Page 45 of M.A.Y.A
“I believe you now more than ever that we have to close the portal,” Sergei said grimly. “We can’t let this happen to our land.”
“Consider yourself lucky that your world wasn’t one of the first they raided,” Maya said.
“After this?” Nako said quietly. “I’m buying a fucking gratitude journal.”
They carefully navigated past surveillance cameras and two sets of guards before Maya started feeling the steady rhythm of Isaiah’s heart, as if it beat in her chest with her own. Tears prickled her eyes at the realization that he was still here. He was okay. She was going to find him and bring him home.
I’m coming, Alpha wolf. I’m sorry it took me so long to realize what I’d found with you.
She didn’t let her desperation show to the team. “He’s close.”
“We can also feel him,” Nako said at her back.
When they reached the corner of the nondescript government building, they tucked themselves in a narrow alcove to avoid any eyes that might have been stationed at the entrance. Maya turned to face her mate’s seconds in command. They all wore battle gear comprising of synthetic, breathable material with metallic thread that would serve as a basic barrier against shrapnel. The Betas didn’t really need it since they’d most likely shift if under attack, but Maya felt better knowing they all had some sort of protection. “Does everyone know what to do? How to proceed?”
They all nodded in unison. “Good.” She glanced at the time piece she’d strapped on her wrist; the same one she’d found in Isaiah’s dresser drawer that made her feel close to him. “Fifteen minutes until we meet at the portal entrance. Keep your earpieces in for communication. Don’t shift alone unless you have no other choice.”
“Five minutes until we hit the button,” Drayden said as he tapped his watch. “Stay safe.”
“You stay safe, too,” she said.
In a move that shook her, Alex stepped forward and nuzzled her temple. One by one, the rest of the packmates did the same. Their touch felt warm and healing, but it just as quickly served as a reminder of what was at stake. After the brief show of affection, they slipped away until only Maya and Sonya were left.
“You ready?” Sonya asked as she adjusted a knife sheath on her thigh.
“I’m ready,” Maya replied. They rounded the corner and after a brief pause in front of the double doors, they walked through the main entrance of the government building. The first camera caught their movement and focused in on them as Maya hit the button for the elevator.
“This is a really bold move,” Sonya said. “You’re basically spitting in their face by returning to the lion’s den.”
“They have my mate,” Maya said simply.
As she said the words aloud, she realized how right they felt. This wasn’t about trauma bonding or attaching herself to the man who saved her. This was so much deeper than that. She knew his feelings intimately. She’d spent time with him to learn his heart, his loyalty to his family and pack, and the sheer capacity for love that he possessed.
“Sonya?” Maya said as the elevator doors opened.
“Yes, Alpha’s mate?”
“Why did you choose to stay with me?” she asked as they stepped into the car. She couldn’t look at the shifter as she asked the question that had been weighing on her since their emergency strategy meeting. “You could’ve partnered with your packmates. You know them, you’ve fought with them, and you probably like them better.”
Sonya turned to her and smiled. It was the first genuine one that Maya had received from the prickly woman since the day they met in the safe house almost two weeks ago. “I am with a packmate,” she replied in her sweet Southern drawl. “The most important one we have. And I’ve fought with you, I know you, and I like you just fine.”
Maya felt her throat burn at the unfamiliar sound of affection from a wolf she thought would never accept her into the pack. “Thanks,” she whispered.
“Don’t thank me yet,” she said as the doors slid open to reveal a corridor. “We have to make it out of here safely, and you’re responsible for all of our lives.”
“That’s fair,” Maya said. She blinked away the slight sting in her eyes and marched to the end of the corridor and stood in front of the steel enforced entrance into the lab.
“Maya?” Sonya said as she kept pace.
“Yeah?”
“Just know that after these two weeks, I don’t believe there is anyone who is a stronger match for my Alpha than you.”
“Thanks, Sonya.”
The words were out of her mouth just as the doors opened, revealing half a dozen soldiers and the man who’d tortured and tormented her for most of her time in the bunker. His mouth curled in amusement. He’d looked at her just like that when he’d strapped her to the bed and was shoving long needles under her skin, or when the anesthesia had worn off while he soldered her arm back together.
“Hello, Unit 13.”
