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“Yes, Alpha,” we responded again.

“Signing off,” I added. “You know how to reach me.”

No one answered as one by one they switched back to the main frequency, closed their eyes, and either fell asleep or feigned it. I turned down the volume and reclined my chair, letting the whoop-whoop-whoop of the helo’s blades lull me into a light slumber.

Every day…

When Team Evermore wasn’t in the field, I still kept track of their comings and goings via the GPS trackers embedded under their skin. I accompanied them on their daily runs and workouts, their trips to the grocery store, their nights out drinking at the local bar, and when they picked up fuck-partners for the night. I hacked into surveillance whenever I got bored with watching dots, so I could watch them live. I slept when they slept, dragged out my controllers whenever they did, joined in when they went online, or just played whatever game they were playing. Fucking hearing them laugh whenever they decided on Mario Kart was the best. Auggie’s and Jule’s maniacal chuckles made me smile, Vance’s bark made my chest tight, and Jason’s booming laughter got me hard. I was over the moon, in deep with the pack, and they didn’t even know it. And whenever I thought about that, I spiraled.

The problem: they lived across the country.

The solution: lure them here, to my place, my den.

The hope: they never leave.

With the last mission being so fucked up, they were guaranteed significant downtime. If there was ever a time to make my move, this was it.

“Thanks for the assist,” rumbled through my gaming headset. Jason. Alpha. Team Leader. My gaze landed on the leader of Team Evermore before sliding along the row of team members: Vance, Alpha, second to Jason. Julius and his twin, Augustus, both Betas. All experts in their areas of specialization. Gorgeous hunks of military muscle. The best team—the only team—I’d ever created. They were a pack unto themselves. A pack missing one member. They needed an Omega. They needed me.

“Always,” I whispered before Auggie insisted on a rematch, and we lost ourselves once more in the game.

Then one day…

Istayed quiet, listening as they discussed taking a trip, getting away while they had the opportunity. This was my chance. I booted up the program I’d devised and hit “run.”

“Where to?” Jules asked, picking up his tablet.

“Someplace warm,” Auggie said, already searching. “City or beach?”

“I like the cities,” Vance answered. “More to do. Besides, I’ve had more than enough sand to last a lifetime.”

“True that. Okay, cities where the average temp is over sixty-five mean tees and shorts.”

My fingers flew across my keyboard, remotely accessing their computers and pushing Northern California to the top of their pages.

“What about Monterey? Ocean, mild temps, things to do. We could head into San Fran if we want, or Napa? Look at this.” Jules passed his tablet around.

Thank fuck. My plan was working! Jules prided himself on his knowledge of excellent wines.

Vance scrolled on his phone. “You know I’m a fan of museums. Be cool to check out Cannery Row and the aquarium.” I’d specifically targeted the aquarium for the former SEAL.

“And I hear the Pacific Coast Highway is a nice drive. We could rent a convertible,” Jason added. I’d known the pretty highway would appeal to the alpha.

“Isn’t Eyes from there?” Auggie mused. “Be nice to meet him. Put a face to the voice.”

OMG, he remembered. Please say yes. Please say yes.

“I’ll text him,” Jules offered.

Jules: Hey, Eyes. Thinking of heading your way. Northern Cali?

Me: Yes, Monterey. Would love to meet up? When?

“Eyes confirmed he’s in Monterey. Wants to meet and asks when.”

Me: Come now. I’ll make the arrangements. Stay with me. I’ve got the space.

“Says he’ll make the arrangements and we can stay at his place.”