Page 77 of One Way Out

“What the hell is happening?” I ask, snagging Omen’s arm as he tries to pass me to move into the hallway.

“Her fever is over 111.” He tries to shake out of my hold. “I think she might need an ice bath.”

Fuck.

That is high.

“Knotting isn’t helping?” I ask, studying his drawn brows and tight lips.

“They’re too afraid to try.” He jabs his free hand at the bed. “They’d both rather panic, which of course, only intensifies her fear. Haven’t you noticed what a clusterfuck the bond is?”

“I hadn’t,” I tell him truthfully. “I was on the phone with my boss.”

My mind races.

We really can’t afford to miss this window.

If we can gain documents that are of a decent enough quality to pass border patrol, we need those in hand as soon as possible. The longer we’re in Germany, the easier it is for the facility to track us down.

I don’t release Omen, instead spinning us both toward the bed. My eyes meet Shaw’s, and I fill in all three of them on what Easton just told me.

“…Valor and Omen need to get dressed. Shaw, you take the pictures and get them sent to Calder. I’ll take care of Saylor. It won’t take you more than fifteen minutes to snap the photos he needs.”

“Fuck that. I’m not leaving her,” Valor says, shaking his head.

“Give me fifteen minutes to see if her fever comes down with knotting, and if not, you three will already be dressed so we can leave for the hospital.” My eyebrows rise, and I nod for Shaw to back me up.

His eyes narrow, and I almost think he’s going to go against my order. We’re a team, and normally I’m open to negotiating, but now isn’t one of those times.

“Our goal is to get back to the States as quickly as possible. At least then, Saylor will be able to see her own doctors.” Shaw bends over and kisses her pink cheek. “Leo’s got you. We’ll be right downstairs. And if it does help, you’re sleeping with a knot locked inside you tonight.”

Valor mumbles something I can’t make out and runs his hand over the back of her head. Saylor nods her agreement to whatever was said, and I finally exhale a heavy breath, thankful it didn’t turn into an argument.

Once they’ve said their goodbyes, Shaw and Valor climb off the bed, and I finally release Omen, shoving him toward the door.

He glares, and I shrug.

“I can run her a bath as easily as you can. What you can’t do is be in two places at once.” I nod to the door. “This is the benefit of being part of a pack. We can all tackle different emergencies.”

His jaw tightens, but he spins around, walking out the door without a fight.

Shaw and Valor follow him into the hallway, and I close the door behind them before heading to the bed.

Saylor faces the door, but while I was turned away, she pulled her knees up to her chest.

My knee hits the mattress, and I shove her sweaty hair behind her ear. She’s visibly trembling, which could be from the extreme fever or also from fear.

Shaw is reactive, where I’m proactive. He means well, and I’m sure Valor did too, but I’m going to make sure they understand how Saylor’s system works. She’s always been empathetic above and beyond what I could consider normal, even though all omegas are to some level.

Feeling their fear and concern through the bond has likely amped up her panic. Unfortunately, rather than telling them to cut it out, Saylor got overstimulated. Once she’s at that point, she’s unable to explain what’s wrong. Right now, what caused this doesn’t matter. Asking would only overwhelm her even more.

When a meltdown happens, it’s best to cut out all unnecessary stimuli, lower the lights, block any loud sounds, and to focus on calming breaths.

“Roll over for me, pretty girl.” I keep my voice soft but firm, and Saylor flips over without complaint. I crawl under the blanket behind her, fighting the urge to pull it off. She’s sweltering—way fucking hotter than she should be. But I think her anxiety is blocking her body from realizing what it really needs.

Once I’m spooning her, I plant a hand on her chest.

“Breathe with me,” I tell her as her entire body trembles.

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