Page 82 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

"We've waited years to find someone who fits with us," Theo added, his analytical tone softened by genuine emotion. "We can wait for however long until you feel you are ready

I felt a lump form in my throat at their words, at the sincerity in each of their expressions. Four Alphas—all so different, yet united in this unexpected desire for me. It was overwhelming, terrifying, and strangely beautiful all at once.

"I don't know what to say," I admitted, looking down at my hands. "This isn't something I ever thought I'd consider. One Alpha, maybe, someday. But four? A pack? It sounds..."

"Complicated?" Lucas suggested with a small smile.

"Intimidating," I corrected, meeting his gaze. "Four different relationships to navigate. Four different personalities, needs, expectations."

"But also four people who care about you," Gabriel said softly. "Four different perspectives to understand you. Four different ways to support you."

I looked up at him, struck by the quiet certainty in his voice. "You make it sound simple."

"It won't be," Theo interjected, ever practical. "Group dynamics are inherently complex. But complexity doesn't equal impossibility."

Dakota shifted beside me, his solid presence somehow reassuring. "We're not asking for an answer tonight," he said, his voice low and steady. "Just... openness. To possibilities."

"I think," I said finally, my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest, "that I'd like to try. Slowly. I can't promise anything beyond that, but..." I looked up, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "There's something here I can't ignore, as much as I've tried."

The tension in the room seemed to ease, like a collective breath being released. Lucas's smile bloomed across his face, bright and genuine. Theo's posture relaxed slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting in what might have been the closest thing to a full smile I'd seen from him. Dakota's expression remained serious, but his eyes had softened, the intensity in them warming to something more tender. And Gabriel—Gabriel's eyes held mine with a quiet joy that made my heart skip.

"Slowly is good," he said, his voice soft but carrying throughout the room. "We're in no rush."

"Speak for yourself," Lucas quipped, though his tone was light, teasing. "Some of us have been dying to kiss her since day one."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks as Dakota growled softly beside me. "Some of us already have," he muttered, though there was no real heat in his words.

"Yes, we noticed," Theo remarked dryly, adjusting his glasses. "Your scents were... informative when you returned from the greenhouse."

Now my face was definitely burning. "I didn't—we didn't—"

"Just kissing," Dakota clarified quickly, looking almost embarrassed beneath his usual stoicism. "Nothing more."

"And Gabriel?" Lucas prompted, raising an eyebrow in our pack leader's direction.

Gabriel's blue eyes flashed with something possessive that made my pulse quicken. "That's between Vivian and me," he said, his voice carrying a subtle edge of authority that silenced further questions.

The air between us felt charged, electric with possibilities and unspoken desires. I took a steadying breath, trying to gather my scattered thoughts.

Lucas raised an eyebrow glancing between the two of us, his playful smile returning. "Well now I'm definitely feeling left out."

I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me, the tension in my chest easing slightly. "You're incorrigible."

"Part of my charm," Lucas agreed with a wink.

Gabriel cleared his throat, though there was amusement in his eyes. "What Vivian is comfortable with and with whom is entirely her choice. There's no competition here."

"Of course not," Lucas agreed, though his eyes still danced with mischief. "But hypothetically, if there was, I'd definitely win."

This drew snorts from both Dakota and Theo, while Gabriel merely shook his head, a reluctant smile coming to his lips. The moment of levity was welcome, easing some of the intensity that had built during our conversation. I found myself smiling despite the butterflies still fluttering in my stomach.

"So what happens now?" I asked, looking around at the four of them. "In practical terms, I mean."

Theo leaned forward slightly, his analytical mind clearly already working through scenarios. "We continue as we have been—ensuring your safety remains the priority while the case is active. But we also acknowledge these developing feelings rather than pretending they don't exist."

"No pressure," Gabriel added, his blue eyes warm as they met mine. "We take each day as it comes. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or want to slow down, you tell us."

"And if I want to... explore things further?" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended, heat rising to my cheeks again.

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