Page 56 of Rescued

“We’ve only come to get my things, Zane,” I say evenly. Before I can add more, Gabe pinches my side, and I barely keep from yelping. I tighten my hold on him, slitting my eyes at him briefly.“I’m getting there, babe. Be patient.”

Zane narrows his eyes, clearly catching the exchange. “What is it your mate would like to say, Mika?” His voice is calm, but I don’t miss the edge beneath it. He’s picked up on more than just Gabe’s pinch—he’s noticed our link, too.

I open my mouth to answer, but Gabe’s voice cuts through, clear and measured. The calmness in his tone doesn’t hide the simmering anger underneath.

“This mate has a name, asshole. Gabriel Staley.”

Gabe tries to step up to Zane, his voice sharp and irritated, but I yank him back before he can close the distance. Zane’s face flushes deep red, and his jaw works. Oh yeah, he didn’t take kindly to that insult. The three wolves flanking him bristle and start forward, but Zane halts them with a sharp motion.

“My apologies, Mr Staley,” Zane says, his tone clipped. “I deserved that, but you only get one shot, the next insult will have repercussions.” His eyes narrow to slits, the unspoken warning clear.

Gabe doesn’t seem to care. He’s ready to let another verbal volley fly, and I know whatever comes next won’t help the situation. Before he can speak, I press my hand against his chest, stopping him.

“Shhh, let’s not resort to name-calling. Well, not any more name-calling, even if it is accurate.”

Gabe huffs out a breath and finally nods, though the tension in his shoulders doesn’t ease much.

Turning back to Zane, I let my wolf rise to the surface just enough to lace my voice with steel. “If you threaten my mate again, I will beat you to a bloody pulp and disband this whole goddamned pack when I’m through with you.”

The promise lands heavy in the air between us. I mean every word, and Zane knows it. My gaze locks on his, unblinking, daring him to test me. He has a choice—stand down and let us finish what we came here for or push back and see how far I’m willing to go.

Through our link, Gabe’s voice comes, light and amused despite the tension.“Damn, you’re fucking hot when you go all caveman!”

I fight the blush creeping up my neck, but it’s a losing battle. Zane notices and tilts his head slightly, studying me. To my surprise, his features relax, like he’s come to some quiet understanding.

Then, something I never expected happens—Zane steps forward and bows slightly, first to Gabe and then to me. An alpha bowing to anyone who doesn’t outrank him? It’s unheard of.

“It would seem I must apologize again,” Zane says, his voice softer this time. “I am sorry, Mika, Gabriel. I am not used to having my…flaws…pointed out so bluntly.”

He lowershis gaze, and through the link, Gabe’s thoughts ripple with unexpected sympathy.“I kind of feel sorry for him. Wait, no I don’t. But I could, if he hadn’t been such an asshole to you.”

I sigh, some of my own tension draining. I’ve made my point—the pack was wrong about me—and maybe, just maybe, this will stop anyone else from being ostracized over their sexuality.

“If we’re done,” I say, my voice weary, “I’d like to gather my things so we can get back home.”

Zane hesitates, like there’s more he wants to say, but after a moment, he just nods. “Of course, Mika. Your belongings should be packed and left in your house. We kept them there until we knew where to send them.”

He turns and starts toward the pack dwellings, his men falling into step behind him.

“Zane,” Gabe calls out suddenly, his tone carrying a glint of challenge.

The alpha stops and turns back, his expression cautious.

“You could always ride there with us,” Gabe says, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

I blink at Gabe, torn between pinching him for stirring the pot and pulling him into a kiss for being so bold.

Zane studies Gabe for a long moment, his nostrils flaring faintly as he scents the emotions simmering beneath my mate’s words. Then, to my surprise, Zane’s lips twitch into a grin.

“I think I’ll take you up on that, Gabriel, just because it will irritate you to have to sit by the evil alpha.” Striding toward the truck and climbs into the back seat.

I laugh as Gabe scowls and climbs in the truck, glaring at the alpha as he hops in beside him.“Oh, babe, I think your plan just bit you in the ass!”

Gabe looks at me, his grin turning coy. “This should be fun,” he says, moving closer to Zane.“Really, Mika? So you don’t mind that your former alpha is pressed up—”

I snarl, yanking Gabe onto my lap and pressing his back against the driver’s door. Zane looks a little startled, but I don’t give a damn. It’s going to be a couple of hours before we reach the heart of the Gila packlands since we have to follow the creek bed. Thanks to Gabe’s invitation to Zane, the drive is going to feel twice as long. My temper is already on edge, and there is no way in hell I’m letting Gabe carry even a trace of the alpha’s scent. That would very likely end with me doing exactly what I threatened Zane with earlier. This is going to be a long ride.

I can feel the shift in the air before I see it. Word must have spread throughout the pack because, as we load the last of my things, the curious stares multiply. The hostility that used to weigh down on me like a suffocating fog? Gone. It’s not exactly warm and fuzzy, but it’s progress. Maybe the next gay shifter born here won’t have to fight tooth and nail just to exist.

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