16. Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
I let my mind wander as we walk, the familiar streets of my neighborhood feeling somehow alien after the events of the past days. Gabriel walks slightly ahead of me, his posture alert despite the casual way he maintains conversation. I notice how other pedestrians unconsciously give him space, the subtle shift in their paths as they sense the Alpha in their midst.
"Theo texted," Gabriel says, glancing at his phone. "The cleaning crew is making good progress. They should be finished by evening."
"That's... fast," I comment, surprised at the efficiency. "Usually these things take days."
Gabriel pockets his phone, the hint of a smile playing at his lips. "We have connections with services that understand urgency."
"Of course you do," I mutter, though without real annoyance. At this point, I'm grateful for any advantage that gets my shop back to normal faster. There's something about Gabriel that makes it difficult to maintain my usual wariness around Alphas. Perhaps it's his quiet competence, or the way he seems to respect my independence even while insisting on protecting me.
"What are you thinking?" he asks, his voice pulling me from my thoughts.
"That my life has become unrecognizable in the span of a week," I reply honestly. "And I'm not sure how to feel about it."
Gabriel's pace slows to match mine, his shoulder occasionally brushing against mine as we navigate around a group of teenagers on skateboards. "Change is rarely comfortable," he observes, his voice low enough that only I can hear. "Especially when it's forced upon us."
I glance up at him, struck by the unexpected wisdom in his words. "Is that from your extensive experience protecting witnesses?"
His lips quirk upward. "Something like that."
I gave a hum, as we could start to see my shop now. Even from a distance, I can see the activity through the windows—people in matching uniforms moving efficiently among the wreckage, restoring order to chaos.
"Is it strange that I feel guilty?" I ask suddenly.
Gabriel glances down at me, brow furrowed. "Guilty? For what?"
"For putting your pack in danger," I admit, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "For disrupting your lives. You all had your routines, your work, and now you're babysitting me, using your connections to fix my shop, turning your sunroom into a makeshift flower arrangement space..."
Gabriel stops walking, turning to face me fully. His expression is serious but not unkind. "First, we're not babysitting you. We're protecting a witness in an active investigation—a witness who was directly targeted. That's our job." He pauses, his blue eyes holding mine. "Second, my pack is more than capable of adapting to change. And third," his voice softens slightly, "you didn't put anyone in danger. The people who broke into your shop did that."
I look away, uncomfortable with the intensity of his gaze. "Still feels like I'm imposing."
Gabriel's hand brushes against my cheek as he tucks the strand of hair behind my ear, his touch gentle but sending an unexpected spark through me. "You're not imposing," he says firmly. "If anything, you've been remarkably accommodating considering the circumstances."
I swallow hard, acutely aware of his proximity, of the warmth radiating from him. "That's a polite way of saying I haven't completely fallen apart yet."
A genuine smile touches his lips, transforming his usually serious expression. "I wouldn't put it quite like that, but yes—your resilience is... impressive."
We stand there for a moment, something unspoken passing between us before Gabriel clears his throat and steps back, professional demeanor sliding back into place.
"We should keep moving," I say, stepping back slightly. "I want to check in with Theo before we head to my apartment."
Gabriel nods, respecting my unspoken need for space. We walk the remaining distance to the shop in silence, each lost in our own thoughts. As we approach, I can see Theo through the window, tablet in hand as he directs the cleaning crew. He looks up as we enter, adjusting his glasses.
"Progress report?" Gabriel asks as we step inside, careful to avoid the wet patches where the floor has been freshly mopped.
"Ahead of schedule," Theo replies, his efficient tone matching his precise movements. "The display area should be fully cleaned by five. Window replacement team is actually running early—they'll be here within the hour." He glances at me, a hint of sympathy in his eyes. "The cooler inventory is intact, as we hoped. I've taken the liberty of contacting your suppliers to confirm your standing orders."
"You did what?" I ask, surprised by his initiative.
"I didn't change anything," Theo clarifies quickly. "Just confirmed that your regular deliveries will continue as scheduled. I thought it would save you time."
I'm momentarily speechless, touched by his thoughtfulness yet still uncomfortable with how seamlessly these Alphas have inserted themselves into every aspect of my life in such a little amount of time.
"That was... thoughtful," I manage, still processing. "Thank you, Theo."
He nods, a small smile touching his lips before he returns to his tablet. "The flowers for the Sullivan wedding should arrive Wednesday. I've arranged for them to be delivered directly to our house, unless you'd prefer otherwise."
"No, that's... that makes sense," I admit, glancing around at the ongoing cleanup. Despite the efficiency of the crew, it's clear the shop won't be ready for delicate flower arrangements by Wednesday.
"I've also taken the liberty of contacting your most urgent customers," Theo continues, scrolling through his tablet. "Mrs. Hoffman's anniversary arrangement has been postponed until Tuesday, with her full understanding. The Martins' baby shower centerpieces have been rescheduled for delivery from our location.”
I stare at Theo, a mix of gratitude and alarm warring within me. "You've been busy," I say finally, unsure whether to thank him or scold him for taking such liberties with my business.
"Efficiency is kind of his thing," Gabriel comments, the hint of a smile playing at his lips. "He can't help himself."
Theo adjusts his glasses, looking slightly embarrassed. "I thought time was of the essence. If I overstepped—"
"No," I interrupt, shaking my head. "It's fine. Actually, it's more than fine—it's incredibly helpful. I just... I'm not used to having someone else handle these things."
"Understandable," Theo says with a small nod. "Independence is important to you."
The simple acknowledgment of this core aspect of my personality catches me off guard. I hadn't expected such perception from an Alpha I barely knew. But then again, these Alphas have been consistently surprising me since I met them.
"Yes," I acknowledge, meeting his eyes. "It is."
Theo's gaze flickers to Gabriel before returning to me. "We're not trying to take that from you. Just... supplement it temporarily while you get back on your feet."
The sincerity in his voice makes it difficult to maintain my defensiveness. I nod, accepting his explanation and the help it represents. "I appreciate that. And everything you've done."
"It's nothing," Theo assures me, returning his attention to his tablet. "Now, if you're planning to stop by your apartment, I suggest doing so within the next two hours. The security upgrade team will be here at four, and I thought you might want to be present for that."
I glance at Gabriel, who nods in agreement. Gabriel grabs his phone, his fingers taping on the screen for a few seconds before he frowns slightly, "Dakota's at your apartment," he informs me. "Says everything looks secure, but he wants us to get there sooner rather than later."
A shiver runs through me at the implication. "You think someone might have been watching my place?"
"It's a possibility we need to consider," Gabriel replies, his voice carefully neutral. "Dakota's just being cautious."
I nod, the brief sense of normalality I'd felt during lunch evaporating. This is my reality now—Alphas checking my apartment, worrying about potential surveillance, planning security upgrades for my shop. I take a deep breath, steeling myself against the anxiety threatening to overwhelm me.
"Let's go, then," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. I turn to Theo. "You'll be okay here?"
"Perfectly fine," he assures me. "Lucas is on his way to help me if I need it.”
I give a small smile to Theo, Gabriel places his hand lightly on my lower back as we leave the shop, the gesture protective rather than possessive. The subtle warmth of his touch is oddly comforting, and I find myself leaning into it slightly despite my usual aversion to Alpha contact.
The drive to my apartment is brief, Gabriel's sleek black SUV navigating the familiar streets with quiet efficiency. He parks across the street from my building, his eyes scanning the area with practiced vigilance before he nods, apparently satisfied.
"Dakota's waiting in the lobby," Gabriel informs me, unbuckling his seatbelt. "Let's not keep him waiting."
I nod, gathering my courage as we exit the vehicle. My apartment building is modest but well-maintained—a three-story brick structure with large windows and small balconies. I've lived here for nearly five years, and until now, it's always felt safe. Secure. As we approach the entrance, I realize how much I've taken that security for granted.
Dakota is leaning against the wall near the mailboxes, his posture casual but his eyes alert. He straightens as we enter, offering a nod of acknowledgment.
"Anything?" Gabriel asks, his voice low.
Dakota shakes his head. "Place is clean. No signs of forced entry, no surveillance equipment that I could detect. But..." he hesitates, glancing at me.
"But?" I prompt, anxiety tightening my chest as Dakota hesitates.
"There's a scent," he says finally, his expression grim. "Faint, but distinct. Same one from the shop last night. Someone's been watching your building, at least."
My stomach drops. "They know where I live."
"It appears so," Gabriel confirms, his voice tight with controlled anger. "But they haven't been inside. Let's keep it that way."
He gestures toward the stairs, and I lead the way up to the third floor, keenly aware of the two Alphas following close behind. Their presence should feel intrusive in this space that's always been exclusively mine, but instead, I find a strange comfort in it.
I unlock my apartment door with slightly trembling hands, stepping inside the familiar space. It's small but cozy—and could smell forget me nots, my scent everywhere. It had an open-concept living area with a small kitchen, bookshelves stuffed with novels and gardening manuals, and a cozy reading nook by the window where I made a small nest. Potted plants occupy every available surface—my other passion besides the flower shop. A few pieces of art hang on the walls, mostly botanical prints and photographs I've taken myself.
The moment I step inside, I can feel the difference. Nothing is obviously disturbed, but there's a subtle wrongness to the air, as if someone has breathed in my space, disrupting the careful balance I've maintained.
"You feel it too," Gabriel observes, watching my face.
I nod, moving further inside. "It feels... violated somehow. Even though nothing seems to be touched."
Dakota moves past me, his senses clearly on high alert as he scans the apartment. "The scent is strongest near the windows," he reports, moving toward the fire escape window entrance.
I follow him, my skin crawling at the thought of someone watching my home, my private sanctuary. The window looks undisturbed, but when Dakota presses his nose near the frame, his expression darkens.
"They were here. Recently. Within the last twenty-four hours." He glances at Gabriel, something unspoken passing between them. "They didn't break in, but they were definitely scoping the place out."
My arms wrap around myself instinctively. "So they know where I live, but they attacked the shop instead?"
Gabriel nods, his expression grim. "The shop was where they expected to find you. It's your routine—you're there almost every day."
"How long have they been watching me?" I whisper, the implications sending a chill down my spine.
"Hard to say," Dakota admits, moving away from the window to check the rest of the apartment. My home suddenly feels alien, tainted by the presence of someone who wishes me harm. I move away from the window, needing distance from that point of almost-intrusion.
I let a low whine of distress leave my throat and that noise was enough to set the Alpha’s off. I was suddenly enveloped in warmth as Gabriel pulled me against his chest, a low rumble emanating from him that wasn't quite a growl but something protective and primal. Dakota's posture shifted instantly, moving to check the perimeter of the apartment with renewed vigilance.
"It's okay," Gabriel murmured, his voice a soothing cadence against my ear. "You're safe now. They can't get to you."
I should have pulled away—maintained my independence, my carefully constructed walls—but the comfort of his embrace was overwhelming. His scent wrapped around me, sandalwood and apricots mingling with that distinctive Alpha musk that somehow didn't set off my usual alarms. Instead, it felt... right, in a way I wasn't prepared to examine too closely.
"Pack what you need," Gabriel said softly, reluctantly releasing me. "We won't be coming back until this case is resolved and whoever this is, is caught.”
I nodded moving away from Gabriel, turning toward my bedroom. "I'll try to be quick."
"Take your time," he said, his voice gentle. "Get everything you might need for an extended stay."
The word "extended" hung in the air between us, emphasizing the uncertainty of my situation.
I moved through my apartment with new awareness, every shadow suddenly suspicious, every corner potentially hiding secrets. My bedroom, usually my sanctuary, felt exposed and vulnerable. I pulled my suitcase from the closet, laying it open on the bed as I tried to think logically about what I would need.
Clothes were the easy part—enough for at least a week, maybe two. I selected practical items, comfortable things that would work in a makeshift flower shop. Underwear, toiletries, my favorite soap that smelled like lilacs. My heat suppressants from the bathroom cabinet, though I wasn't due for another cycle for weeks. Better safe than sorry, especially in a house full of Alphas.
As I packed, I could hear Dakota and Gabriel moving through my apartment, their low voices conferring about security measures and scent trails. Their presence should have been intrusive, but instead, I found myself oddly comforted by it. By them. I grabbed a few books from my nightstand—comfort reads that might help me feel more at home in a strange place.
My fingers brushed against the small wooden box tucked behind the novels. I hesitated, then pulled it out, running my thumb over the polished surface. Inside were the few mementos I had of my family—my mother's wedding ring, a pressed flower from my grandfather's funeral, a small photograph of the three of us standing proudly in front of the newly renovated flower shop.
I tucked the box carefully into my suitcase, nestling it between layers of clothing for protection. These tangible pieces of my past felt suddenly, vitally important.
"Vivian?" Gabriel's voice called from the doorway. "Everything okay?"
I looked up to find him watching me, concern evident in his expression as he lingered at the threshold, respecting the boundary of my personal space.
"Fine," I said, closing the suitcase with more force than necessary. "Just... processing."
Gabriel nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Take whatever you need. We can always come back if we've forgotten something, but it would be better to be thorough now."
"I'm almost done," I assured him, zipping up the main compartment of my suitcase. "Just a few more things from the bathroom."
He nodded, lingering in the doorway as I gathered the last of my toiletries. I could feel his eyes on me, watchful but not intrusive. When I returned with my arms full of shampoo bottles and face creams, he stepped forward to help, taking the items and arranging them carefully in the side pocket of my suitcase.
"Is there anything else you need?" he asked, scanning the room. "Anything sentimental or irreplaceable?"
The question caught me off guard—I hadn't expected such consideration from him. "I think I have the important things," I hesitated, glancing around the room that had been my sanctuary for so long. "Actually, there's one more thing." I moved to the windowsill where a small potted African violet sat, its purple blooms vibrant against the green leaves. "My mom started this from a cutting when I was little. I've kept it alive all these years."
Gabriel nodded, his expression softening. "Of course." He watched as I carefully wrapped the pot in a soft t-shirt before placing it in a tote bag. "Plants are important to you."
"They're constant," I explained, gently touching a leaf. "Predictable in their needs, generous with their beauty. They don't expect anything except basic care."
"Unlike people," Gabriel observed quietly.
I looked up, meeting his eyes. "Unlike people," I agreed.
Dakota appeared in the doorway, his expression tense. "We should go," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I picked up a fresher trace of the scent outside. They might have returned."
My stomach tightened with fear as Gabriel immediately moved to take my suitcase. "Did you see anyone?" he asked Dakota, his voice tense but controlled.
"No," Dakota replied, already moving toward the front door. "But the scent is strongest near the building's back entrance. Recent. Within the last hour."
Gabriel's hand settled on the small of my back, gentle but insistent. "Time to go," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "Is there anything else you absolutely need?"
I shood my head, “No. I have everything I need.” If I didn’t, I could figure it out later.
“Good. Then lets go.” I let them lead me out, but I still had a sinking feeling in my stomach as we left. I just hoped I was stressed and this feeling wasn’t a warning of some kind.