Chapter 49
Chapter
Forty-Nine
REID
As we approached the enormous truck, my stomach dipped and churned. If Danny hadn’t been kidnapped and the Grizzly Ridge pack hadn’t come for him, I’d never have been saved and this could eventually have been my fate if Trent had run out of use for me.
As if sensing my thoughts, Zander took my hand. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Not now, not ever.”
Perhaps once I’d have taken his words as an indication that he didn’t think I was capable of looking after myself, or as evidence that yet another alpha viewed omegas as lesser beings, but I’d seen how panicked he was when he’d thought I was in danger earlier and it made things clear.
He didn’t want to protect me because he thought I was weak, but rather because he loved me and that was how he showed it.
My heart warmed and I gripped his big hand more firmly. “I know.”
Nathaniel and a handful of federal agents were blocking the open door on the back of the truck. To my surprise, Nathaniel pulled me into a one-armed hug, using the other to wield his cane and remain balanced.
“I’m so glad you’re all right,” he said, releasing me after a moment. “Did Aaron tell you what we need?”
I shrugged then winced. My whole body ached. “Someone unthreatening to help calm them.”
Nathaniel nodded. “These guys”—he motioned to the agents—“have cleared the interior and confirmed that there are no threats within. They tried to engage, but the omegas were frightened.”
I scoffed because of course they were. The agents were all clad in black and carrying weapons. Anyone would be intimidated by them.
“Do you mind backing away a bit?” I asked, gesturing for them to give me space. “Crowding the door like this probably isn’t helping.”
The agents backed up. I took a step toward the door but stopped short when Zander entwined his fingers with mine.
“Be safe,” he murmured, his gaze fierce and gold.
“I will,” I promised, and backtracked to kiss his cheek. “They’re just scared omegas. They’re probably tired and hungry and dirty. Perhaps someone could arrange cleaning supplies, food, and a change of clothes?”
“Good thinking.”
This time, when I pulled away, he let me go.
I planted my foot onto the step and grabbed the doorframe to haul myself up into the truck. It was a bit awkward but not difficult.
The stench of stale sweat and a few other things I’d prefer not to think of filled my nose and I blinked as I waited for my eyes to adjust. In the rear corner, at least a dozen omegas were huddled together, all staring at me as if waiting for attack.
In front of them stood a man as petite as me. In the dark, I couldn’t tell exactly what color his hair or eyes were, but he raised his sharp chin with a defiance that impressed me.
“Are you with the police?” Even though his voice rasped like he hadn’t drunk water for days, it was strong.
“They’re here, but I’m not an officer,” I explained, keeping my hands at my sides and remaining still so they knew I didn’t mean them any harm.
The petite omega nodded. “Good. But no one will be making statements until we’re clean and fed, and if any alpha asshole says or does anything the least bit mean to my friends, I’ll bite their face off.”
“I understand.”
Unfortunately, the word was barely out of my mouth before the door swung farther open behind me and there was a clang as someone large jumped inside.
The omegas in the corner cowered.
I pivoted, ready to defend them from anyone who wouldn’t give them the space they deserved.
Garrick stood behind me, his eyes glowing, his features distinctly bearish.
“Mate,” he growled.
Well, shit.
I put myself between Garrick and the other omegas. I didn’t care which one was his mate. I wouldn’t allow him to scare them.
To my utter disbelief, the sharp-chinned omega sauntered closer, one of his hands fisted at his side. Garrick’s gaze followed his every movement.
The omega waggled his finger as if telling off a small child. “None of that. I’ve had enough alpha bullshit for now, thank you. If you want me to be your mate, I expect to be wooed properly later. There will be none of this instant-claiming stuff. For now, go away. I want a bath and a good meal.”
Garrick blinked, and after a long, tense moment, his features returned to normal and his eyes stopped glowing. He cleared his throat. “Yes, boss.”
The omega smirked. “Good.” He snapped his fingers. “I don’t want to see any alphas within a hundred yards of this truck. Your omega friend here can bring us food and clothes. You’ll also need to arrange alternate transportation because some of us won’t be comfortable traveling with an alpha.”
“I’ll sort it out with the feds,” Garrick promised. “Reid, do you have this under control?”
I nodded and he backed out. I stared at the omega, stunned by how easily he was able to stand tall and make demands despite the trauma he’d experienced.
“I’m Reid.” I offered a tentative smile. “I’m a warlock, but my magic is bound for a while so you don’t need to worry about me doing anything to hurt you.”
The omega cocked his head. “I wasn’t worried anyway. I can tell you’re a decent person. I’m Kit. I’m a fox shifter.”
“Besides the obvious, what do you guys want to happen next?” I asked, well and truly out of my element. I had no idea what trafficking victims needed. “Would you like to give me phone numbers for your families so we can call them and arrange for you to go home?”
“Maybe later tonight,” Kit replied. “We’re all exhausted. More than anything, we want a full belly, clean hair and skin, and a proper night’s sleep. Maybe the police could book us into a hotel or something and we can talk more tomorrow?”
“I’ll find out for you.”
I scrambled down from the truck and relayed what Kit had said to the federal agents. One of them confirmed that there was a hotel in Grayton where they could book a block of rooms and that they’d arrange for security to ensure the omegas were safe.
“Maybe some of them could recuperate in Grizzly Ridge,” I suggested. I hadn’t wanted to go home after being rescued. Maybe some of the others hadn’t had a good life before being abducted either.
They should get a choice about what happened next.
Zander wrapped his arm around me and kissed my temple. “We’ll give them that option. Space can be made available for them in Omega House if they need a place to stay.”
I relaxed against him. “Thank you.”
Another agent approached with a duffel bag of clothes they’d found on the premises and I dragged it over to the truck. Nathaniel lifted it magically because I couldn’t handle it in my current state and I knew the omegas would sense if any alphas came closer.
While they were changing clothes, an agent confirmed their accommodation booking and another vehicle arrived, bringing omega reinforcements and—from the smell of it—several different types of takeout.
I returned to the truck, my heart lightening when I saw that the omegas were no longer crowded into the far corner. They were still dirty but the clean clothes had helped.
“The food has arrived,” I announced, loud enough for them all to hear. “There are some new omegas too. Federal agents. They’re bringing the food over.”
Kit jerked his chin. “Thanks for the warning.”
The agents approached. One was carrying a stack of pizza boxes, another had brown paper bags, and a third was wielding a huge pot of what looked like steamed vegetables.
I stood guard while they passed the food to Kit, my stomach churning as the omegas fell on it as if they were starving.
They probably were.
Rushing over to Zander, I buried my face in his chest. “What will happen to them? We need to make sure they’re treated right.”
“I don’t think my sharp little fox will accept anything else,” Garrick said from behind me, his tone making it sound like he was bursting with pride despite the fact Kit hadn’t actually agreed to be his anything yet.
“The agents will take them to the hotel,” Zander said, speaking quietly since his mouth was near my ear. “They’ll have the chance to wash off and sleep. In the morning, they’ll all be asked to give statements. After that, they can either return home, go their own way, or come to Grizzly Ridge.”
“They need to know they have options.” I wouldn’t budge on that.
Zander held me tighter. “They will.”
I believed him.
Why wouldn’t I?
Zander was strong and steady. He’d been there for me every day since we’d met even though he knew I was broken, used, and mourning for a man who’d done nothing but hurt me.
He deserved my heart. He was a worthy mate.
So why was I nervous about what might come next?