Page 37 of Absolute Devotion

Chief Hart nods. “I get it. This decision isn’t something I’d want any of you to take lightly. But this is an opportunity to make a real difference. To save more Omegas from the hell Nala went through. I know it’s not an easy choice.”

My chest tightens as he speaks. This is exactly why we fought so hard to protect Nala. She was one of many, lost in a sea of forgotten faces, written off as someone else’s problem. And as much as I hate the thought of leaving her, of exposing her to any more risk, the idea of not doing everything in my power to stop this… it doesn’t sit right.

But I know this isn’t a case that’ll end in a week or even a month. It could take years, maybe even a lifetime, to dismantle something this deep-rooted. And that thought, more than anything, is what gives me pause.

“Montgomery,” Chief Hart says, meeting my gaze. “You don’t have to answer now. None of you do. But think about it. This is your investigation if you want it. There’s no one I trust more to get to the bottom of this.”

I swallow, my mind racing. I glance at Bear, Xylo, and Zahria, seeing the same conflicting emotions in their eyes. For all of us, the bond with Nala is still raw, still new, and the thought of leaving her for hours on end, of chasing after a ghost of a threat—it feels like a betrayal. But the idea of walking away, of leaving others to face the same horrors she did, is unfathomable.

Bear puts a hand on my shoulder, grounding me, his voice a low murmur. “I want to protect her, Montgomery. But I can’t stand the thought of others suffering the way she did. The way we almost lost her.”

Zahria readily agrees. “We need to talk to Nala. She deserves a say in this. But if she’s with us… I think we all know what we have to do.”

Xylo smiles faintly, the tension easing from his shoulders as he leans back. “Nala won’t want us to sit this out. Not if it means keeping others safe.”

Chief Hart rises, giving us a nod. “Take your time. Talk to her. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you. Just know that there are others out there who need people like you fighting for them.”

We stand, each of us lost in our thoughts, the weight of the decision pressing down on us. Whatever we decide, whatever path we choose, we’ll face it together. And with Nala by our side, I know we can take on anything.

thirty-two

NALA

My baby nephews giggle and squirm around me, their little hands reaching out to grab my fingers, my hair, anything within their grasp. Their joy is infectious, and for a moment, I let myself fall into the rhythm of their laughter, the soft warmth of their little bodies snuggled close.

Joel’s on the floor next to me, carefully stacking blocks for the twins before he knocks them over. Every time he does, he lets out an exaggerated gasp, making them squeal with delight. Across the room, Ren is playing peekaboo from behind the couch, his hands popping up with perfect timing, sending the babies into additional fits of laughter.

Their Alpha, Isaias, is sitting on the couch in the middle of the room, his arm wrapped protectively around Kieran, who leans into him with a peaceful smile. The sight of them so close and comfortable makes my heart ache with warmth, and I wonder if I’ll ever get used to feeling safe like this, surrounded by family.

Still, there’s a tension winding through me, a chaotic energy I can’t shake. My mates left so suddenly, called in for an urgent debriefing with Chief Hart and the FBI. I hadn’t wanted to stay in the house alone with the memory of that intruder still fresh in my mind, so I came here, to the comfort of my brother’s pack. But now, hours later, I can’t help glancing at my phone, hoping for an update.

The bond I share with my mates hums with their emotions—hardened resolve, frustration, and the sharp edge of anger.

Leo reaches up at me, his excited squeals causing him to wriggle around. I chuckle, scooping him up and pressing a soft kiss to his cheek, which earns me a delighted giggle.

Joel nudges me with a gentle smile, catching the anxious glance I shoot at my phone. “They’ll be fine, Nala,” he says. “They’re trained for this. They’ve got each other, and they’ll be back at your side before you know it.”

Trying to let his words ease the tightness in my chest isn’t easy, the growing worry gnawing at me. I glance over at Kieran, remembering what he went through just a few weeks ago when Michael had tracked him down. I remember the way Kieran looked then, haunted and tense, and I finally understand. This is how he must have felt, the helplessness of waiting, the fear simmering beneath every thought.

But somehow, this feels even worse.

I close my eyes, focusing on the bond, hoping for anything to ease my mind. And then I feel it—a shift, a softening in their emotions. The tension fades, replaced by something warmer, almost lighthearted. There’s a sudden burst of laughter echoing through the bond, bright and easy, and I cling to it, letting it settle my anxiety.

Joel catches my expression and chuckles. “See? They’re fine, Nala. You’ll have them back before you know it.”

But then a different emotion trickles through the bond, something more mischievous, playful. I frown, confused, and just as I start to wonder what they’re up to, my phone buzzes. I answer it in a heartbeat, my voice breathless with anticipation.

“Nala,” Zahria’s voice comes through, warm and filled with relief. “It’s all over. We’re on our way home.”

A burst of joy overtakes me, and before I can think, I’ve hung up the phone and dumped Leo into Joel’s arms. I rush toward the door, Joel and Ren laughing at my sudden movement.

“Go get ‘em, Nala!” Joel calls after me.

I throw a quick smile over my shoulder before dashing outside and then I see them—my mates, walking toward me, their faces lit with smiles that melt away any lingering worry. I don’t think. I just run, closing the distance between us and flinging myself into their arms. They catch me easily, holding me close, and I feel like I’m finally home.

Montgomery wraps me up in his arms, his face buried in my hair as he whispers, “Let’s go home, princess.”

I nod, pulling back to look at each of them, soaking in their relieved smiles, the love in their eyes. I feel whole again, like every part of me is right here, exactly where it belongs.

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