Page 120 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

"Thank you," I whispered, the words wholly inadequate for what I was feeling. "All of you."

Gabriel's hand found mine, his touch warm and steady. "You don't need to thank us, Vivian. This is what we do. What we are."

"Alphas who actually protect instead of control," I said softly, understanding dawning in a new way. "That's why you all work together, isn't it? Because you believe in something different."

"Something better," Dakota confirmed, his deep voice carrying conviction. "A world where designations don't determine destiny."

Lucas squeezed my other hand. "Where Omegas like you can run flower shops and tell annoying Alphas like me to buzz off when we deserve it." His teasing brought a small smile to my lips despite everything, and I felt some of the tension easing from my shoulders.

"So I just stay here until Blackwood is arrested?" I asked, focusing on the immediate plan.

"Yes," Gabriel confirmed, his blue eyes serious. "Once we receive confirmation of his arrest, we'll reassess the situation. But this location remains secure in the meantime."

I nodded, drawing comfort from their confidence and the solid plan they'd laid out. "How long do you think that will take?"

"Based on current intelligence and standard federal protocols, Blackwood should be in custody within six to eight hours," Theo replied, checking something on his phone. "The operation is already underway."

"In the meantime," Lucas said, his voice lightening slightly, "we should get you something to eat and maybe take another nap or maybe you can watch some tv.”

"I am starving," I admitted, suddenly aware of the hollow feeling in my stomach. After the adrenaline crash and fitful sleep, my body was demanding fuel. "Food sounds amazing."

Lucas grinned, some of his usual playfulness returning. "I make a mean omelet. Theo keeps this place stocked with the basics."

"The refrigerator is replenished weekly," Theo confirmed, his analytical mind clearly pleased by the practical question. "I maintain standard nutritional supplies at all safe houses."

Gabriel stood, his commanding presence somehow reassuring rather than intimidating. "Lucas, get started on breakfast. Dakota, do another perimeter check. Theo, update our contacts for confirmation when Blackwood is apprehended." His voice was firm but gentle as he turned to me. "And you should shower and change into fresh clothes. It will help you feel more grounded."

I nodded, following his instructions as I watched all them leave the room. I took a deep breath, my mind going a mile a minute.

Was it really over? Cause a deep feeling her her stomach says it wasn’t.

Chapter Fifty

Ihadfinishedchangingintoclothes, they smelled like Dakota and Theo, so I assumed i was borrowing their clothes. As I walked to where I could hear movement, I saw Dakota sitting on the couch, a cup of coffee sitting on the coffee table in front of him. He looked up as I entered, his dark eyes assessing me with that quiet intensity that always made me feel simultaneously exposed and protected.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his deep voice gentler than usual.

I shrugged, wrapping my arms around myself. "Honestly? I don't know. Better than last night, but..." I trailed off, not sure how to articulate the strange mixture of relief, lingering fear, and exhaustion swirling inside me.

Dakota nodded, understanding in his eyes. "It takes time," he said simply. "The body doesn't just forget danger."

I moved to sit beside him on the couch, drawn to his solid presence. "Where are the others?"

"Gabriel is coordinating with federal agents so he had to leave for a bit," Dakota explained, his posture relaxing slightly as I settled next to him. "Theo went with him. Lucas went to take his own shower.”

I nodded, tucking my legs underneath me as I settled more comfortably on the couch. "Do you think it's really over?" I asked, voicing the doubt that had been gnawing at me since waking. "I want to believe it is, but..."

Dakota studied me for a moment, his expression thoughtful rather than dismissive. "Your instincts are telling you to stay alert," he observed. "That's smart. Survival instinct."

"But Gabriel and Theo seem certain," I pointed out, reaching for the second cup of coffee on the table. It was still warm, and I wondered if he'd made it for me, anticipating I'd join him.

"They're looking at evidence and probability," Dakota said, his deep voice rumbling through the quiet room. "But life isn't always neat like Theo's equations. Until Blackwood is in custody, we stay vigilant.”

I nodded, taking a sip of the coffee. It was perfect—strong but not bitter, with just enough cream. "You made this for me," I said, not a question.

Dakota's lips curved in a slight smile. "I noticed how you take it."

The simple act of thoughtfulness warmed something inside me. These men noticed everything—Gabriel with his commanding awareness, Theo with his analytical precision, Lucas with his playful attentiveness, and Dakota with his quiet observation. Each in their own way made me feel seen in ways I never had before.

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