by Arden, Susan
Hearing Santo’s voice dropkicked his stomach from his body. “Tristen’s been hurt. I’ve called for an ambulance. Come down to the parking garage.”
“Did he fall? I don’t understand.” He got out of his chair and stood, eyeing the door through which Shawn had just entered, his expression strained, and then Fin understood this wasn’t a twisted ankle.
“I’m coming right down.” Fin hung up, still staring at Shawn. “Something’s happened in the garage.”
“I heard and was coming to get you.” Shawn waited at the door, his face completely ashen for a leopard shifter. Not good.
“What the hell happened?”
“All I know is Tristen’s been shot.”
Been shot. The words echoed in his mind. Fuck, he’d heard those words so many times in the past. He couldn’t make the leap to applying them to Tristen. He’d been the one to gather the needed medical supplies and deal with a soldier’s injuries. He’d had men and women’s blood covering his hands, the smell so pungent he no longer found it offensive. Metallic with a unique cohesive quality, unlike any other liquid. His thoughts slowed as he stared at Shawn. No, there was a mistake. Tristen and he weren’t in the Marines. This was Denver, and they were at work. Gunpowder and combat wounds weren’t part of this downtown gig.
“Fuck, shot?”
“Yeah.” Shawn grabbed him by the shoulder as he passed by him in a daze. “You okay?”
“It’s not me I’m thinking about.” Fin continued walking out of habit, out of Matrix. He didn’t remember the ride down to the garage. Inside the space were red swirling lights and the static growling of police microphones going on and off. Then he saw Tristen on the ground. His jacket was off and his lightly starched shirt was stained crimson.
Fin broke into a run. Stopping, he bumped into Santo. “What happened?”
“Two men,” Santo whispered.
Kneeling down, he stroked Tristen’s pale, gaunt face. So cold under this fingers, he flinched as he ran his hand over Tristen’s clammy skin.
“Jesus.” He inhaled a shaky breath and glanced at Santo’s bloody hands pressed against Tristen’s shoulder, then up at the police officer. “Where’s the ambulance?”
The cop nodded. “It’s on the way. Mr. Camio, I need to speak with you about the shooting.”
“You’d better go.” Fin stared at Santo, an unfamiliar stinging in his eyes. “Let me apply the pressure. I have experience in this.”
Another police officer gave Santo moist wipes for his hands. They were wet with Tristen’s blood and the vampire’s eyes glowed, his pupils silvery. Unlike Tristen’s eyes, which remained shut. Oh God!
“Tris.” Fin softly groaned as his vision blurred. Burned. And tears began to well at the corner of his eyes. The blood continued seeping through Fin’s fingers. “Please, please dear Lord.”
“What can I do?” Shawn knelt by Tristen, his brows fully drawn together.
“Get something for under his head. His jacket is over there.”
Fin noticed the other men lying on the ground. One man’s arm was bent at a peculiar angle to his body and the other man stared, unmoving. If they’d shot Tristen multiple times, how the hell were they dead and Santo moving about, unscathed. He noticed the shell casing on the ground the bullet holes in the cars. He counted at least five holes in Tristen’s shirt—two at the shoulder and two above his collar bone. One further down his arm.
“Where in the fuck is the ambulance?” Shawn tucked the jacket under Tristen’s head. “I’d better go find out.”
Tristen’s eyes fluttered. He opened his lids briefly and his eyes were glazed in pain. His breath came and went in shallow puffs. Fin kept telling himself he’d seen worse on the field without a hospital for miles. And plenty of those combat soldiers had pulled through. Over and over he kept telling himself. He’ll make it. He’s gonna fucking make it!
Fire rescue pulled up alongside them. Doors slammed, muffled voices filled the garage, and then the clacking wheels of the gurney as it approached. Two rescue workers conversed on the procedure for gunshot wounds—who would do what in Tristen’s care. One asked Fin to move. Reluctantly, he removed his hands from Tristen’s body. Tears were streaming down his face. He didn’t care. He only knew that his heart was going to burst apart. He had to tell Tristen.
“Just a minute.” He bent down, hugging Tristen, then kissed the side of his face, smothering Tristen’s cheek, then his mouth. Fin lifted his face, gazing down at Tristen. “I love you. Damn, you’d better hear me. Please know you’re my best friend and lover. The man and wolf I’m madly in love with. You’re hardheaded, and I’ve a score to settle.”
***
The nurse administered another round of painkillers into the IV bag hanging off to the side of the bed. Fin sat next to Tristen, watching the monitors. He’d paced in front of the window for hours and then taken the seat, not wanting to hover over the nurse performing her routine checks.
“He’s lucky. So far so good. All of his vitals are normal. Amazing.”
“Yes. He is just that. And so much more.” Fin drew in a serrated breath.
Inside the intensive care unit, only one visitor was permitted at a time. Shawn and Santo were outside in the waiting room. Quinn and Sherry had stopped by, along with several other friends and staff.
The golden morning rays began to lighten the sky and he stretched, his muscles tense bands keeping him in one piece. He rolled his shoulders to relieve his cramped neck and back.
Tristen coughed. “Crap. I feel like I was dropped from a helicopter.”
Fin swung around from the window, worry lifting and unlocking. He stared as Tristen raised his good arm, scrubbing his hand over his face.
“Morning.”
“How bad it is?” Tristen’s gravelly voice sounded musical.
“Broken collar bone, fractured ribs, and bruised humerus where the bullets exited your body. You should be out of here by the end of the week if you do what you’re supposed to, which includes taking meds and staying put.”
“What time is it?” Tristen grunted.
“About five-thirty. Do you remember what happened?”
“Just about. That dumbass came after me. I fucking can’t believe him. He’s so screwed. I’ve got to find who put him up to it.”
“Actually, he’s dead. So is the other guy. Santo saved your life.”
“How is he?” Tristen’s face scrunched together.
The clatter of his heart disrupted Fin’s thoughts. “Not a scratch. Same as before.”
“He’s fucking unusual.” Tristen squeezed Fin’shand. “Unlike you. Was I dreaming?”
“What do you mean?”
“I remember hearing your voice. Maybe it was the drugs.”
“What was I saying?”
“How about I answer what I thought I heard you say.” Tristen took Fin’s hand. “I love you more than I’d ever believe possible. Baby, you’re mine.” Tristen’s eyes shone reddish-amber, his voice dropping to a growl. “I don’t want to worry that you’ll leave, or feel threatened. I love you and I want us to be together. Forever. And yeah, we’ve a score to settle, one I’d like to work on for the rest of lives.”
Fin pressed his forehead against Tristen’s hand. “I love you very much. Yes, you did hear me. You had me in a state of panic.”
“You’ve nothing to worry about. Fin, I only want you. If you give me the chance, I’ll prove to you that I can do whatever it takes to fulfill you. Including marriage, this coming full moon. Or if you want the whole nine yards, flower girl and ring bearer, then we’ll set a date and send out invitations. Whatever turns you on—except a third person. I’m not into sharing what’s mine.” He squeezed Fin’s fingers, his gaze heated and glowing.
“Damn, Tris. You’re almost more man and shifter than I can handle. I just didn’t know it until I was given a choice. Forgive me for putting us through that. You’re more than enough for me. Just get better. A small ceremony at our home is going to be per
fect.”
“I was thinking…you’re right. I’m wound too tight. Maybe I’ll give that Thursday night group of vets a try. While your yoga class is going on. Who knows, maybe it’ll work.”
“You’re serious?” Fin’s face beamed from a smile that ran from ear to ear. “Dude, I do love you. I want to keep saying it. Maybe we both should try the group and learn how to talk things out.”
“Kiss me and tell me again.”
“No more playing hard to get.”
“That sounds more like it. Since you put it that way, I’m all yours.” Tristen wrapped his good arm around Fin’s shoulder pulling him close against his hard body and crushing his lips in a kiss that left him breathless, and excited to begin the next journey as a couple, bonded together forever. “And baby, make no mistake. I planned on asking you to marry me. This slight detour had nothing to do with me popping the question. I was coming for you…to claim what’s mine. P.S. Dude, I love you.”
“Get better so I can take advantage of you on our wedding night.” Fin bent over the bed, brushing his lips over Tristen’s mouth. “I love you, motherfucker.”
~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~
Susan Arden is a third generation Floridian. She left the field of education in 2008 to purse her dream of writing romance fiction. Currently, she writes hot love stories within the romance genres of contemporary erotic, western, and fantasy/paranormal. Susan also writes under the name of Susan D. Taylor.
Susan currently lives in TN along with husband, two cattle dogs, two crazy cats, a gecko and a corn snake. She’s a mother, RYT200 Yoga Alliance (registered yoga teacher), and avid gardener. You can find her on the mat when she's not writing her next hot romance novel.
You can visit with Susan at:
http://susanarden.com
A Marine Affair by Heather Long
Secret lovers for years, Commander Rick McConnell and Colonel Elijah Masters have nurtured their very private relationship with planned vacations and leaves, always meeting somewhere different—always escaping off the grid. It worked for them—career officers with a desire to serve their country and a passion for each other.
The repeal of the military’s policy, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, provides them with the tremendous opportunity to come out to their friends and loved ones. Rick wants to seize the day, but Eli isn’t so certain. His hesitation leads to a fight, an ultimatum, and a breakup. Rather than confront their issues, Eli takes a foreign assignment.
A year’s separation changes both of them. The last person Eli expects to see when he steps off the plane is Rick, but the physician wants another chance with the only man he’s ever loved, and he has a plan. Will bitterness, recriminations, and loss keep them apart or can these two officers rediscover the faith and loyalty that bound them for so long?
Acceptance by Starla Kaye
Being the CEO of a major architectural company in California has taken over far too much of Chase’s life, leaving no time for romance. But when a handsome Spaniard offers drinks and conversation, talking leads to one spectacular night and an awareness of what he really wants. But once Rico returns home to Spain, Chase will be alone, again.
Rico lives on his family’s strict schedules with no time for contemplating what is missing in his life. He doesn’t expect to meet someone special on this business trip. But he is drawn to the big, striking blond American. Giving Chase someone to talk to, takes Rico’s mind off his problems. And a mutual attraction gives them both a chance to forget everything else and let their passionate natures run free.
Chase has a company to run and Rico must return home to Spain, a truth they must both accept, but will acceptance be enough when it comes to waking up alone?
Contents
Title page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~