Page 20 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

"But what was Jensen's role in all this? He works—worked—at a tech company, not a pharmaceutical lab." I frown, the pieces still not quite fitting together.

Collins exchanges another look with Reeves before answering. "Jensen was Thompson's half-brother. They shared a mother, different fathers. They kept their relationship quiet for privacy reasons. He was helping her."

"Helping her how?" I ask, though I'm starting to form a theory of my own.

Collins hums slightly. "Jensen was a programmer at a data security firm. We believe he was helping Thompson protect her research—or possibly helping her distribute it outside official channels."

"You think she was planning to release it publicly," I realize, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "Bypass Teria entirely."

"It's one theory we're working with," Collins confirms, his eyes never leaving mine. "The timing of their disappearances suggests they were close to a breakthrough—or someone thought they were."

I hold the flash drive tighter, turning it over in my hands as I process this information. "So they were hiding out, and now they're both gone."

"There is that…and in the last couple weeks dozens of Omegas have shown up dead." Collins says evenly.

I feel my blood freeze. "What do you mean, 'Omegas have shown up dead'?"

Collins's expression darkens. "In the last three weeks, twelve Omega bodies have been discovered within a hundred-mile radius. All with the same cause of death—apparent hormone shock."

"Hormone shock?" My voice sounds distant to my own ears. Hormone shock is rare but deadly—a catastrophic reaction when an Omega's system is flooded with incompatible hormones. It's agonizing, from what I've heard. Your body essentially tears itself apart from the inside.

"The medical examiner believes they were injected with an experimental compound," Collins continues, his voice low and controlled, though I can detect an undercurrent of something like rage beneath his professional demeanor. "A compound that matches partial formulas found in Thompson's research notes."

A chill runs through me, raising goosebumps along my arms despite the warm evening air. "You think whoever took them is behind the deaths?"

Collins nods grimly. "We believe these deaths are connected to Thompson's research. Either to silence anyone who might have collaborated with her, or to send a message to those who might consider continuing her work."

"Jesus," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. The world suddenly feels less stable beneath my feet. "And you thought I was a part of this?” I looked at Reeves when I said the last bit.

Reeves's expression darkens. "We didn't know who you were or what role you played. You're an Omega running a business that was repeatedly visited by two people involved in a case about Omega suppressants. What were we supposed to think?"

"Maybe that I was just doing my job?" I snap, anger flaring hot in my chest. "I sell flowers. That's it."

"Reeves," Collins says, his voice carrying a warning. He turns back to me, his expression softening slightly. "We had to investigate all possibilities. But now we know you weren't involved. You're simply caught in the middle."

I take a deep breath, trying to process everything. Twelve dead Omegas. Hormone shock. A revolutionary suppressant that could change society forever. And somehow, my little flower shop is tangled up in all of it.

I hand the flash drive to Collins, the weight of everything he's revealed settling over me like a shroud. "So what happens now?"

Collins pockets the drive, his expression grave. "We review the footage, continue our investigation. And you..." He pauses, studying my face with an intensity that makes my skin tingle. "You go back to your life and stay alert. If Jensen or Thompson try to contact you, call me immediately."

"That's it?" I ask, incredulous. "You drop this bombshell about dead Omegas and revolutionary suppressants, and then expect me to just go back to arranging bouquets like nothing happened?"

"That's exactly what I expect," Collins says firmly. "For your own safety."

I cross my arms, holding my ground. "What about my shop? If it was their meeting place, whoever took them might come looking."

Collins's jaw tightens momentarily. "We'll have plainclothes officers monitoring the area. You won't see them, but they'll be there."

"Great," I mutter. "So I'm bait."

"No," Collins says sharply, his Alpha voice slipping through for just a moment before he reins it back. "You're a witness who needs protection. There's a difference."

I feel a flash of irritation at his tone but push it aside. There are more important things to focus on right now. "If these people are killing Omegas who were involved with Thompson's research, and they think I might know something—"

"They won't get to you," Collins interrupts, his voice dropping to a near growl. The possessive undertone catches me off guard, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine. "I promise you that."

Reeves raises an eyebrow at Collins, who flashes him a dark look causing him to roll his eyes. I frowned at their interaction but stayed silent, not understanding.

---