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"You know, we need to start planning for heats," Rose suggests the day after Rey gets back. The lunch rush over, they are cleaning and prepping for dinner.

"Yeah, we probably do." Through she can't imagine a heat without Ben as her alpha. He's not ours—a whine in the back of her head. She's just glad that the blockers she takes every morning also include birth control. "I'm sorry again—"

"Hush. Planning for heats is one thing, a breakthrough one when you're on the strongest blockers you can get is another. Are you sure that this guy isn't your soulmate? You still smell like him."

"It should be gone in another day or so. And we didn't talk about it," Rey answers. She won't tell Rose how she still has several things from their nest at the cabin that now line hers. The same one she made as soon as she got home. She never knew she needed one until she did. Even now, she wants nothing more than to go roll around in the lingering scents of them. She turns her attention to the pie crust as she rolls it out. With the coming holidays, the friends are going to try something new, pies that you take home to bake whenever you're ready. Their customers love their pies and this way, maybe they won't be so busy at Thanksgiving and all the winter holidays that follow. "It felt like he had somewhere to be, and it wasn't with me."

She tries to swallow the sob but all of her misses him so much— "Rey, honey, you know you can't bake and be sad. It depresses the customers."

Rey tries to smile but her tears make it near impossible. "At least I know who he is. He's Leia and Han's son," she says as she wipes her tears with the back of her hand. Rose wraps her arm around her shoulders in a half hug and Rey tries to return it without touching her with pie-dough hands.

"You know I like to play hard to get. He knows how to get in touch with you if he really wants to, right? Then let him come to you." Rose watches her before she goes back to the stove to check on the apple filling she's been cooking. "I think I'll go off my blockers. Just for a heat of course. Maybe take one of those alpha's up on their offer?"

She knows that Rose has never been with an alpha before and she remembers how Ben felt—so her smile is easy when she says, "Yes, I think that's an amazing idea."

Brbrbrbrbr

"You know, you don't have to do this."

"Are you changing your mind about sending me in?"

"No, it's not that. But you seem—different," Lando says as he takes another sip of his coffee.

How do you tell your boss, your adopted uncle that you think, it feels like you met the love of your life just a little over a week ago? But you can't be with her yet because you have a weird savior complex that came directly from your mother and father who, in a way, introduced you to her?

"It's nothing," Ben answers. "I just got out of that long assignment—say, did you go to Mom and Dad's for Thanksgiving?"

"I did! You know with the evidence Hux already has, I bet we could get you home by this Thanksgiving. Now, this is a list of what we have so far—"

As Lando goes on and on about the case, Ben finds himself dreaming of soft moans and those hazel eyes of hers seeing into his soul and how it feels when he's balls deep— "Ben?" Lando interrupts his musings. And of course, since he's an alpha too he can— "Are you sure there isn't something you need to tell me? If you found your mate—then I can always send Snap in—"

"Snap and Snoke? He wouldn't last five minutes with those alphas." He sits back in his seat. "I'm fine. I know what I need to do to get this to trial."

"Alright Solo. that's what I'm counting on."

Brbrbrbrbr

"First, I need you here for a couple of weeks. I know what gets Snoke's attention, and I'm hoping that will get us to North Carolina." Armitage Hux, Ben's roommate from the academy from forever ago says. Since his office is bugged, they're meeting in a restaurant that's a known safe place for them, in a city far away from those who would listen. "I know you're wondering why there. Snoke likes the mountains for some god-forsaken reason."

"What part?" Ben asks. Fresh from meeting with Lando, he just got into Macon, and from what Hux has hinted at, he's not even unpacking everything, but he did unpack one of the blankets- He'll have to let his parents know to stay away from Asheville until all this was over. And to tell Maz and Chewy—oh. Rey.

His alpha roars in his need to go protect her.

"What's wrong? Your scent changed." They're in a back room—with a heavy, soundproof door. Only agents are allowed back—and the owner, Lor San Tekka.

"It's nothing. I'll just have to tell some little birds to go away. Now, what's your plan?"

"First, we have some errands to run. Once we do the pick-ups, let the other guys see you and meet you. Then we should get called up to Snoke," Hux says before he sips his tea. "Are you still going to go by Kylo Ren?"

"I think that's for the best." Ben nods. "How do you know that this will work?"

"There was someone else and this is how I got them in."

"How deep are they?" Ben asks.

"They were killed several months ago. His daughter asking for you," Hux says.

"His daughter? Do I know the family?"

"I think it's more of them hearing about you from him." A knock on the door before Lor enters pushing a cart. On it is everything they could possibly need. The agents murmur thank you, Lor nods on his way out. He seems—"How do I know him?"

"He's a retired cop who also worked with us at the academy."

Ben looks down at his salad. "This restaurant is a good idea. Are there more?"

"I'm sure there are. But it's a need-to-know type thing." Hux starts to eat his salad while Ben, well he starts to dream of a day when he's no longer lying to everyone he knows. Maybe he can open a restaurant with a safe room.

Maybe even with Rey by his side.

"Dude, what happened?" Hux says with a mouthful of lettuce. "Your scent keeps changing. It's almost— I can't have you going in there smelling like this."

"I know, I just went through a rut. I'll be alright in a couple of days." Ben exhales. He misses her more than he should.

"But you didn't mate her?" Hux asks. It's clear his appetite is fine as he takes another bite.

"You know how it is with us. We can't make promises because we don't know if we can keep them or not. I think she felt it too, this thing that connects us. I just didn't feel right asking her to wait."

Brbrbrbrbr

"He never asked me to wait. Maybe I should've brought it up?" Rey asks. It's now nearing two weeks since she returned from Boone—from him. She tries not to think about it or him and how much she wants to run upstairs to her nest, but her scent must change anyway because Rose gives her that look again. The look that's part pity and part get over him already—

Once a week they have an informal meeting about everything to do with the bakery and life. Maz always makes it so she can check on her girls as she calls Rey and Rose.

"Rose, when you figure out when you're taking your heat leave, feel free to use my cabin when you feel it's time. All the doors are steel, and you'll be safe. Unless you find an alpha here," Maz winks and nudges her in the side as she continues, "Then I understand. Rey as for you, you shared a heat with Ben Solo? Leia and Han's son, right?"

"Yes."

"Then, honestly, I'd listen to my omega. The way it sounds, she wants him, and he probably wants you right back. Hell, he'd be a fool not to. But here's the hard part, I have no idea what the kid actually does to make a living. He could be anywhere. You have to trust her."

"Yeah, that's what has me worried." Rey says. "Anyway, should we start planning for the holidays? What days are we going to close and who wants vacation?"

Brbrbrbrbr

It's been around three weeks since the last of Ben's scent disappears. It's still there in the nest and as much as she tries to convince her omega that they don't need to—well every morning they've woken up in the nest. Among their scent. She's starting to wonder if she'll ever be able to sleep in her bed again.

Only then does she feel comfortable enough to work the front counter again.

The last alpha—Kuruk she thinks his name is, finally leaves—but only after as he stared at her the entire time she was fixing his cappuccino and creeping her out that she lets her guard down.

"Stupid alpha," she fusses. She also takes another blocker. As much as she loves being an omega, she also wishes she was already mated. Which of course makes her wonder what Ben is doing. Has he started the new job? And as much as she knows she could call Maz and get Leia's number, something holds her back at the same time her omega is practically begging to talk to their alpha.

Rose had to go run some errands, so the bakery is usually quiet until about 11:30. She goes into the kitchen and pulls out some cookie sheets and chocolate chips. It doesn't take long for her to finish mixing her favorite cookies—chocolate chip of course and a pan of brownies.

The front is still quiet so Rey, with her heart in her throat and beating wildly to boot, picks up the phone to call Maz. A new number scribbled on the dry-erase board on the wall by the phone—then with a shaky hand she dials.

It rings the perfect number—twice before a professional, calm voice says, "Hello?"

"Can I speak to Leia?"

"This is her—is this Rey?" Leia asks, giving Rey a little break on introducing herself.

"It is. Let me guess Maz called?"

"She texted—" the two of them chuckle.

"That doesn't surprise me. I have a weird question," Rey asks.

"I do like those."

"Did Ben mention that we met each several weeks ago at your cabin?"

"Don't you remember? I was the one he was talking to when I do believe he found you in the pool."

How could she forget that little bit of information? Oh yeah, she just spent the entire week in a nest with her son, screwing each other's brains out through her heat and his rut.

"That's right. He mentioned that he started a new job this week. I was wondering if you had his address, I would like to send him some cookies."

"That is so sweet. I hate to say it, but due to the nature of his job, well, no one knows where he is. If I hear from him anytime soon, I'll tell him that you called." Leia tries to sound hopeful but even Rey can hear sadness in her voice.

"He didn't mention the job, so I hate to hear that." The bell over the front door rings, giving her a perfect excuse to end the call so she cannot go cry in a corner. "I've got to go; clients want lunch after all."

"Oh alright. Thank you for calling. Oh! And I hope to see you at Thanksgiving again."

"Sounds good. bye now."

"Bye."

The first customer comes in, and distracts Rey at the same time she hears Rose come in the backdoor. Together they feed their little town lunch—even though she just wants to go upstairs and cry.

After lunch, Rose asks, "Are you ok?"

She shrugs but more damn tears escape as her best friend wraps her in a hug. "I knew this was going to hurt. I get attached too easy."

"Hang on, what did Leia say?"

"That he's on a job and no one can get in touch with him."

"Well see, even she can't talk to him and here you are worried." Rose tightens her hug. "Didn't you say that there was something there? I bet he felt it too." Rose steps away to grab the bottle of rum they keep. Rey smiles through her tears and grabs the orange juice out of the refrigerator. "We need a drink."

Brbrbrbrbr

"And who's this?"

"Orson Krennic, this is Kylo Ren. I brought him in to help me tie-up some loose ends. Kylo this is Krennic," Hux introduces them.

Ben nods, and then watches. When his dad told him years ago to just watch people and they will tell you everything they need to know about themselves, he never knew that he'd be using the advice like this. But then again now he knows what Han Solo's real job was—Krennic holds out his hand and ben takes it in a firm handshake.

"Welcome," Krennic begins. And Ben can feel the other man measuring him and he can feel his alpha bristling under the beta's examination. "When you get tired of helping Hux, you can come help me. I need some more muscle like you."

Not sure what he does, Ben offers him an easy smile and a nod while Hux says, "I brought him here to help me. Since Snoke opened the new joint, I need more—"

"You know I was just saying that. You know that the boss wouldn't trust him," Krennic says. "But then he might not. I feel like I should know you. Who are your people?"

"They aren't in the business. Never have been." He'd blow his cover if he told him the truth. They don't need to know about Grandpa Anakin yet, if ever. Or even about Han Solo.

Krennic looks like he wants to continue, but thankfully, Hux who does know his family history says, "Here are the files he's wanting and here are the monthly accounts."

"Everyone pay on time?" Krennic asks.

"They did for the first time all year." The two men share a strange laugh and Ben nods. Being around Dad and Lando all these years, he's heard all kinds of shop talk—even when he wasn't supposed to. "I'm thinking, next time, Ren can go collect."

"Maybe." Krennic glances at him again. "I might have some other errands for him first."

Brbrbrbrbr

"When he said errands, I didn't think he'd mean a stake out," Ben grumbles. He's still not entirely sure who he's watching for, just that he's supposed to count how many females come through the door of this building. And it's not just any building, if his guess is right, it's the tallest building in Atlanta.

And yes, he has an idea of who he's looking for, or who Snoke is looking for. He's just sitting here, in the hot summer sun as a test. But then, he sees someone who— "Damn it," he swears. it's not her but the hair is the same chocolate brown as hers.

"Alpha—" he hears, "do that again—"

And he has to adjust himself as the memories of their heat and rut plays in his memories…

Brbrbrbrbr

"Go—"

"Are you sure?" Rose asks.

Rey throws a ball of dough and Rose catches it with a smile. "Neither one of us thought it would take this long for your heat to start. Go. You're staying in town but still take a week," Rey continues as he partner tries to protest. "I even made you a care bag since we ran out of baskets. Besides, two alphas? You're going to have to use the extra days to rest!"

"Bye." Rose grabs her in one last hug. "Really, though. If you need me—"

"I'll call Maz and Chewy. Now get!" Rey giggles.

The door swings shut behind her. As much as she wanted to ask Rose who she was spending her heat with, she didn't. Rose will tell her when she's ready.

Rey turns the lock, sealing off the outside world. She turns off the lights and the neon open sign that Rose just had to have. Years ago, when she first bought the building, she worried that it would be too noisy to live in the middle of the little town. But now, on evenings like this, she loves it. Summer storms have been moving through all day, chasing away the hot summer temps like a cat after a bug.

The rain continues to fall gently against their big windows that face Main Street. It casts a spell that only summer rains can and she sinks into one of the chairs that goes with the little table. she knows that she'll be more comfortable if she went upstairs. After all the same rain falls there that falls here. she also pushes aside the mental list of things she has to do to get ready for tomorrow.

The sweet scent of fresh, falling water fills the bakery. Tears for her lost Alpha fills her eyes. As she does at least ten times a day, she wonders where he is and what he's doing. But most of all, she hopes that he's safe.

She's not sure how long she sits there, but when she goes upstairs to go to bed she sees the blankets, pillows and even a futon mattress—evidently, she's been gathering for years—her omega takes over as she begins to arrange everything just so…

Brbrbrbrbr

"I asked you, where's the money at?" Ap'lek, one of Snoke's other alphas grows at the beta. More "errands" lead them to a warehouse in a town he's already forgotten the name of.

"I paid the payment!" the man whispers. it feels like he's already given up. he hasn't struggled since the Ushar and Cardo, more alphas, handcuffed him to the metal chair in the middle of the floor. It's so cliché, Ben wants to laugh. As much as Ben wants to intervene, this assignment is more important than this guy getting beat up.

"Then where in the fuck is it?" The mobster screams at him.

"I don't know." The middle-aged man starts to sob.

"This is the fifth time you've been late. You know that Snoke loaned you that cash in good faith that you'd come through for him. but you failed." Ap'lek leans over until he's right in the guy's face. "And it's time to pay the price."

Then before any of them in the warehouse could do or much less say anything, the gun in Ap'lek's back pocket connects with the man's temple. Sudden silence then a click. Ben's breath catches in his chest—as the gun echoes through the metal building.

The man, hell, he doesn't even know his name so he can tell Lando, slumps over in the chair his handcuffed wrists the only thing still holding him in place. Instead of moving the body, they leave him there while the others, Ushar and Cardo move like they've practiced this many times.

Meanwhile Ap'lek nods at Ben to join him at the entrance. "Follow me."

Ben follows out into the sunlight. Not sure what to say, he doesn't say anything. "Snoke wants you to move up to clean up and soon." Ap'lek lights a cigarette and then offers Ben one. He takes it, willing to do anything in this moment besides listen to Snoke's plans for him.

It's going to be a bitch to quit again. But after what just happened, he needs a lot more than a smoke.

Ben nods his agreement. Hopefully with what just happened, they'll finally have enough evidence to take down the entire network.

It's not until later, when he's back in the cheap apartment Hux found for him that he lets himself remember. It feels so far away—the cabin, the woods and her. He knows that she took some of their nest, what she doesn't know is that he has the rest of it.

And while alphas usually don't nest, being this far away from her, he's had to. It keeps his alpha at rest, so he doesn't go to her. He will when he can, but he can't even though everything inside him is screaming at him to-