'd like this one."
Julian smiled, the warmth in his expression making my chest flutter. "Excellent choice. What else catches your eye?"
I spent the next twenty minutes exploring the store with growing confidence, Julian and Davina both patient as I touched various materials and asked questions. I selected the weighted blanket in merino wool, several pillows in the scent-retaining fabric, a collection of ultra-soft throws in coordinating colors, and the green bamboo-silk scarf. Each item felt like a smalldeclaration of independence—choices made based on my own preferences rather than what others deemed appropriate.
"Is there anything else you'd like to explore?" Davina asked as we gathered my selections. "We have some lovely essential oil diffusers designed specifically for nesting spaces, and temperature-regulating sheets that many omegas swear by."
I glanced at Julian, who nodded encouragingly. "The sheets might be helpful during your transition period," he said quietly. "Dr. Chen mentioned you might experience changes in body temperature regulation."
The practical consideration made sense, and I found myself drawn to a set of sheets in a soft sage green that would complement the other items I'd chosen. The fabric felt impossibly smooth, with a subtle cooling effect that seemed to promise comfortable nights even if my body temperature fluctuate.
"I'll take these too," I decided, adding them to our growing collection.
As Davina began processing our selections, Julian moved to examine a display of small, decorative items. He returned holding a beautiful stone lamp that emitted a soft, ambient glow.
"This might be nice for your space," he suggested. "The light is adjustable—bright enough to read by but can dim to a gentle nightlight."
I touched the smooth surface of the lamp, admiring how the light seemed to glow from within the natural stone. "It's beautiful."
"It's a himalayan salt lamp," Davina explained as she carefully wrapped my other selections. "Many find the light particularly soothing for nesting spaces—less harsh than traditional lamps."
Julian added it to our purchases without further discussion, his quiet generosity making my throat tight with emotion. As Davina tallied our selections, I felt overwhelmed by the growingtotal but also by something deeper—the care Julian was showing in helping me create a space that would truly be mine.
"This is too much," I whispered to Julian as Davina moved to wrap the lamp. "You're spending so much money on me."
Julian turned to face me fully, his hazel eyes serious. "Lilianna, creating a proper nest isn't frivolous spending—it's essential for your wellbeing. Especially during the transition you're about to undergo." His voice softened. "Besides, seeing you discover what brings you comfort is worth every penny."
I bit my lip, still struggling with accepting such generosity. "But what if I change my mind about what I like? What if I chose wrong?"
"Then we'll come back and get different things," Julian replied simply. "Preferences can evolve, and our pack makes more than enough to spoil you.”
His casual mention of "our pack" sent a flutter through my chest that I wasn't quite ready to examine. The possessive warmth in his voice when he said it made me feel claimed in a way that should have been frightening but instead felt... safe.
"Thank you," I managed, my voice thick with emotion I couldn't quite name. "For all of this. For letting me choose."
Julian's expression softened, and for a moment I thought he might reach out to touch my face the way he had during my panic attack. Instead, he simply nodded. "Always, Lilianna. Your choices, your comfort, your pace."
