Mellifuous ✔

Chapter 17: The Quiet Bond

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The warmth of the pack house seemed to swell as the evening progressed, the hum of conversation and laughter creating a cocoon of comfort. Eli, however, had made his decision. From the moment he had toddled over to Damion and wrapped his small arms around the young alpha's legs, there was no separating him.

Dinner was a quiet ordeal for the small pup, at least until someone tried to move him. It started innocently enough—a gentle suggestion from Santiago to come back to his chair, or Grace offering to guide him closer to her so she could keep an eye on him. Each time, Eli's response was the same: a soft whimper that built into a heartbreaking wail if they so much as touched his little arms to lead him away.

Damion, caught in the middle, sat stiffly at first, glancing nervously between the adults and the little omega clinging to his side. "It's okay," he said eventually, his voice uncertain but kind. "He can stay. I don't mind."

Relief spread across the table as the adults exchanged amused and knowing smiles. "Alright, pup," Santiago murmured, brushing a hand over Eli's head. "You win."

With that settled, they moved Eli's little puppy chair right beside Damion, ensuring he had his place. The moment Eli was situated, his face lit up with the brightest smile, a rare glimpse of joy that softened every heart in the room. Damion, still unsure of what exactly he had done to earn the omega's unwavering trust, gave him a small, awkward grin in return.

Eli seemed perfectly content, reaching eagerly for the food Grace placed on his small plate. Santiago had to remind himself to breathe as he watched the pup happily munching away. It was such a small thing, but the sight of Eli eating with such joy felt monumental. For so long, the little omega had been quiet, reserved, retreating into himself at every new experience. But tonight, beside Damion, Eli seemed at ease.

"Do you think he... smells something on him?" Will whispered softly to Santiago, his brow furrowed in thought. "Something familiar?"

"Maybe," Santiago replied, though he wasn't entirely convinced. "Or maybe it's just that Damion's gentle. He didn't push, didn't try to make him do anything. Maybe that's what Eli needed—someone safe."

Across the table, Grace caught their murmured conversation and leaned closer, her voice warm with curiosity. "Whatever it is, it's sweet to see. Damion hasn't stopped smiling since Eli decided to make him his new favorite."

Indeed, Damion's initial awkwardness had given way to a quiet pride. He helped Eli with his plate when the pup struggled to balance it, carefully passing him bits of food when his little hands couldn't quite manage on their own. Eli, for his part, mirrored the young alpha's every move, his big, trusting eyes fixed on Damion as though he were the only person in the room.

It was adorable, if not a little puzzling.

"Do you like your food, Eli?" Grace asked softly, leaning over the table to catch the omega's eye.

Eli didn't respond with words, but his small smile and a nod told her everything she needed to know. His tiny fingers held tightly to a piece of bread as he glanced up at Damion, as if seeking approval before taking a bite.

"You don't have to ask me," Damion said with a laugh, catching the pup's look. "It's your bread, Eli."

The little omega giggled then, a soft, bubbling sound that drew the attention of everyone at the table. It was the first time they had heard him laugh, and it sent a ripple of warmth through the room. Santiago felt his throat tighten, the sound so pure and unexpected that it brought tears to his eyes.

"Guess that settles it," Will said softly, his hand brushing against Santiago's under the table. "Damion's officially the favorite."

Santiago raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh, don't be jealous," he teased, leaning closer to his mate. "He loves you, too. You're still number one in his heart, I'm sure."