Absolute Devotion (An Omega’s Preference #3)

30. Nala

thirty

NALA

Montgomery stands in front of Wyatt, his massive frame casting a shadow over the bound Alpha sitting in the kitchen. Every muscle in his body is tense, vibrating with barely restrained rage, his growl filling the narrow hallway. Wyatt’s face is battered, bloodied, his sneer cut through with the occasional wince of pain, but his eyes are locked on me.

Years ago, even a single glance from Wyatt would have sent me cowering. There was a time when his presence alone felt like it overshadowed everywhere I went on that campus. But now, with my mates standing between us, I’m not afraid. The fear he once held over me is gone.

The front door bursts open again, Bear and Xylo rushing inside, relief flooding their expressions the moment they see me. Before I can say a word, they’re both on me, their arms wrapping around me, lifting me off the floor as they pull me into a tight embrace. My legs curl around Xylo’s waist as I bury my face into his chest. Xylo’s face is weary, his shoulder bandaged but bleeding through, and Bear’s grip is nearly crushing, as if he’s afraid to let go.

“You’re safe,” Bear murmurs, his voice thick with emotion as he presses a kiss to my forehead. “We’re here now.”

I sink into their embrace, feeling the last bit of tension drain from my body. For a moment, it’s just the three of us, holding each other in the midst of the chaos.

Zahria steps aside, pulling out her phone as she murmurs, “I’ll call Chief Hart.”

Moments pass, the tension in the room slowly shifting, until I hear the sound of a car pulling up outside. Chief Hart enters the house, his gaze taking in the mess of the entryway, the splintered door, the blood smeared across the floor and walls. His brows knit together in shock, but there’s a hint of pride in his gaze as he looks over us.

“Seems like you all had quite a night,” he jokes, his voice gruff but warm as he surveys the scene.

Montgomery straightens, stepping aside but keeping his gaze fixed on Wyatt, his anger still simmering just beneath the surface.

Wyatt yells that Zahria shot him again but Chief Hart just lets out a low sigh, crossing his arms as he addresses all of us. “And you’ll get the medical care you need, I’m sure. We’ll get this all logged in as quickly as possible. Can’t have the FBI sweeping this under the rug too.” He looks at each of us in turn, his expression softening slightly. “You’re going to need to answer a few questions, but for now…” He gestures to Wyatt. “Let’s get him out of here.”

Two officers move inside from behind the chief, fully securing Wyatt before hauling him away. He doesn’t fight them, but his glare never leaves me, a final, twisted attempt to unsettle me. But I meet his gaze over Xylo’s shoulder, refusing to let him see even a bit of fear.

I’m shaking, terror coursing through me but I won’t let Wyatt see that. Never again.

As the officers lead him outside, Chief Hart turns back to us, his face a mixture of professionalism and genuine concern. “Are you all alright?” His gaze lingers on Xylo’s shoulder, then on me firmly squished between my mates.

“We’re fine,” Xylo says, his voice firm. “We did what we needed to do.”

Chief Hart nods, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I’m proud of all of you. This may not have the ending we wanted but that doesn’t change the work you’ve all done.” He follows his team out, leaving us alone in the quiet aftermath of the chaos.

Silence fills the room, broken only by the faint rustling of uniforms outside as the officers pack Wyatt into the car and drive off. I look down at the blood smeared across the floor, then at the crimson stain on Xylo’s shoulder.

A surge of emotion wells up inside me, the tears gathering in my eyes. “Thank you,” I whisper, “For protecting me.” I wriggle out from between the brothers, Bear’s hand finding mine and squeezing it gently.

Before I know it, they’ve all gathered around me, encompassing me in a group hug. The strength in each of their touches and the love they’ve surrounded me with washes over me, filling me with a sense of safety I’ve never known before.

There’s one missing. I glance around them at Montgomery. He stands a few steps away, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes still burning with fury. His chest rises and falls heavily, his focus lingering on the door as if he’s reliving the moment Wyatt forced his way inside. It could have been so much worse.

I pull back slightly, Bear following my gaze. He steps over to Montgomery, placing a gentle hand on the Alpha’s shoulder, and I see Montgomery’s tense posture soften ever so slightly. Bear leans in, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of Montgomery’s lips, and then murmurs something I can’t hear. Slowly, almost reluctantly, Montgomery lets himself be guided back to us.

He stops in front of me, his gaze dropping to meet mine, those stormy gray eyes fading into something softer, more vulnerable. I reach out and take his hand in mine, the tension melting away.

“I need you too, Alpha,” I whisper, my voice trembling slightly. “Come back to us. To me. I’m safe. We’re all safe now.”

Montgomery’s expression softens, and he pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me as he buries his face in my hair.

The others gather around us again, their hands resting on my shoulders, my back, their presence grounding me, reminding me of the growing bond we now share.

After a while, I feel Montgomery’s hand lift, gently brushing a stray tear from my cheek. He tilts my chin up, his gaze intense yet tender. “You’re safe, Nala,” he murmurs, his voice barely more than a whisper. “You’re safe, and we’re here. We’ll always be here.”

“I know,” I whisper back. “I know.”

No matter what lies ahead, no matter what threats try to tear us apart, I know we’ll face them side by side. Because I have them, mates who are willing to protect me no matter what it takes. They put themselves in harm’s way to make sure that I was safe today. I can’t imagine a better pack to be part of.