Page 102 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

"Alpha senses. Hearting and smell are very heightened." Gabriel confirmed with a slight shrug. "It's nearly impossible to keep secrets from each other. Though we do try to maintain some boundaries."

I shook my head, a blush rising to my cheeks. "I don't know whether to be mortified or relieved that there are no secrets."

Gabriel chuckled, the sound warming something deep inside me. "It takes some getting used to. But there's a certain freedom in it too—no need for jealousy or deception when everything is transparent."

"I suppose that's true," I admitted, letting him guide me toward the door. Before he opened it, I paused, looking up at him. "Gabriel?"

"Yes?" His blue eyes focused on me with that intensity that never failed to make my heart skip.

"Thank you. For making me feel safe. For letting me choose."

Gabriel's expression softened, his hand coming up to cup my cheek one more time. "Always, Vivian. That's something that will never change."

With that promise hanging between us, he opened the door and lead me back to the others…with me silently hoping I wouldn’t be teased.

Chapter Forty-Three

Iadjustedmyclothesonelast 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."

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