Page 190 of Knot Their Soldier: Part One
“Second, Barkrood Base didn’t answer. We were redirected to Hazlin Base. Which raises the question, what the hell is happening at Barkrood?”
Blaze takes over, adding quickly with his hands raised above his head. “Third, why the fuck are we listed as dead? I’m all for becoming some sort of phantom strike team, but at least give a guy some warning he’s about to perish!”
Knox scrubs a hand over his face. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
“We spoke to General Stone two days ago. He said nothing about a breach in security,” Shade adds, his eyes darting back and forth as he tries to organize his thoughts.
“We need to find out what is happening at Barkrood,” Viper says.
My heart is pounding as an overwhelming fear creeps through my body. If something has happened at the base, then The Omega Division would be defenseless.
Dazz, Ember, and Flicker. They’re sitting ducks.
“We can’t go to the base. We can’t risk being intercepted,” Shade reasons.
Knox nods. “We’re not leaving. Not if we’re going to walk into a trap.”
Viper pulls me against his chest and holds me.
His hand runs up and down my spine, soothing me, and I take in a deep breath, the scent of gunpowder and roses filling my senses and calming me.
A thought springs to mind.
“I might have an idea,” I say slowly, letting it form fully.
The squad huddles around, ready to listen. They’re treating me like an equal, not a weak little Omega.
“There’s a secure channel I can use.”
“What?”
“It’s how I used to talk to my friend Everlyn back on base. Omegas aren’t allowed much freedom, so we’d communicate through an encrypted channel.”
Knox crosses his arms and gives me his trademark disapproving glare. “Are you kidding? That’s so illegal on many levels. It’s a glaring security breach.”
“Yeah, well, you try being locked up for over a decade and see how many rules you break.”
Knox hesitates before inclining his head. “Fair point.”
“Can we use this to find out what is going on?”
“I’ll ask her what’s happening.”
Knox is already shaking his head. “No, Halley. We can’t confirm it’s safe.”
“So? You just gave your call sign on a corrupted line!”
“She’s got you there, boss,” Blaze whispers out of the corner of his mouth to Knox.
“How secure is this channel, Halley?” Knox asks, his tone thoughtful.
“Everlyn’s mate, Jason, set it up. He’s in the Communications Division and knows how to make it airtight. It’s only ever been used by Ever and me.”
“And they’re trustworthy?”
The press of their suspicious scrutiny feels heavy. Their Alpha instincts to protect me crash around me like a wave.
I lick my lips and consider what might convince them Everlyn and Jason have my back.
