Page 24 of Rescued By Four Alphas
"So, our agreement only stands when things are easy?" I challenge. "The moment there's trouble, you get to take over?"
"That's not what I meant," Evan backpedals.
"It's exactly what you meant," I accuse. "You think because you're Alphas and I'm an Omega, you get to make decisions for me."
"That's not fair," Leo protests.
"Isn't it?" I look at each of them. "You're all standing here telling me what I can and can't do, where I can and can't go, who I can and can't see. How is that not exactly what I'm saying?"
The room falls silent again.
Axl is the first to speak. "You're right."
"What?" Evan turns to him.
"She's right," Axl repeats. "We're trying to control her because we're scared. That doesn't make it okay."
"Thank you," I say softly.
"But," Axl continues, "that doesn't mean the danger isn't real. We need to find a solution that respects your autonomy while keeping you safe."
"Exactly," I nod. "That's all I'm asking for."
"So, what does that look like?" Leo asks. "Practically speaking?"
I think for a moment. "Fine… I won't leave the estate alone. I accept security when I go to appointments. I work from home for now. But I don't want guards to follow me around my own house, and I don't want to be treated like I can't make decisions for myself."
"That's reasonable," Leo nods.
"And we stay here," I add firmly. "I am not running away to Switzerland or anywhere else unless there's a direct, specific threat."
Onyx and Leo nod their agreement. Evan remains silent, his jaw clenched.
"Evan?" I prompt.
"I don't like it," he admits. "I think we're underestimating the danger."
"Maybe," I acknowledge. "But I can't live in a cage."
"And if something happens?" he challenges. "If someone breaks in, or the government tries to take you for 'examination,' or…"
"Then we deal with it," I cut him off.
Evan runs a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. "You're being stubborn."
"I'm standing up for myself," I correct him. "There's a difference."
"Standing up for yourself won't matter if you're dead!" Evan snaps.
The room goes still. Even Evan looks shocked at his own words.
"Dahlia, I didn't mean…"
"I think you did," I say quietly. "And that's the problem. You're so focused on the worst-case scenario that you can't see what you're doing to me now."
"I'm trying to protect you," Evan insists.
"You're trying to control me," I counter. "And I won't allow it. Not from you, not from anyone."
