Page 50 of Rescued

His words wrap around me like a warm hug.How the hell did I ever manage this before him?

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Basquez, Miss Elida,” I greet them with a smile, my voice steady. “I’m Gabriel Staley, and this is Mika Blackwell.”

Ethan steps forward with an easy smile, extending his hand first to me and then to Mika.

“Please, call me Ethan,” he says. “And this is my wife, Betta. Thank you for rescuing Annie for us.”

I like that—rescuing Annie for them.As though she was theirs all along and we were just the bridge that brought them together.

Betta steps forward next, shaking my hand and then Mika’s, her expression friendly and grateful. Their daughter, Elida, hangs back a little, her shy smile blooming as she peers curiously toward the truck bed.

I crouch down, meeting her gaze with a soft smile. “Would you like to meet your new family member?”

Her eyes light up, and she nods quickly. “Please?”

I extend my hand, and she takes it, her small fingers curling trustingly around mine as I lead her to the back of the truck. When her eyes land on Annie, her mouth falls open in awe.

Annie, ever the charmer, wags her little nub of a tail as if she’s been waiting her whole life for this moment. She lets out a soft whine, her bright eyes fixed on Elida.

Mika climbs into the truck bed and picks up Annie’s red leash. His voice turns gentle, almost reverent. “Hey, Annie, look at your new girl,” he murmurs, his tone making my heart ache in the best way.

Elida presses closer to the truck, her excitement bubbling over. “Can I pet her?”

“Of course,” I say, stepping aside so she can have her moment.

Mika clips the leash onto Annie’s collar and lifts her carefully, bringing her down to meet her new family. Annie’s tail wags furiously as Elida crouches down, giggling as she strokes the dog’s soft coat.

Betta and Ethan exchange smiles, their pride and joy evident as they watch their daughter bond with Annie.

“She’s perfect,” Betta says softly, her eyes glistening as she glances between Annie and Elida.

I swallow past the lump in my throat, my own emotions threatening to overwhelm me. This is why I do this—to give dogs like Annie the love and security they deserve.

Mika steps back to my side, his arm brushing against mine. “You made this happen,” he says quietly, just for me to hear.

I nod, unable to speak. For all the loss I feel at saying goodbye to Annie, there’s an undeniable rightness to this moment.

After leaving Annie with her new family, we decide to rent a hotel in El Paso for the night instead of pushing straight on to New Mexico. We’ve considered heading up to Silver City tonight, but it’s too close to the Gila packlands. Mika and I agree that it’s better to show up unannounced.

Mika goes out to pick up dinner while I carry our bags to the room. Tossing them near the bed, I give the place a quick once-over. It’s clean, nothing fancy, but it’ll do. I make a quick call to check in with Todd and Adam, then head straight for the bathroom.

Peeling off my clothes, I can’t help but grin. Let’s face it—I probably smell like cum and wet wipes after today’s adventures.

The shower heats quickly, and I step under the spray, thankful for the hot water. Too many hotel stays have left me with lukewarm drizzles, so I’m not about to waste this. As the water sluices over me, I think about Mika. Even though we’re still hours away from the packlands, I can’t help but worry about what’s ahead.

I’m just reaching for the towel when the bathroom door creaks open.

Mika steps in, his eyes dark and smoldering as they rake over me. My heart pounds, and a coil of lazy heat zings low in my belly.

“So beautiful,” he whispers, his voice rough and full of want.

He walks toward me, taking the towel from my hand and letting it drop to the floor. His gaze flickers over my body, but there’s something else in his expression—a hesitation I don’t recognize. The sight of him like this, a little unsure, takes me off guard. This is Mika, confident and bold. What could possibly unnerve him?

He looks into my eyes, and I brace myself.Is this the moment where he tells me something terrible?

“I need you, Gabriel,” Mika says, his voice trembling just slightly. “I want you. Inside me.”

Thewords hit me like a lightning bolt.

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