8. KATIE
Chapter eight
KATIE
E verything moved fast. It distantly reminded me of the Army, waiting around until the command was given, then it was all hurry, hurry, hurry. Double time and get it done now, soldier.
We were shuffled back into a hospital room and a team, a fucking squad of men in dark green tactical gear, swarm the hallway like frogs with blunt black rifles.
“No,” I try to push my sisters behind me. If we leave the hospital, it will be harder to get back to our SUV, to get out of whatever compound they’ve got us locked up in.
“I know this is a lot to absorb,” Nurse Angela says, as she shoos us out of the room. I soften my knees, trying to keep from being herded like a damn sheep.
“We just don’t have the forces here at the hospital to keep all of you safe. One or two Omegas is one thing, but five?” She shakes her head. “This really will be for the best. I’ve already contacted Professor Bellrose, and he can explain more.” She turns to one of the frogmen. “Be gentle, Renaude.”
He gives a single sharp nod.
“We are not leaving,” I say with every ounce of command I can muster. I’m still dizzy from the encounter with Cal– with him .
“I swear to Jesus I will break anyone’s nose that tries to take us anywhere,” Maddie growls.
“Easy, Omega,” Renaude says.
He takes a step closer, and I swat his arm away. For a moment the whole team freezes, and shock colors Renaude’s exposed features.
Two more of the soldiers dart forward. I crouch, swallowing down pain, with Maddie beside me. Layla pulls Norah and Molly Beth behind us.
Another frogman reaches for me, trying to grab me at the elbow. I shove the palm of my hand under his chin and up. He stumbles back. The other lunges for Maddie, who drop kicks him. A third comes from my side, and I quickly spin into a right hook, knocking the man to his ass. I blow a few strands of wayward hair out of my face.
Let them fucking try. I am not going down without a fight.
“Are you sure they’re not Alphas?” Renaude asks Nurse Angela.
“Absolutely sure. Besides, you can smell them. Pure Omega.” Nurse Angela sighs and gestures at Maddie and me. “Please, this will be easier if you go with them. They won’t hurt you. They are here to prevent another… encounter .”
A smaller frogman, probably a woman by the sound of their voice, steps forward.
“A radio just came in, Lieutenant. Captain Zhoa has issued a relocation order for the Omegas. Says that word is already spreading around Halvassa of their presence.”
“Gods Above, that’s what I’m trying to do,” Renaude grumbles. He looks at me. “Miss Wilder, please. We can defend you and your sisters better at the Conservatory. This hospital wasn’t designed for long-term Omega care.”
Another radio comes in, crackling and patchy.
“Lieutenant Stabor, read we have a Code Garnet. Two feral Alphas have been spotted on Wexton Street, heading toward the hospital. Repeat, we have a Code Garnet.”
“Damnit,” the Lieutenant breathes. He turns to the group. “Someone radio Captain Zhao and tell him to send reinforcements stat! We might have a mob on our hands. Assume there are more that haven’t been spotted.”
He turns back to me. “We are moving out now, Omega. If I have to call my Alpha to bark you into submission, I will.”
The threat hangs between us. I have no idea what he means, but the idea of a mob sends tremors through my already over-strained muscles. The memories of other mobs, other threats echoing a too-fresh panic under my skin.
“And you,” he points at Maddie, “I am not above tasering an Omega. Kick another of my soldiers and see if I don’t.”
She scowls, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
The radio cackles again.
“Reports… speculation of new Omegas. Inquiries from the Royal Counsel… three Motorcycle Clubs from New Beloitte seen on the road. Duke Monrhutton coming to inspect the situation.”
“Shit.” Renaude says, then begins shouting orders at the three closest frogmen. They scatter as new ones come forward to flank us.
This might be the most elaborate ruse in history, or we are close to being found by search and rescue. I let a tiny glimmer of hope bubble up. Until I hear the shouts outside.
Without thinking, I turn my focus to the window that overlooks the street. Even eight floors up, I can see a man pacing in front of a thin line of other soldiers in green.
He’s howling . Barking and shouting. Pointing at the building, and sniffing the air like there’s a gas leak.
What the fuck is happening ? Whatever is going on in this compound of crazy, it’s escalating. He could be trying to rescue us. But the feral, almost wolfish look about him doesn’t give me confidence. Dirt covers his white t-shirt, and he shoves a soldier, who stumbles back a few feet, before threatening him with the thin black gun.
Taser . Not a rifle, but a stun gun. Small mercy.
With my attention temporarily distracted, Renaude snatches my arm and wraps me against his chest. Two others lunge for Maddie, who struggles, managing to throw one of them off. The rest easily corral Layla, Molly Beth and Norah, who let’s a soft whimper slip.
“Let us go!” I try to shriek.
“Where’s your Alpha, Renaude?” One of them growls. “Can’t he just bark them to sleep?”
“Did someone call for an Alpha?” A massive man, towering nearly seven feet, emerges from behind us, his hair a thick black mane over his shoulders. He’s dressed impeccably in a long gray wool jacket that fits his broad shoulders and hangs loose past his hips. He carries a cane with a silver handle that I am positive hides some kind of blade.
“My Lord, we have some feisty Omegas,” Renaude says in a tone of grudging respect. I push against his hold. “An Alpha bark may be necessary.”
The newcomer looks us over, assessing us like a collector views potential new art pieces. It makes my skin crawl. His perusal snags for a moment on Layla, then returns to me.
“Spirited bunch?”
I bare my teeth and growl. I’m not sure what’s gotten into me other than pure panic, but I am ready to bite these bastards.
“You are not taking my sisters anywhere!” I hiss. “You are not going to kidnap—”
But my words are cut off by a sound, louder than a bomb blast, and more forceful than anything I've ever heard.
“SLEEP OMEGAS!”
As though my body is not my own, I feel the tug to unconsciousness drag me under, more thorough than any drug.