The Vanishing at the Waterpark

VANESSA

"Leo, I need you to tell me straight—did Roman send someone to watch us?" I stared out at the ocean, phone pressed to my ear. My knuckles were white around the railing.

A pause stretched between us. Too long.

"Not exactly," Leo finally said. "But Moonstone security is keeping an eye on things. For your protection."

I closed my eyes. "Protection or surveillance?"

"Ness—"

"I just need space, Leo. Clear, uncomplicated space." My voice cracked slightly. "I brought Fabian here to give him normal memories, not to be tracked."

"You know it's not that simple," my brother replied, his Alpha voice slipping through. "The threats against our family—against you specifically—haven't disappeared."

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I know."

"Just enjoy your vacation. Pretend they're not there."

"That's not how safety works," I muttered, but let it drop. We said our goodbyes, and I hung up.