Page 46 of Rescued By Four Alphas
"It's worth it, though," I say, watching her peaceful expression. "Did you see how she responded? She needed that."
Onyx nods, settling into the chair beside the bed. "Her heat seems to be breaking. That was probably the peak of it."
I'm about to respond when Dahlia's phone buzzes on the nightstand. The sound is jarring in the quiet room, and I quickly grab it before it can wake her.
Dr. Marianna's name appears on the screen.
"I'll take it," I decide, swiping to answer. "Hello?"
"Ohh, hi…" Her voice sounds surprised. "I was trying to reach Dahlia. Is she available?"
"She's sleeping," I say quietly, moving away from the bed so I don't disturb her. "She went into heat, and she's exhausted now. Can I take a message?"
There's a pause. "Actually, this is quite urgent. I need Dahlia to come in immediately for an emergency consultation."
My blood chills. "What kind of emergency?"
"All I can say over the phone is that it's urgent."
Chapter 13 - Dahlia
Ishift uncomfortably in the passenger seat as our convoy pulls up to Dr. Marianna's medical facility. Three identical black SUVs, each filled with armed security personnel, follow behind us like we're transporting state secrets instead of going to a routine prenatal appointment.
"This is ridiculous," I mutter, watching through the tinted windows as security teams pour out of the vehicles. "We look like a military operation."
Leo reaches over and squeezes my hand. "I know it seems excessive, but after everything that's happened..."
"Leo, twelve armed guards are getting out of those cars right now. Twelve! To escort me to see my obstetrician!"
Axl leans forward from the back seat. "Dahlia, we can't take any chances. Not with you and the babies."
I watch as Matthews' replacement, a stern-faced woman named Rodriguez, directs the security team. Half of them position themselves around the building's perimeter while the others form a protective corridor from our vehicle to the entrance.
"I feel like a prisoner," I say, my voice breaking slightly.
"I know, baby." Leo's thumb traces circles on the back of my hand. "I'm sorry."
Rodriguez approaches our vehicle and taps on the window. Leo lowers it slightly.
"All clear, sir," she reports. "We have eyes on every entrance and exit. No suspicious activity detected."
"Thank you," Leo replies. "We'll proceed."
I take a deep breath as Leo helps me out of the SUV. The moment my feet hit the ground, I'm surrounded by a wall of black-suited bodies. The security team moves with me like a single organism, their eyes constantly scanning for threats that probably don't exist.
"This is insane," I whisper to myself.
The walk from the car to the building entrance takes less than thirty seconds, but it feels like an eternity. Other patients andstaff members stare openly as our entourage sweeps through the parking lot. A woman pushing a stroller stops and pulls out her phone to record us.
"Great," I mutter. "Now we're a tourist attraction."
Once inside the building, the security team's presence becomes even more overwhelming. The small, elegant lobby, which usually feels peaceful and private, is suddenly crowded with armed personnel. The receptionist's eyes widen as we approach her desk.
"Dr. Baldwin," she stammers. "Dr. Marianna is expecting you."
"Thank you," I reply, trying to smile through my embarrassment.
The security team moves to clear a path to Dr. Marianna's office, but I hold up my hand.
