Page 13 of Fired at the Heart

I rake a hand through my hair, then walk over to join them, falling onto the couch across from Rico. “He’s loyal. And he’ll get over his crush.”

At least, I hope that’s what this is.

So far, all he’s done is make his interest in me known, and I refuse to punish him for that. Not after so many years of loyal service. At least I know I can rely on him, unlike the other Alpha who walked out of my life.

“That’s no crush.” Lena leans forward, propping her elbows on her knees. “He’s borderline obsessive. It could turn dangerous if you let it go unchecked.”

The truth of her words wiggles their way beneath my skin.

Jace clears his throat, drawing my attention. “You and Raphael had a complex history, but Cassian is not Raphael. If you’re not careful, his loyalty could cost you more than you’re willing to pay.”

A chill runs down my spine at his words. Jace has always been the quiet one, the observer. When he speaks, he shouldn’t be ignored.

Mind racing, I lean back into the cushions. Raphael’s betrayal left me wounded, and I selfishly craved the unwavering devotion Cassian offered. But they’re right. Lately, his attention has been cloying. I need to set more boundaries before things spiral out of control.

I bow my head for a moment, the dull throb of a headache building behind my temples. When I straighten, I meet the concerned gazes of my family. “I hear what you’re saying.”

Relief softens Lena’s features, while Jace remains impassive, but tension eases from his shoulders.

“Fuck.” Rico leans across the coffee table to snatch the glass from my fingers and toss back the contents.

When this job is done, I’ll deal with Cassian.

I just hope, when the dust settles, I’m not left killingboththe Alphas in my life.

5

The Rockfords move fast, and two days later, I head out with Cassian and Rico to meet them to plan their opporation.

We had chosen a neutral site this time, far from the high-and-mighty Rockford Manor where my people would be treated like outsiders.

The door to the meeting room clicks shut behind us as we stride inside, and I scan the faces around the table. Rockfords, every one of them.

Raphael snags my attention, and heat twists in my gut before I force myself to turn away. Aaiden stands at the head, spine straight, authority rolling off him in waves, setting my teeth on edge.

Sebastian’s here, joined by another Alpha I don’t recognize at first. Then the streak of silver at his temple jogs my memory. Ezra. He and Sebastian had been in a horrible car accident a decade ago, leaving Sebastian with scars on his face and Ezra with a patch of hair that lost all color.

Last I saw him, he was a gangly high schooler. He’s still too young to be here.

Then my gaze catches on the other Omega in the room. He’s a fiery redhead, young, and far too pretty for how close he stands to Raphael. The smug smile he tosses my way says he notices my displeasure.

“Please, take your seats.” Aaiden gestures to the three empty chairs at the table.

Reluctantly, I slide into the one across from Raphael, while Cassian and Rico take the seats on either side of me.

“Let’s get started.” Aaiden turns to his cousin. “Sebastian, run it down for us.”

Sebastian taps on a tablet. Maps and documents burst to life across the white surface of the table, bathing everyone’s faces in an eerie blue glow.

“Thanks to the intel we received, we’ve identified six primary targets.” Sebastian zooms in on red pinpoints. “Trafficking hubs, drug labs, and stash houses. Hitting them all in one night is critical to crippling their network.”

I lean forward, studying the intel. I fucking hate slave traders.

“Avery.” Aaiden’s voice snaps for my attention. “You will lead the raid here.” He gestures to a sprawling estate on the map. “Expect heavy security. Eliminate with extreme prejudice and extract any Omegas. Our most recent intel on this location identified five slaves, but more could have been acquired since then. They will be held either in the master bedroom or the basement.”

My trigger finger already itches, and I can practically smell the gunpowder. “Got it.”

Aaiden continues to detail the op as Sebastian pulls up more floor plans. I absorb the info like a machine, memorizing layouts, guard rotations, and entry points. But a piece of my awareness stays attuned to Raphael’s presence. Without looking, I feel him watching me, his stare an electric tingle on my skin.

---