Chapter 31 #2
The pack was waiting in the lobby. Caspian and Ansel rushed to Audrey’s side, supporting her as she slumped into them, exhaustion finally taking over.
“She needs a shower and probably food. I don’t want her going into shock,” I said, already stepping back to let them take point. It was exactly what I’d told Ares he needed to do and I wasn't about to be a hypocrite. We had to trust each other.
“We’re sleeping in the nest tonight,” she murmured, words slurring.
“I’ll be there,” I promised.
Under the hot spray, I let the water run over me until my head cleared. I’d seen things in there I never wanted to see. So many women and male omegas locked away, sold like they were fucking possessions.
Anger burned through me. I knew I wouldn’t settle unless I burned it off, so I pivoted to the gym instead of the nest.
Ledger and Caspian were waiting. They didn’t say a word as they hopped onto treadmills beside me. We ran in silence until Ledger finally asked. “Where’s Ares?”
“He was mad we didn’t follow his orders,” I said. “Even worse. He didn’t trust me to take care of our mate.”
Ledger’s eyes narrowed. “He said that?”
“Not exactly. He freaked out because she rushed off and I followed without checking in first. They were busy escorting the assholes out. He was yelling at Audrey after she made sure the chief’s daughter was safe. She was spent, so I told him to back the fuck off.”
“As you should have,” Ledger said, nodding in approval.
Ares stepped into the doorway. For what it’s worth, his expression was contrite.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I get one-track-minded on missions. I’ve never had to account for keeping anyone safe during them except men who were trained for it. I was afraid, but I do trust you.”
“Then act like it. Not just when it’s convenient,” I said. “She faced all of that again because she has a huge heart. Those girls opened up because she was there. You wouldn’t have found those rooms without her.”
“You’re right,” he said quietly. “I’ll work on it. I won’t underestimate any of you again. I know you’re capable. I think I just assume that I’ve had more ‘real-life’ experience and try to shield you from it.”
“I’d say everything we went through is pretty real,” I replied.
He winced. “I keep putting my foot in my mouth. I’m sorry. I’ll be better.”
“You have to trust that our omega is strong. She doesn’t need you making every choice for her. Protect her? Yes. Control her? No.”
“I know,” he said. “I just… didn’t want to fail her again. It’s my fault, I let them take her.”
“Nobody ‘let’ them,” Ledger cut in. “He would’ve found a way. Tearing each other apart from the inside won’t get us out of here.”
“You’re right,” Ares relented, his nose wrinkling. “You all need a shower. I’ll wait, hurry up.”
We ran into the locker room long enough to shower and change before heading back to our suite. We’d barely made it inside when a knock on the door had us turning. The others heard it, stepping out of the room.
My poor omega was dead on her feet. Ares glanced at her, but he couldn’t say anything before Cooke stepped in, looking grim.
“Now what?” I asked, already exasperated. I’d had just about enough of bad news and bullshit at this point to last a damn lifetime.
“They found him.”
My entire world turned red, my alpha pushing through enough that a low, feral growl echoed out.
Cooke narrowed his eyes. “Stop that shit.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before turning to Ares. He was technically in charge now and we had to figure out how to handle this news.
“Where is he?” Ares demanded.
“Not in Alliance custody yet. Sanchez thought you should know first. He said you have thirty minutes before he has to call it in.
Ares started to move, but turned, jaw clenched tight. “Omega. You’re in no condition to go, but this is your choice.”
She looked at him, so exhausted now she didn’t even bother to put up a fight. “Caspian, Ansel, and Kane can keep me safe here. No one get caught and make it hurt.”
Then she paused, looking at the three men she asked to stay behind.
“Actually, that’s up to you. He wronged you all just as much over the years,” she said. “I won’t take that choice from you while being frustrated with Ares for trying to tell me what to do.”
“I’m where I need to be,” Ansel said. An answer I knew he’d give.
“There’s no way I can leave your side,” Caspian said. “And I have Lilly to think about if we were to get caught. I trust the others to handle this.”
“No killing,” Kane warned them. His tone was severe as he faced off with them. “Murder charges won’t help us and you need to make sure the men he wronged take the fall. Not you.”
“Done,” Ledger said easily, giving our omega a kiss. “Time to let karma come out and play.”
Ares started to follow, but I hesitated.
“Are you coming?” Ares asked.
I shook my head. “No. I can’t leave her and if I go, he won’t come out of this alive.”
I’d witnessed enough violence and being away from my omega. Nothing could force me to leave her behind now.
“We’ll be thorough,” Ledger reassured me before they disappeared.
“Now, shower time and relaxing for our mate,” I said, prompting them to move again.
It seemed the blows just kept coming. This time it was Cross intercepting us as we walked toward the communal showers.
“Where’s Ares?”
“He and Ledger had to go help with something. They’ll be meeting us back here soon,” I said easily, not letting anything shine through to give them away.
He sighed. “Well, I have bad news.”
Audrey let out a soft whimper. “Can we not?”
“Sorry, kiddo. But, the bigwigs from the Alliance and the Network moved it up in light of…everything. They’ll be here tomorrow.” He grimaced. “They want to start with this facility. The chief’s in hot water for letting Audrey go.”
“Bring it on,” I said. “I’d love to hear what they have to say for themselves.”