Every time she breathes, her light flares, and the whole damn system shifts to follow. Her moods turn the fucking tides, her warmth sets the pace, and I’d rather stay in her orbit forever than ever know the cold vastness of space again.
Talon’s got his fancy shifter link with her, hearing every thought that crosses her mind, lucky bastard. The rest of us only get the echo of it, the emotion. Subtle, but enough to connect us to her and feel the bond thrumming through our pack. It even connects us to each other.
We’re all tied to her now. Tied to each other.
Fucking planets bound to a single star.
She doesn’t even realize the gravity she holds. And honestly, I don’t think I’d survive breaking free of it.
That’s the bitch of packmate-bonds. If you want true strength and unity, you need an omega to anchor your pack.They’re the glue that holds everything together. But it’s a double-edged sword, because if something ever happened to Rowan, we would all shatter.
Chapter 8: Cade
Today was an absolute shitshow. Anger had been radiating off me all morning after Talon casually mentioned the two direworgs they put down on patrol yesterday. Command would want to know why they didn't file the incident reports immediately, why I was only hearing about it now, and why my soldiers thought protocol was optional.
I was going to get grilled, and they damn well knew it too.
I ordered them both to fill out their reports ASAP so I could get them submitted, but the mess of paperwork they gave me needed to be revised, not once, but twice before I deemed the reports fit for submission.
My father amplified my stress by sending an email around 0900. He often bypassed official channels, opting to call or text me for prompt responses. His reason for emailing was clear: he wanted an official paper trail.
FROM:General L. Green
TO:Captain C. Green
SUBJECT:Omega Status Compliance
Captain Green,
I am conducting a status review regarding the pack omega currently assigned to your unit. When I approved your unit's transfer request, it was with the understanding that Omega Mills would complete weekly evaluations with the base's chief science officer, in accordance with the medical and behavioral monitoring requirements following the Falcon City incident.
I have been informed that there are no scheduled appointments to date. I assume this was an oversight while you settled your team into their new residence and duties. To ensure compliance, I have arranged the first appointment on your behalf.
Omega Mills will report to the Science Department at 0800 hours on Friday, accompanied by a chaperone of your choosing.
Failure to meet the evaluation protocol moving forward will result in administrative review.
General L. Green
Central New Arca Military Division
I had wondered how long it would take my father to check in on Rowan. Three days. The answer unsettled me more than I wanted to admit. Why was he so focused on her? I was certain now it had nothing to do with exerting control over me, which was his usual approach. This was different. He wanted something from Rowan specifically.
I already had more than enough on my plate, and Rowan’s scheduled appointment with the chief science officer officially joined the growing list of stressors. Add Talon’s insistence that she practice shifting and hunting, and Killian’s brooding, and it felt like every member of my unit was determined to test my patience.
I had told Talon he needed to train Rowan, teaching herto control her wolf, and I stood by that. But the logistics were a nightmare. We had to keep her safe, maintain operational secrecy, and still somehow prepare her for the field. Every variable had to be controlled. That was how our unit operated, and how we had stayed alive for so long. No surprises, every possibility accounted and planned for. The biggest variable was Rowan. She had already proven that we could not rely on her judgement.
My usual trip to the fitness center, lifting weights and blasting loud metal in my ears, did nothing to relieve my stress. I remained wound tight and on edge. I hated the feeling of losing control, hated that too many variables were outside my command.
When I returned to the dormitory, I spotted Killian leaving the bathroom. He had been moving like a ghost for days, slipping in and out of his room only for necessities.
"Killian," I called as I hurried down the hall, standing between him and his bedroom door. He turned, facing me with a flat expression.
Rowan and Ryker were watching a movie in the living room, so I opted to sign, in order to keep our conversation private.
Talon is taking Rowan hunting tonight. He needs to train her wolf. There is a real possibility Command will send us north for a covert mission soon, and she has to be prepared. We're all going, so be ready to head out at 2300.
Have fun with that,he signed with a snort, already turning to leave.
