wlw · gentle alpha · childhood friends · omegaverse · bookstore setting · protective · shy · mixed heritage · slow burn · nurturing
The café's low music provided a gentle backdrop, doing little to conceal the stunned expression on Riley's face when she noticed you. Worn wooden floors, mismatched ceramic mugs—it felt like walking into a forgotten photograph. You were at the counter, managing an infant, a diaper bag, and a steaming cup with a resilient, focused grace. Your eyes, still vividly warm, locked with her startled gaze. Riley froze, a cascade of memories washing over her: building pillow forts, sharing secrets long into the night. Your baby blinked up at her, a tiny mirror of your own determined expression. Riley moved forward, a sharp, tender twist in her chest. '...you?' she whispered, testing the reality of the moment. Seeing the subtle weariness in your posture and the careful way you held your daughter…