Mated to the Beast of the Wasteland novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29 Broken but Breathing

Chapter 29 Broken but Breathing

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[What are you all yapping about? Anyone saying that clearly fights with fists, not with women -never had a wife! That’s Captain Sterling’s suitor right there.]

The comment section went silent for a moment. Some of the soldiers felt a vague, inexplicable irritation.

[Suitor? Says who?]

[I’m saying. I was squatting next to him watching Captain Sterling’s video. Ten minutes straight, didn’t blink. I couldn’t take it anymore-had to shut it off.]

[You’re all wrong. I was closer. That’s a lovers’ quarrel. You should’ve seen the way Tristan looked her up and down. Like he was catching her cheating.]

[Wrong again. Captain Sterling’s married. Tristan’s just bitter he can’t have her.]

[Whoa!]

[Married? Who’s the bastard that moved that fast? Show yourself!]

[My crush… dead before it began…]

[Pfft. I’ll wait for the divorce!]

The flood of agreements made George’s scalp prickle as he opened his wrist terminal.

The group chat was a wall of text.

What the hell is all this?

Tristan is still here? Waiting to cause trouble for Gillian? What a petty bastard.

The chat was spiraling. George silenced everyone before it could affect Gillian’s reputation.

In the dim metal interrogation room, a half-serpent beastman slumped against the wall, his brown serpent tail coiled limply beside him – bloody and bruised. Three dead beastmen lay nearby, killed by that very tail.

–

George shut off his terminal and looked up coldly.

“Sylas. You used to be part of the Commander’s personal guard. Three years in the medical team and you’ve let your edge dull to nothing. If it weren’t for Gillian, the 9th Legion

13

Chapter 29 Broken but Breathing

would’ve been blindsided. Did your brain rot while you weren’t using it?”

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Sylas wiped blood from the corner of his mouth. He stared at the three medics he’d just killed, his expression hollow.

When had traitors wormed their way into his team?

“It’s my fault, George.” His voice was flat. “I failed the Commander. Kill me.”

In the observation room next door, nine cold-faced beastmen watched through the glass. All wore mental masks.

Their expressions were carved from disappointment.

“Let’s go. The medical team traitors have been dealt with. Let’s head to logistics.”

“Number One… we’re leaving Ten?”

The speaker glanced at Sylas’ slumped figure.

Number One didn’t slow his pace. His voice drifted back, flat and final. “He’s not Ten anymore. Ordinary life suits him better.”

Sylas’ head snapped toward the observation window, sensing something.

But it was already empty.

“Ms. Locke leaves, and you fall apart like this.” George’s voice cut through his daze. “She’d be so disappointed.”

Sylas frowned.

What is George talking about?

Yes, Elara’s departure had stung. But it hadn’t broken him. The past few weeks, his genetic defect had been flaring-the savage urges harder to suppress. That was why he’d been vulnerable. It had nothing to do with Elara.

“I know you had feelings for her. But life moves on. Even the Commander couldn’t keep her. What chance did you have?”

“Lt. Col. Parker.” Sylas’ voice was sharp. “I don’t have feelings for her.”

His name didn’t belong next to Elara’s. Someone like him didn’t deserve to like her. He’d never even dared.

2/3

11:32 Mon, Jun 1 MM.

Chapter 29 Broken but Breathing

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“I don’t care who you love.” George’s fist connected with Sylas’ jaw. “Get your head straight.”

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