Cougars, Daddy, and a girl and man; it was Aidan and Chloe.
Claire tried opening her eyes, but they were heavy. Trying something easier, she moved a finger. When she moved another, there was a gasp and Chloe’s voice shouted, “Daddy, look. Claire’s moving. Maybe my singing helped.”
A warm hand caressed her forehead. “Claire, are you awake? If you are, open your eyes for me, love.”
The relief in Aidan’s voice pushed Claire to try harder until her eyes opened a crack. Even without her glasses, Aidan’s face was close enough she could see him perfectly. Even to her own ears, her voice was scratchy. “Aidan.”
He kissed her on the lips and then her nose, his eyes shimmering with tears. “You’re awake.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Tell the guard outside that Claire is awake.”
“But Daddy, I want to say hello to Claire too.”
“Then hurry and tell the guard.”
With a huff, she heard Chloe open the door. But Aidan’s scratchy voice, full of emotion, caught her attention. “I should start by saying thank you for saving my life.”
She tried to raise a hand to Aidan’s face, but couldn’t move her hand more than an inch or two off the bed. The slightest movements took more effort than it ever had before in her life.
Yet somehow, she made her voice work. “You would’ve done the same for me.”
Aidan took one of her hands and squeezed, his warmth helping to chase away the cold. “I should have paid more attention, Claire. I failed you and totally understand if you want me to leave.”
She squeezed his hand lightly. “You leave and I will kick your ass.”
He smiled. “I’d like to see you try.”
“Just shut up and give me a kiss.”
Aidan pressed his lips against hers, slowly and gently tasting her lips. When he pulled away, she nearly asked for another, but then a fuzzy Chloe appeared on the other side of her bed. “Claire, I’m so happy you’re awake! I’ve been practicing my paper flowers and I can’t wait to show you how good I’ve gotten.”
Claire smiled. “How about you give me a hug first.”
Chloe gently laid her head on Claire’s chest and stayed there. With Aidan caressing her forehead and Chloe’s weight on her chest, she felt at home.
While blurry, a woman with short, blonde hair she didn’t recognize appeared at her bedside. Aidan nodded toward the woman. “This is Dr. Lisa. She’s a GreyFire wolf and the woman who saved your life.”
Claire tried her best to focus on the fuzzy shape. “Thank you, Doctor.”
“I’m just happy you made it. Between Kian, Kaya, Aidan, and the SEA breathing down my neck, you being alive makes my life easier.”
Claire heard the teasing in the woman’s voice, but wished she could see her. “You didn’t by chance save my glasses as well?”
Aidan chuckled, released her hand, and slowly put a pair of glasses on her face. Everything went back into focus.
The doctor smiled down at her and said, “I need to examine you, but I’ll give you a few minutes with your family first while I check the readings on the machines. They’ve pretty much lived in this room for the past three days.”
Claire blinked. “I was out for three days?”
Lisa nodded. “Yes, and it’s going to be a long recovery with plenty of physical therapy. You aren’t going to be making any speeches any time soon, I’m afraid. Aidan will have to take care of you until you’re stronger.”
While tired, Claire felt more like herself and couldn’t resist saying, “A man waiting on me hand and foot? I think I could get used to that.” Lisa laughed as Aidan grunted. Looking at her man, she added, “It’s not like you won’t be hovering anyway. Shifter males are notorious for hovering around a sick mate.”
He caressed her forehead some more. “Yes, we just need to make the mate part official first.”
Chloe chimed in with a squeal. “Yay! I was hoping you’d be my new mommy, Claire. And maybe once you’re better, you can give me a little brother. Or, sister, although a brother would be cuter.”
Claire started to laugh but then groaned. Aidan’s voice was tender when he spoke, “Are you all right, Claire? Where does it hurt?”
Pain throbbed in her left side. “My left side, which I’m guessing is where I was shot.”
Dr. Lisa pushed Aidan out of the way, pulled back the blanket, and gently felt her side. With a nod, Lisa put the blanket back. “You’re tender but not swollen, which is a good sign. What you need more than anything is rest.”
Claire eyed Aidan. “I’ll only rest if you promise to do the same.” He opened his mouth, but she beat him to it. “The circles under your eyes tell me all I need to know. Get some sleep, Aidan. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
“I would argue, but I have a feeling I’d lose.”
Claire glanced to Chloe. “Can I put you in charge of making sure your dad gets some sleep?”
Chloe bobbed her head. “Yes, Claire. I’ll do a good job and make sure he takes a nap.”
“Thanks, Chloe. And maybe when I wake up, you can show me your flowers.”
“Of course. I’m going to decorate your room and surprise you.”
Claire smiled. “I can hardly wait.”
Lisa cut in. “Okay, you two, out. I’ll look after Claire and let you know when she wakes up. Jose is waiting outside the door to show you to one of the temporary quarters our researchers use whenever they pull all-nighters.”
Aidan kissed her gently. “Sleep well and heal, love. We have lots to discuss when you wake up.”
She frowned. “Why would you mention that now? I’ll be wondering what the hell you need to say.”
One corner of his mouth ticked up. “It’s good news, Claire. I found a way for you to stay with me and Chloe, always, if that’s what you want. But you need to sleep first. If the doctors tell me you fight it and don’t get some rest, I’ll wait longer to tell you the news.”
She sighed. “Fine. But I’m only giving in easily because I’m not at full strength. Don’t expect this to be a regular thing.”
Aidan grinned. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” He kissed her again. “Sweet dreams, love.”
Chloe kissed her cheek. “See you soon, Claire. I’m glad you’re okay.”
Claire smiled. “Me, too, Chloe, me too.”
Once Aidan and Chloe left, Lisa gave her some water. Then she stated, “I’m going to give you something to make you sleep because if I were you, I’d be wondering what the hell Aidan was teasing about, too.”
“Do you know what it is?”
Lisa shook her head. “Not really, just that the bears found a way to legally allow you to stay with DarkStalker. It’s very hush-hush, though, so I’m not in the loop.”
The doctor took out a needle, placed it into the IV opening, and pushed some drugs into her system. Before the drugs could knock her out, she murmured, “Thanks, Doctor, for keeping me alive.”
She heard, “Don’t thank me, your spirit is something else, especially for a human,” before the world went black.
~~~
Aidan checked his reflection in the mirror one more time and brushed his hair to the side.
Chloe put her hand in his. “You look good, Daddy. You always tell me if I play too much with my hair, it will fall out and I don’t know if I want a bald daddy just yet.”
With a grin, he placed a hand on Chloe’s head. “So what do you think? I want to look nice for Claire.”
His daughter nodded. “I almost don’t recognize you. You usually don’t brush your hair or wear nice shirts.”
Aidan smoothed his button-up shirt. “Don’t worry, I feel trapped in this thing and it’s coming off as soon as possible, but Claire deserves it.”
Chloe released his hand and leaned against the bathroom counter. “Are you sure I can’t go with you? I have some real flowers to give Claire and the longer I wait, the more they’ll die.”
He crouched down until he was eye level. “The flowers will last ano
ther half a day. This one time, I need to go alone. I’ll take you to visit Claire tomorrow, okay?”
Chloe gave a dramatic sigh. “I guess. Just let her know that I didn’t forget about her.”
“I’ll do that.” Standing up, Aidan moved them out of the bathroom. “Just make sure to follow Dani’s instructions tonight. I don’t want to hear tales of you roaring inside your bedroom and playing lion-shifter.”
“I’ll try, but it’s just so hard sometimes. I want to roar.”
Thankfully, a knock prevented him from telling Chloe she couldn’t change her animal shifter form based on desire.
Opening the door, he greeted his friend. “Thanks, Dani. You sure you can handle this?”
“I train young alphas all the time. I can handle one seven-year-old.” Dani looked around Aidan at Chloe. “I can teach you more secret moves, if you want, Chloe?”
The little girl clapped her hands. “Ooh, I can’t wait. Maybe I can be a sentry like you and Daddy.”
Aidan opened his mouth, but Dani gave him a shove. “Go. You don’t know how long Claire will stay awake this time.”
“Fine, just stay out of trouble.”
As the door shut behind him, he heard Chloe ask, “Can we invite some of the wolves over to play?”
Smiling at his daughter’s willingness to accept anyone, regardless of shifter animal or if they were even human, he rushed down the hall. Dani had been right; he didn’t know how long he had before Claire fell back asleep.
He’d slept nearly a day himself and felt rejuvenated. He hoped Claire was faring better.
The few minute walk seemed more like an eternity. Both man and cat desperately needed to hold their female close. Being apart for even a day when she was injured grated against his animal’s instinct to protect their mate.
If not for Chloe, Aidan would’ve refused to leave Claire’s side. But his daughter had toughed out the last few days with him and had needed the sleep. Caring for his child was the only thing which could persuade his cat to leave their mate’s care to the wolves.
Finally, he reached Claire’s door. Nodding to the GreyFire guard standing watch, he took a deep breath before entering the room.
Claire was sitting upright in her bed, reading a tablet in her hands. The sight of her awake and acting as if she hadn’t just nearly died warmed his heart. His mate would live.
At the sound of the door, she looked up and smiled at him. “Aidan.”
His name on her lips only made his cat more anxious to hold their female.
Still, Claire was recovering and he needed to be gentle. Moving to her bedside, he kissed her forehead as the door clicked shut behind him. “Are you up for a visit?”
“Perhaps, although any strenuous activities will have to wait a few weeks.”
He growled. “I may be a shifter male, but I can control myself if need be.”
She grinned. “If you say so.”
Sitting on the edge of her bed, he cupped her cheek with one hand. “I’ve missed you, love.”
“I’ve missed you, too, although I’m afraid to compliment you and boost your ego. I’m not sure I can handle it at full-strength just yet.”
As he stared into Claire’s green eyes and saw the spirit and vitality in them, his heart eased a little. “If you’re well enough to tease me, then you’re definitely out of danger. We’ll have you back in top form in no time. Otherwise, I’ll have to try to be extra nice and not growl. That’s not easy to do.”
She grinned. “Damn, and here I thought I would have a manservant for the foreseeable future.” He frowned as Claire winked. “Don’t worry, it’s not like I would ask you to wear a butler’s uniform or anything.”
“Butler’s uniform my ass. Those things look itchy.”
Claire placed a hand over her heart. “Well, as much as I’d like to see you dressed to the nines, this ordeal has had something positive come out of it.” She held up the tablet. “The shooting helped our campaign.”
“Is that what you were reading? I haven’t had a chance to check any of the news.”
Frowning, she tilted her head. “How is that possible? Staring at my unconscious form for hours would’ve been beyond boring.”
“I didn’t want to miss you waking up. Although, I did have to take care of Chloe some of the time.”
As his female stared at him, he gathered the courage to say what needed to be said. Yet as he opened his mouth, Claire beat him to it. “You are strong, caring, and fierce. When I first met you, I never expected to find my other half in a grumpy shifter male. I love you, Aidan Scott, and I want to mate you.” He frowned and she asked, “What’s wrong now?”
“I was about to tell you that I love you, and you stole my thunder.”
One corner of her mouth ticked up. “Is that why you combed your hair?”
“I always comb my hair.” Claire shook her head, but Aidan continued, “Enough with my hair. You’re caring and smart with an unmatched dedication to making the world a better place.” He leaned down and nuzzled her cheek. “You also brought me back to life, not to mention you’re stubborn and sexy as hell. I love you, Claire Davis, and I will mate you any time you’re ready.”
“Oh, Aidan.”
Moving his head, he kissed her. It took everything he had not to take the kiss deeper, but he wouldn’t risk Claire injuring herself further.
When he pulled away, he stayed a few inches from her face. “So that’s a yes, I take it?”
“Of course it’s a yes. But since I’m not about to mate you wearing a hospital gown with my ass hanging out, it’s going to have to wait until we can go back to DarkStalker. We should have the ceremony there.”
He craned his neck. “I wouldn’t mind seeing your ass.”
She lightly smacked him. “Not right now. Besides, you still haven’t told me how I can stay with you. While the ballot measure to legalize shifter-human marriages is now ten points ahead in the polls, even if it passes, that’s a long time away. I’m guessing you found something else to help us until then.”
After explaining what Nate had shared, Claire shook her head. “To think something like this has been around all this time. I wish I could’ve met with the bears.”
“Well, they’ll be around in the summer some time, so you’ll get your chance then. But…”
“But what?”
“Just stay clear of Nate Carter. He will flirt with you and then I’ll have to kick his ass.”
Claire laughed. “It sounds like this Nate person is interested in Dani, so I should be safe.”
“I can’t see Dani with Nate. They would forever be challenging each other’s authority and would kill each other before long.”
“If you say so. I’m betting on a hook-up. Dani needs a strong male, and a bear-shifter could actually win against her, if he tried.”
Aidan rubbed her back. “I’ll take that bet. Dani will succeed in keeping him away.”
His female put out a hand. “Shake on it. If I win, I can ask for a favor.”
He put his hand in hers. “And if I win, I’ll ask the same.”
After releasing his hand, Claire scooted to the opposite edge of her bed. “Enough about bets. Come cuddle with me and tell me what Chloe’s up to right now. And anything else that can help alleviate my boredom.”
Settling next to his female, she laid her head on his chest. The weight of Claire against him as her scent filled his nose made a combination of possessiveness and contentment course through his body. “Don’t worry, tomorrow Chloe will entertain you. Just ask her to play lion-shifter with you.”
Claire looked up at him. “Only if I can be a wolf-shifter.” He grunted and she grinned. “Hey, it would be fun. I’ve always wanted to howl.”
“Even if you could howl and smelled like wet dog, I’d still love you.”
“Maybe I should mention the wet dog comment to Kaya when we see her next.”
He sighed. “How many weeks do we have until you’re recovered again?”
&nb
sp; “Enough that you’re going to feel the full brunt of both my personality and imagination. You may change your mind about mating me by then.”
He laid his cheek on her head. “Never, Claire Davis. I love every quirky and stubborn bit of you.”
“I love you, too, alphaness and all.” Claire tapped her fingers on his chest. “Now, how about I tell you my idea for a shifter TV reality show? One where a woman can take her pick from any type of shifter she likes…”
As Claire rambled on about her idea, her voice soothed both man and cat. Never in a million years had he expected to find his second chance at love in a human female who liked to give orders and dreamed of producing her own reality TV show.
Yet he couldn’t imagine his life without her.
He only hoped her dream of human-shifter marriage equality came true and that the federal government would accept it. Not just because it was right, but also because he wanted Claire to legally be allowed to come and go from DarkStalker’s lands. Sure, she would be protected under the modified Witness Protection Program, but without marriage equality, she would be trapped for the rest of her life.
Rubbing up and down his female’s hip, he pushed aside his doubts. Aidan would do whatever it took to ensure the new law passed in November.
Once it did, he would marry his female in the human way. After that, the world would have to look out because his mate would never stop trying to change the world.
And there was nowhere Aidan would rather be than at her side.
Epilogue
January 3rd, Ten Months Later
Claire listened as the judge said, “I now pronounce you man and wife.”
Her Aunt Gwen then kissed her new husband, Ben. Applause rose up as Claire’s new uncle took the kiss deeper.
When the couple finally broke off the kiss and faced the crowd, Aunt Gwen sought her eyes. Claire nodded, leaned against Aidan, and murmured, “The first human and shifter couple has now been officially married in the State of Washington.”
Aidan hugged her tightly. “It was nice of you to allow your aunt to be the first. Although, we’ll have our own before too much longer. Stir-crazy is too tame a word for how you’ve been acting these last few months, ever since you were granted the special witness protection program status.”
Resisting the Cougar (Cascade Shifters #2) Page 16