"Alpha, are you sure you don't need us to help you?" the head kitchen maid asked again, watching me with worried eyes.
I shook my head, already tying the apron around my waist. "No. I'll handle this myself."
She gave me a small bow and stepped back, watching me for a moment before quietly leaving the kitchen.
I took a deep breath and moved toward the counter, where the ingredients were neatly arranged. Flour, sugar, eggs, butter—everything I needed. My fingers lingered on the wooden spoon, and a small smile tugged at the corner of my lips.
I wanted to make cookies. The ones I used to make for Olivia when we were younger. I remember the first time I made them—it was terrible, even got burnt—but with a big smile on her face, Olivia ate it all, telling me it wasn't the taste that mattered but the heart I used in making it.
That day… I had vowed to get better. I spent hours each week perfecting my technique. In a month, I was good at it—so good that every Saturday, I would make a fresh batch, just for her. Enough to last her the week. And without fail, every time I handed over that box of cookies, she smiled like it was the best thing in the world.
Unfortunately, her fourteenth birthday was the last day I prepared cookies for her… in that box I gave her, a pack of cookies was inside too.
I inhaled sharply, pushing the thought aside before it could drown me.
I took a deep breath and slowly began mixing, focusing on each step. The soft smell of butter filled the kitchen, and for a moment, it felt like I was back in those peaceful days.
I just want her to smile again, it's been long I saw her smile genuinely. This content belongs to novel⚑fire.net
I wanted her to remember me—not the Alpha I've become, not the cold, distant man I was—but the boy who once burned cookies just to see her laugh.
Even if she never remembers… even if she never forgives me… at least I can remind her of the taste of something made with my heart.
I mixed the dough slowly, making sure everything was just right. When it was ready, I added the chocolate chips—Olivia's favorite part. She always said I added too many, and I'd laugh and tell her to eat them all.
I put the dough on a tray and placed it in the oven. As the cookies baked, the kitchen started to smell warm and sweet, just like the old days. For a moment, it felt like nothing had changed.
When they were done, I packed them carefully in a small wooden box. It was the same kind of box I used to use when we were younger. I tied a ribbon around it and held it in my hands, staring at it. My heart felt heavy, but I also felt a little hope.
I walked to her room and stood at the door. After taking a deep breath, I knocked.
"The door is open," her voice said softly.
I opened the door and stepped inside. She was sitting on the bed with the book Lennox had given her in her lap. She looked at me, and for a second, I didn't know what to say.
"I… brought something for you," I said, sounding tense.
She looked a bit confused as I walked closer and held out the box.
"They're cookies," I said. "The kind I used to make for you…" I paused and realized she would be confused. "The type I used to make for someone I cared for."
She looked at the box, then up at me. Her eyes showed a mix of emotions—confusion, surprise… maybe even a little warmth.
I know she doesn't remember me, but maybe… her heart will remember the taste.
"Thank you," she said and took the box from me.
I watched her open the box of cookies and pull out one. Where I stood, I anxiously waited for her to take a bite. I was so anxious—it felt like I was in a cooking competition, waiting for the judge to say if I passed or failed.
She looked at the cookie in her hand for a moment, turning it slightly like she was trying to figure out if it felt familiar. Then, slowly, she took a bite.
My heart nearly stopped.
She chewed in silence, her expression unreadable. I couldn't breathe—I just stood there, frozen, watching her every move.
Then… she blinked. And a small, very small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"It's… sweet," she said quietly, looking down at the cookie.
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "I wasn't sure you'd like it."
"You made them yourself?" she asked.
I nodded. "Every single one."
She looked down at the box, then back at me. "Thank you, Alpha Levi. But I think I have more pressing issues at hand," she said, dropping the box of cookies on the bed beside her and looked up at me with a serious look.
"I heard that the full moon is taking place in three days," she said, seemingly worried.
I swallowed hard and forced a nod.
Olivia looked panicked. "I want to talk to Gabriel… please put him on the phone… I can't go on heat here… I need to be with Gabriel… it's my first heat after being his mate," she said in a panicked voice, and I froze. I didn't know what to say… what to do.
"Alpha Levi… I want to talk to my husband," she demanded.
I stepped back slowly, trying to breathe. I couldn't handle this alone.
"Lennox, Louis," I said through the mind-link, my voice shaking. "Come to Olivia's room. I need help. She's asking for Gabriel."
"Damn it." Lennox sounded pissed.
"She knows about the full moon," I added. "She's scared and wants to talk to Gabriel. Please hurry."
"We're coming," Louis said quickly.