I would take what was already mine.
I no longer cared about making her submit. All that mattered now was punishment for this act of defiance.
If Lena refused to be mine by choice, then she would be mine by force.
Chapter 17: Silas
Even though I hadn’t slept since the night before, and the surveillance shift was supposed to be Knox’s, I let him rest with Lena instead. She had curled against him as night fell, seeking his warmth while the brutal cold crept back through the decaying building.
Knox was better at that.
Better at hiding his rage that frightened her.
Better at offering comfort and patience.
Especiallynow.
Because all I could think about wasthatscar.
The image of it had burned into my mind, branding itself beside another memory I could never escape. My mother, lying cold and breathless on the ground, her neck twisted at an unnatural angle, and her eyes empty as Marco towered over her.
That memory had shaped me. Forged me into the man I had become.
But the image of Lena’s scar had changed the direction of everything.
I was no longer solely avenging the dead.
I had now also made a promise to the living.
Cycling through the pictures on the camera, I checked the ones taken with the timer, while I had been…occupied.
Fuck!
A black SUV pulled up in front of the house only moments after I stepped away from the window. I zoomed in, moving throughthe following frames. Two men entered the house.
Marco and another guy who I recognized as his top lieutenant, Luca Salvatone.
I glanced back at Lena. I didn't want to wake her and tell her how fucking close she had been to that monster. Instead, I scrolled through the photos checking the time stamps, until I saw images of Marco emerging from the house, getting into the black SUV, and driving away. Luca didn't exit with him, so he was likely still inside.
I was now sure beyond a doubt that there was an omega in the house. Marco had shown up for less than an hour, in and out. Not meeting with anyone, as no one else had entered.
He was there for a quick knot, just like the lookout had said.
I pulled out my phone, sending an encrypted message to my boss, Director Mallory.
Silas: Confirmed omega at Location Three. Any updates on the other sites?
Mallory: Confirmed at Two, Three, Five, Six, and Seven. Still waiting on the remaining locations, but intel is coming in fast.
Silas: Understood. When do we move, sir?
Mallory: Soon. This is shaping up to be an all hands on deck operation. General Green has been briefed. He’s impressedwith what you and Knox have pulled together so far.
Silas: Copy that, sir.
Mallory: I need both of you in my office Friday at 0800. Green will be there.
Silas: Confirmed, sir.
