Page 151 of Lyric & the Heartbeats

Absolutely not.

Especially not with the news consumed with the disappearance of omegas around the country. He’d be damned if Lyric would become one of the statistics, not on his watch.

Once again, he surveyed the small crowd gathered around the barricade and frowned. Toward the back was a pair that had yet to squeeze their way through the crowd for an autograph. Two men, alphas, if the scent Henry caught was theirs. As Lyric giggled and signed another shirt, Henry stared at the two men out of the corner of his eye. They were wearing Lyric’s merch… but Henry did not like the way they stared at his omega. There was something darker in their eyes than simple admiration for a talented musician.

But they didn’t make any moves. They didn’t threaten Lyric or say anything, which was probably the most suspicious. They weren’t holding any merch for her to sign, and Henry would be damned if Lyric was going to lay her hands on them to sign the shirts on their bodies.

The two alphas mumbled something to each other before they glanced at Henry, and then shuffled uncomfortably.

That was enough.

“Lyric, last one,” he called, stepping forward and touching her elbow gently.

Lyric frowned at him over her shoulder, but she must have sensed how serious he was. Her brows dipped, and she nodded once before scribbling a last signature and saying goodbye to the crowd.

Henry placed a hand at the small of her back and ushered her away from the small crowd.

When he looked over his shoulder, the two alphas were gone.

“Guys, we need to have a talk.” Henry’s deep voice echoed around the bus, interrupting their afternoon the following day. His voice came out more stern than he intended… but good. He needed their attention, and he needed them to take this seriously.

Lyric paused, her hand halfway into the bag of gummy bears, and slowly withdrew it, an orange bear pinched between two fingers.

“I thought we were talking,” she teased, but quickly swallowed her smile at Henry’s stern glance.

“I know you guys haven’t been keeping up with the news, but there’s something that’s more concerning going on. It means I’m buckling down on the rules.”

“What is it?” Adra asked, brow furrowed with concern.

Leaning against the counter with his ankles crossed, Henry swiped his forefinger across his tablet before turning it to face them. He cranked up the volume of the news report he’d been following for the past couple of weeks.

The somber tone of the reporter echoed around the bus.

“…fifth report of a missing omega in the area. There are no leads at this time, but we are asking all citizens to be vigilant. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially omegas.”

As he muted the volume, he spoke, even as their gazes stayed glued to the tablet. Worry filled the alphas’ eyes and a pinch of relief eased in his chest. Knowing he wasn’t the only one who worried for Lyric made him feel better.

“There have been similar reports all over the country. Maybe not in this great of number… but it’s still concerning. I know we make jokes about the buddy system, but it’s time to get serious. Don’t go anywhere without someone by your side.”

Lyric dropped her gummy bear back into the bag.

Henry sighed. “I know it’s a touchy subject for you, Lyric, but—”

“No, it’s okay. I understand. I promise I’ll take someone with me if I need to go somewhere. I’m still an omega, and that’s who they’re hunting.” She smiled grimly. “I like to get under your skin, Henry, but I’m not stupid. I’ll be good.”

“Thank you,” he said, tension sliding out of his shoulders. “Security at venues will also be beefing up. Apparently there have been a few kidnapping attempts on omegas in the spotlight.”

Lyric frowned. “Really? Do you think I could be one of their targets? I know I’m on stage every night, but…”

Even though she was a new artist. “Yeah. You’re a rising star, but even if you aren’t on their radar, I’d like to be cautious. I don’t want to risk it.”

“So no more running off, okay?” Adra said close to her ear, his gaze on Henry. Lyric nodded and leaned back into his chest.

“Deal.”

And for the first time in a few days, Henry’s chest lightened.

“Food cures all ailments.”