Page 33 of Rescuing Red

Liz opened her mouth to refute her nana, but the omega standing beside them interjected.

“Without Clarette, I would have panicked. She kept the kids and me calm while we waited for rescue. She knew the villagers would rescue us.”

Ominous dread filled Liz’s stomach as debris shifted above them and the building groaned. Panic shot up into her throat, and she ripped herself out of her nana’s hold. Before she even looked at what was going on around them, her words ricocheted around the room.

“Get him out!”

“I’m here, Red. Everyone out of the building before we need another rescue team.”

Blaide’s shoulders filled her vision before he swooped down to peck her on the forehead, but his stern expression matched the dread wriggling in her stomach, so she turned toward the hallway and rushed out with her nana’s hand tucked firmly in hers.

The moment they exited the building, the entire group darted across the village square and met the gaggle of people on the other side.

The school groaned again before metal scraped against metal. It didn’t fall, but the walls made a visible shift.

Blaide checked out the group before speaking, his first syllable gaining everyone’s attention. No doubt the parents of those he’d saved had already spread word about his efforts, and everyone was looking for someone strong and confident to take the lead.

“The trip to the city will not be easy, but no one can stay. The Krantor won’t be far behind, and I’m sure you’ve all heard thestories. We’ll take the easiest, straightest path back to the city, aiming for speed, but we have to stay together.”

Every man, woman, and child stared at him, the stench of their fear wafting aside to reveal a ray of hope. Blaide’s arrival gave them a direction, and Liz understood their pull to follow him.

He was the only solid in a world of crumbling buildings.

After checking the number of packs and choosing a mix of male and females to carry them, Blaide slid his arm around Liz’s, his eyes flicking to her despite the calculations in his mind for the upcoming trials.

“Liz?”

Nana’s question pulled Liz’s attention away from watching her mate’s profile. When she saw her creased brow and felt the worry wafting from her, Liz squeezed her hand and sucked in a deep breath.

“He’s mine, Nana. I didn’t realize I was in heat. He saved me, and I wouldn’t change it for anything, even if things moved way too fast.”

Time was too precious to waste it on words, so that was the best Liz could give her nana.

It was all that needed to be said, which Clarette proved by the softening of her gaze and the satisfied smile tugging at her lips.

“I’m happy for you, my little darling. I may not have had great luck with alphas, but you’ve obviously found your soulmate. I can’t wait to see you two flourish together.”

Strong fingers cupped her chin and demanded she give her alpha her entire attention.

“Why are you crying, Red?”

“Because I’m happy.”

The creases beside his eyes lessened as he checked her from head to toe and rumbled out a chuckle.

“Yes. Yes, you are.”

Her eyelids widened in shock as he tilted his head, indicating something behind them. With a startled sound, Liz laughed as she realized her tails had entwined with his, playfully stroking and flicking his fluff.

“Now let’s get everyone to safety so I can fulfill my dreams for the future.”

His rough voice replayed in her mind, his promises to knot her for a week heating her cheeks.

“Yes. Let’s go.”

Liz hated to let him move away from her, but he was right. The trek here had been savage since her heat had drained so much from her, but now they had to slog through the underbrush with children and people shaken after an encounter with the enemy.

Her heart ached with fear, but she straightened her shoulders and hugged her nana before getting to work. They’d do whatever it took to get everyone to safety.

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