Page 10 of Rescued By Four Alphas
She lifts the lid to reveal a pendant – a teardrop-shaped sapphire surrounded by diamonds on a platinum chain.
"Evan, it's gorgeous." She lifts it from the box. "But you already gave me jewelry for my birthday last month."
"This isn't just jewelry." I take the pendant from her and turn it over to show her the back. "See this small button? Press it three times and it activates a GPS tracker and sends an alert to me, Leo, Onyx, and Axl simultaneously."
Her expression changes. "A panic button?"
"A precaution." I try to keep my tone light. "It also monitors your vital signs and will alert us if anything changes dramatically."
She steps back, crossing her arms. "So, it's a leash."
"No, Dahlia…"
"I thought we weren't going to talk about security tonight."
"I know, but…"
"But you couldn't help yourself." She sets down her champagne glass. "I'm not a child, Evan. I don't need a tracking device."
"It's not about your capabilities." I step closer, but she maintains the distance between us. "It's about peace of mind."
"Your peace of mind? What about mine?" Her voice rises slightly. "Do you have any idea what it feels like to have four overprotective Alphas monitoring my every move? I can barely breathe without one of you asking if I'm okay!"
"We worry because we love you."
"You smother me because you're paranoid!"
I take a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "After what happened with Hammond…"
"Hammond is in prison." She cuts me off. "It's been months, Evan. We can't live in fear forever."
"It's not just Hammond." I run a hand through my hair. "People are watching the house. The photographer you saw today wasn't the first, and he won't be the last. The public is obsessed with you, with us."
"So, we hire security. We take reasonable precautions. We don't turn me into a walking surveillance system!"
I move to the edge of the roof and look out over the city. "You don't understand."
"Then help me understand." She comes to stand beside me, her anger softening. "Talk to me, Evan."
I turn to face her. "I had nightmares every night for weeks after we rescued you. In every one, I was too late. I found you..." My voice breaks. "I found you dead, or worse."
Her expression softens further. "Oh, Evan."
"The thought of losing you, of losing our babies..." I swallow hard. "I can't bear it, Dahlia. I would burn the world to ashes to keep you safe."
"I know you would." She takes my hand. "But you can't protect me from everything. No one can."
"I can try."
She looks down at the pendant still in my hand. "Is it just a panic button and health monitor? No microphone? No camera?"
"Just what I told you. I swear."
She sighs. "Fine. I'll wear it."
I lift the chain to place it around her neck, but she stops me.
"On one condition."
