Page 22 of Rescued By Four Alphas
"It's more than gossip now," Evan says, showing me his phone screen. "Look."
The headline reads: "EXCLUSIVE: Shifter Breeding Program Exposed - Government Investigates Omega Multiple Births."
"That's it." Evan pockets his phone. "We're leaving tonight. I'll make the arrangements."
"No!" I plant my feet. "I am not leaving. This is our home, and I won't be chased away by fear and lies."
"Dahlia, be reasonable," Leo pleads.
"I am being reasonable!" I snap. "You're the ones talking about fleeing the country over some news headlines!"
Axl runs his hand through his hair. "Look, we're all stressed. Let's take a breath and think this through."
"There's nothing to think through," Evan says. "We need to protect Dahlia and the babies. That's all that matters."
"Don't I get a say in this?" I demand. "They're my babies too!"
"Of course, you get a say," Axl assures me. "We're just trying to figure out the safest option for everyone."
"The safest option is not to panic," I insist. "We have security. We have resources. We can handle this without running away."
Onyx turns from the window. "What if we compromise? Let's increase security here for now, but if things escalate, we will reconsider the move."
"Define 'escalate,'" I challenge.
"If anyone breaches the perimeter," Leo suggests. "Or if the government tries to force that registration."
I consider this. "And I still get to live my life? Work in my lab? Go to doctor's appointments?"
"With protection," Evan stipulates. "Two of us will be with you at all times when you leave the house."
I bristle. "That's still controlling my movements."
"We're trying to keep you safe, Dahlia." Onyx counters.
"I'm not made of glass!" I throw my hands up. "I've faced Hammond, been kidnapped, and survived artificial heat. I think I can handle a few nosy reporters!"
"This isn't just about reporters," Evan's voice hardens. "This is about a government that's getting increasingly hostile to shifters and omegas."
"So, we fight it!" I insist. "Legally, and publicly. We don't hide like we've done something wrong! It's possible to gain public sympathy. The government won't want to make a wrong move."
Axl nods. "She's right. Running looks suspicious. Like we have something to hide."
"We do have something to hide," Evan points out. "Four babies with four fathers."
"That's our business," I say firmly. "Not the government's, and definitely not the media's."
Leo sighs. "In an ideal world, yes. But we don't live in that world."
"So, we just give up?" I shake my head. "No. I refuse to live in fear."
Evan's jaw tightens. "It's not about fear. It's about being smart."
"Smart would be consulting with me before making decisions about my life!" I feel my temper rising again. "You don't get to dictate what I do just because I'm pregnant!"
"No one's dictating anything," Leo tries to placate me.
"Really?" I gesture around the room. "Because it sounds like you've all decided I need to be watched, guarded, and possibly shipped off to Switzerland without asking what I want!"
