Chapter 2
Chapter
Two
“We have to get him some help.”
“We do. Let’s take him to the house.”
“He’ll be safer at the pack.”
“You think he’s one of yours? Seriously? What about the little one?”
“He’s not from the old pack. I don’t know how he got here. I’m going to have Fen see as soon as we’re back.”
“He needs food, Kee. Soon. So does his little package.”
Theo frowned, trying to figure out who was talking. Why they were talking about the baby.
Was he dreaming? Or had he actually opened the door to this absolutely wild underground house and seen the man he’d been dreaming about outside.
And where was Gael? The baby was so weak, and Theo needed to feed him. As soon as he could get up. Right now, his eyes wouldn’t even open.
Shh. You’re okay. You’re fine. We’re going to take you down and get you warm and fed. You’re all right. The baby is fine.
Promise? He reached out, trying to find anything solid, and he felt a hand grasp his. Warm. Firm. Soothing.
You’ll be okay.
He wasn’t sure that was true, but it didn’t matter. He’d been waiting for his mate for so long, and he’d been protecting this baby, and he could finally relax now that the alpha was actually here.
Theo sighed, relaxing. He could hear the tiny hum of the baby now across the bond they shared. The child wasn’t his by birth but was his now by chance. Or fate. Whatever.
Gael deserved all the love he could bear to give and more.
The baby began to cry, and he heard the words start again.
“If we go to my house, we can get him milk.”
“Loyal’s is closer.”
There was a low growl. “You are a pain in the ass, but you’re right. Come on.”
“You take the baby; I’ll take Theo.”
“How did you know his name?”
There was a long pause. “I don’t know.”
Theo tried to open his mouth, but the one who knew his name—mate, alpha—just patted his arm.
It’s okay. Just rest.
You can hear me.
Of course I can. You’re talking to me. I’m going to pick you up. Please don’t fight me.
No. No, that was the last thing he wanted to do. Theo just wanted to float, and when his mate—Liam—picked him up, he felt warm and safe and secure. It had been so long.
Poor love. We’ll get you fed and clean and warm. Trust in me. We can fix this.
He believed that. Liam’s heartbeat sounded in his ear, strong and sure. Theo snuggled in, hoping that the other one had the baby.
He does. What is his name? The baby.
Gael.
Is he yours?
Not from my body, but he’s never known another parent. His omega was killed. Gregor had been shot, had died before he hit the ground, and Theo had saved the infant.
I’m so sorry, Theo. That sounds awful.
“Okay, buddy, I got the baby strapped on. We need to get hiking.”
“Let’s go. I want them safe and fed.”
They began to move, and Liam was so careful, so gentle with him, that he never got dizzy. He just felt as though his alpha cared for nothing but his comfort. He also felt as if Liam never tired.
The alpha’s scent was delicious, rich, and heady. He snuggled in, breathing Liam in and filling his lungs.
“The baby needs some liquid, Liam. We need to stop at the stream.”
“How far to the four-wheeler?” They stopped and the world spun. “There’s water in my backpack. That’s got to be better than the stream.”
“Yeah, I guess it is. Do you have anything like applesauce in here? Energy bars?” the big alpha asked.
“I didn’t think this was going to be a situation where I would need applesauce.”
“Yeah, well, I have emergency supplies in the four-wheeler once we get there, including applesauce.”
“Do you find yourself needing applesauce a lot while out on the four-wheeler?”
“Don’t be an asshole.” There was a soft chuckle. “We needed it today, didn’t we? It’s just quick and easy. Sweet. You don’t have to fuss about it too terribly much trying to get it into somebody’s mouth.”
“I guess that makes sense. All right, I have some water. Can you open your mouth? I won’t put it in too much, just a little.”
“But is there enough?” He wouldn’t steal from Gael’s share.
“There are two big bottles. You’ll feel better. I promise.”
Now that Liam had said it, Theo could feel the thirst climbing up the back of his throat. And he let his lips part. The water was tepid, but it felt so good splashing in his empty stomach.
“Yes, not too much or you’ll get sick.” Liam pulled the water bottle away, and Theo flailed for it.
There had been water at the earth house, but he hadn’t been strong enough the last day or so to go get any. It was all he could do to stand and stare and blink.
“It’s all right, it’s all right. Don’t panic.”
“Watch out,” Keegan said. “The roots are soft here. Don’t trip.”
“How’s the baby doing?”
“We need to get the poor thing to Niall. He’s the healer. He can tell us.”
“Let’s get moving then.”
Theo wasn’t sure what happened for a while. This was hard. He was tired. Trying to keep up with the world was something his body simply couldn’t do anymore. He had survived, though, until Liam came to rescue them, and that was what mattered. Gael would be safe.
Don’t you give up on me yet. You’re going to be okay. Keegan says we’re almost at the ATV, and then we can just ride down to the healer. He says the baby will be fine once we do that.
He heard Liam’s words in his mind and tried to nod. I’ll try. I will.
But he was so tired, and Theo let himself fall off the edge of the earth, because he knew he and Gael were in good hands.