Page 13 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

Jamie made a small noise behind me that might have been a strangled laugh or a warning. I ignored it, keeping my focus on the Alpha prowling through my shop like he owned it.

"You know," Reeves continued, setting down the vase with deliberate precision, "I've been thinking about that little encounter at the Funeral home."

"Have you?" I kept my voice neutral, though my heart hammered against my ribs. "I'm surprised you had the time, what with being on administrative duty and all."

His eyes narrowed, that dangerous glint returning. "You're well-informed."

"Word travels fast," I replied, maintaining my composure despite the tension coiling in my stomach. "Especially when it involves officers who can't tell the difference between florists and criminals."

Reeves moved closer, each step deliberate. The distance between us shrank until he stood just across the counter, close enough that his scent—sharp with aggression and something darker—filled my nostrils.

"Collins has a soft spot for hard cases. Always has." He moved closer, each step deliberate. "But I see right through you."

"Is that so?" I kept my voice level, even as my muscles tensed, ready to move if necessary. "And what exactly do you think you see?"

He was at the counter now, close enough that his scent—sharp with aggression and something else I couldn't quite place—filled my nostrils. "An Omega who doesn't know her place. Who thinks she can mouth off to Alphas without consequences."

"My place is right here," I said, gesturing to the shop around us. "Running my business. And if you're not here to buy flowers, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave."

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he might lunge across the counter. Instead, he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a near-whisper.

"You think you're so clever, don't you? Playing innocent with Collins, batting those big Omega eyes." His breath was hot against my face. "But I know your type. Always hiding something."

I forced myself to hold his gaze, even as my heart hammered against my ribs. "I already told Detective Collins everything I know. Which is practically nothing."

"See, that's where I disagree," Reeves said, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Jensen was running from something. Something big. And out of all the places in this city, he came here." He gestured around the shop with a dismissive wave. "To a little flower shop run by an Omega who seems to be keeping secrets."

"The only thing I'm hiding is my impatience," I replied, refusing to step back despite every instinct screaming at me to create distance. "Now, are you going to buy something, or are you just here to harass me?"

His eyes flicked to Jamie, then back to me. "Your little Beta watchdog can't protect you forever. And Collins won't always be around to smooth things over."

"Is that a threat, Officer Reeves?" I asked, my voice steady despite the fear clawing at my chest at his words. I wouldn’t show him that his words effected me.

A slow smile spread across his face, all teeth and no warmth. "Just an observation, Ms. Reed. Things happen to people who get involved in matters that don't concern them."

"I'm not involved in anything," I said firmly. "And I'd appreciate it if you'd stop implying otherwise."

Jamie stepped forward then, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced with something harder. "I think you should leave now, Officer."

Reeves's gaze flicked to Jamie, dismissive and cold. "The Beta speaks." He looked back at me. "Cute. You've got him well-trained."

I felt rather than saw Jamie stiffen beside me. My own anger flared hot and bright, but I tamped it down. Getting angry was exactly what Reeves wanted.

Before I could respond, the bell above the door chimed again. Reeves straightened immediately, his demeanor shifting so quickly it was almost comical. The predatory gleam in his eyes dimmed, replaced by a carefully neutral expression as he turned toward the door.

Detective Collins stood in the entryway, his imposing frame filling the doorway. His gaze moved from Reeves to me, his expression unreadable.

“Dakota.”I could feel how the air almost shifted when Collin’s was talking. He wasn’t happy that Reeves was here, that was for sure, “You aren’t on duty today…or supposed to be out in the field.”

Reeves's shoulders stiffened. "Just doing some follow-up, sir. Unofficial."

"I see." Collins's tone made it clear he saw exactly what was happening.

"On your own time," Collins said, his voice deceptively mild. "Go wait in the car."

Reeves hesitated, his gaze darting between Collins and me like he was weighing his options. For a moment, I thought he might refuse, but something in Collins's expression must have convinced him otherwise.

"Yes, Alpha," he said finally, each word clipped and precise. He turned to me, that dangerous smile returning for just a moment. "Always a pleasure, Ms. Reed."

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