Page 65 of Rescue Me
Zana’s thumb strokes over my shoulder. “The lawsuit’s been extended to include them,” she says softly. “They deserve to have a voice, too.”
I turn to look at her, my Alpha, and I’m struck again by how much strength she carries in that slim frame. “You’re incredible,” I say, awe lacing every word.
Her lips quirk up into a small, knowing smile. “I know.”
The corner of my mouth twitches, and despite everything, a small laugh escapes. But then the gravity of it all crashes down again and I straighten, looking between them. “So… what happens now?”
Rourke leans back, his arms spreading across the top of the couch like he’s perfectly at ease with the chaos he’s dropping into my lap. “Lyle Wilhelm? Already in jail. Dumbass tried to forge another contract. Claimed Hailey was too much to handle with her upcoming heat. Said they needed ‘extra hands.’” He makes air quotes, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Of course he did,” I mutter, my stomach churning. I glance at Zana, but she doesn’t seem surprised, just disgusted.
“Jackson?” I ask, the name burning in my throat.
Rourke’s mouth twists, his amusement fading. “Jackson’s scrambling to keep his business alive. Most of the accusations hit him square in the jaw, but he’s not behind bars. Yet.”
“Why didn’t anyone reach out to me?” The question bursts out of me before I can stop it, anger and confusion twisting in my chest. “The Wilhelms knew what happened. Why didn’t they—”
Zana’s hand on my shoulder tightens and Rourke nods toward her. “Because your Alpha has been protecting you from day one. She got a protective order as soon as she could. Legally, they can’t come within a mile of you, let alone contact you.”
I blink, stunned, and then I laugh, a sharp, disbelieving sound. I turn to Zana, grinning despite everything. “You really do love me, huh?”
She chuckles, pressing a quick kiss to the side of my head. “You know I do. But this isn’t over, Reid. It’s a long road ahead—interviews, court appearances. It’s going to be a lot. But…” She pauses, tilting her head to meet my gaze. “If you’re up for it, I think those other two Betas could use someone who understands what they’ve been through. Someone like you.”
My breath catches. I look at her, then at Rourke, then back to the documents scattered across the table. The thought of reliving any of it makes my skin crawl. But… if it means helping someone else—someone like me—then maybe it’s worth it.
I nod, my resolve hardening. “I’m in.”
Rourke smirks, raising an eyebrow. “You sure? No takebacks.”
“Yeah,” I say firmly, meeting his gaze. “I’m sure. If I can help, I want to.” I reach up to my shoulder and squeeze Zana’s hand, letting her know that I’m 100% on board.
