Page 33 of Absolute Devotion

“Are you aware of any groups involved in the protection of Omegas like Nala?” His tone is casual, but his eyes are watchful, assessing our every move.

Xylo raises an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of controlled disbelief. “There shouldn’tneedto be groups like that,” he says, his tone dripping with disdain. “But if you’re asking if there’s a network trying to protect people from the ones you just hauled out of here—well, maybe that’s something you should look into.”

The agent purses his lips, clearly unsatisfied with our answers. “Alright,” he says, finally stepping back. “You’re free to go. But consider this: we have eyes everywhere, and we’re aware of every step you take. I’d advise you not to interfere in this case any further.”

He dismisses us, but the veiled threat hangs in the air. The agent watches us leave, his gaze cold and impersonal, a sick feeling churning in my gut as we walk away.

Once we’re out of earshot, Xylo lets out a heavy sigh, shaking his head. “They’re not going to do anything, Bear. They’re just going to throw it under the rug, pretend this was all some minor blip, and move on like they’ve done all the other cases.”

“Yeah,” I mutter, my hands clenching at my sides. “I don’t trust them any more than I trust Victor and his men.”

Xylo nods, a grim look settling on his face. “We need to get back to Nala.”

We hurry down the street, my thoughts racing as we put as much distance as possible between ourselves and that club. Montgomery should be getting close by now, and if there’s any trouble back at the house, he’ll be there to handle it. But the gnawing feeling that we’re still missing something crucial sticks with me, an unsettling knot in my gut that refuses to go away.

I’m suddenly glad we chose to drive separately, Xylo fumbling for the keys, his injured shoulder slowing him down. I grab them from his hand, sliding into the driver’s seat, and starting the engine without hesitation. Xylo settles beside me, his hand pressed against his shoulder, pain etched into his expression.

“You alright?” I ask, casting him a worried glance as I steer us toward home.

He lets out a dry chuckle, grimacing. “Nothing a little time won’t fix. But we don’t have time to waste, do we?”

“No, we don’t. Let’s just get to Nala.”

We drive in tense silence, the night stretching long and dark around us. I keep my eyes on the road, hands tight on the wheel, as the reality of our situation settles over me. We’re dealing with something far bigger than I’d thought, something that reaches into places we can’t see and pulls strings we don’t even know exist.

But no matter what, Nala’s safety is the one thing we won’t compromise. No matter how high the stakes, no matter who we have to go up against. She’s counting on us.

As the familiar streets come into view, a fresh wave of determination surges through me. Whatever waits for us at the house, we’ll be ready. And if those agents, or anyone else, thinkthey can stop us from protecting her—they’re in for a rude awakening.

“Bear,” Xylo says, breaking the silence as we pull into the driveway. “We need to be ready for whatever comes next. I don’t trust those agents, and I sure as hell don’t trust whoever’s pulling their strings.”

twenty-nine

NALA

I’m curled up just behind the bedroom door, gripping a cast-iron pan like it’s a sword. The adrenaline keeps my grip steady, even though my heart is all but beating out of my chest.

I can feel them. Bear’s fury, Xylo’s pain—a sharp, stinging echo in my own shoulder—and beneath it all, this overpowering wave of fear coming from Montgomery. He’s afraid, not just for himself, but for me, for all of us. My vision blurs for a second as anger rises within me. Why does it have to be this way? Why can’t I just have my happy ending?

I try to tamper down my own feelings even as I pull open the door a smidge to see my Alpha by the front door, her gun cocked, my woman ready for whatever comes.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I fumble for the device, sighing with relief when it’s Montgomery’s number running across the screen.

“Montgomery?” I whisper, trying to hold back the emotion from my voice.

“Nala,” he says, the rumbling growl following it more comfortable than scary. “You’re doing great, princess. Just stay right there, okay? I’m five minutes out.”

A small, shaky laugh escapes me, more from nerves than anything. “The lock isn’t going to stop anyone, Montgomery.”

“I know, but I need you to stay on the line with me. Don’t leave your nest until either Zahria or I come in. You got that?”

I swallow, the pan feeling cold and heavy in my hands, and nod, even though he can’t see me. “Got it.”

A pause, and then I hear his smile in his voice. “Did Zahria give you anything to defend yourself?”

“Um,” I hesitate, but I can’t stop the small smile from slipping through. “She gave me a… pan.”

A low chuckle comes through the earpiece and somehow, despite the situation, the tension eases. “A pan? Only Zahria.”

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