Page 85 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

Dakota's shoulders tensed, but Gabriel intervened before things could escalate. "That's enough, Lucas. None of us are immune to what's happening. Which is precisely why we need to establish parameters."

I nodded, appreciating Gabriel's logical approach. "Agreed. We should maintain professional boundaries during active investigation hours. Personal interactions can occur during designated off-duty hours and should progress at Vivian's comfort level."

"That sounds clinical, even for you," Lucas said, leaning against the refrigerator. "We can't just schedule when we feel things."

"No," I conceded, "but we can regulate our behaviors. Emotional discipline is essential in our profession."

Gabriel nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Theo's right about maintaining professional focus. The case remains our priority—not just for Vivian's safety but for the other potential victims out there."

"And what about her business?" Dakota asked, his deep voice cutting through the kitchen. "The flower shop. She's worried about it, though she hasn't said much."

I considered this, calculating variables. "The Sullivan wedding will provide some revenue, but extended closure of her storefront could cause significant financial strain. We should consider solutions. Because I know she will not let us finically support her."

Gabriel gave a low hum in understanding, “Yes. She doesn’t like handouts. For now she can finish the backlog of her orders, then we can revisit where to go after.” His eyes glanced over to me, “Do we have any more updates on the case? The quicker it is solved, the quicker her life goes back to normal and we won’t have to worry about being professional.”

I glanced at my notes, my eidetic memory already cataloging the latest lab results I'd received this afternoon. "The trace evidence from the second victim's clothing yielded a partial DNA profile. It's being run now, but it will take time."

"How much time?" Dakota asked, his tone sharp with impatience.

"Minimum forty-eight hours," I replied, "and that's assuming we get a match in the system. If not, we're looking at other avenues."

Gabriel nodded, processing this information with his usual measured consideration. "What about the chemical residue found on Vivian's apartment door?"

"Industrial-grade cleaner," I said, "commonly used in medical facilities, research labs, and certain manufacturing plants. I've compiled a list of local businesses that purchase it in bulk." I pulled my tablet from my bag and swiped to the relevant document.

"Thirty-seven businesses within a fifty-mile radius," I explained, passing the tablet to Gabriel. "I've categorized them by probability based on proximity to the crime scenes."

Gabriel scrolled through the list, his brow furrowing slightly as he studied the data. "That's still a lot of ground to cover. Any way to narrow it further?"

"I'm cross-referencing employee records with individuals who have histories of violence against Omegas," I said. "Initial results should be available by morning."

“You think one of these could be one of the attackers?” Lucas asked, frown on his face as he tapped his fingers on the table.

“Or hired to do so.” Dakota pipped in, eyes dark with anger, “There are a lot of things in this case, but the pieces aren’t lining up yet. Thompson. Her research. Jensen. Vivian’s flower shop. There has to be a connection somewhere.”

I looked down at the tablet in Gabriel's hands, my mind working through the connections. "We know all the victims so far were Omegas with advanced degrees working in specialized fields.”

"And Vivian," Lucas added, "a successful small business owner in a creative field."

Dakota leaned forward, his expression intense. "What if that's the connection? Omegas excelling in areas traditionally dominated by Alphas or Betas?"

Gabriel's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Successful Omegas challenging traditional hierarchies..."

"It would explain the targeting," I agreed, already pulling up demographic data on my second tablet. "Let me run an analysis of local Omega professionals who fit similar profiles."

Gabriel nodded, “Lets start there and once the test come back we can compare notes and see if anything connects.”

We all nodded, it was going to be another long night, but today had also been a very good day. I adjusted my glasses once more before diving back into working.

The sooner we find who is behind this, the safer Vivian would be.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Iwoketosunlightstreamingthrough the curtains, feeling more rested than I had in days. My nest had cocooned me in warmth throughout the night, and for once, no nightmares had disturbed my sleep. I stretched, my muscles pleasantly sore from yesterday's work in the greenhouse.

The events of last night's dinner conversation came flooding back. Four Alphas. All wanting me. And I had said yes—to exploring whatever this was, at least. The thought sent a flutter through my stomach, equal parts excitement and trepidation.

I checked my phone and saw a text from Jamie. Guilt washed over me; I still hadn't called him as I'd promised Lucas I would. I typed a quick message:

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