Page 103 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

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 Because they challenged some outdated hierarchy?"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.

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