Page 107 of Rescuing Ally: Part 1

Max’s ears perk up at the sound of his name, and he offers a soft “woof” before resting his head on Jenna’s foot.

Something about the space is welcoming and makes me feel instantly at home, even though I’ve just met most of these women.

Sophia settles into an armchair, glancing at her phone. “Luke’s already asleep. I set up the baby monitor so I can hear if he wakes up.”

“How’s he doing?” Malia asks gently.

“Better,” Sophia says with a small smile. “The nightmares are less frequent now. He still asks for Blake constantly when he’s away, though.”

Something in her tone—a quiet acknowledgment of shared trauma—resonates with me. I haven’t yet learned her story, but I recognize the shadows behind her eyes. They match my own.

Malia bustles around the kitchen, pulling snacks from bags while Jenna arranges an impressive spread of wine bottles on the counter. Max follows her, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor, hoping for any dropped treats.

“Don’t even think about it,” Jenna tells him firmly, though her tone is affectionate. “You know what happens when you eat people food.”

Max whines softly but obediently returns to his position by the couch, though his eyes never leave the snack preparation.

Rebel sits cross-legged on the floor, scrolling through movie options on the large wall-mounted TV screen.

“Nothing with explosions,” she declares firmly. “I’ve had enough of those to last a lifetime.”

“Amen to that,” says a voice from the doorway.

We all turn to see two women entering. The first is petite with sleek black hair and striking eyes, carrying a tray of what look like homemade desserts.

Behind her follows a woman with a familiar look about her—she has the same high cheekbones and intense eyes as Rebel, along with the same auburn hair.

“Mia!” Malia squeals, rushing to help with the tray. “And Violet. I didn’t know you were coming!”

“Rebel invited me,” Violet says with a shy smile. “Zephyr’s with a sitter. I needed a night off.”

“Ally,” Malia announces, “this is Mia Chen, biochemical genius and Rigel’s better half. And this is Violet, Rebel’s sister and mother to the sweetest seven-year-old on the planet.”

Mia rolls her eyes but smiles. “Hardly a genius, but I do keep Rigel in line.” She sets the tray down and turns to me. “You must be Ally. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Max rises immediately, trotting over to inspect the newcomers with professional interest.

“Hi, Max,” Mia greets him, holding out her hand for him to sniff before scratching under his chin. “Still on guard duty, I see.”

The dog’s tail wags appreciatively before he returns to Jenna’s side, apparently satisfied that the new arrivals pose no threat.

Violet gives me a small wave. “Nice to meet you. Rebel’s told me about your… unique situation with Hank and Gabe.”

“All good things, I hope?” I ask, suddenly self-conscious.

“Please,” Malia interrupts, gathering us all with a wave. “Can we take a moment to officially welcome the newest member of our little sisterhood?” She raises her wine glass. “To Ally, the latest addition to Charlie’s Angels.”

“Wait, are we calling ourselves that?” Rebel asks skeptically, arching an eyebrow as she fights a smile.

“Sure as shit we are,” Malia replies confidently, looking around the room. “All in favor of officially becoming Charlie’s Angels, raise your glass.”

One by one, each woman raises her glass—Sophia first, then Mia, Rebel with an exaggerated eye-roll, Violet with a giggle, and finally Jenna with a resigned shake of her head.

“Absolutely,” Malia declares. “We’re beautiful, brilliant, and all inexplicably drawn to the most dangerous men on the planet. I’d say we qualify as Charlie’s Angels.”

“Even me?” Violet asks. “I’m not with anyone fromCharlie team.”

“You can be an honorary angel like me,” Jenna says.

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