"What does it say?" I ask, trying to peer at the paper in his hand, trying to see what's written there that caused such a dramatic reaction.
He folds it back up quickly—casually, like it's nothing important—and tucks it into his pocket with practiced ease.
"Just a warning about the blizzard. Management probably left notes around the property to alert guests about the incoming storm. Think it's about to start properly with this heavier snowfall."
But his tone feels wrong.Off.Too casual, too dismissive, trying too hard to sound unconcerned.
And I notice him glance at Theo—one of those quick, loaded, meaningful looks that speaks entire paragraphs without a single word being spoken aloud. The kind of silent communication that people who've known each other for years develop, especially military people who've relied on each other in life-or-death situations.
Theo's expression hardens too in response, just fractionally. His olive-green eyes narrow slightly. His posture shifts almost imperceptibly into something more alert, more prepared.
They're definitely hiding something. That wasn't just a weather warning from lodge management. The paper was too deliberately placed. Nash's reaction was too intense. Theo's responding body language is too guarded. But why wouldn't they tell me what it really says? What could possibly be written on that note that they don't want me to see?
"Is the snowfall going to be that bad?" I ask, genuine concern creeping into my voice and tightening my chest slightly. "Should we be seriously worried about getting snowed in here? About the roads becoming impassable?"
"We honestly don't know yet how severe it'll get," Theo says, his military training showing prominently in his calm, measured, professional response that's designed to inform without alarming. "But we'll stay indoors for the afternoon to be completely safe. Or at least stay on the lodge property where we can get back to the cabin quickly if weather conditions deteriorate rapidly."
Nash adds firmly, "No unnecessary risks. We'll keep a close eye on the weather reports and monitor the snow accumulation levels throughout the day."
"Okay," I agree readily, nodding. Then I deliberately brighten my tone and expression, pushing aside the weird tension that's settled over our group like a heavy blanket. "Actually, being cozy indoors all day sounds absolutely perfect! Super hygge vibes! Ican work on editing the Pilates clips you filmed, learn how to set up Instagram properly and optimize my profile, maybe read that Christmas countdown book Grayson and I were talking about yesterday in front of the fireplace. We can make hot chocolate! And maybe bake cookies if the lodge kitchen allows it!"
Both Alphas nod in approval, their expressions visibly softening at my enthusiastic planning and obvious excitement about spending a cozy day together.
Nash takes my hand securely—his palm warm and slightly rough with calluses from years of working on cars—while Theo falls into position behind us as we head toward the exit of the Sunrise Wellness Studio. The protective formation isn't lost on me even though they're trying to make it seem casual and natural. One Alpha leading, one guarding the rear. Classic protective pack behavior when they sense potential danger.
They're on alert. Definitely on alert. Something about that note put them both on guard immediately. But they don't want to worry me or panic me. Should I push harder? Should I demand to know what it really said? Would they even tell me if I did demand it?
I decide to trust them for now.
If it was genuinely, immediately dangerous—if there was an active threat that required my knowledge to stay safe—they would tell me. They wouldn't keep me in the dark about actual serious threats to my wellbeing. Right? They care about me. They wouldn't let me walk into danger unknowingly.
Right?
As we walk through the elegantly decorated hallway back toward our private cabin, passing other guests and lodge staff going about their morning routines, I'm genuinely excited for the day ahead despite the lingering unease. Breakfast with all three Alphas together. Learning new technical skills for content creation. Cozy afternoon activities. Reading by the fireplace.Maybe building a snowman if the storm holds off long enough and we can safely go outside.
But there's this odd sensation prickling persistently at the back of my neck.
Uncomfortable. Unsettling.
Like eyes on me. Like being watched by someone I can't see. Like being tracked.
The feeling is so strong and specific that I glance over my shoulder reflexively, half-expecting to see someone following us or staring at us from a doorway.
Maybe another guest who recognized me from my social media. Or someone from the lodge staff. Or even nothing at all…
But the hallway behind us is empty except for one elderly couple walking in the opposite direction toward the restaurant. Just elegant wooden paneling with artwork hanging at regular intervals, soft indirect lighting from wall sconces, plush carpet muffling footsteps, and the distant sound of other guests moving about the lodge going about their morning activities.
Nothing threatening, suspicious, or that would explain this crawling sensation on my skin.
I'm being paranoid. Completely paranoid. That note probably genuinely was just about the weather and my imagination is running absolutely wild because Nash and Theo reacted strangely. Who would possibly want to watch or follow me? I'm nobody particularly special or important.
Just a small-time content creator with under five thousand followers trying to build something meaningful. Kael always said I was a nobody. Insignificant.
Not worth anyone's attention or effort or time. Just another omega who thought she was more special than she actually was.
But then I look at Nash's profile as he confidently leads me down the hallway, his hand securely, protectively holding mine like he's afraid I might disappear if he lets go.
I feel Theo's solid, reassuring presence behind me, steady and vigilant and ready to intervene if anything threatens. I think about Grayson waiting in the cabin, probably already awake and reading his romance novel while drinking coffee and waiting for us to return so we can have breakfast together as a pack.
