Page 10 of Rescue Me

Her expression softens and she pulls me against her again, her lips pressing to my forehead. “We’ll figure it out,” she purrs. “If it’s important to you, we’ll figure it out. I promise.”

Her words ease some of the tension, but the ache in my chest doesn’t go away. I nod against her, my fingers clutching at her shirt as if letting go might break me entirely. Zana moves before I realize what’s happening, guiding me toward the couch. I let her, stumbling slightly, my breath coming too fast, too shallow. The edges of my vision blur, panic clawing at my chest like a living thing.

“Sit,” she says softly, her voice steady and grounding. She kneels in front of me as I drop onto the couch, her hands resting on my knees. “Ethan, look at me.”

I force my gaze to hers, the rich brown of her eyes anchoring me. Her hands slide up to cup my face, her thumbs brushing against my cheekbones. “Breathe, baby,” she murmurs, leaning closer. “In, out. With me. You’re such a good boy, for me, aren’t you?”

I try, mimicking the slow rise and fall of her chest. It’s hard—my lungs feel tight, like I can’t get enough air—but the steadiness of her presence starts to work its way through the haze. Then her lips brush against mine, pulling me back to the moment. The panic doesn’t disappear, but it lessens, just enough for me to focus.

“There you are,” she praises, her lips curving into a small smile. She kisses me again, slower this time, her hands warm against my skin. “Good boy.” Her words send a shiver down my spine, the praise wrapping around me like a blanket. She pulls back, her gaze searching mine. “Can you tell what feels wrong or off?”

“I don’t know,” I whisper, the words trembling on the edge of a sob. “It’s... everything.”

She tilts her head, her eyes softening. “Does your heart hurt?”

“Yes,” I admit, my voice barely audible.

“Does it feel like there’s something just out of reach? Like the thing you’re looking for is right around the corner, but you can’t quite find it?”

“Yes,” I whisper again, tears prickling at the edges of my eyes. “Exactly like that.”

She chuckles softly, the sound low and soothing. “I think I know what’s going on,” she says, her thumb brushing away the tear that escapes. “You’ve found another mate, baby.”

Her words hit me like a jolt of lightning and I blink at her, stunned. “What?”

She laughs again, sitting back on her heels and pulling me with her until I’m curled up in her lap on the floor. “You’ve been trying to recreate the scent, haven’t you? Almond and sandalwood, right? That’s not a random craving, little one. That’s a scent match.”

I gape at her, my mind spinning. “You think so?”

“Iknowso,” she says, her tone matter-of-fact. “That’s how scent matches work. When you catch onto a mate’s scent—even before you meet them—it sticks with you. It becomes this... ache, this longing. That’s why you’re freaking out. Your body knows there’s someone out there who’s supposed to be here, with us.”

“Do you feel it too?” I ask hesitantly, searching her face for any sign of confirmation.

She shakes her head. “That’s not how it works, love. Until I actually smell the scent myself, I won’t feel the pull the way you do. But that doesn’t mean I don’t believe you.” She leans forward, her lips brushing against mine again. “I find the scent intriguing. Sweet but grounded. It suits you.”

I pout slightly and she laughs, nuzzling her nose against mine. “You’re adorable,” she purrs. “And when we find your other mate, I’ll make sure they’re comfortable. They’ll have a place here with us. Come on. Let’s get you into the nest.”

I hesitate for a moment as she stands up but then take her hand, letting her pull me to my feet. She leads me down the hall, her fingers laced with mine. The door creaks open, revealing the chaotic mass of pillows, blankets, and plushies that take up the entire space. It’s become my favorite place in the entire house, a little bit of happiness and fluff all in one place.

The colors clash in the best way, a mixture of vibrant blues, soft greens, and warm yellows. There’s no order, no symmetry, just comfort. It smells like Zana, her scent woven into every corner, and the faint trace of the missing scent lingers, though it’s weaker now.

Zana guides me to the edge of the nest, her hands steadying me as I climb in. She follows, her movements graceful as she settles beside me. Her fingers brush against my cheek, her touch featherlight as she presses a kiss to my forehead.

“I’ll take care of you tonight, baby,” she muses, gently placing me on my back. “I’ve got you.”

And I know that she does. She always does.

Chapter seven

ZANA

My poor Omega is hurting and I can’t help him. This scent isn’t new and I’m not sure when he first found it, but it’s been messing with his mind ever since. I never thought I would have an Omega of my own. Most female Alphas end up bonding into an already established pack as a safety measure or for taxes. It had been years without my own pack, without my own Omega, and with an established career, I wasn’t hopeful.

Especially not with the way my parents raised me. They did as well as they could before they passed, telling me that female Alphas have to be strong on their own. It gave me a sense of purpose, a sense of determination but it also drove a wedge between what I wanted in a career and what I wanted in a pack—what Ineededin a pack.

Ethan was a surprise.

A welcomed one.

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