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Chapter Fifty-Seven

Nicolaus

I watched Lilianna go into the music store, my lips curving into a smile.

The way her eyes had lit up when she realized what I'd planned—that moment would stay with me forever.

She'd looked at me like I'd handed her the world, when really all I'd done was give her permission to take what was already hers.

My phone buzzed with a text from Julian in the group chat: How's the date going?

I typed back quickly: Better than expected. She's in her violin lesson now.

Miles: How did the morning go? Did she enjoy the swimming?

Christopher: More importantly, did YOU enjoy the swimming?

I felt heat rise to my cheeks as I typed back: The morning was perfect. She's incredible.

Christopher: That's our boy. Finally lost that legendary control, didn't you?

I laughed shaking my head, typing back a response: Shut up.

Julian: He's not denying it

Miles: Leave him alone. I'm proud of him for taking what he needed. He has also been the busiest out of all of us so he has had less time with her.

I snorted, It was true. I had been busy, between swimming and helping with a case at the firm because my parents had asked me to help on this particular case.

Julian: Are you still meeting up with Lucian and his pack Omega….Lydia?

Me: Yes. Meeting them for Lydia’s store. This way we can have quiet and let the two girls talk without us Alpha’s hovering.

I glanced up from my phone after I hit send. I watched her from a few feet away. She stood on the sidewalk outside the music shop, her violin case in one hand, face tilted toward the sun like she was soaking in more than just warmth.

There was a lightness to her now. A grace that hadn’t been there this morning, before Elena. It was in the way she held the case—not just as an object, but as something claimed. Something hers .

She took a deep breath before glancing at me, a smile on her face, “Hi.”

"Hi yourself," I said, pocketing my phone as I straightened from leaning against the car. "How was your lesson?"

She practically glowed as she approached me, holding the violin case like it contained something precious. "It was... amazing. Elena is incredible. She didn't make me feel stupid for not knowing anything. She just... let me try."

The wonder in her voice made something in my chest tighten. I reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "And? What did you think of actually playing?"

"I was terrible," she laughed, the sound bright and unrestrained. "Absolutely horrible. I made noises that probably scared birds away for miles." Her smile widened. "And I loved every second of it."

I couldn't help but smile back, drawn in by her joy. "That's the point. Not to be perfect, but to experience it."

She seemed to want to say something before I saw determination flash across her face as moved so she was standing in front of me, standing on her toes giving me a kiss. It was a quick peck, but still made me smile.

“Thank you.” She breathed, smile on her face as her cheeks heated up, but her eyes were bright and almost sparkling.

I cupped her face gently, my thumbs brushing across her warm cheeks. "You don't need to thank me for giving you what should have always been yours."

Her eyes softened at my words, and for a moment we just stood there on the sidewalk, the afternoon sun warming us both. I could see the music lesson had done something to her—opened a door she'd been afraid to walk through.

"Ready for the next part?" I asked, though I was reluctant to break this perfect moment.

She nodded eagerly, practically bouncing on her toes. "What's next?"

I gestured toward the quaint shops lining the street. "There's someone I want you to meet. Another Omega, actually. Her name is Lydia, and she has a shop that sells paints and other art supplies.”

Lilianna's expression grew curious. "Another Omega?"

I nodded, taking the Violin from her so I could put it in the truck, “Yes. I don’t know her personally. I know her Alpha…well one of them. She came from a situation similar to yours.”

Lilianna's eyes widened with understanding and a hint of apprehension. "She did?"

"From what Lucian’s told me, yes. Her family arranged a mating to someone.

.. unsuitable. She ran, and found her way to their pack.

" I watched her expression carefully, noting the way she processed this information.

"I thought you might like to meet someone who understands what it's like to choose your own path. "

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and I saw a flicker of something—hope, maybe, or relief at knowing she wasn't alone in her experiences. "That would be nice," she said softly. "I've never met another Omega who... who chose differently."

I offered her my arm, and she took it with a smile that made my chest warm. "Lucian said she's been looking forward to meeting you.”

We walked down the street, past cafes with outdoor seating and boutique shops with hand-painted signs.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows between the buildings, and I could feel Lilianna's nervous energy as we approached a cheerful storefront.

A wooden sign reading "Canvas & Dreams " swung gently in the breeze which looked to me newly painted.

Through the large windows, I could see shelves lined with paint tubes, brushes, and canvases of every size.

A woman with auburn hair pulled back in a messy bun was arranging a display of watercolor sets, her movements graceful and sure.

She looked up as we approached, and her face broke into a warm smile.

"That's Lydia," I said quietly, feeling Lilianna's grip tighten slightly on my arm, as another figure came out of one of the back, he was tall, red hair as well, “And that is Lucian.”

“I’m about to be surrounded by redheads,” she murmured, her voice tinged with amused disbelief.

I glanced over, cocking a brow. “Are we a problem?”

She shook her head, a laugh leaving her, “No just making an observation.” I gave a chuckle as we stepped inside.

The shop was warm and colorful, filled with sunlight streaming through the tall windows.

Canvases lined the walls in varying sizes—abstract swirls, serene landscapes, and portraits that seemed to hold quiet emotion in every brushstroke.

Dried flower bundles hung from beams above, and the scent of them mixed with fresh paint created something uniquely comforting.

“Wow…” Lilianna breathed, stepping further in, her fingers trailing along a nearby shelf that held tiny hand-painted wood charms, preservatives and herbal teas.

Lydia looked up from her display as we entered, her face breaking into a genuine smile.

She was petite with warm blue eyes and freckles scattered across her nose, her auburn hair escaping from its messy bun in soft tendrils.

There was something immediately approachable about her—an openness that reminded me of Miles, though with a creative energy all her own.

"You must be Lilianna," she said, wiping her paint-stained hands on her apron before extending one toward us. "I'm Lydia. Nicolaus told Lucian you might be stopping by."

Lilianna stepped forward, accepting the handshake with a shy smile. "It's wonderful to meet you. Your shop is incredible—I've never seen anything like it."

"Thank you," Lydia beamed, her eyes lighting up with pride. "I am just finishing remodeling.” The Alpha beside her—Lucian—was tall and broad-shouldered, with the same auburn hair and an easy confidence that spoke of someone comfortable in his own skin.

"We're very proud of her," Lucian said, his deep voice carrying a warmth that matched his smile. He extended his hand to me first, a customary greeting between Alphas, before turning to Lilianna. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

I watched Lilianna carefully, noting how she straightened slightly before accepting his handshake. She was becoming more confident with each passing day—more comfortable asserting her presence around unfamiliar Alphas.

"Thank you for having us," she replied, her voice steady despite the nervousness I could sense beneath her calm exterior.

"Would you like some tea?" Lydia asked, gesturing toward the back of the shop where a small seating area was arranged around a low table. "I just put on a kettle of chamomile and Lemon.”

"That sounds lovely," Lilianna said, her voice carrying genuine warmth. "I'd love to try it."

Lucian caught my eye and nodded toward the front of the shop. "Why don't we let them get acquainted?”

I understood the subtle suggestion—give the Omegas space to connect without Alpha presence potentially influencing their conversation. "Of course," I agreed, following him toward the window, far enough to not be hovering while they talked.

As we moved away, I could hear Lydia's voice, bright and welcoming as she guided Lilianna toward the seating area. "I hope you don't mind the paint smell. I've been working on repainting the store this week and haven't had time to properly air everything out."

"I don't mind at all," Lilianna replied, her eyes glancing over to me but I gave her a reassuring smile before letting her do what she wanted. I hoped she could make a new friend here and maybe get some reassurance. She deserved it.