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I only realize I’ve reached for Jacob’s hand when his warm fingers close around mine.
My father leads us through the throng toward its epicenter, the sea of people parting easily before us. I don’t know if it’s because of him or the three huge soldiers flanking us, but I do know it’s not for me.
At the center of the celebration, a group composed mostly of alphas over the age of fifty stand around, their faces drawn in more serious lines. I recognize the vice president—the former vice president—next to AX23, the blond soldier’s face a blank mask even as he continually scans the room.
I suck in a breath when I spot Dr. Green off to the side. I guess his help in securing the AX units has earned him a spot with the inner circle. Our eyes meet for a moment, but neither of us acknowledges the other.
“Thompson, you made it,” the former vice president says, breaking away from the conversation when he spots my father. “Or should I say, Mr. Secretary of Defense?”
“Mr. President,” my father greets the man, a smile hiking up the corner of his mouth. The gleam of excitement is back in his eyes, and I am once again reminded that he is one of them—a shark. A conqueror. “I brought my daughter—she’s been working hard on patching up AX21 while we secured control. And you remember her mate, of course—Jacob Winthworth.”
Our country’s new president looks up at the alpha by my side, surprise and recognition on his face. “Captain Winthworth! Of course I remember the man who took a bullet for me.Howare you…? I thought you’d died from your injuries.”
I’d forgotten. In the craziness of these past twenty-four hours, I’d somehow… forgotten that before he came to me, Jacob was in on this coup too. I glance up at him, but he simply stares at the president.
An alpha by the president’s side turns around, a frown drawing down his gray eyebrows as he stares at Jacob, and my stomach clenches with recognition. General Robert Smith has been a frequent guest in my parents’ house since I was a child. I suck in a shallow breath and force down the memory of the last time I was face to face with him.
“How is this possible?” There is anger in his gruff voice—a sound I also recognize all too well. I step closer to Jacob, unsure whether my instinct is to seek his protection or offer him mine.
“Addie, of course,” my father says, smugness lacing every word. Yeah, he’s finally proud of me, but when he pulls me a step forward by my shoulder and General Smith’s cold eyes land on me, all I wish for is the shielding cloak of unimportance. Everything inside of me is ice.
“We couldn’t very well abandon a man of Captain Winthworth’s skill to death—especially not when he saved our leader’s life. So Addie crafted him into an even more formidable ally for us.” My father pats my shoulder and looks to Jacob. “I know you don’t remember, son, but you are among friends. If you hadn’t saved Graham, our plans would have been set back months, perhaps years. Today is as much your victory as it is ours.”
“He has memory loss?” Smith asks, eyes sharpening on Jacob. “How much does he remember?”
“I remember nothing from my past life, sir,” Jacob says, voice even and firm. If he’s noticed me freezing like a deer in headlights by his side, he doesn’t show it.
The general’s shoulders move with a slow exhale. When he speaks again, there’s a predatory glint in his eyes. “That’s a pity. I’m afraid that means we can’t be sure of your allegiances now.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Rob,” my father rumbles. “As I said, he’s Addie’s mate. The man is loyal. And he’s an AX soldier—with their bond, he’s an even bigger asset than the rest.”
“We certainly can’t have too many of them on our team,” the president says with a smile as he nods toward AX21. “Not when one of them singlehandedly took out my predecessor and the entirety of the Secret Service.”
“Hermate?”General Smith says, hard eyes flashing back to me—to my neck, though my hair is shielding my mark from view. “When did this happen? Before or after?”
“Oh,longafter. Only just over a week ago, in fact. During that nasty Russian entanglement.” My dad shakes his head, then gives him a wry smile. “It’s a shame we never could make it work between her and your Sam, but don’t worry—we’ll save a seat for you both, and Margery, once we get around to a wedding reception, hmm? Speaking of, where is Sam? You haven’t made him oversee the patrols while we’re in here celebrating, I hope?”
“Ha! No, I’m not that heartless. He’s around here somewhere.” The general turns to look across the crowd, and my heart slams into overdrive.
“We need to leave.” I can barely force the words out of my petrified throat, but Jacob hears me. I don’t know whether it’s the look on my face or whatever he feels through our bond, but when he looks down at me, there’s concern in his eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
I open my mouth to repeat myself, but before I can force the words out, the crowd splits to reveal a large alpha with golden blond hair, bright blue eyes, and an arrogant smile I will never forget for as long as I live.
Colonel Samuel Smith looks up, and for a brief moment, our eyes lock.
And I am seventeen again.
SIX
JACOB
“Sam! The Secretary of Defense has a surprise for us from beyond the grave. You remember Captain Winthworth, I’m sure?” the general with the cold eyes calls out, but Jacob is too focused on the shaking female by his side to pay him much mind.
“Adelaide?” he murmurs, but she doesn’t respond—just clings to his hand and stares at the newcomer as if she’s seen a ghost.
“That’s… that’s impossible,” the blond alpha says, and the shock and anger in his voice pulls Jacob’s attention to him, instincts to assess the threat kicking in.
