Page 53 of Knot Their Soldier: Part Three

I know this version of her. It’s how she keeps from falling apart when people are bleeding out in front of her. She locks everything away, finds the problem, and becomes Doctor Everlyn.

Frack.

She grabs my hand and yanks me forward.

I stumble after her as she drags me toward the gray stone fortress walls.

My Pack falls in behind us with frantic coordination. They're soldiers who have survived gunfire, explosions, and Human ambushes, yet one glare from Everlyn, and they’re letting her kidnap their mate.

Honestly, cowards.

"Where are we going?" I ask, trying to slow her down.

She keeps marching.

"I’ll decide if you’re fine or not, Halley Sparks." Her grip tightens around my hand. "You’re getting the most thorough medical checkup of your life."

"The field medic already cleared me."

Everlyn scoffs without looking back. "Do I look like I give a shit what that scalpel monkey said?"

"He said everything is more than fine. I’m basically in perfect health." I tug lightly against her hold. "So you don’t have to worry this much."

She stops so abruptly that I bump into her back.

Everlyn turns, catches my shoulders, and steadies me before I can step away. Her eyes search mine with frightening focus.

"I’m going to figure out what happened to you," she says. "Do you hear me, little miss Omega? We’re done with mysterious paranormal Omega magic nonsense. I don’t care if you’re a zombie, a vampire, or a medical anomaly I haven't discovered yet. Science is coming for you."

I press my lips together, fighting the smile that wants out.

She means each word, and I'm one more "I'm fine" away from being strapped to an exam table.

And I love her desperately for it.

Extensive medical treatment is her love language, after all.

My almost-smile makes her glare falter as her gaze shifts from my eyes to my cheeks, then down to my throat.

"Wait," she says. "You’re flushed."

She presses her palm to my forehead.

Her hand is cool against my skin, and I have to stop myself from leaning into it.

Everlyn’s anger drops into concern.

"Halley," she says, voice lower now. "How long have you been feeling warm?"

I open my mouth to answer, but the Pack suddenly jolts into movement.

Knox, Viper, and Shade step in front of us, while Blaze guides Everlyn and me back toward the wall with one arm at my waist.

Their scents shift fast, filling the corridor with warning.

Everlyn stiffens, and I catch her wrist before she can protest. She looks at me, startled now, and I shake my head and pull her closer.

My Pack doesn't behave like this unless there is serious danger.