Page 6 of Rescued By Four Alphas
"Right away." Oliver makes a note. "And the photographer?"
"Tell security to find him. I want to know who he works for."
"Yes, sir." Oliver pauses at the door. "There's one more thing. The Secretary of Health and Human Services called again. They're pushing for Dr. Baldwin to join their Shifter Health Advisory Committee."
"What did you tell them?"
"The same as before, Dr. Baldwin is focused on her research and unavailable for government appointments at this time."
"Good." I pick up my phone to respond to Dahlia. "Keep them at bay. The last thing we need is Dahlia pulled into political games."
Oliver nods and leaves. I type a quick response to Dahlia:
I'm aware of the photographer, babe. Security is handling it. Nothing to worry about. How are you feeling?
Her response comes quickly
I'm fine. Just a bit jumpy. Emily noticed black vans in the neighborhood.
I frown. Black vans weren't mentioned in the security briefing.
Did you see them yourself?
No. Just what Emily told me.
I make a mental note to have security check the traffic camera footage.
I'll look into it. Get some rest. I'll be home soon for our date.
I'm looking forward to it. Wear the blue tie.
The blue tie is her favorite; she says it matches my eyes.
As you wish, my love.
I set the phone down and walk to the window again, looking out over the city I once thought I owned. How naive that seems now. All the money and power in the world can't protect what matters most.
My intercom buzzes.
"Mr. Blackthorn, your 2 o'clock is here," my assistant announces.
"Send them in."
I adjust my tie in the car's rearview mirror. The blue one, as Dahlia requested. My phone lights up with a text from Leo.All clear at the restaurant. Security is in place.
Good. At least something is going according to plan today.
The drive to pick up Dahlia takes less than twenty minutes. As I pull up to our estate, I notice the security team has doubled its visible presence. Matthews must have taken my concerns seriously.
I find Dahlia in our bedroom, putting the finishing touches on her makeup. The midnight blue dress she's wearing hugs her curves perfectly, showing just a hint of her baby bump.
"You look stunning," I say from the doorway.
She turns, and her face lights up. "You wore the blue tie."
"You asked me to."
"Come here." She beckons me forward.
