43. Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Three
I adjusted my clothes one last time before we walked back into the living room, where the other three Alphas were gathered. Lucas was sprawled on the sofa, his long legs stretched out in front of him, while Dakota stood by the window, his broad shoulders tense as he gazed out at the darkening garden. Theo sat in an armchair, his tablet in hand, though his eyes lifted immediately when we entered.
"Finally decided to rejoin us," Lucas commented, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "We were starting to wonder if you'd gotten lost."
Heat rushed to my cheeks, but Gabriel's steady hand at the small of my back gave me courage. "We were discussing the case," I said, the half-truth making Lucas snort with barely contained laughter.
"Is that what they're calling it these days?" he teased, his eyes dancing with amusement. Dakota turned from the window, his dark eyes finding mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. There was no judgment in his gaze, just a heat that matched what I'd seen earlier in Gabriel's study.
"Enough, Lucas," Gabriel said, though there was no real reprimand in his tone. "Vivian doesn't need to be teased right now."
I moved to sit on the sofa, careful to leave space between myself and Lucas, though he immediately shifted closer, his thigh pressing against mine. The contact was comforting rather than intrusive, and I found I didn't mind.
"Did I miss anything important?" I asked, desperate to change the subject from my activities with Gabriel.
Theo adjusted his glasses, his analytical gaze moving between Gabriel and me before returning to his tablet. "I've been analyzing the financial trail from Warren's payment. It's complex, but I'm beginning to identify some patterns that could lead us to the source."
"Any breakthrough yet?" Gabriel asked, moving to stand behind my seat, his presence a reassuring warmth at my back.
"Nothing definitive," Theo replied, "but I've narrowed the origin to three possible corporate entities—all with connections to pharmaceutical or medical research."
I frowned, processing this information. "Like Meridian, where Warren worked?"
"Similar fields, but different companies," Theo clarified. "Interestingly, all three have recently been involved in research related to Omega biology or physiology."
Dakota pushed away from the window, his expression darkening. "That can't be a coincidence."
"No," Gabriel agreed, his voice thoughtful. "Especially considering Dr. Thompson's research."
I looked up at Gabriel, then at Theo. "Dr. Thompson's research focused on Omega autonomy, didn't it? Biological independence from Alphas?"
"Yes," Theo confirmed, tapping something on his tablet. "She was specifically studying how to neutralize the effect of Alpha voices on Omega physiology—essentially creating a biological shield that would prevent Alphas from using vocal commands to control Omegas."
A chill ran down my spine as connections began forming in my mind. "And the other victims—they were all independent Omegas too. Successful in their fields."
"Breaking traditional hierarchies," Dakota added, his deep voice rumbling with barely contained anger. "Challenging the status quo."
Lucas shifted beside me, his usual playfulness absent. "Someone doesn't like Omegas stepping out of their 'proper place,' is that it?"
"It appears so," Theo said, his analytical mind clearly working through scenarios. "Both Dr. Thompson's research and the success of the other victims represent a threat to traditional Alpha dominance structures."
I wrapped my arms around myself, the implications chilling. "And I fit the pattern too. An Omega running my own business, living independently."
Gabriel's hand came to rest on my shoulder, gentle but reassuring. "Which is why you were targeted."
"But why kill them?" I asked, looking around at the four Alphas. "Just because they were successful? Because they challenged some outdated hierarchy?"
"Fear," Dakota said, his dark eyes intense. "Whoever is behind this fears what true Omega independence would mean."
"A shift in power dynamics," Theo elaborated, setting his tablet aside. "Dr. Thompson's research, if successful, would fundamentally alter Alpha-Omega interactions. No more voice commands. No more biological compulsion to submit. It would fundamentally change what it means to be an Omega."
"And that's threatening to someone," I concluded, the pieces falling into place. "Someone with power who doesn't want to lose it."
Lucas leaned forward, his eyes darkening with unusual seriousness. "So we're looking for someone with connections to medical research companies, significant financial resources, and a vested interest in maintaining traditional Alpha-Omega hierarchies."
"That still leaves a lot of suspects," Dakota pointed out, his jaw tight with frustration.
"But it narrows the field considerably," Gabriel countered, his voice carrying that quiet authority that seemed to steady everyone in the room. "Especially when combined with the financial trail Theo is following."
I looked up at Gabriel, then at the others. "So what's our next step?"
"We continue investigating the companies Theo identified," Gabriel replied, his hand squeezing my shoulder gently. "Particularly their leadership and major shareholders. People with both the resources to orchestrate these attacks and a strong motivation to maintain traditional hierarchies."
"I'll start deep background checks on the board members and executives," Theo said, already typing on his tablet. "Financial histories, political affiliations, public statements on Alpha-Omega dynamics."
"We should also look at any connection to anti-Omega rights groups," Dakota added, his expression grim. "Even unofficial ones."
I sat quietly, trying to process everything. The idea that I'd been targeted not just randomly, but specifically because I represented something threatening to someone—my independence, my small success as an Omega business owner—was both terrifying and infuriating.
"I don't understand," I said finally, my voice smaller than I intended. "Why target me and not someone more high-profile? I'm just a florist. Not a scientist or researcher like Dr. Thompson."
"You represent the same thing they fear," Theo explained, his analytical tone somehow making the horrifying situation clearer. "An Omega who doesn't need an Alpha to succeed. Who lives independently, makes her own decisions."
"You're more accessible than someone with institutional protection," Dakota added, his dark eyes meeting mine across the room. "A small business owner working alone is an easier target than a university researcher with campus security."
Lucas's arm slid around my shoulders, pulling me closer to his side. "Plus, you're visible in the community. Your shop is well-known, your success public."
"A symbol," Gabriel concluded, his voice gentle despite the gravity of his words. "To whoever is doing this, you represent everything they're fighting against—Omega independence, success outside traditional roles."
I leaned into Lucas's warmth, trying to process I leaned into Lucas's warmth, trying to process the weight of this revelation. My small flower shop—my pride and joy—had somehow marked me as a target in someone's crusade against Omega independence. The thought made me feel simultaneously vulnerable and furious.
"I hate this," I said finally, my voice steadier than I expected. "The idea that someone wants to hurt me just because I dared to live my life on my own terms."
"It's despicable," Gabriel agreed, his voice tight with controlled anger. "And we will find whoever is behind it."
Dakota moved from the window, coming to sit in the armchair across from me. His dark eyes were intense as they held mine. "In the meantime, you continue living your life. You don't let them win by making you afraid to be who you are."
"He's right," Theo added, looking up from his tablet. "Statistical analysis suggests that maintaining your normal routines while under protection is the most psychologically beneficial approach."
I smiled faintly at Theo's clinical phrasing, drawing comfort from his logical perspective. "So I keep making flower arrangements and pretend someone isn't trying to kill me?"
"Not pretend," Gabriel corrected gently. "Acknowledge the danger, take appropriate precautions, but refuse to let it dominate your life."
Lucas squeezed my shoulders. "Besides, you're not alone anymore. You've got four very determined, very capable Alphas watching your back."
"And front," Dakota added, his lips quirking in a rare show of humor that startled a laugh from me.
"Was that a joke?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. "From broody, serious Dakota?"
His dark eyes warmed slightly. "It happens. Rarely."
The moment of levity, brief as it was, helped ease some of the tension that had been building in my chest. I looked around at the four Alphas—each so different, yet somehow forming a cohesive unit around me. Their presence made the threat feel less overwhelming, less insurmountable.
"Thank you," I said softly, looking at each of them in turn. "For everything you're doing. For making me feel safe even when everything else feels chaotic."
Gabriel's hand squeezed my shoulder gently. "That's what we're here for."
"Not just because it's our job," Dakota added, his deep voice rumbling with sincerity. "Because we care about you."
I nodded, emotion tightening my throat. The events of the day—from working in the greenhouse to my intimate encounters with Lucas and Gabriel, to this sobering discussion about why I'd been targeted—had left me emotionally exhausted. I stifled a yawn behind my hand, suddenly aware of how tired I truly was.
"You should rest," Gabriel said, noticing immediately. "It's been a long day."
"I'm fine," I protested weakly, even as my body betrayed me with another yawn.
Lucas chuckled beside me. "Your body disagrees, flower girl."
"You've processed a lot today," Theo observed, studying me with those analytical eyes that somehow still managed to convey concern. "Both emotionally and intellectually. Sleep would be beneficial for cognitive processing."
I smiled at his clinical way of telling me to go to bed. "When you put it that way, how can I argue?"
Dakota stood, extending his hand to me. "I'll walk you up."
Something in his quiet offer made my heart flutter despite my exhaustion. I placed my hand in his, allowing him to help me to my feet. His palm was warm and rough against mine, his strength evident in the gentle way he supported me.
"Goodnight," I said to the others, suddenly shy despite the intimacy I'd shared with two of them today.
Gabriel nodded, his blue eyes warm. "Sleep well, Vivian."
"We'll continue our investigation first thing tomorrow," Theo added, already returning his attention to his tablet though his eyes lingered on me a moment longer than necessary.
Lucas winked at me, his usual playfulness returning. "Sweet dreams, flower girl. I know mine will be."
I felt heat rise to my cheeks at his implication, but Dakota was already guiding me toward the stairs, his solid presence beside me somehow both exciting and comforting. We walked in comfortable silence, his hand at the small of my back, until we reached my bedroom door. I turned to face him, suddenly aware of how close we were standing, his warmth radiating through the thin fabric of my shirt.
"Thank you for walking me up," I said softly, looking up to meet his dark eyes.
Dakota nodded, his gaze intense as it held mine. "I wanted a moment alone with you," he admitted, his deep voice low enough that only I could hear. "To make sure you're really okay with everything that happened today."
I knew he wasn't just referring to the case developments. "You mean with Lucas and Gabriel," I said, not a question.
"Yes." His expression remained serious, but there was no judgment in his eyes, only concern. “Want to make sure we aren’t pushing you.”
I reached out, placing my hand on his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat beneath my palm. "I appreciate your concern, Dakota. I really do. But I promise, everything that happened today was my choice."
His dark eyes studied me, searching for any hint of uncertainty. "You've been through a lot. I don't want any of us to take advantage of that."
"You're not," I assured him, touched by his protectiveness. "If anything, being with all of you has helped me feel more... myself again. More in control of my own choices."
Dakota's expression softened slightly, the stern lines of his face easing. "Good," he said simply. His hand came up to cover mine where it rested against his chest. "Your happiness matters to me, Vivian."
The quiet sincerity in his voice made my heart flutter. Dakota wasn't one for flowery declarations or teasing flirtation, but there was something powerful in his straightforward concern, his quiet attentiveness.
"Yours matters to me too," I replied softly, surprising myself with my boldness. "All of you do."
His hand tightened slightly over mine, his dark eyes warming. "May I kiss you goodnight?" he asked, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.
I nodded, my heart quickening. "Yes."
Unlike Lucas's playfulness or Gabriel's commanding presence, Dakota's approach was deliberate, almost reverent. He leaned down slowly, giving me plenty of time to change my mind, before his lips touched mine with surprising gentleness. His kiss was unhurried, thorough—a man who took his time and did things right. His free hand came up to cup my face, thumb stroking my cheek as he deepened the kiss with careful intensity.
When he finally pulled away, his eyes were darker than before, pupils dilated with desire he was clearly keeping in check. His thumb traced my lower lip, his expression intense as he studied my face.
"You should get some rest," he said, his voice rougher than usual. "It's been a long day."
I nodded, reluctant to break the connection between us but feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing down. "You're right. Tomorrow will be busy too."
Dakota stepped back, though his hand lingered on mine for a moment longer. "I'll be nearby if you need anything." The promise in his words extended beyond simple protection, and we both knew it.
"Goodnight, Dakota," I whispered, squeezing his hand once before letting go.
"Goodnight, Vivian," he replied, waiting until I was safely inside my room before I heard his footsteps retreating down the hall.