Page 42 of Reckless Consequences

“In a six-hour window before Sterling’s tracking system can find us,” I add.

“While ensuring Finn gets his next booster in time,” Theo reminds us, his hand still resting at the nape of Finn’s neck.

“And I coordinate with Mona from Omega Guardians afterward,” Finn says. “She’s monitoring the blocker effectiveness while providing remote system support.”

Jinx laughs, the sound carrying equal parts madness and delight. “Just another Tuesday for the psycho squad.”

Despite everything, I find myself smiling. “When you put it like that, it almost sounds fun.”

“Quinn’s tactical teams reduce some risk,” Mona notes. “Omega Guardian network provides medical support for evacuees but requires secure transport corridors.”

“We can make this work,” Finn says, mind visibly calculating despite his physical struggle. “But the timing has to be perfect. We’ll need to coordinate multiple teams hitting different objectives simultaneously.”

“We’ll need comms,” I note. “Secure, untraceable. Sterling’s security will be scanning all usual frequencies.”

“Already prepared,” Mona says with evident satisfaction. “Custom encryption protocol. Frequency-hopping technology. Also includes emergency detonation option for explosives.”

Jinx raises an eyebrow. “You built remote detonators into our comms?”

“Obviously. Maximum flexibility.”

“I think I’m in love,” Jinx declares, only half-joking.

“Unrequited,” Mona responds flatly. “Romance inefficient use of resources. Also, you smell wrong.”

I can’t help laughing. “Tell us how you really feel, sis.”

“I always do.”

As we proceed to assignments, Ryker distributes roles with intuitive understanding of our strengths.

“Jinx, you’ll lead the Alpha operatives from Quinn’s team,” he directs. “Your strength will be crucial for moving explosives into position, and your designation gives you natural authority over other Alphas.”

Jinx nods, already claiming that territory in his mind.

“Theo, you’ll coordinate with Omega Guardians on triage preparations,” Ryker continues. “The research subjects will likely respond best to Omega presence after captivity—your presence can help stabilize them during evacuation.”

“I’ll prepare calming kits,” Theo agrees, already planning. “Scent-neutral blankets, mild sedatives if needed.”

“Cayenne and Finn will handle the server room infiltration,” Ryker says, his gaze lingering on Finn with concern before shifting to me. “Your hacking skills and Finn’s analytical abilities make you our best chance at cracking Sterling’s database. Finn’s pattern recognition will help navigate the security architecture while Cayenne extracts the data.”

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

“I’ll take the exterior team to secure your extraction route,” Ryker concludes. “Quinn handles subject evacuation with Theo’s support.”

I feel each pack member processing implications—flickers of thought clearer than yesterday, the bond communication strengthening with practice. Finn calculating probabilities, Theo weighing pack safety against mission necessity, Jinx focused but controlled, Cayenne already mapping infiltration paths.

The weight of command has never felt heavier, nor more certain. Five lives hang on my decision. Everything we’ve built together balanced on tactical judgment.

I meet each gaze, feeling the threads between us—not just instinct but something forged through choice and fire and shared purpose.

My pack. My responsibility. My home.

Once, I led through authority—orders issued, compliance expected, distance maintained. Now leadership flows through connection—strength multiplied through trust, capability enhanced through bonds beyond tactical alliance.

Jinx’s eyes find mine last, carrying silent confirmation that he’s ready, controlled, committed. Something has shifted in him since bonding with Cayenne—the chaos still present but channeled, purposeful.

“We move tonight.” My decision ripples through the bond, met with synchronized resolve.

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