PROLOGUE
GREY
Kodiak Sector
Ice floodsmy veins as I take in the sight before me.
The sensation has nothing to do with the frigid surroundings, the frosty air, or the wintry conditions of Kodiak Sector. And everything to do with the frozen Omega lying in the water.
Fuck.
It took me far too long to decode this female’s cryptic notes in her damn journals.
I want to throttle her for not being more forthcoming.
And fall to my knees in apology for allowing this fate to befall her.
I’m about to do the latter when I catch the shiver on her bottom lip, the bluish tint resembling death. Her shoulders tremble next, the shudder undeniable as she gasps a little, like she’s just stirred from a nap.
But then her teeth begin to chatter, and I suddenly become aware that I’m just wasting precious fucking time.
Because she’s very much alive and in pain.
From taking a literal ice bath to mask her sweet scent, I think, sighing inside. A foolish yet intelligent choice.
Shaking my head, I step forward, ready to begin whatever game we’re about to play with one another.
“All right, little riddler,” I say, letting her know that I’m here and that she can knock off this little charade.
But as her eyes flutter open, I realize this isn’t an act at all.
She is literally dying in this ice water.
Dyingwhilst waiting for me.
I’m back to wanting to throttle her again.
Only, she’s looking at me like I’m the warmth she’s been waiting for, the sun she craves, the heat she desperately needs.
Yet that hero-worshipping look disappears in a blink behind a hint of fear, one that threatens to make my heart beat a little faster. “Y-you’re here,” she stammers out, her voice barely audible.
My brow furrows, and I hold out my hand, confused by her shifting emotions. “Let’s get you somewhere warm,” I offer.
She considers me for a moment, almost as though she’s debating whether or not to trust me.
I suppose I am covered in blood from the battle in Blood Sector, but I came straight here after finally understanding Ashlyn’s cryptic note. There hadn’t been time for a shower.
I’m about to apologize, debating if that’s what the Omega needs to hear before she’ll accept my hand, when howls erupt in the distance.
Never mind, I think, leaning down and snatching the female from the freezing water.Fuck, how long has she been lying here?I wonder, noting the ice cube sensations trickling up my arms in response to her chilled skin.
Rather than voice any of that aloud, I shadow us to a safer location. Somewherewarmer.
Not too far away, though, as we have unfinished business in Kodiak Sector. But far enough away to ensure her protection while she recovers from her ice bath.
We materialize in a cave that I’ve fashioned into one of my many lairs.
Recognition kisses Ashlyn’s features, telling me she’s foreseen this. Just as I’m sure she’s foreseen a great deal many things.
