Page 27 of Knot Their Soldier: Part One
My backpack grows heavier with each passing minute, and I adjust the strap digging into my shoulder. It’s filled to the brim with standard-issue gear, uniforms, and equipment. They did not allow a single personal item. They didn’t even give me the chance to return to my nest and say farewell to Dazz, Ember, and Flicker.
I’m sure someone will tell them where I’ve gone, and I’ll call the first chance I get.
I’m startled from my thoughts as the deep rumble of an approaching vehicle breaks the midnight silence.
An intimidating black troop carrier covered in thick armor plating pulls to a halt before me. I’ve seen these vehicles coming and going at the base – bullet holes littering the sides, a sober reminder of the war being fought by frontline soldiers daily.
This can’t be for me. It’s too… serious.
The driver’s door swings open, and a black boot slams into the footrail with a metallic clang.
My breath catches.
It’s a soldier, around my age, and he’s devastatingly handsome.
Dark hair curls around his ears, loose strands hanging in a curtain over his forehead, immediately piquing my curiosity. It’s not a regulation haircut.
His scent hits me, the smell of dark chocolate. It’s soft and teasing, rolling around me with an easiness that tells me everything I need to know. He’s a Beta.
I should sag in relief. I don’t.
He’s not an Alpha, but he doesn’t look like any of the Betas I work with on base – there is something predatory about him.
He holds himself with confidence while he scans the surroundings from beneath narrow eyes. Sinfully thick lashesstand stark against his tanned skin. His arm muscles strain against his combat fatigues as he closes the door. He’s athletically built, a strength formed in the field, not in a gym.
His face snaps to me and his nostrils flare as his gaze travels up and down my body. My inner Omega responds with a whine which I hastily swallow.
“Omega Sparks?” he asks in a rich voice, softer than I expected, which makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.
I nod.
“Get in.”
I hesitate, and he frowns.
I’m not in the habit of getting into shady looking cars with strangers – no matter how sinfully good looking they are. I glance at the two guards, looking for some kind of confirmation that this is my ride. One of them gives me a small nod, and I blink rapidly.
This is it then. Time to go.
I scurry to the vehicle and move to open the passenger side door. The Beta clicks his tongue and looks down at me like I’ve grown a second head.
“What are you doing? Get in the back, soldier.”
Soldier? My mouth opens and closes like a fish, unsure how to respond. I guess I need to get used to being called that. It still doesn’t feel real.
He huffs as if I’m an incompetent child. “This isn’t a luxury service, Omega Sparks. You ride in the back.”
My face burns with embarrassment, and I quickly scuttle to the rear of the vehicle. I’m not sure why he’s making fun of me, but it makes me feel stupid. If I thought I’d receive any slack because of my inexperience and designation, I was wrong.
The Beta opens the two rear doors, revealing a cell-like interior. It’s a metal box with no windows and two bench seatson either side faced inwards. I stare into the dark void and look at the Beta with disbelief.
“I’m not a prisoner,” I protest.
“Get in,” he repeats.
I look back at the foreboding metal box.
“There aren’t any windows…”
