Prime Alpha Zero watches the exchange with clinical detachment, though his eyes narrow slightly. He glances between the five of us, taking in the shape of what we are. His nostrils flare as he sniffs.
“We’re not mated,” Halley says, her voice steady, answering the Alpha’s question before he can ask it.
“Yet,” I add, meeting his gaze and holding it.
Zero nods, and a phantom of a smile tugs at the corner of his lips.
Ah, so he's not completely made of stone.
“I see. Congratulations, to you all. I've never heard of a Pack in our modern age, but things are changing, aren't they? It's reassuring to know such a powerful Omega will be supported by strong mates.”
His voice is level, almost pleasant, but something about the way he sayspowerful Omegamakes the hair on the back of my neck rise.
He knows about Halley’s Omega Command, but how much does he know about General Stone’s plans for her power?
"Roger that, Prime. Your support is acknowledged and appreciated,” Knox replies in a tight, controlled tone. He switches into a professional mode. “Scorch Squad is combat-ready and standing by for orders. Provide mission parameters, and we’ll execute."
Zero gives a curt nod, then waves us forward with a brisk, almost impatient gesture.
Begrudgingly, despite my Alpha still bristling, feeling territorial with such a strong outsider close to our Omega, I find myself liking the stiff Prime Alpha. He doesn't linger on a topic once he has the information. He accepted us as a Pack and returned straight back to business.
We're led to a large tent on the edge of the small temporary base.
"You can bunk in here. I'm eager to have Omega Specialist Sparks working with us, I've seen what she is capable of. I can't begin to understand it, but I can definitely use her,” he pauses, searching for the right words, “negotiating skillswith some of our more hard-headed visitors."
He casts a knowing look at Halley, and she replies with a watery smile.
"I'm at your disposal, Prime Alpha," Halley clips with a silly little salute and my belly flutters with affection.
Knox grunts low beside me, the sound sharp and short. I don’t need the bond to know it grates on him to hear her call another man Prime Alpha. To him, that title belongs to one Alpha only.
'Easy there, boss man,'I say down our internal link.
Knox’s jaw ticks, but he relaxes his posture.
"Thank you, Zero," I say, leaving out his rank to avoid triggering a certainsomeone’sego. "We will support your mission to the best of our abilities."
Zero tilts his head in acknowledgment and then clears his throat. "I’ll leave you to settle in. Come find me when you’re ready to get to work."
"Wait, Prime," Halley says, stepping forward.
Knox's jaw ticks.
Halley flashes a sweet smile, all charm and softness, and it works on Zero almost instantly. His expression shifts. The harsh lines around his eyes ease.
I scent him again, testing for even a flicker of lust or hunger. Nothing. Not a trace.
He has lost the chance to claim the most perfect Omega. A rare jewel that no Alpha of his station would ever have the opportunity to meet, let alone mate. His instincts should be tearing him apart, yet he’s just... fine with it?
It seems impossible, but he’s looking at her like she’s a little sister he’s indulging.
Is that even possible? An Alpha unmoved by an Omega, especially one like Halley? Every instinct in me says no. She's soft and strong and radiant in ways that make the rest of us feel half-starved in her presence.
But he stands there, composed and untouched, as if all she stirs in him is protectiveness.
"Have there been any Omegas pass through the checkpoint?"
Ah. Clever girl.
