Page 57 of Knotting the Firefighters
"Aidric, hold the bag. Bear, get me the equipment kit from the cabinet. I need to find a vein that's not collapsed from dehydration."
I settle onto the bench, carefully gathering Wendy into my arms while Silas works. Her head finds my shoulder automatically, body curving into mine with trust that makes my chest feel too small for my heart.
She fits here.
Always has.
Like we were designed as matching puzzle pieces.
I lean down, pressing my lips near her ear, whispering words I'm not sure she can hear but need to say anyway.
"Hang in there, darlin'. We're getting you help. You're going to be fine. You have to be fine because I can't?—"
My voice breaks, unable to complete the thought, unable to articulate exactly how catastrophic losing her would be.
She's my everything.
My reason for staying in this backwards town.
My anchor in chaos.
My home.
The van lurches into motion, siren wailing, and I tighten my hold carefully, protecting her from jostling while Silas works to establish IV access.
Around me, the pack moves with coordinated efficiency—Aidric holding supplies, Bear organizing equipment, Silas's hands steady as he inserts the needle with practiced precision.
They're good at this.
Competent, coordinated, clearly experienced in emergency medical response.
They could take care of her.
They could provide the pack structure she needs for legal protection.
They could offer everything I can't give her as lone Alpha without support network.
The thoughts circle my skull while my arms maintain gentle hold, while my nose buries in her hair seeking comfort from her scent, while my heart hammers against ribs with fear I can't quite suppress.
Please don't take her from me.
The prayer goes nowhere specific, addressed to whatever universe or deity might be listening to desperate Alphas.
Please let this be exhaustion, dehydration, something fixable rather than serious.
Please let her wake up and sass me about being overprotective.
Please let this not continue because she means the world to me.
The world, my world, the entire fucking universe condensed into one stubborn, magnificent, infuriating Omega who keeps running into burning buildings and stealing my ability to breathe properly.
I press another kiss to her temple, feeling her shallow breaths against my throat, and make silent vows that she'll never hear but I'll keep executing.
I'll protect her.
I'll support her.
I'll let her go if that's what she needs, even if it destroys me.
