Page 161 of Knotting the Firefighters

I don't let him finish.

"You're also stubborn as fuck and won't let this go until I agree to unreasonable terms, so fine. One date, with Calder, and you'll cooperate gracefully, or I'll make your professional life infinitely more difficult."

Capitulation disguised as resistance.

Accepting while pretending to protest.

Classic Aidric.

"Deal," I confirm before he can reconsider, already moving past him toward the control panel.

Now, to actually get us out of here.

And hope my confidence isn't misplaced.

My fingers find the specific button combination—sequence that most people don't know exists, an emergency override that bypasses standard protocols to activate backup systems.

Four, seven, two, hold the emergency button.

Count to five.

Release and press the ground floor twice.

The elevator shudders—mechanical groaning that suggests the system is fighting against a restart, resistant to my override attempt.

Come on.

Work with me here.

Don't make me look incompetent in front of Aidric after that entire performance.

I maintain pressure on the emergency button, willing the backup systems to engage, silently cursing whatever maintenance worker signed off on repairs without actually completing them.

The elevator lurches—sudden movement that makes both of us grab for support, then smooth descent resumes as if nothing had happened.

Success.

Mechanical success.

And psychological victory over proud Alpha.

I keep holding the button combination until we reach the ground floor, ensuring smooth completion rather than risking another mechanical failure.

The doors open with a cheerful ding that seems almost mocking, given our recent crisis.

I turn to Aidric with a triumphant grin.

"You owe me."

And I'm absolutely collecting on that debt.

Date with both him and Calder.

Forcing them to interact in a romantic context.

This is either a brilliant plan or a catastrophic mistake.

The ground floor reveals an unexpected welcoming committee—Bear, Silas, Calder, and a cluster of younger rookie firefighters whose expressions broadcast relief mixed with poorly suppressed amusement.