Something that edgeddangerouslyclose to treason.
And it was enough to convince him.
The general's expression shifted, growing more serious.
“Oh, and one more thing. Effective immediately, you’re both being promoted to Major.”
Knox and I straightened instinctively.
“I’m authorizing the creation of a new division under AIED command,” he continued. “You’ll both be heading it. I’ll be in touch soon with the details.”
“Thank you, sir,” I said, inclining my head to the general before following Knox out of the room.
“It won’t be long,” Knox muttered as we stepped into the elevator. “They’re eager to move. I can feel it.”
The doors slid shut, and we crowded into the elevator, descending toward the lobby.
Somewhere around the second floor, unease settled low in my chest. Sudden panic gripped me.
The feeling was wrong.
Knox’s eyes snapped to mine, the same tension flashing across his face.
Ever since the little mute had marked us both, our bond had deepened.
I’d first felt it the moment she marked Knox, as our packmate bond locked into place. It wasn’t just individual bonds anymore, it was a pack connection shared and complete. Omegas marked all of their chosen mates, and when they finished, the bond between the entire pack strengthened.
After that, her emotions didn’t stay contained to her own mind anymore. They bled through the bond, slipping into ours, whether we wanted them to or not.
And right now…
Something was wrong.
"Lena," Knox breathed.
“I feel it too,” I said, already pulling out my phone and dialingYuri. He was at the safe house with her.
It rang.
And rang.
Then went to voicemail.
“Where the fuck is Yuri?” I muttered. “He’s not answering.”
“Try someone else,” Knox said as we rushed through the building, heading straight for the garage.
I was already dialing another officer stationed outside the safe house.
They picked up on the second ring. “Hey, boss.”
“Where’s Yuri?” I snapped. “He’s not answering. I need him now.”
There was a pause.
“Uh… aren’t you with him?”
I slowed, as a cold dread settled in my chest.
