Page 94 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

Lucas's eyes widened slightly, understanding the significance. "I'm honored," he said, all traces of his usual teasing gone. "Truly."

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of the day hanging between us. Lucas leaned back against one of my pillows, his shoulders relaxing as he settled into the nest.

"So?" I asked finally, unable to contain my nervousness any longer. "What happened at the interview?"

Lucas sighed, running a hand through his curls, “Can’t wait till dinner?” He raised an eyebrow when I shook my head.

"It's... complicated. Warren—the lab tech—he's definitely involved somehow, but we don't think he's our primary suspect." He glanced over at me, watching me as I process the information.

I frowned, wrapping my arms tighter around my knees. "What does that mean?"

"It means he admitted to placing the surveillance device at your apartment and monitoring your movements," Lucas explained, his expression darkening. "He claims someone paid him to do it—a lot of money, deposited directly into an offshore account."

"Someone paid him?" I echoed, a chill running down my spine. "Who?"

Lucas shook his head. "He says he doesn't know. All communication was done through encrypted messages. No names, no identifying information." I processed this, trying to make sense of anxiety and fear going through me. It feels like everything was going in circles with no end.

He studied my face carefully. "You're anxious. I can smell it."

I wrapped my arms tighter around my knees. "Of course I'm anxious. Someone tried to hurt me, might still be trying to hurt me. And other Omegas are dead."

Lucas shifted closer, his warmth a comforting presence as he reached over and pulled me into his lap. I let out a small squeak of surprise but didn't resist as he situated me comfortably against his chest. His arms wrapped around me, strong and secure.

"Is this okay?" he asked, his voice gentle as his arms encircled me. I tensed momentarily, then relaxed against him, letting his warmth and steady heartbeat anchor me.

"Yes," I whispered, surprised by how safe I felt. "It's okay."

Lucas rested his chin lightly on top of my head, one hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. "I know it's scary," he murmured. "But we're getting closer, Vivian. Warren gave us information we didn't have before."

"Like what?" I asked, my voice slightly muffled against his chest.

"Like the fact that whoever's behind this has significant resources," Lucas explained. "The payment Warren received was substantial—enough that he was willing to risk his career and criminal charges." He paused, his hand continuing its soothing motion on my back. "And he confirmed that the targets were specifically chosen. Omegas in positions of success or authority."

I shivered despite Lucas's warmth. "Like Dr. Thompson. And me with my own business."

"Exactly," Lucas confirmed, his arms tightening slightly around me. "Warren was instructed to monitor your daily routine, your visitors, when you were alone. He says he didn't know what they planned to do with the information, but—"

"He must have known it wasn't for anything good," I finished, anger flaring alongside my fear.

Lucas nodded, I could feel the movement against the top of my head. "Gabriel thinks he knew more than he's admitting. Dakota... well, Dakota wanted to use more direct methods of questioning, but that's not how we operate."

I pulled back slightly to look up at Lucas's face. "What happens now?"

"Warren's in custody," Lucas explained, his eyes warm as they met mine. "He's cooperating to reduce his charges. Theo is tracing the payment trail, seeing if we can identify the source." His hand moved to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, the gesture surprisingly tender. "In the meantime, you stay here where we can keep you safe."

"For how much longer?" I asked, not sure if I wanted to know the answer. The situation with the four Alphas was complicated enough without adding an indefinite timeline.

"Honestly? I don't know," Lucas admitted, his usual bravado absent. "Until we catch whoever's behind this. Until we know you're safe." His fingers traced a gentle pattern on my arm, the touch comforting rather than intrusive. "Does that bother you? Being here with us?"

I considered the question, letting myself really think about it. "Not as much as it probably should," I admitted, surprised by my own honesty. "A week ago, I would have hated the idea of being dependent on anyone, especially four Alphas. But now..." I trailed off, not sure how to articulate the shift in my feelings.

Lucas waited patiently, his expression open and encouraging. "Now?" he prompted softly.

"Now I feel safe here," I confessed. "With all of you. And that scares me in a different way."

"Because you're not used to relying on others," Lucas said, understanding in his eyes. "Or because you're starting to care about us?"

I felt heat rise to my cheeks at his directness. "Both, I think." I looked down, finding it easier to speak honestly when not meeting his gaze. "I've spent years being independent, keeping Alphas at arm's length. And now there are four of you, and I feel like I'm falling for all of you." The admission felt huge, leaving me breathless with vulnerability.

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