If I said something, I’d reveal I wasn’t taking the supplements, but Collin was still my Mate. I was an extension of him, of the Illum. I alone might have some protection. Or would I be scrutinized further? Regardless, I needed to buy Lo time to get into the Pod. I gripped her hand and then released it, my heart beating furiously.
“It’s mine,” I said, stepping away from Lo. I heard her sharp intake of breath but refused to look over.
Three soldiers in dark green prowled toward me. They wore the same uniforms as at the Parting, their faces completely covered by intimidating helmets. They stopped in front of me, guns gleaming in the evening light.
“Why are you receiving messages at this hour?” one Force soldier demanded.
“It is likely from my Mate, a member of the Illum.”
The words tasted like ash on my tongue.
One of the other soldiers snorted. “All that time underground making you imagine things?”
Shock sent my heart beating harder against my ribs.
“Give your bag to me,” the soldier closest to me instructed.
They would find the white clutch, filled with supplements, the cuff, and the knife. True terror grabbed me.
“I won’t ask a second time,” the first one warned, stepping closer. Over his shoulder, another soldier trekked toward us as Minors moved in the direction of the Pods.
“Why are you just standing there?” the soldier demanded. I looked up. He was talking to Lo, not me. Cold sweat slid down my back.
Since my approved mating, I had put myself in many stupid situations. This was the dumbest of them all.
The soldier directly in front of me moved his head. My mismatched eyes reflected back in the shield covering his face. My clear eyes.
The large soldier approached, looming over the other three. “Look at her fucking wrist,” the man barked at his comrades. I swore I knew the voice. I held up my glowing wrist for them to see.
“So what?”
“It means she is, in fact, the Enforcer’s Mate, you fucking idiot.”
“Shit, Fredrik, are you serious?”
The large soldier nodded his head. “Yes.”
The other soldiers stumbled back, heads swiveling between me and the large soldier, Fredrik I supposed. I heard light footsteps. I didn’t turn to confirm Lo had walked away, but relief still found me.
“Why didn’t you say Enforcer?” the one closest to me spat.
“You didn’t seem inclined to believe me,” I retorted. The large one chuckled deeply, walking off.
“Get going,” the other soldier barked.
I didn’t need telling twice. I fled, searching for blond hair, my breaths shallow. I spotted Lo near the Pod, staring at her feet. I rushed toward her.
“I’m sorry I left you.” She was near-hyperventilating, her face white.
“Don’t be. Next time, run immediately. Collin’s status can spare me. I don’t think it’ll stretch to you.” I grabbed my Comm Device. I had one official message and another from a number I didn’t recognize. I shoved the device into my bag.
“Emeline, what’s happening?” Lo asked, terrified.
“I don’t know. I’m going to find out. Get on the Pod.” I checked over my shoulder. There were so many soldiers in green.
“Come with me,” Lo insisted, trembling.
Unease cloaked me. I knew I was being watched.
