6. Enrique

Chapter 6

Enrique

"You good?" Elias asks as I do a final check in the cockpit.

I nod. "Yeah, like riding a bike." Only easier, honestly. Andorra Sector's technology is leagues ahead of the rest of the world.

Well, most of the world.

The V-Clan wolves have their own fancy shit empowered by their voodoo magic. But in terms of X-Clan tech, Andorra Sector is top-notch.

"All right." Elias claps me on the shoulder. "Don't knot the Omega on the jet. You have no copilot, and while the autopilot system is good, it's not that good."

I arch a brow at him. "I know how to control my wolf, Elias."

He grins. "Yeah, but he's chomping at the bit to sink his teeth into that Omega. I can see it in your eyes every time you look at her."

"We just met."

"As I said yesterday, that means shit."

"I think you told me it meant little to our wolves," I correct him.

"Same thing," he tells me before turning to leave. Then he pauses and adds, "Thanks for doing this."

"It's the least I can do after everything you all have done for me," I reply, meaning it.

When Ander said he needed someone to take a group of Omegas to their sectors of choice, I volunteered for the job. It seemed like an appropriate task for me.

And it also prolonged the inevitable reunion with my brother.

"We didn't do it for you," he murmurs.

"I know." They did it for Kari. "But I benefited." Because Carlos is finally fucking dead. My brother is free… to an extent. Kari and Savi are safe.

And I'm… in a to-be-determined state.

"I think that remains to be seen," he says, his expression knowing. He can't read my mind, but he no doubt understands my current predicament. "See you in a day or two. Then we'll talk more."

He claps me on the shoulder again and exits. I finalize a few items while the Omegas board, Elias's voice traveling to my ears as he instructs them all on where to sit.

"You'll be welcome to move around after takeoff," he's saying, providing an overview of takeoff procedures.

The Omegas don't say much, but their nervous energy speaks volumes. For some of them, this is probably their first time on a jet. And the others who have flown before—to reach Bariloche Sector—likely didn't enjoy their previous flight experiences.

"All right, Captain. You're all set and cleared for takeoff."

I glance back at Elias, my eyebrow cocked. "Your imitation game needs some work." Because he just attempted—and miserably failed—to do a radio controller's scratchy tone, like he was mimicking some old movie from the Pre-Infected Era.

He chuckles. "You and I are going to have some fun when you get to Andorra Sector."

"Why does that sound like a threat?"

Amusement flashes in his midnight gaze. "Because I'm the best shot in all of Andorra Sector, and I just picked you as a new sparring partner, amigo."

I smirk. "You should have vetted me before challenging me, amigo ."

"I vetted you yesterday when we took down Carlos. You didn't miss a single target." He cants his head. "As I said, we're going to have some fun together." He steps out of the cockpit. "Fly safe."

"You, too," I tell him.

He nods and closes the cockpit door. It locks automatically, not that it's really needed. But the jet is equipped with safety features, just in case.

Less than a minute later, a green light appears as the outer door is secured, telling me he has officially disembarked the jet. I pull on my headset and do a final check, then focus on the cameras to find a Beta waving a flag.

There isn't a runway, but these high-tech jets shoot upward like a rocket. Very, very different from the planes of my youth when humans still ran the world.

"All clear," Sven says, acting as my land crew. "Enjoy the skies."

"Always," I reply.

My animal prefers the ground, while I prefer the sky. I was probably meant to be born as a dragon shifter or something else with wings. Alas, I'm a wolf.

My beast growls inside, like he can understand bmy thoughts. Or perhaps it's the knowledge of what I'm about to do that has him agitated.

Flipping a switch on my headset, I initiate the speaker system within the jet. "We're about to take off," I warn them all. "We'll be heading straight upward, so please make sure you're seated and your seatbelts are fastened."

Elias already went through that spiel, buckling them all in before he deboarded, but I check the video feed just to be certain and find nine nervous Omegas strapped into the passenger bay.

"Once we're in the air, you'll be free to move about the cabin. The room at the back has a closet of clothes, and the bathroom was stocked to meet your needs as well. I suggest you take turns, as it's not a large space." I checked it before going into the cockpit. The shower is big enough for two or three Omegas, but I doubt it'll be comfortable.

I scan the security feed, searching for any signs of distress. Apart from a few anxious glances, they all seem to be okay.

"All right, taking off in ten seconds…" I toggle another switch to initiate the system's takeoff protocols.

An artificial feminine voice continues the countdown overhead.

"Nine."

"Eight."

"Seven."

I shift my gaze away from the Omegas on the screen and focus on the controls before me. Most of this is automated, but I still have to monitor the process.

"Six."

"Five."

I check my belt.

"Four."

I fix my gaze on the window as a subtle rumble begins beneath me, causing adrenaline to pump through my veins.

"Three."

"Two."

"One."

The rumble grows into a roar as the jet shoots upward into the sky, the g-forces pressing on every inch of my body as we ascend at an incredible speed. It's an initial reaction to the rapid acceleration, but as the artificial gravity inside the cabin equalizes, the crushing sensation slowly lessens.

Only to heighten once more as the jet begins to arc, pushing us into our desired flight path.

I programmed it before takeoff, but I check the direction to be sure we're heading the correct way, and we are. We'll fly north, hugging the coastline until we reach the northernmost point of this continent and begin a path to the east.

Everything begins to settle as the jet reaches its cruising speed, the heaviness leaving my form and gradually returning me to normal. Or almost normal, anyway.

Glancing at the screen, I see several of the Omegas shaking out their arms and legs, likely having not enjoyed the experience. But no one appears to be getting sick, so that's a good sign.

I give it a few more minutes before I click over to the speaker system again. "We've reached our cruising altitude. I'm not sure if Ander or Elias shared our complete itinerary, but we'll be heading up to Nova Sector first, where we'll be spending the night and restocking."

I've never been to Nova Sector before. It's one of the few remaining areas in the world harboring Arctic wolves, as their kind is unfortunately susceptible to the zombielike virus that wiped out most of the human population.

When Ander called to tell them he had two Arctic Omegas in his possession, the Alpha of Nova Sector had been a mixture of furious and relieved. Apparently, the two white-haired females were the only unmated Omegas in his sector.

They were also his daughters.

Thus, Ander suggested that Nova Sector be our first stop.

From a flight path point of view, it made the most sense. After Nova Sector, we'll head over to Savage Sector in what used to be Romania. Then Tallinn Sector, and two other places in Asia, before eventually making our way to Andorra Sector.

I return my attention to the security feed, my gaze instantly finding Caja.

She's coming back with me.

Paige, too.

However, it's Caja that holds my attention.

She's sitting quietly, listening to Hel as she asks the two Arctic wolves about Nova Sector. The Ulv wolf sounds nervous, which is interesting because she's come off as one of the more confident Omegas. Although, right now, she almost looks ill.

Probably from takeoff , I think, noting a few other pale Omegas on the security feed.

Caja seems okay, though. Just concerned. However, as the Arctic wolves continue describing their home, she and a few of the others start to relax.

I follow suit, leaning back in my chair and checking the controls again.

We'll be in the air for several hours. While these jets move quickly, they can't exactly teleport. Alas, we'll be here for a bit. More than long enough for all the Omegas to shower, change, rest, and eat.

I roll my neck, my muscles tight from what feels like years of stress. And it's not going away anytime soon.

Sighing, I stare out the window.

It's a clear night, the nearly full moon illuminating the dark sky. Perfect flying weather.

Checking the radar, I don't see any storms in our path. And none on the horizon.

Should be a fairly straightforward flight.

I unbuckle my harness and stand to stretch my arms. I haven't slept in days, not that I really need it. But I can't fight the urge to yawn. Because fuck, I'm tired. So. Fucking. Tired.

And there's no end in sight, I think darkly, my shoulders falling.

When I agreed to pilot this flight, I didn't consider the potential downtime.

"Fuck," I mutter, leaning against a wall. The last thing I want is to be left alone with my thoughts. My regrets. My worries. My everything .

Closing my eyes, I steal a deep breath, then go back to stare at the monitor, hoping to find my little treasure. My distraction . But she's no longer seated in her chair from takeoff.

I flick through the feeds, searching for her. And pause when I find her.

She's… she's standing outside the cockpit door.

I turn toward it, surprised by her presence.

Yet she hasn't made a sound.

Frowning, I look back at the monitor to see her chewing on her lower lip, her gaze uncertain. She takes a step back, then pauses, her expression turning determined.

Only for her to lose the determination as her hand rises.

My lips twitch as she curls her fingers into fists, clearly agitated with herself.

I may not be able to read her mind, but I can read her expression clear as day. She's debating whether or not to knock, and she's frustrated with herself for not just doing it.

I could help her and just open the door. However, I kind of want to see how this plays out. So I lean against the wall instead, my gaze on the camera as she continues to battle with herself.

It's cute. One second, she's nodding. The next, she's wincing.

I swear I hear her growling through the door as she spins around to storm off toward the main cabin. I'm about to go after her when she turns right back toward the cockpit and practically runs toward me.

Her knock is abrupt. One quick pound, then she jumps back with a look of horror in her expression like she can't believe she just did that.

I chuckle in response, more amused than I think I have been in a long time.

But as I unlock and open the door, I don't let her see my humored reaction. I simply peek my head out and utter a polite, "Everything all right, tesoro?"

She blinks big dark eyes at me. "I, uh, was wondering if you need anything to eat?"

I push the door a little wider so I can lean against the frame. "That depends," I say, looking her up and down. "What's on the menu?" I've been a little soft with her until now, not really flirting with her so much as comforting her. However, that little show I just witnessed put me in a playful mood. And now I want to see how she'll respond to some clear flirtation.

Alas, she just blinks at me and starts reciting actual food items.

So innocent , I marvel, looking over her again. And so damn beautiful.

She swallows. "Does any of that sound, um, good?"

"None of those items suit my current mood." Because it's not food I'm in the mood for. But I don't tell her that last part.

"Oh." Her nose scrunches. "Okay. Well, if you change your mind, let me know and I'll bring you something."

"Thank you," I say to her, smiling. "It was thoughtful of you to check on me."

She nods. "You're welcome. I'll just be…" She gestures back to the main cabin and takes a step away from me.

"I wouldn't mind some company, though," I tell her before she can escape me. "It's kind of lonely in here." A lame comment, but a truthful one.

Her eyes flash up to mine. "Oh. Is it okay for me to be up here?"

I shrug. "I'm the pilot, so I suppose that means I make the rules, and I say it's fine."

"You're also an Alpha," she points out. "So I think you always make the rules."

I consider that and nod. "True, dominance is a natural trait. But I've never really been in a position where my rules mattered." Because I was always carrying out Carlos's wishes—or, most recently, Ander's wishes—but never my own.

Caja frowns at me. "I thought you were one of Alpha Carlos's generals. Wouldn't that have put you in a position to create and enforce rules?"

My heart squeezes at her words. "You know I used to be one of his generals?" Did someone tell her that? Or did she recognize my name after I shared it?

No. It couldn't be the latter. She would have feared me if that were the case.

But then, why doesn't she fear me now?

"W-well, no," she stammers, her tan skin paling.

Never mind. There's the fear.

Shit.

"Another Omega told me," she goes on. "I wasn't sure if it was true or not."

I grab the back of my neck and blow out a breath. "Yes, I was one of his generals. One of his favorites, actually." I didn't really need to add that last part, but I want her to know me. To understand me.

"I… I shouldn't have asked," she says, taking a step back. "I know it's not my place. I…" She frowns. "I don't know why I'm acting this way around you. I'm sorry, Alpha."

"It's Enrique," I remind her gently. "And what way do you mean? How are you acting around me?"

She glances over her shoulder before leaning toward me and whispering, "I keep asking you questions. I know I'm not supposed to. I… I've never done this before."

"You've never asked questions?"

She shakes her head, her eyes widening. "Never. My Alpha would have killed me for behaving this way."

"Your Alpha," I echo. "As in your father, Bautista?"

Caja visibly shivers, then dips her chin. "Yes. I wasn't allowed to speak to him."

I stare down at her. "You couldn't speak to him?"

She shakes her head again. "I wasn't worthy of his presence."

"He told you that?" I ask, my blood heating at the notion. Your father called you unworthy, and all I did was shoot him in the head?

Fuck.

Had I known any of this, I would have taken out his knees first. Let him suffer for a few hours. Then put a bullet between his eyes.

Her brow furrows. "Yes, as did all the others."

The others? Multiple people called her worthless? "Who are the others?" I ask aloud, prepared to take mental notes. Because whoever they are, I'm going to fucking annihilate them.

"My pack," she tells me. "The other Alphas—my brothers, I guess. And the Omegas. They all explained my uselessness, so I understand. My only worth in life is whatever price Alpha Carlos agreed to pay for me, which I gathered wasn't much."

I suddenly want to punch something. Or someone. Several someones.

It takes physical effort not to outwardly react to her words. But I don't want to scare her with my anger.

"Carlos was a monster, Caja," I reply, my voice a bit more gravelly than usual. "He couldn't define your worth, even if he tried. Because he never appreciated the beauty and rarity of Omega kind. He only ever sought to profit off the exploitation of those we—Alphas—are meant to care for and cherish."

She blinks at me. "But… but you worked for him."

"I did. And I helped kill him."

"Why?"

"Because I hated him." It's a simple response, one I have no trouble uttering.

"Why?" she repeats, her eyes inquisitive.

"It's a very long story," I admit.

She winces, her gaze lowering to my chest. "I'm sorry, Alpha. I shouldn't have asked. It's not my place to request explanations."

I reach forward to take her chin between my fingers and guide her eyes back to mine. "Please call me Enrique, Caja. There's no need to be formal with me."

She swallows. "I'm sorry."

"No more apologies either," I tell her, my thumb stroking her jaw. "You're more than welcome to talk to me, peque?o tesoro. In fact, I encourage it."

Her brow is still furrowed, her expression uncertain.

"I wasn't saying it's a long story to deter you, Caja. I was going to ask again if you would like to come into the cockpit, as I would much prefer to sit down before I tell you all about my history with Carlos."

"You really don't mind?"

"I really don't," I tell her softly. "Actually, it's the opposite; I would love for you to join me." I release her to gesture to the chairs behind me. "There are even two seats. And the view up here is pretty awesome."

She glances around me to see the large glass windows. Her eyes round at the sight. "Wow."

"I know," I murmur. "So what do you say, Caja? Want to keep me company while I fly the plane?"

Her bottom lip disappears between her teeth as she considers me once more. Then, ever so gradually, she nods. "Yes, please."

I smile and step to the side. "Then come on in and make yourself comfortable."