“I think I’ll pack now.” Her suitcase was already in the trunk.
“It’s a ten-hour drive and you don’t even know where Daven is.”
“I can call Breck.”
Her mom moved next to her. “I don’t think Breck needs to worry about you right now. He needs to concentrate on keeping Daven safe.”
What she said made some sense. “I’ll leave in the morning, then, but I am going.” By then, Breck would have a better idea about Daven’s condition.
“Do you need me to help you pack?” Her mother’s mouth turned down, all full of worry.
“I’m good.”
Her mom rubbed her arm. “I’m about to start supper. You want to help me?”
While her mother didn’t need help, she must have understood Julia’s need to keep busy. “Sure.”
* * * *
Julia worked hard to keep the tears from obscuring her vision as she drove to Philadelphia. Harvey had mapped out the best route, but the traffic was worse than she’d planned on. She only wanted to call Breck after she arrived in town. If she spoke with him now and Daven’s condition had worsened, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to get there safely.
Knowing Mr. Protector, he’d tell her there was nothing she could do, and that it wasn’t safe to come, but she understood the benefit of a warm hand. She wanted to sit by Daven’s side and talk to him even if he wasn’t in any shape to respond.
Around two she stopped for lunch, and at six she hit a drive-thru for dinner. The food sucked, but she wasn’t up for much, nor did she want to stop. As she neared Philadelphia, the traffic snarled.
While she crawled down the Interstate, she dialed Breck. Her heart sped and her palms sweated.
“Julia?”
“Yes. How’s Daven.”
The ten seconds of silence seemed to last a lifetime. “He’s alive, but barely.”
She hadn’t meant to gasp. “I’m in Philadelphia and need to see him. And you, too.” She couldn’t ask about Breck’s health. Having two men injured might push her over the edge.
“You’re here?”
She couldn’t tell if he was happy or upset. “Yes. Daven needs me.”
“It could be dangerous.”
She knew he’d use that excuse to keep her away. “I need to see him. Where are you?” He hesitated then gave her the address. “Don’t worry. I’ll be careful.” He didn’t have to tell her that The Sword could be watching.
As soon as she typed the address into her phone, she got an idea. A quick search later, she had the perfect way to blend in. The doctor’s office wasn’t in the best part of town, but perhaps shifters liked to keep low key. She parked and waited a few minutes in her car to make sure no one had followed her. Once she failed to spot anyone, she got out and made a beeline to the office. Because she’d purchased a nurse’s uniform, she thought no one would look twice. They’d think she worked there.
Inside, the receptionist gave her a quizzical list. “May I help you?”
Now she wasn’t sure if Daven was even registered under his real name, and she feared giving away valuable information. However, Breck wouldn’t have brought Daven here if he didn’t trust the doctor.
She was so not cut out to be any kind of spy. “I’m looking for Daven Sang.”
The woman’s normal cheer disappeared. “Who are you?”
She wanted to say his fucking nurse, but she held her tongue. The receptionist’s comment didn’t come out harshly, but it was clear she’d been instructed to ask. Only then did Julia realize the woman was of panther descent, and as such, could tell Julia was, too. “I’m his girlfriend.”
Her lips pressed together and she pushed back her chair. “Come with me.”
Bile tinged Julia’s mouth as her stomach twisted, and it took effort to lift and move her feet. She followed the receptionist down a hallway. Most of the doors sat open and the rooms empty. Near the end, one door was shut. The receptionist knocked and opened it.
“You have a visitor.”
Breck nodded, and the receptionist motioned she go in.
What she saw made her lightheaded. Daven was in bed with a tube in his mouth that was attached to machines. The whoosh in and out implied the machine was breathing for him. Every muscle froze.
“Julia.” Breck’s voice came out soft.
She couldn’t stand to look at Breck, knowing the pity and sadness that would lace his eyes. When he enveloped her in his arms, his musky scent was tainted with the iron smell of blood, and a giant sob escaped.
“Shh. He’s going to pull through.”
That was a lie, but knowing Breck, he was probably having a hard time coping. “How long have you been here?”
He shook his head. “Maybe eighteen hours, but it seems like days.”
She sniffled. “What did the doctor say?”
“A bullet grazed his aorta, but he was able to clamp it long enough to stop the bleeding. Daven’s lost a lot of blood. It’s not like they have panther blood in the blood bank.”
She stepped out of his embrace and finally looked at him. He hadn’t shaven, and his eyes were bloodshot. “You’re not a match?”
“Yes. I gave. That’s what keeping him alive.”
The panther part of their bodies had the ability to heal fast. “When he got shot, why didn’t he shift?”
“Then a veterinarian would have been called in, and his secret would have also been revealed. At the time, I didn’t know the name of a shifter vet. He only had a minute I’d say before he passed out.”
She glanced back at Daven, sick he’d been so strong the last time she saw him. “You didn’t get shot?”
“I took four bullets, but they healed right away.”
He could have died, too. “So what do we do now?”
“We wait.”
She dragged a chair close to Daven’s bed and held his hand. “Hey, Daven. I’m here.” He couldn’t hear her, she was sure, but she had to try to communicate. She glanced up at Breck. “I trust he hasn’t communicated telepathically?”
“No.”
She wanted to ask what happened, but the fact they were ambushed probably wasn’t something Breck wanted to talk about. Breck looked pale. “When was the last time you ate?”
“I don’t remember.”
He had to keep up his strength. “How about if I try to find some food?”
“I want you to stay here. I’m not convinced The Sword isn’t watching this building.”
Her blood pressure skyrocketed. Maybe she should have asked Charles or Harvey to come with her. “Aren’t there other shifters you could ask to stay with you?”
He lowered his chin, acting as if he’d have to be close to dead himself to ask for help. Stubborn man.
For the next three hours, she massaged Daven’s arms, legs, and hands, hoping her touch would help. Breck dozed off a few times, and she was close to collapse herself. Around midnight, the door opened and Breck jerked awake.
The man who came in was a panther shifter. At least she could sense the difference between panthers and tigers. His white coat implied he was the doctor.
Without saying anything, the man checked Daven’s vitals. “I’m going to see if he can breathe on his own. His coloring looks better.”
Julia stood to get out of the way and moved to the corner. She closed her eyes, not wanting to watch. The only consolation to all of this was that Daven probably wouldn’t remember much once he gained consciousness. The doctor’s feet slid across the floor, and the breathing machine stopped whooshing.
As much as she wanted to remain in the dark, she opened her eyes and watched Daven’s chest. When she saw it rise, she let out her own breath. Tears welled and she gulped in air.
“Keep a close eye on him. We should know by morning if he’s going to make it.”
If?
As soon as the doctor left, she slid back into her chair, determined to keep watch on Daven all night long.
* * * *
“Julia?”
“The same. I’m going to get us some food.”
“You want me to come with you?”
“No. I don’t want you to be a target.”
Her ability to heal from a wound was nothing like that of a shifter. This was one time when she wished she could shift, but the last thing she wanted was to cause more stress for him. “Okay.”
Alone with Daven, she ran her hands up and down his arms. “Wake up, Daven.” She knew that wasn’t likely to happen, but it made her feel better to talk with him. “When you get back to North Carolina, I want to show you some paintings I’ve done. One is of the rowboat. I painted it in the style that you and Breck like.”
An unwanted sob escaped. She leaned back in the chair, not sure if she could do this much longer. She loved both men, but men who went to war, while noble, would tear her apart piece by piece until she was no longer whole. Breck might have escaped The Sword this time, and Daven might survive, but once they regained their health, they’d be right back out there, ready to do battle all over again, and the cycle would never end.
His finger twitched and she jerked up. “Daven?”
A groan sounded from deep within his chest as if he wanted to say something. She bet Breck could hear him if he were here. “Breck’s coming back. He went to get food.” Say something comforting. “You’re going to be okay. You just need to rest.”
Another finger twitched, and she grabbed his hand. He moaned. Yes!
“Squeeze my hand, Daven.”
Nothing.
She tried to get him to either open his eyes, move his toes, or something to indicate he’d heard her, but she got no response. At least he was breathing on his own. The door squeaked open and Breck returned with delicious-smelling food. It might have come from a fast-food restaurant, but she was hungry enough to eat anything.
He handed her a bag. “Thanks. Daven moved his fingers and even groaned.”
Breck sat and ripped open his bag. “He’ll be fine. We need to give him time.”
He acted like this was a normal occurrence. “He almost died.”
Instead of answering, he stuffed a breakfast sandwich in his mouth, and she did the same. The flavors mingled, making her mouth water, and she was positive she’d never tasted anything better.
“What about Daven?” She glanced to the bags hanging on the stand.
“You know we’re built to go without food for a few days.”
“When you’re healthy.”
He scooted his chair closer. “Stop worrying. He’ll be fine.”
“How can you be so freaking sure?”
“He’s my brother.”
Like that was any kind of answer. Her cell vibrated, and she pulled it from her purse. “It’s my mom. I’ll take this outside.”
“You can answer it here. Daven won’t hear you.”
She wasn’t so sure. “Hey, Mom.”
“I’ve been so worried about you. You didn’t call to tell me you arrived safely.”
Damn. “I’m sorry. I was focused on finding out about Daven.” She told her mom about his condition and that the doctor was cautiously optimistic. “You don’t need to worry.” She’d worry enough for both of them.
“Call me when you get back on the road.”
“I will.” She disconnected, not liking the strain in her mom’s voice. The poor woman had been through so much.
Daven’s eyes fluttered open, and Julia blinked a few times to make sure she hadn’t imagined it. She jumped up and stood over him. “Daven?”
Breck clasped on to her arm. “What did you see?”
“He opened his eyes for a second.”
Breck returned his gaze to his brother, and she was sure he was trying to communicate with him. While Daven didn’t seem to move, a slow smile crept across Breck’s face. She tamped down the joy that threatened to emerge. She didn’t want to get her hopes up. “Did he talk?”
“Somewhat. He’s confused about what happened.”
“What did you tell him?”
“That if he would wake up that you would suck his cock.”
The inappropriate and unexpected comment made her laugh. “You did not.” Daven groaned, and she couldn’t help but glance at his crotch. “My God. He did hear you.” His cock had thickened.
Daven licked his lips. “I’m ready.”
The fear and anxiety burst to the surface as a laugh. “I’m on it.” She didn’t want to cause his heart to beat any faster for fear the healing vein would burst. Instead she grabbed his hand and rubbed her thumb over his palm. “Welcome back.”
She could tell he tried to smile, but his lips weren’t fully cooperating. His shallow breathing convinced her he wasn’t out of the woods yet.
Chapter Fourteen
Breck insisted they rent a nearby hotel room so that she and he could take turns showering and sleeping. For four days, they walked around like zombies, and Breck was becoming more irritable. She would have suggested he go for a run or something, but if The Sword was still around, she didn’t want him out and about.
Breck’s phone rang. He held up a finger and stepped outside. How come he asked her to stay in the hospital room when she talked, but he went out? Maybe he didn’t want to upset Daven, who she had to admit was improving each day.
Daven grinned. “You know you did promise me a blow job, which if I recall, you didn’t give me.”
“I am not giving you a blow job until the doctor clears you.”
“I’m thinking a little sexual activity will get rid of all my pent-up aggression against the bastards who ambushed us.”
That made her laugh. “No sex until Panther Cove.”
In truth, they wouldn’t be having any sex. She’d made a decision last night that once Daven was fit to travel, she’d let them do their fighting thing, and she’d go back to her nice safe, boring life.
When the door opened, she expected Breck, but instead it was the doctor. “Your blood work is back, Mr. Sang, and it seems you are fit to go.” Daven almost jumped out of bed. “But you need to take it easy for a few days.”
She looked up at the doctor. “I’m hoping you’ll say he needs to return to North Carolina.” Knowing them, they’d want revenge.
“That’s not my call.”
Way to help me out, doc.
Daven winced when he tried to stand and she was by his side in a flash. “Take it easy.”
“What do you think I’ve been doing for days?”
Men were so stubborn. “Healing.”
Breck returned. “I heard the good news.”
“Who was on the phone?”
“Hunter. The Sword are planning an attack.”
Adrenaline flooded her system. “But you’re not going to fight them, are you?”
He moved closer and ran his hands down her arms. Her body tensed, knowing his answer. “We have to. We’re here. We know the faces of our enemy.”
“Daven isn’t fit yet.”
“In another day he will be.”
Even though he’d want her to leave for her own safety, she wanted to go because if she stayed, she’d say something she might regret. “Fine. I’ll go back to the hotel, pack, and be on my way.”
He gathered her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “We have to do this. For Daven.”
That was an excuse. They both loved The Shield and what it stood for more than life itself.
“I understand.”
“We’ll come back to the hotel room with you.”
“That won’t be necessary.” If they did, she’d be tempted to make love to them one more time and leaving would only be harder.
“Call us when you get home. Okay?”
“I promise.”
Before the tears fell, she left.
* * * *
The drive back to North Carolina passed by in a blur. Twice, she dri
fted into another lane because she couldn’t keep her mind on anything other than losing her men. What was Daven thinking believing he was ready to fight? Sure, panthers healed quickly, but he’d almost died.
Fortunately, it was still light when she got back to Delight. Her shift would have already started at The Black Cat Bar, but she wasn’t fit to wait on anyone. She’d probably cry serving beer. She’d already texted Trish who agreed to cover for her.
Because she didn’t feel like cooking, nor did she want to sit in a restaurant where she’d surely run in to someone she knew, she chanced the drive-thru. She could tell she’d lost weight, as had Breck, so she ordered a hamburger and a chocolate shake for dinner.
Instead of heading straight back to her house, she wanted to see if Jen was home. Most of the time, she was with Hunter and Derek, but she might be back at her place if her men were manning the command center. They’d wanted her to move in to Panther Cove before the wedding, but Jen decided being close to work was more convenient.
If Jen wasn’t there, then maybe Kendis, who shared a triplex with her, might be home. When she got to their unit, Jen’s light was on. Good. Not wanting to eat her meal in front of Jen, she scarfed down the burger, but thought carrying in a shake was acceptable.
Jen answered two seconds after Julia knocked. Since Kendis and Jen were such good friends, she’d become friends with Jen, too. The fact that she was marrying the heads of Panther Cove tied them together even more.
“Hey. Come in. I heard about Daven. How is he?”
She wasn’t surprised Daven’s scrape with death wouldn’t escape her. “It was touch and go, but he’s quite good now. In fact, that’s what I wanted to talk with you about. Got a minute?”
“Sure. Come in.” She stepped inside. “Sorry about the mess. Between working on a story about an accident at the quarry and helping out at The Cove, the place is a mess.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
Jen cleared off a pile of laundry from the sofa and motioned Julia sit. “So tell me.” She sat in the chair off to the side.
Julia launched into how horrible Daven looked when she’d first arrived, but after a lot of care, he bounced back to the world of the living.
Fighting for Julia [Panther Cove 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 11