Page 54 of The Feral Alpha

Olson breathed out, closing his eyes.

It was crazy. It shouldn’t be happening.

But little else explained all the coincidences that came with Rex.

“Say we build on the assumption that he’s George reincarnated,” Varrick said, eyeing Rex. “If that’s true, then he’s gone through a whole fucking lot to come back to you.”

Olson’s throat tightened. “Y-yeah.”

George would’ve done it. If there was one thing Olson knew, it was that George would’ve done everything in his power to return to Olson’s side, no matter the cost.

He traced his thumb over Rex’s forearm, touching their heads together. Just trying to comprehend the magnitude of this situation.

“I’m happy for you,” Varrick said finally. “Even though this is one hell of a mind-fuck.”

“Yeah.” Olson nodded. “I’m.... trying. I need some time.”

Varrick nodded and addressed Rex. “Mind if I hug Olson?”

Rex narrowed his eyes but didn’t let go. Olson huffed and nudged him, leaning forward so Varrick could awkwardly fit his arms between Rex and Olson. “Hey, let me,” Olson said.

Rex growled.

“I’m his brother,” Varrick said dryly. “And I have a bondmate. I’m not stealing him.”

“Mine,” Rex growled.

“Got that loud and clear,” Varrick said. “Anyway, I’m Varrick. And you’ve met Emmy.”

Rex nodded reluctantly. “Butt. Butt bless.”

Emmy beamed. “Rex remembers the butt blessings,” he crowed, throwing his arms into the air. Hunter giggled and kicked at the sudden movement. “See, Big O! They work!”

Olson had his doubts about that, since those blessings would’ve had to be around before Rex’s birth to make this all happen, but he wasn’t going to nitpick.

“Thanks,” Olson said. “I appreciate you teaching Rex how to use a pen.”

“We’re gonna draw so many butt blessings today,” Emmy promised.

Olson sighed. Varrick hugged Olson and ruffled his hair, before letting go. Rex pulled Olson back against his chest.

“I’m late for work,” Varrick said, straightening his police uniform. “We’ll leave you two to figure things out from here. Call if there’s anything urgent.”

“Will do,” Olson said. “Thanks.”

He waited until the front door shut. Then he squirmed around in Rex’s arms, breathing in deeply. Olson opened his eyes.

It still hurt, seeing his face. George—Rex—looked older than how Olson remembered. How much had he aged during his captivity?

He cupped his alpha’s face in his hands, caressing his skin. “Do you want me to call you George, or Rex?”

“Rex.” Still that calm gaze.

“Okay. Rex.” Olson leaned in carefully and nuzzled his cheek. “Do you... remember anything from before? When we were younger. Your—Your past life.”

Rex shrugged. How would he even find the words to tell Olson any of it? Or make sense of it, when his kidnappers had scrambled his mind to almost-feral?

The thought of George—Rex—going through all that pain... It hurt a lot more now.