Page 253 of Knot Their Soldier: Part Three

Easy to train. Performs infirmary duties without issue. Has encountered Alphas with no adverse reaction. Physically capable. Prime candidate for Omega Command project.

The more recent notes are from after the evacuation to Blackgate. They mention that she was taken directly into Blackreach by an escort of Beta Specialist soldiers. It doesn't name where she was sent, but I know from my discussion with Prime Alpha Zero's soldiers that she is at the farthest settlement in Blackreach, or at least she was when Zero’s soldiers last saw her.

My fingers rest on the screen while I sort through what the files have given me.

Stone’s records don’t tell me where Dazz went. Flicker escaped before reaching Blackgate and has probably spent every day since making certain no one can find her.

Ember is different. I have the name of a settlement, a route through the mountains, and soldiers who saw her there.

I have somewhere to begin.

My scent deepens as I straighten in Knox’s chair, and my Pack’s support pours through the bond.

Shade is right. I set this mission aside because Blackreach needed me and our entire species was facing extinction. I made the right choice then, but I don’t have to keep leaving my friends behind.

I can start searching again.

I will find my Omegas, starting with Ember, and I know just who to ask to help.

After a brief discussion with my mates, I give Blaze the names and send him toward the Alpha barracks. While he’s gone, Shade helps me gather the maps and records we’ll need, and Viper marks the safest route from Blackgate to the settlement where Ember was last seen.

It isn’t long before footsteps approach outside the office. The door opens, and Blaze steps inside with Prime Alpha Zero behind him.

Zero pauses in the doorway, his practiced gaze sweeping across the room before he enters.

Alpha Riot follows him, his eyes wide with curiosity and caution. Riot steps inside and closes the door with a resonant thud.

Riot stands beside the Prime Alpha at parade rest. Their backs are straight, their chins lifted, and they look every bit like disciplined Alpha soldiers.

Riot is looking at me with curiosity bright in his eyes, while Zero does another sweep, taking in the Pack and the tension in their shoulders that hasn't fully settled since I opened the files.

"Omega Specialist Sparks," Zero says respectfully. "How can we be of assistance today?"

I don’t bother correcting him or asking him to call me Halley instead of using my rank. He's never listened to me before, and I doubt he ever will. He's a Prime Alpha through and through, and that's why he is exactly who I need.

"I have a mission for you, Prime Alpha Zero and Alpha Riot," I eventually say.

Zero's jaw tightens, but he doesn't interrupt.

"I'd prefer to do it myself, but Pack Scorch can’t leave Blackgate," I say. "You know why."

They do.

We're the weapon that keeps Blackreach safe, and I cannot leave my post.

I’ve made my peace with that.

This is where I stay. Where we stay. From now on, Blackgate is our Pack's home.

"Zero, do you remember when I asked you about an Omega seen in Blackreach?"

His eyebrows twitch, fighting not to furrow as he responds hesitantly, "I do."

"You're going after her."

His gaze sharpens, searching my face for hesitation, but he won’t find any.

"This mission means more to me than you could ever imagine," I continue slowly so he has time to process my request. I don't want him to be resentful toward Ember when he finds her, but I will order him to go if I have to.