Page 26 of Rescue Me

Zana’s arms are around me again before I can spiral further, pulling me close and holding me before I shatter. I cling to her, my fists gripping the front of her shirt as the tears keep coming. Her hand moves in slow circles on my back, her other hand cradling my head like I’m something fragile. “I’ll find a way,” she whispers. “I’ll check on him, Ethan. I’ll make sure he’s okay.”

“Even if I can’t have him,” I whisper, the words tasting like ash. “Even if he can’t be here... I just need to know he’s safe.”

“I’ll do everything I can.”

It’s not the answer I want, but it’s enough to keep the storm at bay for now. I nod, leaning into her touch, and let the exhaustion pull me under. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but for now, I have Zana. And her promises are the only thing holding me together.

Chapter seventeen

ZANA

The Wilhelm estate stands before me, a fortress dressed up as a home. The structure reeks of power but there’s no softness to it. I stand there in my black suit, my Louis Vuitton heels sinking slightly into the gravel of the driveway, and let out a long, steadying breath. This isn’t just a house. It’s a stage and every move I make here is going to be scrutinized, dissected, and used against me if I’m not careful.

I’m not even supposed to be here.

I glance at my reflection in the polished brass of the door, my hair loose around my shoulders, my sharpness meticulously packaged. Every detail of my appearance is calculated, a message before I’ve even opened my mouth. I’m here as an Alpha, yes, but also as a professional—a lawyer—and also asReid’sAlpha.

But beneath the armor, I feel the cracks.

Ethan is unraveling. Day by day, he’s slipping further into a state I can barely manage. His scent is sharp with distress, his body restless, his thoughts consumed. He feels Reid’s pain and though I thought it impossible at first—how could he, when they aren’t bonded?—I can’t deny the truth any longer. I feel it too now. It’s faint, like a distant echo, but it’s there. A dull ache, a persistent weight. And worse, it feels like Reid is slipping away, like the tether holding him to this world is fraying.

If I didn’t act, I would lose him—hell, I would lose both my mates and I can’t do that. Being alone isn’t an option. If I’m honest with myself, standing here is a selfish act just as much as it is a selfless one.

And yet, it could cost me everything—my license to practice law, my reputation, my future. But my career means nothing without them. So, I called in every favor, pulled every string, and landed myself in a position I never thought I’d touch—checking in on pack Betas.

Many packs hire a pack Beta without any contract. It’s an ‘in good faith’ position but those that make it legal by law are in an entirely different boat. And the lawyers hired to work with those packs are a different breed altogether.

It’s a controversial role, to put it mildly. Lawyers who take these cases often skirt the edges of legality, turning a blind eye to abuses for a little extra money under the table from the Alphas. It’s a game I’ve never played, a line I’ve never crossed. Until now.

Because this isn’t just a case. This is about saving Reid. Saving Ethan. Saving myself.

I straighten my shoulders, lift my chin, and knock firmly on the massive door. The sound echoes through the quiet and for a moment, there’s nothing but the crunch of gravel under my heels as I shift my weight. Then I hear footsteps, heavy and deliberate, and the door swings open.

Jackson.

I recognize him instantly from the photos. Tall, broad, all sharp lines and arrogance. His dark hair is tousled, and his bare chest gleams faintly in the light, every muscle on display like a trophy. He leans casually against the doorframe, a smirk tugging at his lips as his sharp eyes rake over me.

“Well,” he drawls, his voice dripping with amusement. “A female Alpha? This is a surprise. What the fuck do you want?”

His words are a slap, designed to unnerve, but my expression remains neutral. Even as his gaze rakes over me, his tongue darting out to lick his lips. I brush it off, refusing to react. I’ve faced worse than him. A smile spreads across my lips, one of the ones I use when addressing the other party in a difficult divorce—the one who cheated. “I’m here to check on your pack Beta,” I state, careful not to use Reid’s name. Not yet.

His smirk widens and he lets out a low laugh, the sound grating on my nerves. “Our Beta?” he repeats, a mocking edge to his tone. “You mean Reid.”

The name sends a sharp pang through me, but I keep my expression carefully blank. “I didn’t say his name. But yes. I’m here to ensure his well-being.”

Jackson crosses his arms over his chest, leaning further into the doorframe. “And who exactly sent you? I don’t remember asking for a babysitter.”

This is the moment everything could go wrong. If Jackson believes for a second that Reid said something, my Beta could be in trouble.My Beta?I haven’t truly referred to him like that before but it’s true. Reid is mine. He’sours.“It’s a routine check.” I harden my expression slightly, before realizing that the no-nonsense version isn’t what Jackson needs. So, I relax my shoulders and loosen my smile. “It’s just part of the job, Alpha. Nothing more. I’ll only take a moment of your time.” The word ‘Alpha’ burns on my tongue but it seems to work.

There’s a flick of panic in his eyes. It’s there for just a second, but it’s enough to tell me I’ve hit a nerve. His smirk falters, his jaw tightening as he glances over his shoulder, nodding subtly toward someone out of sight.

I don’t let the unease show on my face. Alphas like Jackson thrive on power, on dominance. If he senses weakness, he’ll pounce. Jackson turns back to me, his smirk sliding back into place like a mask. “I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure,” he muses, his voice dripping with false charm. “Who are you, exactly?”

“Zana.” I stare at his outstretched hand and force myself to shake it. “I’m here from the agency. Routine post-heat check. It’s a newer initiative, random checks. Some people don’t see us for years. Others see us every couple of months. I don’t choose the cards. I just follow them.” I’m trying to get Jackson to pull down his walls, to think that I’m only here because of the job and not that anything is wrong. I add on one last sentence, hoping it helps. “Just here to ensure pack Betas are in good health and receiving the care they need to better serve their families.”

The wordserveseems to placate him further, his posture relaxing. I see the calculations behind his eyes, the way he weighs my words. “So, what? You’re here to make sure he’s... happy?”

“Healthy,” I correct. “It’s not uncommon for Betas to be overworked or under-cared for after a heat cycle. If there are any issues, I’ll document them and ensure he gets what he needs before being returned.”

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