Gaz moved carefully through the house, boots silent on the worn floorboards. The place was supposed to be empty, but his nose twitched the moment he stepped inside—omega scent, thick and warm, clinging to the air like a warning.

Someone was still here.

He swept the rooms quickly, clearing them one by one until he reached the last door. The scent was strongest here. A nest. He could feel it before he even stepped inside—heat radiating from the space, blankets and pillows piled together, a cocoon of safety that had been built with care.

And in the middle of it, curled up and clearly struggling, was them.

His stomach clenched. They were heavily pregnant, breaths coming a little too fast, one hand pressed to their stomach like the weight was becoming too much. Too close. Too close.

Gaz crouched down, trying to keep his voice steady and calm. The mission had changed. He had orders—the house needed to be cleared, fast—but there was no way in hell he was leaving them behind like this.

His instincts surged before he could stop them. Protect. Guard. Help.

He scanned the room, noting the way they were tangled up in the blankets, their body language screaming exhaustion and discomfort. They weren’t in labor yet, but it was coming soon. Too soon. And there was no way they were getting out of here on their own.

Something dangerous was coming. The house needed to be empty; it needed to be left behind.

Gaz exhaled sharply. Fine. They weren’t walking? He’d carry them.

Because there was no world where he’d leave them behind.

"Hello, my name is Kyle Gaz Garrick... I'm here to get everyone to safety. Do I have permission to pick you up so I can get you out of here? We don't have much time." He knew that he needed to ask permission, even if his instincts were screaming at him to help them.