Page 35 of Rescued

I squeeze Gabe’s waist lightly, a silent warning to let me handle this one. “We met in San Antonio,” I say smoothly, meeting Todd’s gaze head-on. “Gabriel was delivering one of his rescues for adoption, and I was down from New Mexico visiting family. We decided not to mention our relationship in case things didn’t work out, you know?”

It’s a simple explanation, one Gabe doesn’t contradict. Todd nods, though I can tell he’s not entirely convinced. I don’t blame him—humans are often suspicious by nature.

“You sure the wolf escaped, Gabe?” Adam asks, his tone shifting to concern. I can see where his mind is going, and I admire his dedication to the animals he cares for.

“Yeah,” Gabe says firmly. “Sheriff Kaufman stopped by to raise a fit about me taking in a wolf. And there were no tracks from another person at my place. If that moron had done anything to the wolf, he would have been bragging all over about it.”

I bite back a growl at the mention of Kaufman. The man’s name alone stirs my wolf, a protective surge rising unbidden.

“That man is fucking batshit insane,” Adam mutters, echoing the thoughts I know Gabe and Todd share.

“You left off asshole,” I add, my voice dry. “He’s a fucking batshit insane asshole.”

That earns a round of laughter from all three of them, and I let myself relax a fraction. The tension in the room breaks, replaced by something lighter—something I can almost call camaraderie.

AsTodd heads out, his duty calling him away, I catch the way Adam’s eyes trail after him, lingering just a bit too long. I file the observation away for later, curious but unwilling to pry.

Adam’s anger is palpable as he grits out, “Got a golden retriever pup, four months old, jumped out of the back of the owner’s truck bed.” His voice strains with frustration. “The pup broke his hip. I told the owners he needed a pin in his hip, but they didn’t want to pay for it. After I checked the x-rays again, I called them and told them we could put a cast on it instead. Told them it wouldn’t be perfect, he’d probably have some arthritis later, but it’d be a hell of a lot cheaper. Guess what they said?”

The sharp edge in his voice cuts through the room, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. Gabe and I exchange a glance. I’ve seen plenty of anger before, but this is raw and righteous. It’s the kind of fury that comes from someone who cares deeply. It’s…familiar.

I can feel Gabe tensing beside me, his green eyes soft with sympathy. “I’m thinking they said no?” he offers cautiously, though he already knows the answer.

Adam shakes his head, the disgust rolling off him in waves. “Not only no, but flat out told me to euthanize him. Like he’s some defective tool they don’t need anymore.” He clenches his jaw and exhales sharply. “Sorry, it just really pisses me off when people treat their pets like disposable possessions.”

Adam’s words resonate. A low growl builds in my chest, but I bite it back and let out a chuff instead. I’ve seen enough callousness in my life to know how deep it cuts—how easy it is for people to throw away what they should cherish.

Adam turns and leads us into the kennel area, his anger slowly easing as he focuses on his patient. We follow him to the far wall where the smaller recovery cages are lined up. He stops in front of one, gesturing to the little golden retriever puppy inside.

The pup looks up at us with big, trusting brown eyes, his tail wagging in an awkward, hopeful rhythm despite the bulky cast wrapped in bright purple wrap. He’s a tiny thing, all fluff and optimism. My heart clenches, and I don’t even need to glance at Gabe to know he’s already lost to this pup.

When I do look at him, though, it’s all confirmed. Gabe crouches down, his hand reaching toward the cage. The puppy struggles to sit up, his tail thumping harder. I swear I can see Gabe melt, the way his shoulders soften and his eyes warm. This puppy isn’t going anywhere. Not to another home, not to another person. He belongs to Gabe now, just as surely as Gabe belongs to me.

“You know I won’t be able to part with this one,” Gabe says softly, his voice carrying a warning for both me and Adam. His green eyes flicker to mine, searching. I smile at him, reaching out to stroke his cheek.

“I know,” I say simply. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Adam grins wide, his earlier frustration melting away. “Love at first sight, huh?”

“Yeah,” Gabe agrees without hesitation, his voice thick with emotion. “It sure is.”

I watch him closely, the need to hold him, to claim him, flaring hot and fast inside me. He looks up, meeting my gaze, and I know he feels it, too. That connection, that pull that has been there from the start. His eyes widen slightly, then heat with the same intensity burning in me. His lips curve into a smile that’s as sexy as it is knowing.

Adam snorts, his voice playful but pointed. “You know, I don’t know what you two are doing, but even with my back turned, I’m feeling the need to blush. Seriously, get gone.”

Gabe and I laugh, the tension easing just a little. We gather the supplies Adam hands us, the pup tucked safely in Gabe’s arms. The little guy looks so content already, like he knows he’s finally found his forever home.

As we step out into the sunlight, heading for the truck, I glance at Gabe and our new addition. My heart feels full in a way it hasn’t in years. I reach over, resting a hand on Gabe’s back, and he leans into the touch.

Gabe

We carry the puppy inside, navigating carefully so we don’t jostle his hip. The little guy looks up at me with big, trusting eyes, and I already know I’m in deep trouble. No way am I letting him go. Mika, watching me with that knowing smile, probably figured that out before I did.

We set him up in the extra bedroom, deciding it’s the best place for his portable kennel box. He needs to stay confined to prevent further damage to his hip. The room is close enough for me to check on him easily, but far enough away that any accidents won’t ruin the air. At least for me. Mika, with his shifter senses, might pick up on it from miles away. But he doesn’t complain, just gives me another one of those supportive glances that makes me feel steadier than I should.

“You want dinner, Mika?” I call from the kitchen as I dig through the freezer. There’s a couple of steaks in here somewhere, and they seem like the perfect thing to celebrate our new addition.

I let out an embarrassing squeak when strong hands grab my ass, pulling me back into a firm chest. My heart stutters as Mika purrs into my ear, “You on the menu, Gabriel?”

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