Page 67 of Reckless Consequences

I take Finn’s hand in mine, squeezing gently. Through our bond, I reach for him—past the pain, searching for him. He’s still there, faint but fighting.

“We’re not losing you,” I whisper, promise and plea wrapped into one. “Not now. Not after everything.”

As the vehicles speed away from Sterling’s collapsing empire, I silently vow that whatever it takes—whatever impossible solution we need—Finn will survive this. Roman Sterling has taken enough from all of us. He doesn’t get to take this too.

He doesn’t get to win.

Chapter16

Cayenne

Sirens wailas we navigate the collapsing corridors, each step a balance between speed and safety. Finn grows heavier against me, Roman’s formula working through his system in ways I can’t predict. His breathing is measured despite whatever’s happening in his blood.

“Left,” he gasps, pain threading his voice but focus still sharp. “West quadrant’s about to go—we’ve got seconds before it drops.”

I change course, supporting his weight while scanning for threats. The facility groans around us—Jinx’s explosions tearing through the structure. Red emergency lights turn familiar corridors strange.

Through our bond, I feel the others getting closer—Jinx, Ryker, and Theo pulling us toward them like beacons.

“Almost there,” I tell Finn, feeling him fight against the formula. He’s still calculating our best path even as his body battles chemical warfare.

He stumbles suddenly, knees buckling. I catch him, bracing his weight against the wall. His pupils are huge, sweat beading on his forehead. His skin burns against mine.

“I’m okay,” he lies, words slurring. “Keep moving.”

“Not without you.” I tighten my grip, anchoring him. Something protective surges through me—not just friendship or pack loyalty, but deeper. More primal. My scent sharpens beneath the neutralizer—lemon turning bright and fierce. Not omega, but something else. A beta built wrong on purpose. “We go together or not at all.”

His laugh comes shaky but real. “Not... the best plan.”

“Fuck plans.” I shift position, taking more of his weight. “Pack stays together.”

The next junction shows major damage—twisted support beams, cracked floor. The path looks impassable, but I feel our pack waiting just beyond. They’re getting clearer, stronger with each step closer.

“Another way?” I ask, looking for options.

Finn’s mind works visibly, calculating despite his condition. “Maintenance panel... to right. Air system... bypasses the damage.”

The panel opens to emergency override, revealing a narrow shaft. I help Finn through first, his movements clumsy but determined. It’s barely big enough for us—tight enough to trigger claustrophobia.

We emerge into a service corridor I recognize from our way in. Through our bond, I feel the pack’s immediate response—relief and concern hitting me like a wave.

Another explosion rocks the facility, close enough to rain debris from the ceiling. Finn reacts without speaking, pulling me clear of a falling beam with surprising precision despite his state.

We round the final corner to find Jinx and Ryker waiting—both ready for more trouble despite visible injuries. Ryker’s shoulder is bandaged and bloody, while Jinx radiates the tired satisfaction of violence done well.

“About fucking time,” Jinx grins, moving to take Finn’s weight from me. His relief pulses through our bond, wrapping around us with protective warmth.

“Status?” Ryker asks, scanning us for injuries.

“Formula exposure,” I report, nodding toward Finn. “Sterling’s latest version. Needs medical help now.”

“His vitals are unstable,” I add, lowering my voice. “Whatever Roman dosed him with—it’s changing something. We stopped the crash, but we don’t know what comes next.”

Ryker’s expression darkens, but his focus stays sharp.

We navigate the final corridor, working together despite our injuries. Jinx supports Finn with surprising gentleness, while Ryker takes point, movements precise despite his wounded shoulder. I bring up the rear, watching for pursuers that never come.

The exit appears ahead—emergency door partially sealed by failing systems. Ryker and Jinx work together, forcing it wide enough for us to escape. Beyond lies safety—open air and distance from Aurora’s imminent destruction.

---