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“You brought your mate to a sting op?”

“Don’t forget, Freddy was also taken by these goons.” Scott glowered. “He thought he might be able to help identify some of them or assist any omegas they might have had captive.”

“Right, sorry, was he able to confirm anything?”

“Two of the dead ones, he recognized them from when he was transported to the—anyway, he told Kendle; she wrote down all his information, and she said she’d be in touch.” Scott looked over Theodore’s shoulder. “Does Buford need a ride too?”

“He’ll most likely want to go to the hospital with his mate,” Royce said.

Scott’s mouth fell open. “No!”

“Oh yeah. From the looks of it, he’s got it cut out for him.” Royce rubbed the back of his neck and led Theodore to Scott’s car.

“Hello.” A small blonde omega got out of the vehicle, a large box in one hand and a bag over one arm. “Do you need any water or snacks? I don’t have much, but I was able to grab some before we left.”

“I’d love a water, thank you.” Theodore took a bottle. “Actually though, the other omega over there, she could use some food too. I’m pretty sure they were starving her.”

Freddy nodded. “They don’t feed the ones that fight.”

Royce held out the car door for Theodore. Scott stopped him when he tried to slide in.

“No offense, man, but your naked ass and ball sack is going to ruin the upholstery.” He shoved a pair of pants at Royce.

Royce grumbled about modesty and priorities but put the pants on anyway. He settled into the back with Theodore. Resting his head against the back of the seat, he pulled Theodore until he was practically sitting in Royce’s lap. His eyes closed as he rested his dirty cheek against the top of Theodore’s head.

Theodore leaned into Royce’s touch. He thought he’d never get to see him again, and here they were, safe together in the back of a car, going home. Home … A home that was warm and cozy, that he shared with his mate.

He’d been a fool. A blind, stubborn fool.

Royce, his fated mate, kind, considerate, and adoring, had been there this entire time. Nursing Theodore when he was sick, fighting to keep him safe from Gage, fighting to give Theodore anything he needed. And what had Theodore done in return? He’d pushed him away. Rejected this adoring man at every turn. Not anymore.

Freddy’s door opened and closed.

“She take the food?” Theodore asked.

“She did after a bit of convincing. But I noticed her eyeing the shortbread cookies. It wasn’t too hard to win her over after that. Poor thing looks like a walking skeleton.” Freddy buckled his seatbelt, and Scott started the car.

“Did she say if she was coming back to Elk Cove?”

“Yeah, I think she’s going to the omega house. I told her that’s where I stayed when the Elk Cove enforcers rescued me from these pricks.” Freddy gave Scott a sappy smile.

“Good, I’m sure that will make her feel better, knowing there are other omegas that feel safe there.”

The car ride stretched into silence as Scott navigated winding roads through the woods back to town.

“Would you keep your eyes on the road,” Royce’s voice shattered the silence. “I promise I’m not that interesting to look at, Scott.”

“It’s just, well, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile before,” Scott said. “I like seeing my friends happy.”

“I don’t have friends,” Royce grumbled under his breath as his arm flexed around Theodore.

“Yes, you do. I’m your bestie, and you know it.”

Warmth spread through Theodore’s chest.

It was over.

And he was going home with his mate.