Page 118 of Knot Their Soldier: Part Three

Zero’s eyes flick to her again, and this time he doesn’t let them linger. He looks down at his tray like the eggs are suddenly interesting.

I can almost see Halley's death replaying in his mind.

"Yes," he says.

I keep my face still, but I feel the shift in my chest, relief that the plan has gone the way Shade had hinted it might after he did some initial recon.

"They’ll resist," I say, making sure Zero isn’t the only one who hears me. Every soldier pretending not to listen needs to understand I know exactly the hypocrisy I’m asking them to accept. "Stone had loyalists, and Viper was the one who ended him. They won’t like that he’s my lieutenant."

"They can resent it," Zero replies. "But you’re the Prime Alpha with the experience, the strength, and…"

His gaze cuts to Halley.

"…the Pack to get us out of this war alive."

Halley steps forward before I can answer. The movement is small, but every soldier nearby tracks it.

"Then say it plainly," she says.

"Plainly?"

"Yes." Her voice carries across the table without rising. "You don’t want the General’s position. Knox does. Blackgate needs someone who can lead soldiers in the coming battles, protect civilians, hold the Pass, and keep this fortress from turning on itself before the Humans reach us."

A bench creaks behind us. Someone sets down a fork.

Everyone in the mess hall is listening now.

Halley holds Zero’s gaze, refusing to give him the smallest sign of deference.

"So I’m asking you in front of your troops," she continues, "Will you officially support Prime Alpha Knox for General of Blackgate Fortress?"

Zero’s jaw shifts.

Shade, Jason, and I discussed it. This was supposed to be a casual conversation to test the waters and my first public step toward command.

Instead, my Omega mate has decided subtlety is a waste of time, and she is currently forcing one of the most respected Alphas in this fortress to swear fealty in front of his soldiers.

This was definitely not part of our strategy.

Every possessive instinct in me approves anyway. My clever, brave Omega.

I fold my arms and stay where I am, letting the room see my choice. Halley speaks for our Pack, and I won’t stop her.

Zero glances at the surrounding soldiers, and there’s no pretending now. Everyone is watching him and waiting to see how he will respond to such a challenge to his authority.

He pushes his tray aside and stands.

"Yes," he says, loud enough to carry. "I will support Prime Alpha Knox for General."

Halley lifts her chin. "And our Pack?"

A muscle ticks in Zero’s cheek.

This is the point where he could assert himself. Every instinct in him must be screaming to remind her that he’s a Prime Alpha and that she should show respect for his rank. He could demand that respect in front of his soldiers by forcing me to choose between reprimanding my wayward Omega, or keeping peace with one of Blackgate’s strongest leaders.

He does none of that.

"I will stand behind Prime Alpha Knox and Pack Scorch," Zero says.