“I’ve tried to play along, to earn that information. I did everything he asked. I let him do blood tests to monitor my pheromone levels, and all the while, he lied. He never had their location. He sent them away for their own safety, and honestly… I think he was right to. Especially after what we’ve learned. It’s too dangerous for me to be around them right now.”
I swallow hard.
“So, to answer your question…” I say quietly, meeting his gaze, “I didn’t save my family. I failed my mission, sir.”
I watch the muscles in his throat bob. He asked me to call him sir on the first day we met and it seems appropriate to revert back to that same formality.
“But I have a new mission now,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
Knox nods. “You do.”
“It scares me. I don’t know if I can do it.”
Viper hums and inclines his head. “You can.”
“How am I supposed to use my Omega Command to drive away a whole army when using it nearly destroys me? In Rheamont, it felt like it was breaking both my mind and body.”
I glance around the room. They’re listening.
Shade speaks. “It’s true that a Command as strong and untamed like yours isn’t safe, but General Stone has a plan.”
I squint. “I don’t trust anything he says.”
How can I? He could be setting me up to be a sacrifice for all I know.
“The armyiscoming, Halley,” Shade says.
I nod.
Even if I knew for certain I’d die using my Omega Command, I’d still do it if it meant I could save everyone else. But I’d rather not die. And having Scorch Squad at my side will give me strength.
“He says I can’t do it alone. That I need…”
I falter. The words catch in my throat. I don’t know if I can ask them for this.
“I need…”
I grip my wavering bravery. Two days ago, I walked onto a battlefield with nothing but my courage and wits. I can be brave now. They're all watching me intently, waiting for me to continue. I take a deep breath and steel myself for the next part.
“If I’m going to use this power to save our entire species then...”
I pause, the truth settling between us.
“I need you to be my squad again.”
Chapter Nineteen
Knox
“That’s it?” Shade blurts. “That’s all you want from us? Training?”
All three of us Alphas growl.
Is she denying that she wants us as her mates?
She blinks rapidly.
A blush starts low on her chest, blooming upward, and I can see it cresting beneath the edge of the bite collar she’s still wearing.
