Satisfied with my search, I went back to the front door, glad that, at least, she could get inside and warm up. “I think it’s fine.” The omega perked up, tea-saucer eyes staring at me as I came back. “Just check that there’s nothing out of place.”
She nodded, following me into the apartment and glancing around. “No, it looks just like I left it, honestly.” I could believe her, but I still didn’t like it. Why would the door be open if she was certain she’d locked it?
“You need a deadbolt on that door. Talk to your building manager about that thing, too.” The door was nowhere near secure enough. One good kick and the whole thing would cave in. “This is far too easy to break into. You have to prioritize your safety.”
Flora’s nose scrunched as she hugged herself lightly. “I doubt he would listen. I’m lucky if he does anything when the hot water goes out. Last year, it went out, and it took him nearly four weeks to do anything about it.”
That wasn’t acceptable.
It wouldn’t happen again. I would see to that. If she needed something repaired, I was sure that a bit of light intimidation would do the trick.
“I’m sure I just forgot to lock it. I was rushing to get to the library; it probably slipped my mind.”
Her expression was far from convincing, with unease behind her eyes again as she no doubt remembered I was here because someone had been following her.
Quiet flooded in, and Flora stood by her little kitchen area, shifting from one foot to another.
I wanted to stay with her; everything in me was screaming to park on her couch and not leave her. To bundle her up in that strawberry nest of hers and keep her safe from the rest of the world while she slept soundly.
“I’ll be fine.” She shrugged, chewing on her lip again. “Thanks again for walking me back.”
“Are you… Are you sure you don’t want me to get you a better lock or something? You said that someone was following you, and?—”
“I was probably just being paranoid. You already did more than enough.” She flicked her bashful stare up from the floor and met my eyes before walking me to the door.
I didn’t want to, but I had little choice. So, I followed her, pausing on the threshold for a moment.
“Okay, I’ll leave you to get warm, but lock up after me, little omega.” I drilled my stare into her, not looking to hear any excuses. “And don’t let anyone inside.”
Flora nodded, her eyes wide, and then I finally left, dragging my steps as I walked out of her building, my ears pricked for any noises out of place.
It wasn’t until I was in my car, about to drive home, that I realized we hadn’t even exchanged names.
Chapter 5
Chase
The front door opened, and Bear came striding in, wearing only his T-shirt on his upper half, his jacket nowhere to be seen. Putting my phone down, I turned my attention to him. His usually surly face was twisted with some emotion I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
“Flora is being followed—your suspicions are correct,” he said, sounding unhappy as he strode into the center of the room.
Spencer looked up from where he was cooking a packet of ramen. We had an amazing kitchen, but all we used it for was takeout and instant noodles. The whole apartment was open plan so upon entering you could see the entire living space and kitchen-diner.
“Are you certain?” he asked.
Bear nodded. “Yes. I didn’t see them, but it was clear she thought she was being followed and was anxious about it.”
Spencer cursed, setting down his chopsticks. “I knew it was likely, but I was hoping it was a simple misunderstanding.”
“She needs protection.” Bear’s response was simple.
My eyebrows rose as I tried to think of a response. Bear was usually focused on the job, and this omega wasnotpart of our job. Why did he want to protect her? Also, where the hell was his jacket?
“I agree.” Spencer nodded, throwing his noodles haphazardly into a bowl before turning to me. “You’re on watch tomorrow. Bear is with the Garnetts, but I doubt they’ll need him. They’re enjoying the newborn bubble.”
The baby was born a week ago and was hands-down the cutest little squishy in existence. The pack had been vigilant and protective of their omega in her post-partum period, so we were keeping our distance. They were a formidable barrier, ensuring her safety with unwavering determination—as part of their security team, I was actually kind of proud of how well they were doing. But I was secretly looking forward to when I could enjoy a cuddle with the little angel.
“I can do that. Hey, Bear, where’s your jacket?”
