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Instantly, I move my flashlight in an arc over the ceiling, as plaster and water patter onto my helmet.

It’s going to come down.

“Hell! Move!” I grab Sophie by the shoulder, but she pulls back from me.

If this cat is this important to her, then I only have one choice.

We could die here, but I can’t drag this Beta out.

I can, however, carry a cat.

How many rules am I breaking for my new Omega?

“Hold this.” I toss the flashlight at Sophie.

She catches the flashlight, while she coughs.

Then I shove the cabinet with my shoulder.

The cabinet groans, as it tumbles to one side.

Sophie stares at me in shock.

Cornbread races out at me, and I catch her. I clutch the scratching ginger devil to my chest.

Ungrateful.

This is why I don’t own a cat. They like to be the head Alpha in the household.

And that is me.

Cornbread may be biting and scratching me, but at least I can’t feel it through my suit.

I hold onto her tightly.

When I stand, Sophie struggles to her feet next to me.

I turn and follow the exact route that I took to find Sophie, which is a trick that I learned because I have already tested that it is safe.

But the ceiling isn’t safe.

Another crack splits the air above me.

This time, however, it isn’t only a warning.

I dive over both Cornbread and Sophie to protect them as a section of the ceiling rains down.

“Shit…” When something strikes my upper back, I grunt in pain.

A blast of heat and sparks surrounds me, as insulation and plaster rain down. Then a smoldering rafter crashes across the exit close enough to graze Sophie’s cheek.

She screams.

Something hits my helmet hard. My vision grays.

“Chief, Chief, Chief…” Someone is calling my name.

I shake my head.