Jayden parked in front of the bakery. He stepped out of the car and went inside. The small bakery smelled of fresh bread, cinnamon, vanilla and some sweet sugary flavor.

“Good afternoon Mrs Thompson” – he politely greeted an older lady leaving the shop.

“Oh hello Jayden, how’s your parents?”

“They are well Mrs. Thompson, thank you.” Jayden smiled and opened the door for the older lady.

“Thank you, you are such a nice boy.” - She said leaving.

Jayden closed the door and moved to the shop counter with some cupcakes on display.

“Hi Jayden, what can I get you?” a blonde smiling woman greeted him.

“Oh, hi Mrs Hall. I’m here to have a word with Bran, has he returned yet?”

“No, he’s out.”

“I see, well I guess he still must be with that Omega. I will talk to him later.” Jayden looked curiously at the baked goods.

“Omega? What Omega?” Mrs. Hall looked at him puzzled.

“I thought you knew, he’s with Opal.”

“Opal?” – Mrs. Hall frowned, thinking deeply before she continued – “You mean that orphan?”

“Yes, she’s an orphan, the traitors’ child. Well, I must say I do admire Bran for the sake of love; he doesn't care about her past or the fact that she is not a pack member. He will probably be eliminated from being the future pack’s head warrior. Still he bravely holds to his feelings, even though they aren’t fated mates. Can I have those two chocolate muffins, they look so delicious.” – Jayden pointed at the chosen product.

“What?” - Mrs. Hall seemed not to process his last sentence.

“The muffins, the chocolate ones. I want two of them.” Jayden repeated with a bright smile.

“Oh, yes, yes sure” – she packed two muffins in a bag and handed it to Jayden.

“How much Mrs. Hall?”

“Nothing Jayden, it’s on the house.”

“Thank you very much and goodbye” with these words Jayden left the shop feeling so much better carrying two muffins to his car.

* * *

Opal was sitting with her back against Bran’s chest. He was stroking her arm and she felt the heat coming from him. They were looking at the fire without any need for talking. It really was a beautiful place. The quiet sound of water falling down from the waterfall and the birds chirping in the distance. She could stay like this forever.

“I wonder what you are thinking about?” - Bran broke the silence.

“How perfect this moment is.” - Opal replied.

“Do you want me to make it even better?” Bran smiled seductively and placed a kiss on her ear, then her jaw line and moved further to her neck. Opal held her breath for a moment then turned around facing Bran and kissed him back. The Alpha held her tightly pushing his tongue more aggressively into her mouth. His hands moved down her back and that was the moment when Opal pushed him back a little.

“Bran, I haven’t been with anyone before.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle or I can be aggressive if you want to.” He said with craving in his eyes.

“Don’t get me wrong, I like you but so far we scarcely know each other and have been on two dates including this one. I need some time.” Opal said, looking straight into his eyes.

“OK, I understand. I mean I’m a bit disappointed, but I like you too and I don’t want to push you or make you feel uncomfortable.” His answer seemed sincere and Opal felt at ease.

“I’m glad you understand.” - She cupped his cheeks and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “Let’s head back. I have a shift at Mabel’s today.”

Bran sighted.

“If only we could stay like this longer.”

“That would be nice but I’m on a mission today.”

“Mission?” Bran looked surprised.

“Yes, to clean every dirty plate left on the restaurant’s tables.” - she said seriously.

“That seems like a hard task.” He agreed, smiling at her.

Shortly after two pm they reached Mabel’s restaurant. They said goodbye and Bran left. Opal entered through the back door stepping right into Mabel.

“Oh darling you are early, I wanted to contact you but you have no phone. You see the thing is that Hope has some family matters and wanted to switch with you today. Is it OK to change shifts?

“Yes, actually it’s fine.” – Opal smiled thinking about a free afternoon. After all, it was her birthday.

“So nice of you, see you tomorrow then” - Mabel patted her shoulder and Opal left the restaurant. She wanted to go straight back home but then she stopped. It was her birthday that called for celebration and the only way it could be celebrated was with Raspberry Jam Swirl Cake. She could buy herself a piece, she had that much money.

The little bakery was just round the corner when Opal heard some agitated voices. As she came closer she recognized one, it was Bran talking with some woman in an alley with the bakery's back door opened. There was something alike between those two. Opal stopped, she didn’t want to eavesdrop but she felt kind of awkward to step into this conversation. Even more with every minute as the blonde woman seemed very worried.