Page 39 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

Theo adjusts his glasses, looking slightly embarrassed. "I thought time was of the essence. If I overstepped—"

"No," I interrupt, shaking my head. "It's fine. Actually, it's more than fine—it's incredibly helpful. I just... I'm not used to having someone else handle these things."

"Understandable," Theo says with a small nod. "Independence is important to you."

The simple acknowledgment of this core aspect of my personality catches me off guard. I hadn't expected such perception from an Alpha I barely knew. But then again, these Alphas have been consistently surprising me since I met them.

"Yes," I acknowledge, meeting his eyes. "It is."

Theo's gaze flickers to Gabriel before returning to me. "We're not trying to take that from you. Just... supplement it temporarily while you get back on your feet."

The sincerity in his voice makes it difficult to maintain my defensiveness. I nod, accepting his explanation and the help it represents. "I appreciate that. And everything you've done."

"It's nothing," Theo assures me, returning his attention to his tablet. "Now, if you're planning to stop by your apartment, I suggest doing so within the next two hours. The security upgrade team will be here at four, and I thought you might want to be present for that."

I glance at Gabriel, who nods in agreement. Gabriel grabs his phone, his fingers taping on the screen for a few seconds before he frowns slightly, "Dakota's at your apartment," he informs me. "Says everything looks secure, but he wants us to get there sooner rather than later."

A shiver runs through me at the implication. "You think someone might have been watching my place?"

"It's a possibility we need to consider," Gabriel replies, his voice carefully neutral. "Dakota's just being cautious."

I nod, the brief sense of normalality I'd felt during lunch evaporating. This is my reality now—Alphas checking my apartment, worrying about potential surveillance, planning security upgrades for my shop. I take a deep breath, steeling myself against the anxiety threatening to overwhelm me.

"Let's go, then," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. I turn to Theo. "You'll be okay here?"

"Perfectly fine," he assures me. "Lucas is on his way to help me if I need it.”

I give a small smile to Theo, Gabriel places his hand lightly on my lower back as we leave the shop, the gesture protective rather than possessive. The subtle warmth of his touch is oddly comforting, and I find myself leaning into it slightly despite my usual aversion to Alpha contact.

The drive to my apartment is brief, Gabriel's sleek black SUV navigating the familiar streets with quiet efficiency. He parks across the street from my building, his eyes scanning the area with practiced vigilance before he nods, apparently satisfied.

"Dakota's waiting in the lobby," Gabriel informs me, unbuckling his seatbelt. "Let's not keep him waiting."

I nod, gathering my courage as we exit the vehicle. My apartment building is modest but well-maintained—a three-story brick structure with large windows and small balconies. I've lived here for nearly five years, and until now, it's always felt safe. Secure. As we approach the entrance, I realize how much I've taken that security for granted.

Dakota is leaning against the wall near the mailboxes, his posture casual but his eyes alert. He straightens as we enter, offering a nod of acknowledgment.

"Anything?" Gabriel asks, his voice low.

Dakota shakes his head. "Place is clean. No signs of forced entry, no surveillance equipment that I could detect. But..." he hesitates, glancing at me.

"But?" I prompt, anxiety tightening my chest as Dakota hesitates.

"There's a scent," he says finally, his expression grim. "Faint, but distinct. Same one from the shop last night. Someone's been watching your building, at least."

My stomach drops. "They know where I live."

"It appears so," Gabriel confirms, his voice tight with controlled anger. "But they haven't been inside. Let's keep it that way."

He gestures toward the stairs, and I lead the way up to the third floor, keenly aware of the two Alphas following close behind. Their presence should feel intrusive in this space that's always been exclusively mine, but instead, I find a strange comfort in it.

I unlock my apartment door with slightly trembling hands, stepping inside the familiar space. It's small but cozy—and could smell forget me nots, my scent everywhere. It had an open-concept living area with a small kitchen, bookshelves stuffed with novels and gardening manuals, and a cozy reading nook by the window where I made a small nest. Potted plants occupy every available surface—my other passion besides the flower shop. A few pieces of art hang on the walls, mostly botanical prints and photographs I've taken myself.

The moment I step inside, I can feel the difference. Nothing is obviously disturbed, but there's a subtle wrongness to the air, as if someone has breathed in my space, disrupting the careful balance I've maintained.

"You feel it too," Gabriel observes, watching my face.

I nod, moving further inside. "It feels... violated somehow. Even though nothing seems to be touched."

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