Ailean looked him in the eye and said, “Your right shoulder. You’re lucky it missed your collarbone and ended up being a through and through. Your right thigh and the one in your chest weren’t so clean, though. Some unlucky bastard, probably Manon, had to keep you on oxygen all the way to the hospital. One of the bullets shredded the muscle in your thigh. If you complete your mating, you might be able to skip out on physical therapy.” His lips pinched into a thin line as he continued. “It was your chest that almost killed you. I understand you were put on a ventilator for twelve hours before you were deemed stable enough to move.”
“Damn,” he hissed.
“What’s the last thing you remember, Raul?” Ailean asked gently.
After taking a slow breath, Raul whispered, “Charging into the building with Payson. There was gunfire. We got separated. A shitty desk. Pain.” Raul’s brows creased and his eyes slid closed for several seconds as he struggled to sort things out. One thing stood out in his mind above all else, and he turned to look at Sean. “You,” he murmured.
“Me?” Sean seemed taken aback. “But I wasn’t there.”
Raul scoffed, then grunted when it hurt. He shook his head. “I remember wanting to see you again.” He wiggled his fingers where they lay on the mattress, too tired to lift his hand. Sean seemed to get the idea and gently took his hand. “I’m glad I got my wish.”
“All right,” Ailean said, hooking up something to his IV. “Now that I’m able to pass on the good news that you’re awake and talking, you need to get more rest. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of visitors over the next few days, so you should sleep while you can.”
Raul didn’t think Ailean sounded too pleased by the prospect of lots of shifters in and out of his hospital. Too tired even to think up an effective jab, Raul asked, “How long am I stuck here?”
“Good grief, Raul,” Ailean muttered. “You’ve been shot three times and had two surgeries. Enjoy your down time.”
“How long?” he insisted, really wanting to know.
Ailean’s eyes narrowed and Raul could see him working his jaw. “I plan to keep you at least a week, maybe even two, so get used to the idea.”
Before Raul could ask anything else, Ailean turned on his heel and left. Raul could feel the medicine working, dulling not only the pain, but his senses as well. Pretty soon, he’d pass out. “You gonna stay?” he slurred.
Sean sat down in the chair next to the bed and nodded. “I’ll stay.”
Raul patted the bed beside him. “Here. That’s not comfortable.” He swallowed and frowned. What was he trying to ask again? His brain was so foggy.
“When you’re feeling better,” Sean said, pressing a butterfly kiss to his lips.
“Mmm,” Raul hummed. Oh, I like this man’s kisses. Why am I kissing a man again? He couldn’t remember. Then Raul couldn’t remember why he cared. “More.”
Sean chuckled softly, and wasn’t that a nice sound?
Then his lips were on Raul’s again. Even more nice. He’d complain another time. Right now, his eyes were sliding shut and warm tingles were spreading through his body. When Sean pulled away, Raul really did intend to reach up and pull him back, but the sandman had other ideas.
Raul was ready to slit someone’s throat. He wanted to leave the fucking hospital and there wasn’t anyone here who was going to force him to stay. The fact that he’d convinced—well, blackmailed really—Jared into helping him just proved his desperation.
He’d been there a week and that was enough.
Managing to convince Sean to spend time with Lily at home hadn’t been nearly as difficult as he’d worried it would be. He knew his mate felt guilty leaving her with Lisa so much. Raul had four hours to pull this off.
Raul glanced at the clock on the wall, tapping his fingers impatiently on the bed. He wanted to call Jared, find out where he was, but then his friend might decide not to help. He’d had to assure his friend that he really was feeling fine. He’d even started refusing pain meds. Six days floating on the damn things was enough. It was time to get on with his life.
Besides, there was no way in hell he was going to be in the hospital over Christmas, which was only four days away. He wanted his first holiday with his mate to be at home, together. And the fact that he was tired of having an erection he couldn’t do anything about except in the bathroom didn’t have anything to do with it.
It was fucking miserable.
Admitting that he had permanent blue balls was what finally convinced Jared. His friend’s left brow had risen slowly, then he’d cracked up into huge guffaws. He’d even lost it enough to slap Raul’s calf. Good thing it was on his good leg.
Jared pushing a wheelchair into the room pulled Raul out of his thoughts. “You ready?”
Raul nodded. “How you getting me by the damn nurse’s station?”
His friend gave him a toothy grin. “No worries. She’s prepping your release papers right now. For some reason, she got approval from Doctor Carmichael just ten minutes ago via phone.”
Pausing while disconnecting wires, Raul murmured, “I thought that wasn’t allowed.”
Shrugging innocently, Jared responded, “They must have made an exception.”
Snickering, Raul said, “I don’t even want to know.” He waved his friend over. “Let’s get out of here. Where are my clothes?”
Jared tossed a backpack on the bed next to his hip. “You need help?” he asked, eyeing him dubiously as Raul struggled to tuck his arm into his sleeve.
His glare must have been answer enough, because Jared stepped forward, muttering jackass under his breath, and helped him maneuver his arm into his shirt. Sure, Raul would have preferred it was his mate, but then again, his mate wouldn’t have helped him break out of here. That’s what friends were for.
After a couple hisses of pain, they got the t-shirt on. Next came the sweats. Fortunately, they’d seen each other buck-ass naked more times than they could remember over the years. The sweats ended up being easier because once Jared worked them up to above his knees, all he had to do was stand and pull.
Still, by the time they finished, Raul had sweat beading on his upper lip and he struggled to keep his breathing even. Jared got behind the chair and leaned over his shoulder to whisper, “I know this is just killing you, Raul, you stubborn fool. If you end up dead because of this, I will find a witch to raise you from the grave just so I can kick your ass. You got me?”
Raul grinned and looked over his shoulder at his friend. “I love you, too, Jared.”
Jared straightened with a snort and pushed him out the door.
True to his claim, the nurse had his release papers ready. She gave him a commiserating look. “I’m awful sorry to hear about your father’s heart attack, Raul. You give him our best wishes, okay?”
He nodded slowly. “Thanks, Stacey. I appreciate it. It came as quite a shock,” he said, playing along. Evidently, he was getting out early because Jared made everyone think his father was ill or something. Whatever works!
Raul listened carefully as she explained cleaning procedures. She’d even gone so far as to secure him a prescription for the higher dosage pain relievers. He sure prayed he didn’t need them past tonight because he hated how loopy they made him. But this evening, yeah, he’d need them. Thanking her profusely as Jared rolled him away, Raul grinned at his buddy.
They made it to the elevator without mishap. Waiting inside, leaning against the wall, was Ailean. Jared didn’t even hesitate. He pushed Raul right inside and hit the appropriate button for parking level.
“You weren’t really trying to sneak out of here, were you, Raul?” Ailean asked dryly.
Raul grinned through the throb beginning to permeate his body. “Naw, Doc, I got my release papers. See?” He held up the referenced sheets.
Ailean’s eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. “I’d force you to go back to your room, but I find myself giving you grudging respect for actually getting away with it.” He scowled. “That is, at
least, as far as the hospital is concerned.” Sighing, he rolled his eyes and actually smirked. “Damn ballsy of you.”
Jared shrugged. “It’s a hospital, not a prison.”
The elevator stopped and the doors opened. Ailean gave them a nod, but stayed in the elevator as Jared pushed Raul out, content to order, “Call me or Lark if you have complications, Raul.”
With a grunt or two of pain, Raul got into Jared’s Porsche. At least, with that, he hadn’t needed help. Sighing, he settled back in the bucket seat and closed his eyes, trying to will the aches and pains away. Raul wasn’t sure, but if he’d been a betting man, he figured he fell asleep before they even got out of the parking garage.
Chapter Eight
Sean tickled Lily, making her squeal and kick where she lay on the blanket spread over the rug. He’d known he’d been a bit distracted recently, what with spending all his time at the hospital, and Sean appreciated Raul’s understanding. He smiled, tickling Lily again, thinking how sweet it was for Raul to encourage him to spend time with his niece.
He glanced at the clock, realizing he probably ought to try to put Lily down before Lisa got there with Abigail. That way, she wouldn’t have to worry about it after he left for the hospital again.
Sean reached for her, but the sound of crunching gravel under tires made him pause. His brows creasing, he looked at the clock again. No, Sean hadn’t been mistaken. Lisa shouldn’t be there yet. Leaving Lily where she was, kicking happily on her stomach, he headed toward the window and peeked out.
His brows lifted when he spotted Jared’s Porsche carefully maneuvering around patches of snow. It was a good thing the pack plowed all of its members’ driveways regularly, otherwise the man’s pretty sports car would have trouble.
Come to think of it, this was only the second time Sean had seen it out in the winter. All the other times, Jared had been riding shotgun in Carson’s SUV. Concern filling him, Sean glanced once at Lily, double-checking that she hadn’t moved, then headed toward the front door.
He opened it and watched Jared park and get out of his car. That’s when Sean realized someone was in the passenger seat, though he couldn’t figure out who, what with the tinted windows and all.
Jared closed his door and looked at him. “Oh, good. Help me out with him,” he said, motioning. “He passed out as soon as I gave him his pain meds,” the man continued, grumbling.
Sean carefully shut the door and headed down the steps, trying not to shiver in the winter chill. “Who?”
The human stopped in his tracks, his hand pausing on the handle of the passenger door, and peered at him with brows drawn. Then his eyes widened and he started to laugh. “He didn’t tell you?” he got out between guffaws, which just confused Sean even more.
“Who tell me what?” he asked.
That’s when Jared, still laughing uproariously, opened the door and Sean realized who was in the passenger seat. His jaw dropped open. “They released him? When the hell…” Sean paused and took at Jared’s grin. The man still snickered. “They didn’t release him, did they? He broke out, didn’t he? And you helped!” he said, pointing between them accusingly.
Jared shrugged and rolled his eyes. “Ailean knows he left. Besides, it’s not a fucking prison,” he muttered, gripping Raul’s arm and urging the barely conscious man to his feet.
Sean might be irritated, but even he wouldn’t leave his mate out in the cold just to make a point—which he really didn’t care about anyway. Stepping around them, he carefully wrapped both arms around him and leaned his mate against his back.
Raul roused. His head lolled and he peered up at Sean and grinned. “Hey, baby. Don’t be mad,” he slurred. “Wanted to be here with you.”
Groaning, Sean breathed in his mate’s scent. Even if he had been mad, he couldn’t be now after that confession, even though, from the look of Raul’s pupils, he wasn’t totally coherent. “Not mad,” he promised, nuzzling his neck. “Let’s get you inside where it’s warm,” he urged.
“Yeah,” Raul agreed.
As carefully as he could, Sean lifted his mate into his arms. Sean had no clue how the two men managed to convince Ailean that Raul was well enough to leave, but now that he had the sweet-smelling human in his arms, Sean wasn’t about to let him go.
Jared opened the door and Sean followed inside. When Sean started heading toward the bedroom, Raul lifted a hand and pointed toward the front room. “Want to sit with you,” Raul muttered.
Sean paused, hesitant. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“Watch you play with Lily,” Raul slurred, smiling at the little girl who was now propped up on her elbows and gracing the three men with a huge smile.
“Best just do what he says,” Jared advised. “Otherwise, the idiot will just try to walk out here on his own.”
Well, Sean sure as shit didn’t want that. His mate could barely stay standing leaning against the car. He’d probably end up falling and hurting himself. Doing as Raul bid, Sean laid him on the couch, tucking a pillow under his head, then covered him with the afghan from the back of the couch.
Kneeling, he kissed Raul gently. “Are you happy to be home?” he murmured.
Raul’s fingers threaded through Sean’s thick hair and pulled him into another kiss. This one had heat and tongue, and Sean’s cock started pressing insistently against his fly. He really, really needed more from his mate, but there were others in the room, not to mention Sean feared reinjuring his hurting human.
Sean gently ended the tongue-tangling and pressed a couple more butterfly kisses to Raul’s lips to stop him from trying to lift his head. Smiling, Sean whispered, “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“I’m glad I’m feeling better, too,” Raul responded, smiling back. “And I’m happy to be home because you’re here.”
Sean knew it was just the pain meds talking, but his heart still skipped a beat at Raul’s words. His chest warmed, and he knew it’d be so easy to fall in love with his mate. In fact, Sean figured he was halfway there already. Their talks in the hospital over the last few days went a long way in learning about each other. Raul was a good man, confident, always there for his friends. Sean just knew he’d make an excellent second father to Lily and prayed his human really wanted the job.
“I’m going to put these bottles on the kitchen counter,” Jared said, cutting into his thoughts. He held up a couple containers, shaking the one in his right hand. “These are antibiotics. He still needs to take them every six hours with food. There should be enough in here for a week.” He smirked. “I’d advise to get either Lark or Ailean to look at him at that point to evaluate his wounds. And don’t take no for an answer.” He shook the second bottle. “This is his pain killers. As you can see, he’s a lightweight,” Jared said, snorting. “He can take them as needed.”
“Thank you,” Sean said.
Jared waved his hand, cutting off anything else Sean could have said. The man shrugged. “I did it for him, not you. Hurry up and claim him, so his healing will speed up.”
With those parting words, Jared left the room. Sean turned to Raul, wondering what he thought of Jared’s comment, but his mate had passed out. Sean smiled, tracing the man’s nose and jaw. The lines of stress and pain had eased in sleep, and Sean hoped he’d be able to see this relaxed look on Raul all the time soon.
Lily’s happy squeal pulled Sean’s attention from his mate. He smiled at the little girl. Sitting next to her, Sean tickled her side, making her giggle. “Who’s a happy girl? Yes, you’re a happy girl, aren’t you?”
He got to his knees and swung her in his arms, carefully spinning her around while making airplane noises. Sean loved the way Lily shrieked and giggled. After a moment, Sean said, “Okay, little girl, let’s get you a bottle, then I gotta call Lisa. Yes, I do.” Cradling her in his arms, he tickled her belly as he left the room.
While Sean fed Lily, he told Lisa that Raul was home. She’d been pretty surprised, which was to be expected. After getting off
the phone, Sean burped Lily, then put her down for her nap. She fussed a bit, but quieted once he turned the mobile on. Two minutes later, she was out like a light.
Sean watched her sleep for a few minutes, smiling. Heading to the front room, he sat on the floor next to the couch and let out a slow breath, just enjoying the moment.
When Raul put his hand on Sean’s shoulder and murmured hey, he nearly jumped out of his skin. Chuckling at himself, Sean turned to face his mate and grinned at him. “Sorry. You startled me. Guess I was lost in thought.”
Raul smiled and touched his mouth. Sean flicked out a tongue and tasted the pad of the man’s finger. “What were you thinking about?”
“How you need a Christmas tree,” he replied truthfully, then drew the tip of Raul’s finger into his mouth and sucked lightly.
His mate’s nostrils flared and his eyes dilated for a completely different reason. The scent of arousal hit Sean’s senses like the finest aphrodisiac. Sean’s erection, which had never completely deflated, thickened with a vengeance, and he moaned and sucked harder, flicking the rough pad with his tongue. The image of him sucking something else of Raul’s shot through his brain and he couldn’t stop his gaze from dropping to his mate’s crotch.
“Where—where would you put the tree?” Raul managed to get out.
He smiled and allowed the finger to slip from between his lips. The move made Raul’s breathing hitch and Sean grinned. “In front of the window,” he murmured. “A seven-footer would be perfect right there, don’t you think? We’ll cut construction paper into thin slips and create a rainbow chain. Celebrate the changes in our life,” he said.
Taking courage at the scent of lust rolling off his mate, Sean flipped the blanket off Raul’s torso and cupped the thick, hard cock straining against the fabric of his sweats. “What do you think?” he whispered, giving Raul’s dick a squeeze.
Raul moaned and rocked into his touch. “That sounds like a great idea,” he gasped out. “But first, shouldn’t we actually do the deed?”
Sean grinned at his very soon-to-be lover. “I thought you’d never ask.”
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