131 Cookies

Levi’s POV

“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 a small bow, stepped back, and quietly left the kitchen.

I took a deep breath and moved to 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 remembered the first time I made them—they were terrible, even burnt—but Olivia ate them all, smiling and saying it wasn’t the taste that mattered, but the heart I put into them. That day, I vowed to get better. I spent hours each week perfecting my technique. Within a month, I was good—so good that every Saturday, I made a fresh batch just for her, enough to last the week. And without fail, every time I handed her that box of cookies, she smiled as if it were the best thing in the world.

Unfortunately, her fourteenth birthday was the last day I baked cookies for her.

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 a long time since I saw her smile genuinely. 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, ensuring 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 smelled 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—the same kind I used to use when we were younger. I tied a ribbon around it and held it, staring. 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, 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, realizing 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, taking the box.

I watched her open the box and take out a cookie. 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’s verdict.

She looked at the cookie in her hand for a moment, turning it slightly as if trying to determine its familiarity. 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 on the bed beside her and looking 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.