Page 22 of Knot All Is Ruined: Part 2

Toma and Petru didn’t feel the need to posture or be in control of others. Those two were far more into the personal challenge of things. Each wanted to be the best in their chosen field, and they sure as fuck pulled that off. Victor was the Alpha who needed to control his environment and keep tabs on everyone. Having Dani stolen under his watch was what really pissed him off, but he was also an Alpha who needed to be in charge—without the red tape. On many occasions, they’ve tried to promote him to a high-ranking officer. Each time he refuses, doesn’t want the paperwork nor the hassle of the higher-ups telling him what he can and can’t do.

As for me, I would safely assume Lucian as well; we’re natural-born leaders. The ones people follow. No matter our job or role, others will flock to us for help or guidance. While I would give anything not to be the next president, I know it’s where this journey will end. Then again, if we really do end this war and find a way to create peace between our countries, my place in the world might change. I’ll have to be in a leadership position without a doubt, but so will Lucian. Not having a clue what that will look like, I don’t even want to speculate how that would work, but our people will need the reassurance of us reminding them that everyday things are changing.

My plan was to watch how Lucian interacted with the rest of my unit, trying not to step in but letting them resolve things for themselves. If we genuinely hoped to make this a blended pack, the first of its kind, with three different countries represented. What would Oscad say about the fact that one of their Omegas is choosing to stay and end this war? I’d heard whispers of their new leader, Head Speaker Marius, and how he tore the previous government down to keep his Omega safe. Surely a man like him will understand what we’re trying to do here for Danella.

“Sorin,” Cris called, with an edge to his tone making me think it wasn’t the first time he called my name.

“Apologies, I was lost in thought,” I offered. “Did you need something?”

“Food is ready, but I wasn’t sure if we should wake Dani or not,” Cris said, placing a large pot of stew on the table.

“No, I think it’s best if we let her be. If the smell of food wakes her, then so be it. Although it’s obvious she’s wiped out. As strong as she is right now, we need to keep in mind her body still isn’t back to a hundred percent,” I reminded.

Lucian snapped to attention at this. “She was hurt? What happened? Fuck, did I push her too hard?”

I directed his attention to Cris, who could explain everything far better than I could. Meanwhile, the rest took their seats and started to dish up food, so I joined them. Cris was more than capable of dealing with Lucian on his own, plus I wasn’t one to baby him. With everyone seated and food dished up, I dove in with gusto. The base always made sure we had decent meals that were nutritious and met the needs we had, but it could never beat Cris’s cooking.

“From what I’ve gathered from Dani, her friends, and witnessing ourselves, the escape from the outpost went less than ideal. She stole a truck but then ran over a landmine which tossed her from the vehicle. Tori mentioned something about a second explosion as the truck blew up that Dani got hit with as well. Violet dislocated her shoulder, but Dani fixed it. Which, I have to say I’m rather impressed with her medical knowledge. It’s limited to be sure, but still much of what she does know will come in handy on the battlefield,” Cris praised with a bright smile as he caught sight of the woman herself coming to join us.

Lucian, with his back turned to her, slammed his spoon to the table. “Danella will never be anywhere near the battlefield if I have anything to say about it.”

Cris started to point to Dani, who was now standing behind Lucian. How he couldn’t feel her standing there, I’ll never know. Maybe he did and chose to ignore her until he got his point across.

“She mentioned you were training her to be part of your unit. I didn’t realize just how serious that training was until I saw the dead bodies. Dani isn’t going to be in the thick of things no matter what she thinks or says.” Twisting in his chair, he turned to face her. “Do we understand each other?”

“Do we understand each other…” Dani murmured, cocking her head. “…You know, I don’t think we do because that is absolutely not going to fucking happen. This is as much my fight as it is yours. I deserve to be part of this, not hidden away someplace else while others put their lives on the line. You want to protect me, keep me safe. I get that, but there are other ways to do that where you’re not taking my legs out from under me. Ask these guys. I’ve got what it takes to be a valuable asset to this team which is what I wanted for my life before you showed up and blew that all to hell.”

When he’d told me she hadn’t forgiven him, I wasn’t sure I believed him. After this interaction, I’ve since changed my position to agree with him. Her words were like spitting venom as her eyes flashed with anger. Victor shifted in his seat next to me, trying to discreetly adjust himself. He’d confessed that he riled her up on purpose because he thought it was the sexiest thing to see her mad.

“Da—“ Lucian tried, but Dani cut him off with the wave of a hand.

“Don’t, you are my bonded Alpha, and I understand that drives you to be overprotective. Just take a second to think this through. We’re not alone anymore, and we have all of them watching out for me too. By training me to be a fighter, you’re gonna be protecting me. It’s just gonna look a little different.” Dani let out a sigh and spread her arms out before letting them fall in frustration. “Lucian, I’m never going to be the precious Omega who wants to be treasured and kept on a pedestal. What is it you tell me all the time? It’s the fight, the passion that had you fall in love with me. So you can try to enforce keeping me off the battlefield, however I’ll fight you every step of the way.”

That’s my Dani-girl. An Omega warrior fighting to free those who can’t free themselves. Who wouldn’t be in awe of her spirit? That’s why, no matter what, she was going to need us all to keep her safe.