Page 72 of Knot Their Soldier: Part One
I want to hold on to my dignity a little while longer. I need to show them I’m capable.
That I’m a fighter.
Also, because I’m scared witless.
Although I know they won’t harm me, my instincts are on high alert and a drip of cold sweat slithers down my spine.
I’m swept along by the thrill of the chase. Just like Shade predicted. Adrenaline courses through me as I run faster and faster.
My suppressed primal side emerges.
Run!
Faster, faster!
You must escape!
I feel it in my bones. As if this is a do-or-die scenario.
I refuse to fail, so I listen to my instinctual Omega impulses.
The squad will expect me to run directly towards camp. Yet, attempting to outrun them won’t work. It’ll be too easy for them to catch up, even with my head start. I need to work smarter, not harder. I can’t beat them in speed or strength, but if I’m clever and if they underestimate me, I might be able to outmaneuver them.
I split from the ridge line, darting to the side, and I follow the sound and scent of water.
As I push through the thick undergrowth, my shirt snags on a branch, scratching my soft belly. I lose my balance and stumble ungracefully into the shallow stream.
Straightening, I smooth down my sweat-soaked shirt and cringe as I look back at the disturbed soil from my boots. Itwon’t even be a chore for them to follow my trail. It looks like an elephant charged through the undergrowth.
I frown. How far do I want to take this?
I picture Knox’s face as he arrives back at camp, only to find me sitting prettily on the chair outside the bunkhouse.
He’ll be fuming.
And impressed.
And turned on— Nope. Burn that thought.
I glance at my watch. Seven minutes have passed. If I strain my ears, I can still hear them, their deep voices rolling through me like a tease. So casual and jovial, like this is going to be a walk in the park for them.
Determined, I nod to myself.
If Scorch Squad wants to play, then I’m gonna give them one hell of a match.
I’m going to teach them to never underestimate an Omega.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Knox
Halley Sparks never does what I expect her to do, and it’s infuriating.
She’s left breadcrumbs for us to follow, and it’s easy to track her floral scent through the forest. However, as soon as we arrive at the river, all signs of her presence disappear, leaving us perplexed.
Viper crouches down and sniffs along the ground like a fucking bloodhound. He growls in frustration and paces around the bank with his nostrils flaring.
Alpha instincts overcome the big guy, driving him to hunt her down. That primal need to chase, mount, and rut, ruling his thoughts. I’m not there yet, but I can feel the tugging need growing.
