Page 41 of Reckless Consequences

Finn’s shoulders relax slightly, relief evident. “Sterling’s systems are sophisticated, but predictable in their own way. I’ve been analyzing the fragments we’ve acquired—there are exploitable patterns.”

“Tertiary objective,” Mona adds, her voice dropping. “Research subjects.”

The room goes silent. Theo’s hand covers his mouth. Ryker’s jaw clenches so hard a muscle jumps. Jinx’s fingers curl into fists. Finn’s eyes close briefly.

“Research subjects?” Theo repeats, his voice breaking. The air around him shifts dramatically, filling with a protective scent so powerful that my eyes water.

“Betas primarily,” Mona confirms, her usual energy subdued. “Designation manipulation experiments. Various stages of transformation. Forty-three subjects currently held in medical observation wing.”

My stomach twists. “We need to get them out.”

“Agreed,” Ryker says immediately. “No one gets left behind.”

“Quinn’s teams can handle evacuation,” Finn suggests. “While we focus on the core objectives - database and production facility.” He sways slightly, and Theo’s hand finds his elbow, supporting him with such natural grace that the conversation doesn’t falter.

“What about Roman himself?” I ask, voicing the question burning inside me. “Is he on-site?”

Mona’s expression darkens. “Primary office on top floor. Residence on property. High probability of presence during operation. Very stringent personal security.”

“He’s mine,” Jinx states, his voice dropping to something barely human.

His pupils expand until only a thin ring of green remains, and the claiming mark on my neck burns in response.

“No,” Ryker and I say simultaneously.

Through our bond, I feel Ryker’s message without words: Too dangerous. Too personal. Mission first.

The clarity of the communication startles me—not just emotion but actual tactical thought transmitted through our connection.

“This isn’t about vengeance,” Ryker continues aloud. “It’s about neutralizing the threat. We can’t risk the primary objectives for personal vendetta.”

“It’s not personal,” Jinx argues, though the feral gleam in his eyes says otherwise. “He’s the source. Cut off the head, kill the snake.”

“And if we fail?” Finn counters, his voice suddenly stronger. “If we go after Roman and miss the primary objectives? The virus production continues, more Betas die or are transformed, and Sterling rebuilds with even better security.”

The effort costs him visibly—his face pales, sweat beading along his hairline. The pack responds instantly—Theo’s hand at his neck, Ryker shifting to support his weight, Jinx’s aggression redirecting to protective vigilance. I find myself moving closer too, something in me reaching out to steady him.

A tense silence falls. I watch Jinx struggle with himself, the predator in him wanting blood, the pack member understanding the larger mission. His jaw clenches and unclenches, hands flexing at his sides.

I reach for him instinctively, fingers circling his wrist where his pulse hammers against my touch. The connection through our bond makes me gasp—my calm flowing into him, his protective fire surrounding me.

Trust me, I push through the bond. Mission first, then justice.

His eyes meet mine, surprise flickering across his face as he receives the thought. The tension in his shoulders eases slightly.

“Fine,” he finally concedes. “But if he crosses my path...”

“If he crosses your path, you neutralize the threat,” Ryker agrees. “But we don’t deviate from the primary objectives to hunt him.”

Theo, who’s been unusually quiet, finally speaks up. “What about Alexander?”

Mona’s expression sharpens with interest. “Ah, big brother. Current assignment unknown. Not present at Aurora Facility according to last intelligence. Possibly deployed for special operation.”

“Hunting us,” I translate, remembering the cold efficiency in Alexander’s movements.

“High probability,” Mona agrees.

“So we need to be prepared for Alexander to appear at any moment,” Ryker summarizes, “while simultaneously infiltrating a high-security facility, destroying a virus production plant, extracting valuable data, and evacuating dozens of research subjects.”

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