Page 91 of Knot Their Soldier: Part One
“It’s not the same.”
Silence stretches around us as I get used to the weight and feel of the gun.
When he speaks, it’s rough and raw. “I have to stay out of the fray. To keep myself and others safe.”
“Blood Lust,” I breathe, not looking at him, so he doesn’t feel pressured by the conversation. He’s opening up to me and it feels so very fragile. It must be tough to live with the disease. A constant threat of insanity hovering over your head. “I get it. You want to be on the ground, fighting with your brothers.”
He’s quiet for so long, I think he’s not going to reply. But eventually he does. “It’s a choice. Stay away or go insane.”
I hum and line up the sights.
“I’m haunted by the things I’ve done when I lose control. I’ve hurt people.”
“It’s not your fault.”
He sighs, long and suffering. “It’s not so simple, but for the first time in a while, I have hope.”
I stay quiet, waiting for him to fill in the silence.
“You put the monster back to sleep, Halley.”
I squeeze the trigger.
My first few shots are awful, kicking up dust at the base of the rock wall.
Viper slips onto his belly next to me, his body pressing into mine. I’m worried it will pull my focus, but instead, it soothes me.
“Okay, now that you’ve got a feel for the gun, would you like a lesson?”
“Yes, LT,” I say with a far too breathy voice.
His eyes narrow, but the smallest smirk teases at his lips.
“I told you to behave.” His low tone rumbles around me, the threat leaving me warm and tingly.
I bite my lip to stop myself from smiling.
“Will you trust me?” he asks hesitantly, like he’s afraid of my answer.
I nod.
“Close your eyes, Halley.”
I obey without hesitation, and he exhales with relief.
I trust the big Alpha.
“Now focus, Halley. Tell me what you can hear.”
I wait a moment and strain my enhanced hearing. I rarely use it, and it’s like stretching a stiff muscle.
“The wind in the trees.”
“Good. Now feel the wind on your skin. What direction is it moving in? How hard is it blowing?”
“It’s coming from the left. It’s a gentle breeze.”
“That’s good, Halley. Now open your eyes.”
