Ethan carried her inside and spoke to the receptionist. Straight away, two doctors came out. A middle aged female fox shifter led Dana and Ethan to one room. The other doctor led Katie to another.
Ethan laid her gently onto the table and stood beside her. She looked at him, waiting for him to leave, but he just quirked an eyebrow at her.
Frowning, she opened her mouth to protest but he shook his head.
“I’m staying, Dana,” Ethan stated firmly. “Get used to it.” A little part of her found itself hoping that he wasn’t just referring to the examination.
“I’m sure I’ll be safe long enough to get examined,” Dana insisted. “You can always wait outside the door.”
Ethan shook his head. “Or I can wait right here. Where I can see you and know that you’re safe.”
“Your mate can stay,” the doctor said, smiling at them. “Hard to keep a male shifter away from his mate when she’s hurt. I’m used to it.”
Dana opened her mouth to say that he wasn’t her mate but Ethan spoke first.
“Thanks, doc. I appreciate it.”
Dana glared at him but he just smiled back. What the heck was he playing at?
The doctor asked her about her injuries and poked and prodded a little. Thankfully, she didn’t have to undress. She was wearing a skirt, making access to her leg easy.
“Nothing is broken, just badly bruised,” the doctor confirmed. “Your head and neck should be fine soon. The leg might take a little longer. Try to keep your weight off it as much as possible. It should all heal by itself.”
“What about other injuries?” Ethan asked, his eyes scanning her body.
“I’m fine,” Dana hissed. “Just bruises.”
Ethan opened his mouth again but the doctor patted his arm.
“Now, now,” she said. “Your mate is fine. She knows what hurts and what doesn’t. I’m sure she’ll let us know if there’s a problem. In the meantime, Dana, why don’t you shift into your other form for a little while. That’ll speed up the healing. There’s a room here you can use. Take a few hours and then you can shift back and go home. After that, you’ll need to take it easy for a few days. By then, you should be back to normal.”
“Okay,” Dana agreed. Trying to sit up made her dizzy, so Ethan gently pushed her back down and scooped her up. Since the room was still spinning, she decided to let him.
“Okay, Muscles,” the doctor said, smiling. “Follow me.”
The doctor led them to a room with a bed. Dana blushed as she caught sight of it and peeked up to see Ethan’s knowing grin. Why did he have to be so frickin' attractive?
“I’m staying,” he said firmly, before she could even suggest he leave.
“I’ll be around if you need anything,” the doctor said, smiling as she closed the door, leaving her alone with the big bad wolf. And a bed.
Ethan laid her gently on the bed and stepped back. “Need some help getting undressed?”
Yes! “No!” she squealed. “I’ll manage. Could you wait outside for a minute?” She was not performing a striptease for the man.
“Hell no,” Ethan said pleasantly. “Consider me your new personal bodyguard. I go where you go.” Errr... what? He could not be serious.
“I am not getting naked with you standing there, watching me!” she exclaimed. “At least turn around… not facing the mirror!” He snorted in amusement as she foiled his plan but he did turn around to face the door.
She stripped as quickly as she could considering moving caused her pain and made her queasy. She wasn’t entirely sure she trusted him to remain facing away. Finally naked, she allowed the change to wash over her. She mooed softly to let Ethan know he could turn around.
He turned and looked at her. “You’re beautiful,” he said softly. He walked over and sat on a chair beside the bed. His hand stretched out and stroked the fur down her back, making her shiver in delight. She peered up at him and he gently petted her nose. Her moose was in heaven.
“Why don’t you get some sleep, sweetheart,” Ethan suggested, his voice soft. “I’ll be right here.”
She mooed quietly at him and closed her eyes. Feeling secure for the moment, she let herself drift off.
Chapter 19
Ethan watched his mate sleep. Yeah, so it was probably a little creepy but he had meant what he said. He fully intended to stick to her like glue until the Shifter Stalker had been caught. He had already been rethinking his position on mating since the first threat to Dana. It had aroused his protective instincts and sharpened his interest in her. Although, if he was being honest with himself for once, he had never really wanted to leave her. For both their sakes, he had hoped that he would be able to walk away, but he knew that he had been kidding himself. He would always have found an excuse to stay near her. Pity he hadn't realized that until after he'd opened his big mouth and screwed everything up.
Her moose form was stunning. He continued stroking her long after she had fallen asleep, unwilling to give up any contact with her. It wasn’t love, it was far too soon for that, but his feelings for her were somewhat warm and fuzzy. She intrigued him. Plus, he was completely in lust with her. He had been permanently hard since he’d met her. Even while she lay here, hurt and in moose form. Yeah, he was sick.
He got up quietly and walked away from the bed to call Leo for an update. When Dana woke up, she'd want to know about her friend.
“McKenzie,” Leo’s voice sounded tired.
“Hey, it’s Ethan,” he said, keeping his voice down to avoid waking Dana. “How is Fiona?”
“Doctors say she’ll be fine,” Leo said. Ethan could hear the relief in his voice. “She woke up a short while ago. She has a concussion and a broken arm. They’re keeping her in the hospital for now. I’m waiting with her until one of the guys gets here. I don’t think any of them should be left alone. How is Dana?”
“No serious injuries and nothing broken,” Ethan sighed in relief. “She’s sleeping in her animal form right now. That should take care of most of it. She’ll be back to normal within a few days.”
“Katie’s fine too,” Leo said, reminding Ethan that he hadn’t checked, too wrapped up in making sure that Dana wasn’t seriously hurt.
“Shit, Leo, I’m sorry,” Ethan began, stopping when Leo laughed at him.
“It’s fine,” Leo chuckled. “Your mate comes first. We all understand that. I sent one of Katie’s brothers to keep an eye on her. He called just before you did. He’s going to stay with her for now. I assume you’ll be staying with Dana. That you've finally decided to stop being a world class idiot.”
“Yeah, you assumed right,” Ethan answered, glancing over at his little moose, still slumbering peacefully. Yeah, he was done with running. “Do we think he’s going after her friends?”
Leo sighed. “Hell if I know. The text could have been a threat against them. Or purely a way to taunt Dana. Better safe than sorry, though. We should make sure that they understand they shouldn’t be alone right now. Between the police, friends, and family, there should be plenty of people around them.”
“Shifters only,” Ethan growled. He no longer trusted the human police, especially with his mate.
“Obviously,” Leo agreed. “I’ll call Alex, make him aware of what’s going on. You take care of Dana. Call me later.”
“Hey, Leo,” Ethan said. “Can you do me a favour? Can you visit my place and throw a few things in a bag for me? Drop it off at Dana’s later. I’ll be staying with her until things are settled. If I go to pack myself, she’ll probably lock me out her house.” There was no way he was leaving her while she was in danger. No matter what she thought about it.
Leo laughed. “Probably.” He paused and then his voice turned serious. “You have a lot of ground to make up there. Don’t jerk her around, Ethan. She’s a nice girl.”
Ethan sighed. “I know. You were right. I’m an idiot. I’m trying to fix it, Leo. But first things first, I need to make su
re she’s safe and I don’t trust anyone else to do it. Not with my mate.”
“I get it,” Leo said. “I’ll pack you a bag. Call me when you’re at her house and I’ll drop it off.”
Ethan ended the call and returned to watching Dana. Now that he’d decided that he couldn’t let her go, he had to find a way to make her trust him again. He had hurt her and now she was wary of him. He had to find a way to get back in her good books. He refused to consider the possibility that he had blown it for good. Well, he’d be staying with her until her stalker problem was resolved and she wouldn’t be able to avoid him then. Perhaps that would give him a chance to win her over. He would care for her while she was hurt and protect her from all threats. If could manage to throw in a little charm - he ignored his wolf’s snort - then maybe his mate would forgive him and give him another chance. He’d make sure he didn’t blow it again.
He sat quietly until Dana woke. She startled awake, long legs kicking out as she looked about.
“Easy there,” Ethan soothed her, careful not to touch her. She could do a fair amount of damage if she kicked him. Was it sick that he found that appealing?
His mate turned her gaze on him. She rolled her eyes forward to see him. As a moose, her eyesight was not great, particularly close up. She inhaled, her sense of smell allowing her to recognise his scent, and calmed quickly.
“You ready to turn back?” Ethan asked her, stroking her nose.
She looked at him, gaze narrowed, and tossed her head toward the door. The meaning was clear. She wanted privacy to change. As much as he longed to see her naked, he knew that pushing her now would not endear him to her. Embarking on Operation: Win Dana Over meant that he had to give her a little space.
He sighed. “I’m not leaving but I’ll keep my back turned again.”
He turned around and faced the door. A short time later, he could hear scrambling as Dana rushed to get dressed. His wolf grumbled at him but he reminded it that they needed to get Dana to forgive them – his wolf growled – okay, to forgive him and then they could have a lifetime of watching her dress and undress. Or, you know, they could just persuade her to stay naked all the time. The wolf liked that idea and subsided. Unlike his massive erection. Clearly his human side liked the idea too.
“I’m dressed,” Dana called softly.
Turning around, he saw her sitting on the bed, watching him warily. He looked back, noting that many of the scratches and blossoming bruises had already disappeared. She still had one scratch on her forehead and a faint bruise on her cheekbone. Her face was pale, her hair dishevelled, and she looked tired.
“How are you feeling?” he asked her.
“A lot better,” she said. “My head feels fine and I don’t feel sick anymore. That’s a relief. My leg still hurts and I feel generally stiff and achy, but nothing major. I think I’m good to go now.”
“Then let’s get you home,” he said. He'd feel better once she was safely inside her house. With him. He wanted to take her to his own place but it was a dump. Her house would have to do.
“No,” she said firmly. She crossed her arms, her expression mulish. She was not giving in on this one. “I need to check on Katie and then I want to go to the hospital to see Fiona. Have you heard anything?” She stood up beside the bed, keeping her weight off her left leg. Clearly, it was still bothering her.
“They’re both fine,” he assured her. “I called Leo while you were asleep. Katie is fine and with her brother. Leo is with Fiona. She’s awake and suffering from a broken arm and a concussion. They’re taking good care of her.”
Dana breathed out a sigh of relief. “Thank God.” She paused for a moment, before adding, “Could you see if the doctor can lend me a crutch? My leg is still a little too sore to put my weight on.”
Ethan snorted and walked towards her. She tried to step away but she was right next to the bed and her injuries made her too slow. He swung her up into his arms and walked towards the door.
“Put me down,” Dana hissed. “I need crutches.”
“Why?” Ethan asked pleasantly. “Just tell me where you want to go and I’ll make sure you’ll get there.” He meant it too. He was fully prepared to carry her around until she was better. Probably longer. It was an excellent excuse to be close to her. He'd take any excuse he could get.
“You can’t carry me everywhere!” she exclaimed.
“Watch me.” He smiled at her, enjoying the flush that crept over her cheeks. His wolf nose also caught the faint scent of her arousal. For all that she protested, at least a part of her liked being carried by him. He’d file that away for later.
He stopped at the door, unable to open it while he carried her.
“Get the door for me, would you?” he asked.
She glared at him mutinously. She was going to be difficult. Awesome. His wolf did enjoy a challenge.
“See, the only other way I can do this,” he said, grinning at her, “is to throw you over my shoulder and open the door myself.”
Her eyes widened and she leaned down to open the door.
“Thought you’d see it my way,” he chuckled, earning another glare. The scent of her arousal had grown stronger though. Apparently his little moose liked the caveman act. He’d remember that too.
Walking along the corridor, they found the doctor who had examined Dana.
“Oh, your friend left already,” she said when they asked after Katie. “Her brother took her home. She’s doing fine, dear. Nothing to worry about.”
“Could I have some crutches?” Dana asked sweetly, with a side glance at him.
“Oh, of course,” the doctor nodded. “Your leg still hurting? It should be fine within a few days. Just try not to put your weight on it for a while. I’m sure your young man will be happy to run around after you.”
“Absolutely,” Ethan said before Dana could deny their connection. She glared at him again. If looks could kill, he'd have been dead several times over by now. She probably didn’t realize how hot she looked when she did that. His wolf viewed it as a challenge to kiss her until she forgot why she was mad at him. He liked that strategy but it would have to wait for now. Big bad wolf or not, he was fairly sure that she’d maim him if he tried it. She was worth a good maiming but it would hinder his other plans to woo her.
The doctor fetched a pair of crutches and carried them out to the car for them. Ethan thanked her as he gently placed Dana in the front passenger seat. Ignoring her attempts to bat his hands away, he fastened her seat belt for her. He put the crutches in the back seat and got into the driver’s seat. Dana had her face turned away from him and he smiled to himself. His improved behaviour seemed to confuse her and she was attempting to put distance between them. He’d allow it for now but he was determined to melt her heart. Starting the car, he drove off, anticipating the fight when Dana realized that he really meant to stay with her.
Chapter 20
The hospital had the usual smell of death, sickness, and antiseptic. Dana’s enhanced sense of smell made it particularly unpleasant. She hated hospitals but she was determined to see Fiona.
Ethan had argued with her, insisting that Dana should go home and rest but she had dug her heels in. Finally, she had declared that if he took her home, she would simply call her three large brothers to come and get her. He had scowled at her and given in. Of course, it was highly unlikely that her brothers would have actually helped her. They were more likely to take her to their parents’ house where her mother would smother her senseless but Ethan didn’t know that.
Once at the hospital, Ethan had left the crutches in the car, insisting on carrying her again. At the entrance, she had suggested a wheelchair but he ignored her. He really did seem intent on carrying her everywhere. The wolf was confusing her. It was more than just his protective stance and his willingness to help her, although those made her heart beat faster. He was being friendly. And flirty. Had he changed his mind about being her mate? She wasn’t sure sh
e was ready to forget his rejection but she couldn’t help her body’s response to him. Or her mind’s response. She liked this side of him. This man, she could imagine being mated to. Even if she did occasionally want to throttle him. Perhaps she was reading too much into it. One thing was for sure, she was not opening herself up to be rejected again. Once was more than enough.
They arrived towards the end of visiting time, so they had a short time to see Fiona before they’d be kicked out. Entering the ward, she drew a few curious gazes, probably wondering why she was being carried around. They found Fiona’s room, a shifter cop standing guard outside. As they entered the room, Fiona saw them coming, her face a mixture of surprise and amusement. She was sitting up in bed, her left arm in a cast, her face pale. Ethan carried Dana to the chair at the side of the bed. She expected him to put her down in the chair. Instead, he sat on the chair himself and settled her on his lap. She tried to stand up but his arms tightened around her, keeping her immobile. She felt a small growl slip free and heard him chuckle. Men! Determined to ignore him, she turned to her friend.
“Hey,” Dana said. “How are you feeling?”
Fiona gave her a half-smile. “I think my head is trying to explode.”
“I’m so glad you’re awake,” Dana said. “You had me worried.”
“I’ll be fine,” Fiona assured her. “Are you okay?”
Dana nodded. “Yeah, just a busted leg. It should be fine within a few days. Katie is fine too.”
“I know.” Fiona smiled. “She was in here. You just missed her. Her brother, Felix, is pretty hot, by the way.”
Dana laughed. “I noticed. All her brothers are hot.” Katie’s brothers were extremely attractive. They were also extremely vain, especially about their golden manes. Felix was the absolute worst. He honestly did have pretty hair though.
She heard a growl from behind her and laughed harder. Her wolf was jealous. She felt a nip on her ear and her wolf whispered “Play nice.” Shifting a little to look at him, she could feel his erection poking her. Blushing, she dropped her gaze and looked back to Fiona who was watching them with an amused expression.
Don't Moose With Her (Bearbank Book 1) Page 7