“We’re going to figure out how to harness your Omega Command without tearing you apart in the process. We’ll be there with you, step by step, but this time we’re not going to push you to be more like us. We’re going to learn how to be a better support system for what you need. From now on, you lead. We follow because we’re your Pack, not your superior officers.”
Her lips part like she wants to speak, but she doesn’t.
Her eyes shimmer again. Not with panic this time, but something closer to belief.
“So yeah... Knox and Viper were right, even if they said it like jackasses,” I add, glancing briefly at Knox.
That earns the smallest twitch of her lips. A half-formed smile, but I’ll take it.
“You’re not our equal, Halley. You’ve never been, because you’re something rarer and more vital. You’re the heart of this Pack and you don’t need to fight, that’s what you’ve got four hard-headed soldiers for and we’ll protect you so you can be a badass in your own way.”
She presses her lips together, blinking rapidly. Her shoulders tremble, like she’s holding in too many emotions all at once.
“I still want you to teach me how to fight and defend my loved ones. I’m done feeling helpless and weak.”
I nod, and add, “Sure, baby girl. We can keep doing your combat training, but the priority is learning to wield your Command safely. And to do that, we have to work hard on repairing this bond. I think it’s clear that all of our new abilities come from our connection. If we keep talking and listening, then I really believe it’s possible to control it.”
Halley swallows hard and nods, her chin lifting slightly. That’s our girl. She’s scared and shaken, but forging forward anyway.
I glance around the table, feel the shift in the air between all of us. Less brittle and more open.
"So, what do you say? Still want to be part of Pack Scorch?”
Her purple eyes brighten, and she tilts her head curiously. “Is that our Pack name?”
Viper reaches across the table and covers her hand with his. “If you want it to be.”
She bites her lip and nods. “Yeah. I think I like it, and… I’m still game to make this work if you all are.”
Knox nods once. Blaze doesn’t speak, but for the first time all night, he doesn’t look like he wants to murder anyone.
I squeeze her other hand, grounding us both. “We’re with you. One mission. One Pack. One more chance to do it right this time.”
Halley exhales, and it sounds like hope.
And hope? That’s the best damn thing we could ask for.
“Pack Scorch is back.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Halley
They’re moving me into their quarters.
Or maybe I should call it Pack Scorch’s den?
I linger in the hallway, blinking in quiet confusion as I watch their broad backs retreat. They’re carrying what little I own out the front door.
I bite my lower lip, working it between my teeth.
Everything happened so fast, and I’m still spinning.
The whole conversation was just so…us.It happened with such an eerie predictability, like a script I could have written with my eyes closed.
Knox taking control from the start. Executing some negotiation plan with clinical precision.
The squad following his lead without hesitation.
