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"Axl wants to take me out to celebrate," Dahlia explains, turning to face him. "He's playing a private show tonight."

Leo's expression darkens. "That's out of the question. It's not safe."

"Come on, man," I argue. "It's a secure venue with a private entrance. No one will even know she's there."

"No." Another voice joins in, and I see Onyx appearing behind Leo. "We can't risk it."

Dahlia's shoulders stiffen. "Well thank God, I wasn't asking permission."

"You can't go anywhere until we know Hammond isn't tracking you," Onyx says, his voice leaving no room for argument.

"I haven't left this house in days," Dahlia counters. "I've been working non-stop. I need a break. I deserve a break"

"A break shouldn't mean risking your life," Leo points out.

I step forward, placing a hand on Dahlia's shoulder. "Look, I get your concerns. But I'm not exactly helpless. I have private security. We'll be careful."

"It's not happening," Onyx growls.

Dahlia's eyes flash with anger. "I'm going. I've found a cure that could save thousands of lives. I've earned one night off."

"We should at least come with you," Leo suggests.

"No." Dahlia shakes her head firmly. "I need space. From all of this. Just for a few hours."

The silence that follows is heavy. I watch as Dahlia stares down both Alphas, her chin lifted in defiance.

"I promise this is the only time I'll ask to leave until everything is sorted out," she says finally. "After tonight, I'll stay put. But I'm going to this concert with Axl."

Leo and Onyx exchange a look, having some silent communication that makes me want to roll my eyes.

"Fine," Leo says eventually. "But you take a secure phone that I can track. And you check in every hour."

"And you're back by midnight," Onyx adds. "No exceptions."

Dahlia's face breaks into a smile. "Deal." She turns to me. "Give me thirty minutes to get ready."

"Take your time," I say, grinning at her excitement. "The show doesn't start until nine."

She practically skips down the hallway toward her room. Once she's gone, both men turn their attention to me, and the temperature in the room seems to drop ten degrees.

"If anything happens to her," Onyx says quietly, "I will tear you apart."

"Slowly," Leo adds.

I hold up my hands. "Message received. But nothing's going to happen. I'll protect her with my life."

Neither of them seemed convinced, but they back off, returning to whatever they were doing before I arrived. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Christ, those two are intense.

Thirty minutes later, Dahlia comes out of her room, and my jaw nearly hits the floor. She's wearing a black dress that hugs every curve, her wild curls tamed into some kind of artful chaos around her face. She's applied makeup that makes her eyes look even bigger, her lips fuller.

"Wow," is all I can manage.

She spins in a slow circle. "Will this work for your fancy private concert?"

"You could wear a potato sack and still be the most beautiful woman there." The words come out before I can stop them, completely sincere.

Her cheeks flush again. "Smooth talker."