TWENTY-FOUR

Zarek

No, no, NO!

She was on the roof, edging out of the attic just as the world below her erupted. The explosion—a roar in my ears, a blinding flash in my eyes. And then, nothing. She disappeared into the chaos. My squad held me back, their hands heavy on my shoulders, but I couldn't contain the grief that tore through me, my name for her dissolving into a scream lost in the fire.

Her voice haunted me, her last words urging us to get to safety, to leave her behind.

"I'm going to check the backyard. Stay here, Zarek."

As soon as Logan's words registered, I bolted.

Ignoring Logan's shouts, I ran, the adrenaline a bitter surge in my veins. I leaped over the fence into the next yard, landing amidst a scene of devastation—bricks and broken wood scattered like the aftermath of a storm, flames greedily claiming what was left.

The squad was right behind me, but their words were distant, muffled by the drum of my heart. "We'll search too," someone said, but I was already moving, driven by a single, terrifying need.

Then, through the smoke and fire, a figure—her figure—emerged. Disappearing and reappearing like a ghost, she rolled on the ground, smothering the flames that licked at her clothes.

Leora .

Her face was streaked with soot, blood seeping from a cut on her forehead, but when our eyes met, she offered a weak, pained smile.

I was at her side in seconds, pulling her into an embrace that was both a relief and a reaffirmation of my deepest fears. "You're alive," I gasped, tears mingling with the ash on my face.

"I'm okay, Zarek," she whispered back, her voice faint.

But then her strength failed her; her body grew heavy against mine. Her arms drooped, lifeless, her head lolled back, and I caught her just before she could hit the ground. A cold dread replaced the heat of the fire.

Cradling her in my arms, I carried her, the squad behind us as we made our way back to the safety of our car.

???

She sat up too quickly for me to react. We were still in the car, heading back to the safehouse.

"Clear," Kabir announced, checking the area from the front seat.

Leora was between Logan and me in the back, her head had been resting in my lap, but now she was upright, frantically looking around.

"Leo, focus on me," Logan said, gripping her shoulders. "It's me, Logan. You're safe. We're on our way back."

She straightened up, her voice barely above a whisper, "Did anyone from the squad get hurt?"

"No one's hurt, baby. We're all here," I reassured her, pulling her into my arms. Her hands brushed against my face, her expression softening.

"Good. Because I'm about to finish Casteel off, and I'll need some help from the squad," she said, a steely determination in her smile.

"We've got your six," I smiled back and kissed her.

Logan chuckled deeply. "Taught you well, didn't I?"

Leora shot him a blank look, and he visibly winced. It was clear there was some tension between them.

We arrived at the safehouse soon after. I carried Leora inside, hoping she wouldn't notice the still-uncleaned blood and vomit. I gently laid her on the bed, kissed her forehead, and began to check her injuries.

She watched me with a soft smile, "You look adorable when you're worried."

I froze for a moment, then let out a small chuckle. "No one's ever called me adorable before, Mi Corazón," I replied, rolling my eyes playfully. Her smile grew as she reached up to caress my face.

She grazed her fingers along my jaw and that's when I realized how tightly wound I was. I loosened my clenching jaw and blinked at her. She was so beautiful, still. Cuts marring her face did nothing to dim the shine.

Her eyes gleamed with a slight sheen. Her cheek was swollen and I could see bruises forming beneath the soot. The soot.

Fuck .

She had survived a blast. All because she was mine. Mine . Leora Mateez was mine and I was falling fast and hard for her.

I gently held her face, being careful of her bruises, and kissed her softly. Her eyes lit up with desire, and she pulled me closer, kissing me back passionately. She wanted more, but I knew she was hurt and needed rest.

"Let's take it easy, Mi Corazón," I whispered, breaking the kiss gently. "We should check your injuries."

Leora exhaled a soft, somewhat playful sigh and complied, stretching out on the bed, a restrained smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. I took my time, gently inspecting and bandaging each wound, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible. After handing her a painkiller, I encouraged her to rest. Her eyes fluttered shut, fatigue overtaking her quickly as I started to tidy up the scattered supplies in the room.

Alone with my thoughts, the dread of nearly losing her gnawed at me. The fear that had clutched at my chest was a visceral reminder of our precarious reality. It was clear now; I had been avoiding the inevitable call to Alpha One. But it couldn't wait any longer. She was determined to be part of this world, and frankly, the thought of her anywhere but by my side was unbearable now .

With the room tidied, I washed my hands and switched off the light, leaving only the dim moonlight spilling through the window to illuminate the space. Stripping off my t-shirt and cargo pants, I slid quietly into bed beside her. Careful not to disturb her, I rested a hand gently on her belly, feeling the rise and fall of her breath—a simple confirmation that she was still here, still with me.