Page 25 of Knot Their Soldier: Part One
Unmateable. Defective.The words sting even so many years later.
For eleven years, I’ve been working in the warehouse. I know how the place works like the back of my hand and manage it tothe highest standard. I thought The Omega Division contributed plenty to the military through our jobs. Apparently not.
“As your punishment for your flagrant disrespect of protocol, you will be the test subject.”
Every thought feels like it’s caught in a tangled web, as my brain stutters and stumbles. My lips press together tightly. I have a feeling I’m going to hate everything that’s about to happen.
“You will have three months to prove your worth.”
Three months is not long enough. To ask me to become a soldier is like asking a bumblebee to learn how to talk. Surely he knows this won’t work.
And yet, a stiff determination rises in my chest and settles behind my breastbone, burrowing deep into my flesh.
I know in my heart that I’m the best Omega for the job. I’ve always craved more, adventure and a hope for the future. While the chances of me succeeding are slim, that tiny glimmer of hope and excitement is enough.
I inhale deeply, straighten my spine and meet the General’s eyes.
“Yes, sir. I’ll do it.”
Chapter Eight
Shade
5 Years Ago
“Any idea why General Stone called us in at zero dark hundred?” I ask the three Alphas sitting around the room.
I’ve never met them, but I’ve heard of them. They’re the best of the best, each skilled in warfare, with experience to boot.
Prime Alpha Knox is stationed at Dunefold Fortress and rules over the troops there with an iron fist. He’s ruthless and cunning, able to figure out what the enemy’s next move is before they make it. He’s a leader of men and has the attitude to match. He doesn’t suffer fools.
Lieutenant Viper earned his legend status after a mission went wrong and his team abandoned him behind enemy lines. The giant Alpha single-handedly slaughtered each and every humanhunting him with only a knife and a marksman rifle. The soldier has a kill count higher than anyone else in the military.
Lastly, and undeniably not to be considered least, is Sergeant Blaze. The brass sends him in when they need information. He’s stealthy, able to slip into any location undetected, extract information from high-profile sources, and destroy evidence… usually with fire. No one is sure what came first, his call sign Blaze or his homicidal obsession with flames. I’m just glad he’s on our side.
Being in a room with these military legends is intimidating, and I’m vastly confused why I’m here. As a Beta, I’m trained to support Alphas in the field and am damn good at my job, but Betas aren’t in the same league as Alphas.
A tall older man with silver hair comes striding into the briefing room, and we rise from our seats.
He stands before us, his arms crossed, glaring hard enough to melt glass. My body instinctively stiffens in the proximity to such a high ranking Prime Alpha. His authority almost vibrates from him. He has a leathery face with deep wrinkles on either side of his mouth.
“At ease, soldiers,” he clips, gesturing for us to sit. “Thank you for coming at this early hour.”
The chair creaks as Viper sits, his immense size straining the office furniture.
Blaze snickers.
“You four have been selected to undertake a covert military experiment.”
Military experiment? Now he’s got my total interest and attention. I love nothing more than collecting data and extrapolating the results.
“You will form a single unit. An elite team of soldiers capable of handling sensitive missions.”
Mine and Knox’s eyes lock, and his eyebrow twitches. We both feel a niggle of a lie in the air.
I’ve never liked politics or their lies, and right now, General Stone is doing a good job convincing me there’s something brewing. Call it instinct, but if I believe in one thing, it’s my ability to read between the lines. The General isn’t telling the full story, and if Knox’s body language is any indicator, he thinks the same.
Something is going on.
