Page 21 of Rescuing Red

It wasn’t until Blaide slowed his steps and swiveled his ears to check their surroundings many miles later that Liz understood why she hadn’t succumbed to the mindless desperation of estrous.

Blaide’s purr gentled the world around her, giving her a comfort so rich she’d never felt so secure, not even when she’d sat on her nana’s lap as a child.

With a start, Liz realized it had been several hours since she’d thought about her nana. She firmed her resolve, sensing deep in her soul that she’d made the right choice in trusting the alpha. He’d get her to Nana and help her rescue the stubborn woman.

She trusted Blaide to follow through on his promises.

Chapter 14

Blaide

Slipping through the gates had been easier than he’d expected. If he’d been alone, he wouldn’t have worried since they’d have been less likely to deny him, and even if they had, he could have scaled the wall. But having Liz with him would have made that harder.

Blaide breathed easier as they moved under the trees. Liz’s grip on his arm loosened, but she didn’t let go, the contact assuring him she wasn’t falling behind. He kept to a slower pace than usual, but he was eager to get her to shelter. He didn’t know how long it would take for the full force of her heat to hit, and they were hours from his den.

Thinking over the best route to take, he debated between heading through the village or cutting a straight line to his territory. The village was out of the way and would add hours to the trip, but they could stop there if needed.

He shook his head at himself, knowing he’d never be able to settle and care for her properly if they weren’t in his den.

Turning his steps, he aimed straight for his home. Even saving time by not going through the village, it would be well into the morning before they reached safety at their current pace, yet he couldn’t bring himself to push her any faster.

Liz remained silent, carefully taking sips from the bottle of water he’d given her once they were through the gates. It was full dark under the trees, yet she seemed to see as well as he did, looking around as they walked.

He jerked to a stop a few steps later when something touched his tail. When he looked over his shoulder, he saw she’d wrapped her favorite tail around his while she twirled the others in the air behind her. Liz followed his gaze and squeaked before reaching to tug her tail away.

“Sorry. I swear they have a mind of their own.”

She wouldn’t look up at him, but even in the darkness, he saw her cheeks flush a darker red. Grinning, he reached out to tip her face up to his.

“I don’t mind. I was just startled since people rarely touch me, especially my tail.”

Her eyes rounded, lips popping open.

“But it’s so fluffy!”

A chuckle rolled through him even as his tail lifted at the praise. In truth, he’d allowed no one to handle his tail, but he already missed the feel of hers wrapped around it.

Unable to resist, he dropped a quick kiss to her forehead before turning and urging her to walk again. He wanted nothing more than to feel all of her against him, and the sooner he got her home, the sooner he could indulge his wish.

A few hours passed before he noticed her dragging her feet. Her head drooped, and her tails no longer played behind them, hanging almost to the ground as her energy waned. When she stumbled, he swooped down and lifted her into his arms.

“I-I’m sorry. You don’t have to carry me. I’ll keep up.”

Though she tried to wiggle from his grasp, he could hear the exhaustion in her voice. He doubted she’d slept well the night before with her cycle beginning, and the brief nap she’d taken in his room wasn’t enough to keep her going through the night. Her slight weight was nothing compared to the long marches he’d endured in the military with a pack three times heavier than her, and he knew she’d need the rest.

“It’s okay. Let me carry you for a while. You can walk when you feel better.”

Her body stiffened as if she still wanted to argue, but he increased the purr he’d been using to keep her comfortable. She finally relaxed into his hold, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her head on his chest.

“Only for a little while.”

Her sleepy murmur barely reached his ears. A few minutes later, he had to hold back a chuckle when soft snores rose from where she rested. Pride bloomed in his chest, giving his steps a boost as he increased his pace. It was crazy to think the little omega he’d just met trusted him enough to sleep in his arms, but there was something between them that neither of them could deny.

And she’d agreed to his terms.

He’d forced himself not to think about her acceptance and what it meant, but it was hard to ignore. His little Red was going to let him claim her. She would be his. Forever.

He grimaced as blood surged below his belt again. It was impossible to keep his desire under control around Liz, and it made walking painful.

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