37. Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Seven
I woke to sunlight streaming through the curtains, feeling more rested than I had in days. My nest had cocooned me in warmth throughout the night, and for once, no nightmares had disturbed my sleep. I stretched, my muscles pleasantly sore from yesterday's work in the greenhouse.
The events of last night's dinner conversation came flooding back. Four Alphas. All wanting me. And I had said yes—to exploring whatever this was, at least. The thought sent a flutter through my stomach, equal parts excitement and trepidation.
I checked my phone and saw a text from Jamie. Guilt washed over me; I still hadn't called him as I'd promised Lucas I would. I typed a quick message:
Morning! Sorry for being MIA. Things have been crazy. Can we talk today?
His reply came almost instantly: FINALLY! I was about to find a way to contact that detective.
I laughed softly, the sound rough from sleep, and flopped back onto the bed for a moment, holding the phone to my chest. Jamie was dramatic, but he wasn’t wrong. I had basically vanished on him, I quickly sent a text back
No. I’m okay. I’ll call you later today and we can talk.
I sat the phone on the nightstand before dragging myself out of the tangle of blankets and pillows, I padded barefoot into the bathroom, the cool tile waking me up the rest of the way. I glanced at myself in the mirror. My hair was a mess, but my eyes looked clearer. Less weighed down. Maybe knowing I am not fully alone helped with the stress.
After a quick shower and some effort to look like a human being instead of a sleepy woodland creature, I headed downstairs after I grabbed my phone, putting it in my back pocket. The smell of fresh coffee drifted through the house, and I wondered who was already up. My guess was Dakota—he seemed like the type to be up at the crack of dawn with a plan and a backup plan.
Sure enough, I found him at the kitchen counter, sleeves rolled up, flipping through a thick binder filled with notes and photos. His coffee mug sat beside him, half-full and already cooling.
“Morning,” I said, voice still a little hoarse from sleep. Dakota's head snapped up, his dark eyes finding mine immediately. For a moment, he just looked at me, his expression softening slightly before he nodded in greeting.
"Morning," he replied, his voice a low rumble. "Sleep well?"
I moved to the coffee pot, pouring myself a cup before answering. "Better than I have in days, actually." I turned to face him, leaning against the counter. "No nightmares."
Something flickered across his face—satisfaction, perhaps—before he returned to his usual stoic expression. "Good."
I gestured toward the binder. "Working already?"
Dakota nodded, closing the folder and setting it aside. "Always something to review. We have to make sure we are covering every angle."
I took a sip of my coffee, letting the warmth spread through me. "Anything helpful?"
Dakota shrugged, his broad shoulders rising and falling in a controlled motion. "Maybe. Theo's cross-referencing some data now. Should have more information soon."
I nodded, understanding that he couldn't—or wouldn't—share more details until they had something concrete. I respected that, even if part of me was anxious to know more about who might be targeting me.
Dakota gave me a long look before he sighed, “Theo's running down some leads on businesses that use the industrial cleaner we found at your apartment. Probably from the one keeping tabs on you…”
I nodded, trying not to think too hard about what could have happened if I had been there alone. "That's... good, I guess."
"It's progress," Dakota corrected, his tone gentle despite his gruff exterior. He stood, moving to the refrigerator. "You should eat something."
"I can make my own breakfast," I protested, though there was no heat in my words.
Dakota raised an eyebrow, already pulling out eggs and vegetables. "Never said you couldn't."
I rolled my eyes but didn’t stop him. There was something oddly comforting about the way he moved around the kitchen—efficient, purposeful, like he’d done this a hundred times before. Maybe he had. Or maybe this was his way of showing he cared without saying the words. Alphas and their unspoken languages.
I perched on a stool at the island, sipping my coffee and watching him crack eggs into a bowl with practiced ease. “You know,” I said, tilting my head, “for someone who growls more than he talks, you’re surprisingly domestic.”
Dakota glanced at me over his shoulder. “Don’t let that get around. I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”
I snorted into my mug, a slow smile creeping onto my face. Was that a joke? From Dakota, of all people? I blinked at him in surprise, and the corner of his mouth twitched upward in what might have been the beginning of a smile.
"I'm sure no one would believe me anyway," I teased, watching as he expertly diced peppers and onions with quick, precise movements. "The big, bad Alpha making omelets at seven in the morning."
Dakota's mouth twitched in what might have been a suppressed smile, but he kept his attention on cutting vegetables. "Basic survival skills. Nothing special about it."
"If you say so," I murmured, taking another sip of coffee. Dakota worked in comfortable silence, the only sounds the sizzle of the pan and the soft scrape of the spatula. There was something hypnotic about watching him cook, his movements economical and precise, much like everything else he did.
"Where are the others?" I asked, realizing I hadn't heard any movement from upstairs.
"Gabriel had an early meeting with the chief," Dakota replied, sliding a perfect omelet onto a plate. "Theo's been in his office since 5 AM reviewing data. Lucas out doing some footwork for the case."
"Everyone's busy," I observed, accepting the plate he slid in front of me with a murmured thanks. "Except me."
Dakota leaned against the counter across from me, arms crossed over his broad chest. "You have the Sullivan wedding flowers to finish. That's not nothing."
I took a bite of the omelet, surprised by how good it was—fluffy, perfectly seasoned, with just the right balance of vegetables. "This is delicious," I said, momentarily distracted from our conversation.
A flicker of satisfaction crossed Dakota's face before he nodded. "Fuel for the day."
"Still," I continued, returning to our previous topic, "I feel like I should be doing more. Helping with the case somehow. It is my life on the line, after all."
Dakota's expression turned serious, his dark eyes studying me. "The best thing you can do is stay safe.”
"And let us handle the investigation." His voice softened slightly. "You've been through enough already."
I pushed the eggs around on my plate, frustrated. "I know. But sitting here while everyone else works to keep me safe makes me feel..." I searched for the right word. "Useless."
Dakota's jaw tightened. "You're not useless. Far from it." He moved around the island to stand closer to me, his presence solid and reassuring. "The flowers you're creating bring joy to people. That matters."
I looked up at him, surprised by the unexpected sentiment. "I didn't expect you to see it that way."
He shrugged, though his eyes remained intent on mine. "Beauty has purpose. So does your work." The simple statement warmed something in my chest.
I felt a sudden tightness in my chest at his words. "Thank you," I said quietly, setting down my fork. "That... means a lot."
Dakota nodded once, a silent acknowledgment, before moving back to his side of the counter. He watched me eat for a moment, his dark eyes unreadable, before speaking again.
"About last night," he said, his voice dropping lower. "What we discussed. I want you to know there's no pressure. If you change your mind—"
"I haven't," I interrupted, surprising myself with my certainty. "Changed my mind, I mean."
Dakota's eyes darkened slightly, his scent shifting to something warmer, more intense. "Good," he said simply, though the single word carried layers of meaning.
We stood there, watching each other for a moment longer than necessary, the air between us charged with something unspoken. I took another bite of my omelet to give myself something to do besides stare at him.
Dakota cleared his throat. "I should let you finish eating. I need to check in with Theo about those leads."
"Of course," I nodded, leaning on the counter so I could finish my food and trying to sound casual despite the lingering tension. "And I should get started on those bouquets for the Sullivan wedding."
Dakota hesitated, like he wanted to say something more, then simply nodded. "I'll be in Theo's office if you need anything." He turned to leave, then paused at the doorway. "Vivian?"
I looked up, fork halfway to my mouth. "Yes?"
“Remember to take breaks.”
I couldn't help but smile at his concern. "Yes, sir."
His eyes flashed at that, just like they had yesterday in the greenhouse. For a moment, I thought he might come back, say something more, but instead he just gave me one last lingering look before disappearing down the hallway.
I finished my breakfast, washing the plate and mug before heading to the greenhouse. The morning sun streamed through the glass panels, casting golden light across the workbenches. The completed centerpieces from yesterday stood in neat rows, waiting to be delivered, and the remaining flowers sat in buckets of water, ready to be transformed into bouquets.
I let myself work my mind almost going blank until I had finished three bougets.
I stretched my fingers, wincing at the stiffness settling in. I'd been so absorbed in the work that I hadn't noticed how much time had passed. My phone buzzed in my pocket, reminding me of the text I'd sent Jamie earlier. I should call him now, as I let my fingers rest.
I settled onto the small bench near the window, sunlight warming my shoulders as I dialed his number. He picked up on the second ring.
"It lives!" Jamie's voice came through, simultaneously relieved and accusatory. "Do you have any idea how worried I've been?”
"I'm sorry," I said, guilt washing over me. "Things have been...stressful."
I could hear a sigh from the other end of the phone, “I know you said you are safe, so there is that…but it doesn’t stop me from worrying about you.”
"I know, and I'm really sorry," I said, leaning against the greenhouse wall. "I should have called sooner."
"Damn right you should have," Jamie replied, though his tone softened. "But I'm glad you're okay. Are you really, though? Okay?"
I sighed, watching a butterfly land on one of the roses. "I'm... safe. That's the most important thing right now."
A heard him give a small groan on the other end of the phone, “That is important. I know you said you are doing the orders at where you are. I did also go look at the shop, and the clean up is going well.”
I smiled at that, the tight knot in my chest loosening just a little. “Thank you for checking on it. I hate that you had to see it like that.”
Jamie huffed. “Viv, you think I haven’t seen a mess before? I was more worried about you than some broken glass and upturned flower buckets.”
I let out a quiet laugh. “Still. I appreciate it.”
“You know I’d do anything for you,” he said softly. “But I just—” His voice dropped a little. “I hate being left in the dark. I know you can’t tell me everything, but even just a little more would help me sleep at night.”
I rubbed a hand over my face. “I know. And I want to, Jamie. But I really can’t. It’s not just about me anymore. There are… other people involved, and the investigation’s complicated.”
“Complicated,” he echoed, unimpressed. “Is that your way of saying it’s worse than you’re letting on?”
I paused. “It’s not… great. But I swear to you, I’m not in immediate danger. I’m surrounded by people who know what they’re doing.”
There was a beat of silence, and then: “People. As in Alphas?”
I groaned, tipping my head back against the glass. “Don’t start.”
“I’m just saying,” Jamie said, mockingly defensive. “I turn my back for one second, and suddenly you’re holed up in a mystery house full of Alpha bodyguards. This sounds like the setup to an Omega soap opera.”
“It’s not like that,” I muttered, though my face warmed. “Okay. Maybe it’s a little like that. But it’s not what you think.”
Jamie snorted. “Right. So I shouldn’t imagine dramatic shirtless sparring matches and unspoken emotional declarations in the rain?”
I laughed in spite of myself. “Definitely not. Thought I wouldn’t mind seeing a shirtless sparing match..”
“Oh, you would, would you?” the sound of Lucas’s teasing tone made me jump, a squeak leaving me as I almost drop the phone. I stand up, whirling around to find Lucas leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest and a devilish grin on his face. His dark hair were windblown, cheeks slightly flushed like he'd just come in from outside.
"Jamie, I have to go," I said hurriedly into the phone. "I'll call you later, I promise."
"Wait, who's that? Is that one of the—"
"Goodbye, Jamie!" I ended the call before Jamie could ask any more embarrassing questions. I turned to Lucas, feeling heat crawl up my neck. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough," Lucas replied, his grin widening as he pushed off the doorframe and sauntered into the greenhouse. "Shirtless sparring matches, huh? I could probably arrange that. Dakota and I usually train in the mornings, but I could talk him into an afternoon session if you're interested in spectating." He winked, clearly enjoying my embarrassment.
"I wasn't—that's not what I—" I sputtered, clutching my phone like a shield.
"Relax," Lucas laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm teasing you. Though the offer stands if you ever want to see Dakota get his ass handed to him."
"In your dreams, Delray," Dakota's voice came from the doorway, making me jump again. He stood there with his arms crossed, looking between us with narrowed eyes. "What are you two talking about?"
"Nothing," I said quickly, at the same time Lucas said, "Vivian wants to watch us spar shirtless."
I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "I hate you."
Lucas clutched his chest dramatically. "You wound me, flower girl."
Dakota raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching in what might have been amusement. "Don't let him get to you. Lucas lives to embarrass people."
"It's one of my many talents," Lucas agreed cheerfully. "Along with excellent timing, apparently." He glanced at my phone. "Friend?"
I nodded, grateful for the change of subject. "Jamie. I finally called him like I promised."
"Good," Dakota said with a nod. "How's he holding up?"
"Worried, but okay," I replied, slipping my phone back into my pocket. "He checked on the shop for me. Said the cleanup is going well."
Lucas's expression softened. "That's something, at least. One less thing for you to stress about."
I glanced between them, suddenly curious. "Did you both need something? Or just came to check to see if I'd keeled over from flower-arranging exhaustion?"
Dakota and Lucas exchanged a glance, one of those silent communications that seemed to pass between all four Alphas.
"Actually," Lucas said, his playful demeanor shifting to something more serious, "we have some news. About the case."
My hands stilled on the ribbons. "What kind of news?"
Dakota stepped further into the greenhouse, his posture tense. "Theo's identified a potential lead. The industrial cleaner found at your apartment—it's used by a medical research facility about twenty miles from here."
"And," Lucas continued, moving closer as well, "one of their lab technicians has a history of complaints filed against him by Omega coworkers. Nothing that stuck, but enough to raise flags."
I felt my heart rate quicken. "That’s a good thing right?”
Dakota nodded, his expression serious. "It's a start. We're bringing him in for questioning this afternoon."
"Do you think he's the one who..." I couldn't finish the sentence, the memory of the break-in still too fresh.
"We don't know yet," Lucas said gently. "But it's the strongest lead we've had so far."
I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling cold despite the warmth of the greenhouse. "Will you tell me more when you know?"
Dakota's eyes met mine, dark and intense. "Yes. You have a right to know what we find."
"Gabriel wants us all to meet tonight after the interview," Lucas added, his usual playfulness subdued. "Full briefing, so everyone's on the same page."
I nodded, grateful for their transparency. "Thank you. For telling me, I mean."
Lucas moved closer, his warm presence somehow comforting in its steadiness. "You concentrate on you work here, one of us will be around no matter what. Around or after dinner we will have more information for you.”
I nodded, the room going quiet as I tried not to feel my chest tighten with worry. I just wanted to go back to my normal life, so I hoped this was a good lead. I would just keep myself distracted to dinner till I could know more.
I glanced back to Dakota and Lucas before back to the bouquets that I have been working on….it was going to be a long day.