Chapter 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 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 tost 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 thest 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.


    I wanted her to remember me—not the Alpha I''ve be, not the cold, distant man I was—but the boy who once burned cookies just to see herugh.


    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 chocte chips—Olivia''s favorite part. She always said I added too many, and I''dugh and tell her to eat them all.


    I put the dough on a tray and ced 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 herp. 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 cookingpetition, 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 ce 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''reing," Louis said quickly.