“You were just a child then,” Olson murmured.
Rex shrugged. “Love. George love.”
Olson swallowed, bowing his head under the implication of Rex’s words. “Are you saying it’s the same love that’s kept you going this whole time?”
Rex nodded. “Olllsonnnnn.”
The sheer magnitude of Rex’s feelings humbled him. He hugged Rex tightly, needing to be as close to his alpha as he could. “Thank you for loving me. Thank you for everything.”
Rex nuzzled his hair. “Mine.”
Olson snuggled into his alpha, until he suddenly remembered Hunter. His stomach clenched. “Oh, fuck!”
Rex and Storm looked at him in alarm.
“What’s wrong?” Storm shoved the wallets back into the kidnappers’ pockets, tucking a wad of cash into his jacket.
“My—My nephew’s back at the apartment.” Olson cringed. “I had to leave him behind to save Rex. He probably thinks we abandoned him.”
That was really not something he wanted to do to a baby. Olson groaned, covering his face with his hands.
“I’ll go get him,” Storm said, just as more cars pulled into the parking lot.
“Wait. There’s Varrick and Emmy,” Olson said, his insides squeezing with more guilt. “Hunter’s parents. Emmy knows where he is.”
Storm nodded. “I’ll follow him. Just to double check that it’s safe.”
“Thanks,” Olson breathed.
He cringed even more when Storm talked briefly with Emmy and Varrick, and left with Emmy.
Varrick jogged over, followed by Jag, Fury, and Hades.
“Sorry, V,” Olson groaned. “Hunter’s in the apartment by himself. It was an emergency.”
Varrick glanced at Rex, and the two bodies on the ground. “It’s not your fault. This is a crappy situation all around. Em’s on his way upstairs to get him. You okay, Gum Bucket?”
“Yeah.” Olson sagged, unable to ignore the feeling that he was going to be a horrible dad. No one should forget that they’d left a baby behind.
“Olsonnn.” Rex seemed to sense Olson’s guilt. He crowded close, rubbing his cheek against the side of Olson’s head. “Open,” he said to Varrick, turning around to show him his shackles. “Want hug Olson.”
“Let me grab photo evidence first.” Varrick took some quick pictures of Rex’s shackles and injuries, then unlocked the shackles himself.
The moment he was free, Rex wrapped his arms tight around Olson, rubbing his palm over Olson’s chest and belly. Olson hadn’t realized how much he needed a hug, until he was enveloped in the safety of his alpha’s embrace. He sagged bonelessly into Rex’s chest.
“Baby hurt?” Rex murmured.
Olson shook his head. “No, neither of us are hurt.”
Rex rumbled, pleased. He dragged his wrists all over Olson, back and forth until he smelled entirely like maplewood.
Storm returned with Emmy, Hunter cradled in Emmy’s arms. To Olson’s relief, Hunter looked none the worse for wear.
“Show’s over,” Storm said with a wave. “Olson and Rex took them down before I got here.”
Jag raised an eyebrow, looking impressed.
“Is anyone still in need of beating up?” Hades grumbled. “I dropped everything to drive here.”