“I’ll need to go to the gallery,” I say.
The four of them exchange glances.
“One of us will go with you,” Rett says finally.
I open my mouth to protest, then close it again. This is the deal I agreed to. Temporary housing in exchange for their protection. And after seeing that ugly message spray-painted on the artwork, I can’t honestly say I want to face the gallery alone.
“Fine,” I concede. “Buttryto be... subtle.”
Tristan snorts. “Subtle isn’t really in our wheelhouse, sweetheart. But we’ll do our best.”
I bristle at the “sweetheart,” but let it slide for now. Too many battles in one day, and I’m running out of energy to fight them all.
Diego begins clearing the plates, waving away my attempt to help. “You’re exhausted,” he says gently. “Get some rest. Tomorrow will be here soon enough.”
He’s right. Now that I’ve eaten, the events of the day are catching up with me. My eyelids feel heavy, and my body aches with fatigue.
“Thank you for dinner,” I say, sliding off the stool. “And for... everything, I guess.”
“Our pleasure,” Rett says, his voice low and sincere. “Get some sleep, Zoe.”
I nod, suddenly unable to meet his intense gaze. “Goodnight,” I murmur, turning to head back to my room.
“Sweet dreams,” Tristan calls after me.
“If you need anything...” Diego begins.
“I’ll be fine,” I assure them, forcing a smile I don’t quite feel. “Goodnight.”
The walk back to my room feels longer this time, the hallway stretching out before me like a tunnel. When I finally reach the door, I slip inside quickly, leaning back against it once it’s closed.
The room is exactly as I left it, but somehow it feels different now. Less like a guest suite and more like... I don’t know. A refuge? A prison? A bit of both, maybe.
I turn the lock with a decisive click, testing it just as Rett suggested. It holds firm.
With mechanical movements, I get ready for bed. Brush teeth. Wash face. Change into pajamas. Normal routine in an abnormal situation.
The bed is obscenely comfortable, the sheets cool and smooth against my skin. I sink into the mattress with a sigh that’s half relief, half surrender.
From somewhere in the penthouse, I hear the low murmur of voices. They’re talking about me, I’m sure. Figuring out how to keep their beta safe while also keeping their static at bay.
I roll onto my side, staring out at the glittering city below. From up here, everything looks small. Manageable. But I know better. Down there is chaos and danger and a person who, for whatever reason, has decided to target me.
And in here... in here are four alphas who claimed me, who want to protect me, who need me for reasons I still don’t fully understand.
I close my eyes, willing sleep to come. But as I drift off, one thought circles in my mind:
How did my carefully constructed life fall apart so completely in just three days?
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Dane
Rett has filled his third cup of coffee since we brought Zoe back to the penthouse. He’s standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out at the city like he’s personally scanning for threats. His posture is rigid, his shoulders a tight line under his shirt.
“She’s safe now,” I say, my voice low.
He glances at me, then back to the cityscape. “Is she?”
