Page 124 of Knot my Alphas

Julian grins and takes a big bite. His eyes have shrunk into slits as he happily chews through the sweet morsel.

“Eat up,” Gerald says in a lowered voice. “We won’t be able to eat a thing until past noon.”

Warmth rushes through me, driving away my anxieties. It’s a special feeling to be part of this incredible pack. Everyone cares for one another and makes sure no one’s left behind.

My need to protect each and every member of this pack intensifies. I can’t let Callahan or anyone else harm them.

All too soon, breakfast is over.

“Dad and I will head out now,” Caleb says, looking between me and Julian. “Raiden will be going to the training grounds to gather the cadets for presentation drills while Damon will be joining the surveillance and security team.”

I nod.

“You must look after yourselves,” he says with a grim look in his eyes.

“Why’re you talking like you’re going into battle or something?” Caroline asks, chuckling. “You’ll see them both in a couple of hours. Don’t be so clingy with your omegas.”

Caleb’s gaze stays on us. “Be on your guard at all times.”

“You’re being paranoid, Son,” Gerald says. “Even the surrounding areas are being heavily guarded. No one will dare breach our defenses today. I’ve made sure of it.”

Caleb closes his eyes and nods.

Damon hugs Julian tightly before walking away. Raiden moves toward me and lingers longer as he kisses me deeply.

“You’re all being so sweet,” Caroline says with a bright smile. “But, seriously. This isn’t the moment, boys. You all need to get to your posts.”

“Maybe it’s my fault,” Gerald says thoughtfully. “I’ve been working these boys harder than ever. They must not get enough time to be with each other.”

“We’ll all go on a break soon,” Caleb says. “Iris’s heat is approaching and she’ll need all of us to be close to her during those days.” Getting to his feet, he straightens his uniform. “It’s time to head out, Dad. Let’s go.”

Gerald gets up from his seat and comes over to Caroline. Leaning down, he captures her lips in a deep kiss.

“How can they complain about us?” Julian mutters in my ear as Caleb and Raiden look away from their parents.

Raiden spreads his arms around our shoulders and squeezes us together. “Stay safe. I love you both.”

“I love you,” I repeat, glancing at both Raiden and Julian.

With one final squeeze, Raiden walks out of the mess hall.

A heaviness settles in my heart as Caleb and Gerald leave as well.

“Don’t worry, Iris,” Caroline says reassuringly. “We’ll be seeing them soon.”

I force a smile and nod.

The sound of beating drums reaches my ear as I’m sipping the last dregs of my coffee. A reverberation seems to go through the crowd gathered in the hall.

As if in a precoordinated move, the soldiers rise from their tables and file out of the room.

“Come on,” says Julian. “It’s time for us to go.”

We follow the soldiers and step outside once more.

The sun is brighter now. A cool breeze lifts the stray strands on my forehead as I march behind the line of soldiers.

We’re led deeper into the grounds. The path we use is lined on both sides by waving flags. Soon, I see the top of a familiar statue in the distance.

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