Page 62 of Knot Their Soldier: Part Three

Then Knox turns to the Beta soldiers, who still look stunned. "Rifles up, soldiers. Anyone who moves toward our den forfeits their lives."

They raise their rifles and don't even seem to realize that they're taking orders from the Alpha they'd just been told to shoot. Knox is a leader, a field-tested commander whose tone brooks no argument.

The Alphas of Blackgate might have ignored Halley when she was grieving and kept their distance when we arrived to train her, but now that she’s in heat, nothing is going to keep them at bay.

Except Pack Scorch.

Whatever comes next, there will be more bloodshed.

Our three Alphas are going to have to prove they’re worthy of mating Halley by keeping her safe, and they’ll have to do it while explaining the dead General at Viper’s feet and stopping the whole rebel army from imploding.

A small part of me feels smug. For once, the Alphas are going to have to clean up their own mess while I get to care for our Omega in heat.

Halley whines against my throat, fever-hot and trembling, and I tighten my arm around her as the first Alpha soldier rounds the corner behind us.

Knox’s firm voice orders them to turn back the way they came.

I don’t look back.

I bundle Halley closer and run for our den.

Chapter Sixteen

Shade

Halley in heat is nothing like Halley in O-space.

She is not soft, docile, or eager for cuddles. She certainly doesn't want me petting her hair.

"Ow, baby girl. We don't bite Pack Daddy!" I gasp, snapping my hand back.

Halley bares her teeth, and I wonder if maybe sending the Beta with the Omega in heat was a bad idea. It's clear what she needs, and I don't have the equipment.

"Go away, Shade. You're making my heat come faster," she growls from the nest.

Also, my research seems to have lied. Halley is definitely in heat, but she certainly hasn't lost her ability to speak. In fact, I'd say she's almost hyperalert.

"I don't think it works like that," I say.

One of Blaze's spare boots hurtles in my direction. I duck, and it hits the wall with a thump.

It appears my permanent nest permission has officially been revoked.

I don't know what to do. Halley has never behaved this way with me before. Sure, her Omega is violent when using her Omega Command, but the rest of the time, she's an absolute sweetheart to me.

I watch her claw her sweat-soaked shirt and bra off, grunting in frustration before doubling over with a gasp as another cramp rips through her.

She's in pain, and I feel useless.I've done as much as I can outside the nest. I gathered snacks and water, stoked the fire, hand-washed her slick-soaked panties and trousers, and left them to hang in the bathroom to dry. The den is warm, the nest is ready, and the door is locked.

Somewhere beyond the walls, a distant shout carries through the stone, followed by a low, rough snarl that makes Halley’s head jerk toward the door.

The scent of fresh slick fills the air before pain drags her attention back to her own body.

If only she'd let me close. It doesn't have to be sexual. I'm sure a back massage or even a cuddle would be better than being alone.

"You don't have to suffer while we wait for the others. I can help—"

"I'm fine! Doing just peachy."