Page 3 of Knot my Alphas

“When you find an injured enemy, tie them up,” I say in a grim tone. “The assholes like biting into cyanide-laced candies to kill themselves. Make sure we capture them alive so they can pay for their sins.”

“Yes, Commander,” the sergeant says with a sober nod.

I’m about to bark out another command when my gaze falls on a man who’s raising his hand, desperately trying to catch my attention.

Fixing my gaze on the young soldier, I nod. “What is it?”

“I saw several men entering the mansion,” the beta says in a low, grim tone. “I also happened to notice the second chopper taking off from the roof of the mansion. They retreated the moment the chopper flew away. They could’ve stolen something, Sir.”

I’m about to dismiss his concern but a wayward thought crosses my mind.

Iris and Julian are inside the mansion. They’re the most precious things I left behind before coming out to fight.

Now that I’ve allowed myself to think about Iris and Julian, I feel a painful tug in my chest. Anxiety settles deep in my gut, telling me my mates are in danger.

I struggle against the overwhelming urge to run to them. Fisting my hands, I try to drown the incessant emotion but fail.

I whirl toward Darcy. “Call for emergency services immediately,” I tell him. “In the meantime, I’ll take a quick tour of the mansion to make sure everything’s in order there, and then, get in touch with Alpha Caleb.”

“Yes, Sir.”

I turn away, steadily making my way toward the house in the distance. My feet soon pound over the grass-covered lawn as I run at top speed.

I halt the moment my feet cross the threshold of the front door.

The wide hallway leading into the entrance hall is littered with shattered glass and porcelain pieces. Portraits riddled with bullet holes lie on the ground.

The young cadet had been right. They managed to breach inside my home as well.

My heartbeat picks up. I grab my pistol and wrap my finger over the trigger, holding it before me as I move forward.

Glass and porcelain crunch under my boots as I enter the entrance hall.

Everything is still and quiet, but the lavish room is as damaged as the corridor leading into it.

My gaze falls on a lone figure lying among the rubble. His shirt looks familiar. I try to see who it is but his face is curtained by thick silvery locks.

Julian, my mind whispers.

I don’t need to see his face to know it’s him.

Stepping closer, I notice the streams of blood sluggishly flowing toward me. Crimson drenches his silvery strands and pale skin.

My blood turns to ice at the sight.

I go as still as a statue.

Scattered thoughts race through my numbed psyche. I don’t even have the courage to check whether he’s alive.

“Julian,” a hoarse whisper leaves my lips.

He remains motionless.

With slow, halting steps I approach him.

Sweet memories I shared with him since we were children flash through my mind. Julian’s my best friend and mate.

A miracle allowed us to mend our frayed bond. How could fate snatch him away just as I’d gotten him back?

---