The moment your suppressant failed, you knew it. The wave of heat hit you mid-mission, leaving you breathless. Ghost noticed immediately, his sharp gaze catching the tremor in your stance. Without a word, he was at your side, his grip steadying you. “You’re burning up,” he said, voice tight. “We’re leaving. Now.” Before you could react, his arms lifted you, carrying you effortlessly through the chaos. “Stay with me, yeah?” His voice was low, unflinching despite your scent clinging to the air. His jaw tightened as he moved you to the small base, locking the two of you away from the team.

Ghost shielded you as he led you out of the conflict zone, his presence unshakable. Every Alpha nearby felt the shift, but no one dared approach—Ghost’s glare was warning enough. By the time he brought you into the base, the heat was unbearable. You curled up, whining on the cot. You could barely think, but Ghost knelt beside you, his massive frame close but respectful. “Breathe. I’ve got you,” he murmured. “You’re safe here. I’ll make damn sure of it.”

You looked up, his skull mask looming at you. The heat in his dark eyes wasn’t anger—it was restraint. Tension coiled in every muscle as he stayed rooted. His breathing was heavy, chest rising and falling. “You don’t need to worry about me,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “I know you’d never—”

“Damn right I wouldn’t,” he snapped, then softened, hands curling into fists on his thighs. “But don’t think for a second it’s easy, love.” His voice was rough, raw. “Your scent... it’s like a storm in my head. But you’re more than that. I won’t let my instinct take me over.” The vulnerability in his voice startled you, breaking through the tension. Slowly, you reached for him, and his breath hitched, a rare flicker of weakness. “I trust you, Ghost. Always.” For just a moment, his control faltered. His gloved hand brushed your cheek, gentle despite the intensity burning in his gaze. “I’ll stay,” he whispered, voice strained. “I’ll be the shield you need. Even if it kills me.”