Chapter Twenty-Nine: Bittersweet Moments

The kitchen was filled with the warm, sweet smell of chocolate as Charlie moved around, focused on her latest baking project. It was well past lunchtime and too early for dinner, but she didn’t care. Today wasn’t about feeding the pack—this was for her mates. She wanted to make something special, something sweet to show both Luther and Liam how much she appreciated them, how grateful she was for their care and protection. They had done so much for her, and baking felt like the perfect way to give a little something back.

Luther had been supposed to stay with them, but he had been called away on urgent pack business. Before leaving, he had kissed her forehead, promising that he’d be back soon. She had smiled and reassured him that she’d be fine with Liam for company.

Liam, as it turned out, was hardly making her work easier. He lounged at the kitchen island, watching her with an amused glint in his eyes as she worked, constantly sneaking his hand toward the dessert batter she was preparing. Each time he tried, Charlie laughed, swatting at his hand with the wooden spoon.

“Liam!” she scolded playfully, a grin spreading across her face. “You’re worse than a child. At least let me finish before you eat it all!”

Liam grinned back, not at all ashamed. “How can I resist? Everything you make smells so good.” He reached for a piece of the batter she had set aside, but she quickly blocked his attempt with her spoon, laughing at the mock frustration on his face.

Charlie couldn’t help but giggle as she turned back to her task. It was moments like these that filled her heart with warmth—the playful banter, the light teasing. For the first time in so long, her life felt peaceful. Safe. She hadn’t laughed like this in years, and it surprised her how easy it came now, especially around Liam and Luther.

As she stirred the brownie batter, she felt a twinge of disappointment that Luther wasn’t here to share in the moment. She had wanted to bake for both of them, to show them both just how much they meant to her. But she knew pack business couldn’t be avoided, and she was sure he would return soon.

With the batter mixed and ready, Charlie carefully poured it into the baking pan. She slid the tray into the oven, wiping her hands on her apron, and turned to find Liam standing right behind her, grinning mischievously. “You sure there’s no extra for me to taste now?”

“Liam!” She couldn’t help but laugh again, shaking her head. “You’ll have to wait until they’re baked. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll let you have some—if you behave.”

Liam feigned hurt, clutching his chest. “Me? Misbehave? I’m just an innocent Alpha with a sweet tooth.”

Charlie giggled as she leaned in, swatting him lightly with her towel. “Well, this innocent Alpha better watch out, or I’ll ban him from the kitchen.”

Before Liam could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention. The pack’s doctor, Dorian, entered the kitchen, his face serious. He gave Charlie a small nod of acknowledgment before turning to Liam.

“Liam, I need to speak with you in private. It’s important,” Dorian said, his voice low.

Liam hesitated, his playful demeanor fading as his Alpha instincts took over. His eyes flicked to Charlie, concern flashing in them for a moment, as if he were torn between staying with her and attending to whatever issue the doctor had brought to his attention.

Charlie sensed his inner struggle, and a pang of guilt twisted in her chest. She didn’t want to be the reason Liam neglected his duties, especially as Alpha. Trying to ease his worries, she playfully shoved him toward the door, a smile on her face. “Go on, Liam. I’ll be fine for a few minutes. It’s just brownies, nothing dangerous.”

Liam’s hesitation lingered for a moment, but then he smiled softly, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Alright, but I’ll be back soon,” he promised.

“I’ll be here,” Charlie replied with a smile, watching as he followed Dorian out of the kitchen. The door swung shut behind them, leaving her alone with the quiet hum of the oven and the lingering scent of chocolate.

For a few moments, Charlie simply stood there, soaking in the stillness of the room. Normally, being alone would have filled her with anxiety, but today was different. She felt calm, her mind at ease, and for the first time in what felt like forever, her thoughts weren’t dark or filled with fear. Instead, her mind wandered to the tender moments she had shared with both Liam and Luther—how they had taken such good care of her, how they had made her feel safe, wanted.

A sudden burst of joy filled her chest, and it wasn’t just from her memories. Something deep within her stirred, a familiar presence she had longed to feel again.

Raven.

Her wolf, silent for so long after saving their lives, was finally waking up.

Charlie’s eyes widened in surprise as she felt Raven’s warm, comforting presence in the back of her mind. It was faint, but unmistakable. Her wolf was returning, bringing with her a sense of completeness Charlie hadn’t realized she was missing. A bright smile spread across her face as she mentally reached out to Raven, her heart swelling with happiness.

‘You’re back,’ Charlie thought, her joy almost overwhelming.

‘I’m here,’ Raven’s voice replied softly, still weak but filled with affection. ‘I never left you. Just needed to rest.’

Charlie could have cried from the relief and happiness that washed over her. For the first time in what felt like forever, everything seemed to be falling into place. She wasn’t alone—not with her mates, and not with Raven.

But just as that feeling of peace settled over her, the kitchen door swung open again, and the sound of approaching footsteps broke the moment.

Charlie turned, expecting to see Liam or Luther returning, but her heart sank the moment she laid eyes on Leah.

Leah stood in the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest, a disgusted sneer twisting her face as she glared at Charlie. The venom in her eyes was unmistakable, and the tension in the room instantly thickened.

“Well, well, well,” Leah drawled, her tone dripping with disdain. “Look who’s playing house in the pack kitchen.”

Charlie’s breath caught in her throat, the joy she had felt just moments ago evaporating in an instant. She instinctively took a small step back, her body tensing as Leah’s sharp gaze raked over her, taking in the apron she wore, the flour dusted on her hands.

“What are you even doing here?” Leah spat, her voice filled with bitterness. “Do you really think you belong here? With them?”

Charlie’s heart pounded in her chest, her earlier happiness now replaced by a gnawing sense of dread. She clenched her fists, trying to steady her racing thoughts, but Leah’s words cut deep.

For a moment, Charlie stood frozen, unsure of how to respond. But then, from the back of her mind, Raven stirred, her presence giving Charlie the strength she needed to face Leah.

Charlie straightened her spine, refusing to let Leah see the fear that still lurked at the edges of her mind. She wasn’t that broken Omega anymore. She had her mates, her wolf, and her strength.

But as she met Leah’s cold stare, she couldn’t help but wonder how this confrontation would play out.

And whether she was truly ready for it.