I look over my extensive notes. “You’ll need to tell Kaiden our software changeover is going to be delayed.”
Sylvan
Valentin and Luciano convinced me it would be inappropriate to remain in the salon overnight. I don’t understand why. It would be the most efficient way to fix the issues.
But I was able to set up a remote access point before we left.
Back at our packhouse, I’m in my room. I have the most monitors in here, which makes it much easier to work.
I open another window on a different screen to cross-reference a structure I remember with the most common vulnerabilities in similar builds. It’s not difficult to identify the weaknesses. Poor segmentation. Over-reliance on outdated authentication. It’s already been compromised. Multiple times. I told Revea this already.
Something tight pulls in my chest again. I press my fingers briefly against it, then dismiss the sensation and keep working.
If there’s a problem, it can be fixed. I just need to make sure it isn’t compromised again…
“He’s been like this since we got back,” Luciano murmurs, and I realise he’s behind me.
“Hmm,” Valentin replies.
“Why are you both in my room?” I ask, not looking away from the screen.
Luc huffs a quiet laugh. “You’ve been in here for hours. You need a break.”
“I’m fine. I need to fix this.”
There’s a pause. “Sylvan, it can wait,” Val says.
Everything can wait. Doesn’t mean it should.
I keep working. My silence should indicate the end of the conversation; they’ll leave shortly.
A window on one of my screens pops up, a camera of the last entrance gate opening, and Kaiden’s car pulling in.
“If you won’t listen to us…” Luciano says, but there’s a little sing-song to his voice.
He didn’t complete his sentence, so I’m not sure what he means. I continue working, but my thoughts drift to the omega with pink hair. The way her face drained of that peachy blush when I saidinadequate. How even though I know that was the truth, part of me seems to dislike that I said it… wishing I could take it back.
The bond hums, strengthened by all four of us being in the same place, just before Kaiden’s voice rumbles from the hallway. “What’s going on? Why are you all in Syl’s room?”
I hear Kaiden step inside, but he didn’t ask me a direct question, so I continue.
“Sylvan met Revea today,” Val says.
I frown. That doesn’t answer Kaiden’s question; it’s not a correct response.
“And he made her cry,” Luc adds.
Something inside my chest tightens, then snaps.
I turn, my gaze snapping to his. “I didn’t make her cry.”
“You didn’tmeanto, but still…” Luciano shrugs.
I snarl. The bond floods with tension, and Luciano’s lips twitch.
Did he say that to make me react?
“Sylvan.” Kaiden steps in front of Luciano, and my chest loosens. “Tell me what happened.”
