The words slip out of me before I can stop them.
"Are you hot for him?"
Salt chuckles, and Gabriel blinks.
"What?!" He quickly averts his gaze, his hands clenching.
"Does he even know?"
"Know what? What the hell are you talking about?" Gabriel hisses, his calm cracking.
He takes a step back, unease flashing across his face. For a brief second, I see the old Gabriel again, shy, skittish, slipping along walls, passing other fighters like a shadow.
"Gabriel, it’s none of my business. If you’re infatuated with your boss, well, I wish you luck. I’ve heard he’s practically a monk, so you may need a lot of luck trying to win him over. But if emotions like that aren’t foreign to you, then know this. I love Salt. I want him safe! We are expecting a baby…"
As I say it, Salt snaps his head toward me, but I continue with my eyes fixed on Gabriel. "A deranged ex-employee attacked us here before. Salt and I were shot! And from what I've gathered, this BA Follow-up settlement is much better guarded than the island, anyone can land here, no real fence, no one keeping watch."
A faint grimace crosses Gabriel’s face.
"You were shot?"
"Yes! All we want is a chance to speak with Blue. He has the power to support us."
Gabriel falls silent, looking off to the side.
I watch him for a moment.
He is objectively a very handsome young man, and now, with the shift in his energy, he has truly come into himself, gaining something that was lacking in him before. Still, I do not believe he stands a chance with Blue Lowen.
Lowen is famously asexual and openly hostile toward relationships. His story is widely known, and the tragic circumstances of his shooting range accident that resulted in infertility were something he was never shy about, discussing openly in interviews. That event shaped his career path. Ilearned of it because Anzo used to bring the topic up, viciously mocking Blue.
Supposedly, Blue’s only obsession is science, and he is brilliant at it, a decorated, award-winning researcher responsible for numerous scientific breakthroughs.
At the same time, he is one of the mosthatedmen in the world. His involvement in the Beta Activation program and in military projects tied to NFH has made him a target for organizations that see him as unstable, dangerous, or a mad scientist. He is also known as the king of memes, with countless images and jokes circulating online that mock him directly, including his slight build and his distinctly nerdy appearance.
Gabriel exhales heavily.
"Fine. I’ll speak with Mr. Lowen once his meeting is over and ask whether he’d be willing to give you a few minutes," he says at last, looking back at me. There is a trace of sadness and thoughtfulness on his face.
"Thank you. And I assure you, Mr. Lowen is safe with me. Unlike my uncle, I would never harm a tiny, defenseless omega."
"He’s not defenseless. He has me," Gabriel says sharply. "And I will ensure his safety. You will not come within twenty feet of him. I’ll be standing between you and Mr. Lowen."
Gabriel’s face has a particular expression and I pucker my lips.
"Wow, Gabriel. That sounds like more than just professional dedication. You protect him with the intensity of an alpha guardinghisomega," I say quietly.
Gabriel does not respond other than with a contemptuous snort. But he presses his lips together, and I can tell that whatever he feels, I doubt it’s returned.
"Either way, I appreciate you acting as a go-between. I’ll wait for word."
"For now, I want you to move to the end of the corridor," Gabriel says coldly. Then he turns and walks back to his post by the door.
Salt and I retreat together to the far end of the hallway, just as instructed, and sit down on the floor.
Salt studies me closely. "You really went all in back there."
"Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained."
