?Chapter 481:


    But what if she had it all wrong?


    The thought unsettled her. Her head began to spin slightly, and something felt off in her body.


    Still, she chose not to leave the room. Staying created the illusion that the n was working, possibly nudging the mastermind into revealing his next move.


    Leaving now would onlyplicate things.


    She nced at the time.


    Given Kristian’s earlier reaction, the scent’s effects were undeniably potent.


    She needed to stay here for at least thirty more minutes.


    Soon, the strange sensation within her grew stronger. She realized she hadn’t escaped the scent’s influence either.


    Even though she’d used a damp cloth to protect herself, the prolonged exposure was starting to take a toll—though not nearly as badly as it had with Kristian.


    With a frustrated sigh, she rubbed her temples.


    Calling for someone to open the door was out of the question. If they were being monitored, that would tip the mastermind off that his n had failed.


    Suddenly, she froze.


    The signal jammers were off now—she could make a call.


    No, she couldn’t summon help or say anything incriminating, but she could distract herself and regain control.


    That thought gave her focus.


    If there was one person on this who could snap her back to her senses with a single word, it was her captain.


    Your next story starts here: g?lnσν???s


    The only problem was she didn’t know whether he was currently on a mission or catching some much-needed rest.


    A knot ofplicated emotions tightened in her chest as she dialed his number.


    She chose his personal line—he only answered that one when he wasn’t at base.


    If he was at base, then she wouldn’t be calling him at all.


    As the phone rang, her heart thundered in her ears.


    Her captain was a terrifying force, a strict drill sergeant.


    Back in training, they’d all suffered under hismand.


    Even now, just hearing him say her name could make her snap to attention in an instant.


    But that was exactly the kind of jolt she needed right now.


    As long as he kept talking, she could stay anchored to the sound of his voice—no matter what her body was going through.


    Drawing a deep breath, she steadied herself.


    The sensation in her body hadn’t gone away, but she forced herself to ignore it.


    The call connected on the fourth ring. A deep,manding voice answered, “Freya?”


    “Hey, Captain,” she replied, trying to sound nonchnt.


    “What is it?” His voice was smooth, almost too pleasant—more so than Kristian’s, even.


    Not that it mattered. In her mind, he was still the strict, no-nonsensemander from their training days.


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