Love in the Shadows

by Caryn Moya Block

  Katherine smiled and tried to oblige him.

  §

  At nine a.m. sharp, Cara stopped outside the hospital room door and looked through the window. She could see Katherine wrapped securely in Derek’s arms, and they were both fast asleep. She was ecstatic for her friend and brother-in-law.

  With a little coaxing from both Cara and Raven, Quiet Thunder had agreed to forgive Derek for stealing the potion and would train him to be the next tribal shaman. Cara thought the old man actually felt relieved to know that Derek was okay. The fact that the elders had chosen Derek to be the next shaman didn’t really surprise Quiet Thunder. Quiet Thunder had probably received the same vision she had. She carried a note from him to give to Derek. First, Derek needed to get well.

  Cara really needed to bring up the need for larger hospital beds to the board. She and Raven had had the same problem once upon a time. It was so important for Shadow Walker couples to hold each other. Really, it only made sense to have at least one full-size hospital bed available. Especially, if they wanted mated pairs to stay in the hospital for as long as needed. Surely, the mental health of the couples required it.

  Cara waited in the hall for Katherine or Derek to wake up. She sat down and picked up a magazine. A short time later, Dr. Rick came down the hall. “Cara, I knew you would be here bright and early. How is Raven today?”

  “He’s fine, Rick. I expect he and Joe will be down soon to check in.”

  “I’m sure both of my patients will be hungry, though Derek needs to start on soft foods for a couple of days,” Dr. Rick said. “I’ve already ordered trays for them. Oh, I see they are still sleeping. Why is it every mated pair that comes in here ends up in each other’s arms?”

  “I was thinking we need a bigger bed for them.”

  “Impossible. It would never work,” Dr. Rick said indignantly.

  “Well, then, I’ll give you two days.”

  “Two days? What do you mean?”

  “Katherine and Derek. I’ll bet they stay two days. Then, they’ll shadow-walk out of here,” Cara decided.

  “But why? Derek should stay at least seven days. He is very weak.”

  “Because it will mean more to him to hold Katherine in his arms, even if he is weak, than to stay in the hospital. You mark my words, Dr. Rick. Two days,” Cara warned.

  “Well, I don’t believe Derek is that foolish, and I will certainly warn Katherine of the disadvantages of moving him someplace else,” Dr. Rick huffed. “I will return in an hour to see if they have awakened.”

  Cara smiled and nodded.

  §

  Katherine opened her eyes and realized she was still tightly grasped in Derek’s arms. She glanced up and found his eyes watching her.

  “Hey, beautiful…One of my wishes just came true,” Derek whispered.

  “What wish was that?” Katherine whispered back.

  “To have you sleeping in my arms and then wake up to see your beautiful face,” Derek whispered again.

  “Why are we whispering?” Katherine asked.

  “Because Cara is out in the hall, and if she knows we’re awake, she’s going to come in,” Derek explained. “Then I’ll have to let you go. I’m not ready to let you go.”

  “Oh, well, since you are injured, I’ll humor you,” Katherine whispered back.

  “It’s okay. You don’t have to humor me,” Derek whispered.

  “I don’t?” Katherine asked confused.

  “I think she’s going to notice me kissing you. That’s all.”

  “You’re going to kiss me?” Katherine asked.

  “Yes, Kate. Right now,” Derek said. He kissed her, taking full possession of her mouth. He nibbled at her lips and sucked her bottom lip into his mouth. When she opened her mouth to gasp, he dipped his tongue into her mouth, like a starved man needing sustenance. Katherine reeled from the sensation, then heard the door open.

  “Dr. Rick is due back at any minute,” Cara explained. “You better stop kissing. It will only upset the man. He has no romance in his soul.”

  Derek reluctantly released Katherine, first her mouth and then her body. Katherine sat up and looked at Cara. Cara pushed a cart in the room carrying two trays.

  “Come on Cara, you know I hate hospital food,” Derek complained.

  “Well then stop getting shot. It’s only for a couple of days. Do you want Kathy to feed you?” Cara handed the first tray to Derek.

  “I’m sure Derek can feed himself,” Katherine said.

  “That’s right. I’m not an invalid. I can feed myself. I just don’t want to eat this slop.”

  Katherine slipped from the bed and walked over to see the tray waiting for her. Instead of soft-boiled eggs and jello, her tray contained scrambled eggs and a fruit cup.

  “Here, Derek, you eat my food, and I’ll eat yours.” Katherine switched trays for him.

  “Thanks, honey,” he said, smiling. “I’m sorry if I’m sounding cranky.”

  “Derek, after what you’ve been through, you have every right to be cranky,” Katherine assured him.

  “Could you find me a muffin, Cara? You know how much I hate soft-boiled eggs. Besides, I’m hoping Derek will still be hungry and eat them too,” Katherine whispered.

  “Oh, that is a good plan. I’ll see what I can come up with. Be back later then,” Cara said and was off on her errand.

  “Are you still hungry, honey?” Katherine asked. “I don’t really want my eggs. Could you eat them for me?”

  “Well, okay, I’ll help you out.” Katherine traded trays with him, again.

  Derek had almost finished the soft-boiled eggs when Dr. Rick walked in.

  “Good, I see you’re eating. Sorry about the soft food. Let me see the wound now. This dressing needs changing. Katherine, would you like to watch? That way, when Derek is released from the clinic, you can bandage him at home.”

  Katherine obediently watched Dr. Rick change the bandage.

  “Now, here are some pills for pain. Take one every four hours as needed. Any questions? Okay, then. If you need anything, press the call button.” And like most doctors, Rick was off to take care of other patients.

  The remainder of the day was spent talking to family and friends who came to visit. Katherine realized quickly she would have to limit their time. Derek, naturally gregarious, enjoyed talking to everyone. But, he tired quickly and needed to rest. He would not relax and let himself go to sleep, unless he held Katherine in his arms. So, she finally climbed back onto the bed with Derek and held him. It wasn’t long before he breathed heavily.

  “You’ve exhausted yourself,” she murmured to him as she kissed his face and felt him sigh.

  Katherine spent the rest of the afternoon, shooing people away, and holding Derek close to her. She didn’t know how much longer she could manage lying on her side. Plus, she was starving. Cara came back with a muffin, but at lunch Derek once again ate the food from both trays. Katherine encouraged him. She knew he had a big appetite, and the food would help him regain his strength.

  Katherine’s stomach rumbled loudly. Derek gradually moved his hand to her belly. He was mostly asleep, but her hunger was waking him.

  A few minutes later, Cara and Raven walked in with a basket full of food. Raven smiled indulgently at finding Katherine holding his brother. Cara handed Katherine an apple, and she happily munched on it while Derek roused from his nap.

  “What’s going on?” Derek looked first at Katherine and then at Raven.

  “We stopped by to see how you two are doing,” Raven explained.

  “And to bring food for Katherine,” Cara added.

  “All evidence from your stay in the Amazon has been destroyed. Ms. Pelletier did not survive. The board will be discussing matters at the next meeting,” Raven said. “Don’t worry, I’m not recommending any disciplinary action, though I have taken you and Katherine off the active roster for now. I’m sure both of you would like some time off to recover and work on your relationship. I’m not sure how
I’m going to run Isanti without you, Kathy.”

  “Disciplinary action?” Katherine gasped.

  “Nothing and no one will separate us, Kate. You are my mate, and I am making my claim.” Derek looked at Raven. “I love Katherine.”

  “I know you do, Derek. I give you both my blessing,” Raven said solemnly. “The honeymoon cottage is open, if you want a more comfortable place to stay.”

  “Thank you, Raven. We’ll consider it,” Derek said.

  “Well, let’s go, dear. I’m sure Dr. Rick will be stopping by to do his evening check,” Cara said.

  “Is that your way of telling us not to leave until after he’s been here?” Katherine asked, laughing.

  “You can take it any way you want,” answered Cara with a smile and a wave.

  Katherine looked at Derek. Finally, they were together. Her eyes burned, and she blinked back tears of happiness.

  “I need you, too, beautiful. I was coming back to let you know how much, when things went crazy,” Derek told her.

  “Do you want to move to the honeymoon cottage after Dr. Rick comes by?” Katherine asked.

  “That will be our first stop.”

  “First stop? Where are we going?” Katherine asked.

  “I have a surprise for you. I’ll show you after we stop at the cottage for supplies. I’m sure Cara laid in food and clothes for us.”

  Dr. Rick walked into the room. “How are you feeling, Derek? Any problems with pain? Katherine, let him go and please move. I can’t see Derek if he’s wrapped in your arms.”

  “I feel better in her arms,” Derek said as Katherine scooted out of the bed. “Actually, the problem is weakness. I seem to get tired easily.”

  “Well, that’s to be expected. Tomorrow you can get out of bed and walk around. Take the pain pills I gave you. Katherine, tomorrow you can change the bandages. I’ll make sure the nurse brings some by.” Dr. Rick said. “Now, just let me know if you need anything else. Dinner should be arriving in a few minutes.”

  “Thanks for everything, Dr. Rick,” Katherine said. “Derek and I really appreciate it.”

  “I’m glad you both made it,” Dr. Rick said. “Raven wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m glad I’ve never disappointed him. I’m not a miracle worker. I’m just a doctor. Goodnight now.”

  “Poor Rick sounds like he could use a vacation. He’s a nice man,” Katherine said.

  “Rick has always been kind of melancholy. That’s why we hope he finds a mate with a sunny disposition,” Derek said. “Why don’t you go find the nurse and get those bandages? Then, we can get out of here.”

  Katherine found the nurse down the hall and got a handful of gauze bandages. When she got back to the room, Derek stood by the bed in a pair of jeans. His face looked pale.

  “I think they cut my shirt off, when we got here, and it hurts to bend over and put on shoes, so I’ll go barefoot,” he explained. “We better hurry. I’m not feeling real steady on my feet.”

  Katherine walked over and put her arms around Derek and they shadow-walked into the honeymoon cottage on the Isanti compound. Katherine helped lower Derek onto the bed.

  “I think we should stay here tonight. You need to take it easy. Whatever you want to show me can wait until you have regained some strength.” Katherine tucked Derek into bed. “I’m going to see what Cara left us for dinner. You rest. Here is the TV remote. I’ll be right back.”

  “I’m sorry to be so weak, Kate. I’m afraid you’re right. At least, we have a real bed to sleep in. Could I have one of those pain pills? I may heal quickly, but getting shot still hurts like hell.”

  Katherine dropped a kiss onto Derek’s forehead. “Be right back, baby.”

  She went out and found two plates of lasagna and a loaf of French bread. She stuck the plates into the microwave and poured glasses of water for both of them. Then, she cut the bread and loaded everything onto a tray and carried it into the bedroom.

  She handed Derek his pill and served him his plate. Once he was settled, she climbed into the bed on the other side and ate her food. Everything tasted wonderful, and Katherine was glad Cara had looked out for them. Derek turned on the TV, and when they both had finished eating, Katherine took the plates and set them aside. Then, she snuggled up to Derek, and they enjoyed being together and having a quiet evening.

  It was early when Derek fell asleep. Katherine knew he needed sleep to heal. He was still weak from his ordeal. She loved taking care of him. She caressed his face and picked up the plates and took them into the kitchen.

  She found a chocolate cake in the refrigerator, along with an egg casserole for breakfast. Chocolate cake was her favorite, so she cut a slice and sat watching Derek sleep while she ate it. When Katherine got bored watching TV, she turned it off and picked up a book.

  A couple of hours later, Katherine put away the book and got ready for bed. She found one of her overlarge T-shirts in the bathroom along with toiletries for both of them. There were also pajamas for Derek and clean outfits for tomorrow. Katherine had to hand it to Cara. If you needed something done, she was the person to ask.

  Katherine brushed her hair and got ready for bed. Maybe tomorrow, Derek would feel a little stronger. Anger flooded her system about what Collette had done to him. Katherine was glad the woman had died. She had never felt such hatred before, not even when her first husband had been killed.

  “Hey, beautiful, where are you?” Katherine heard Derek’s voice from the other room. She went into the bedroom. When he saw her, he opened his arms.

  “I didn’t mean to wake you,” she admitted as she let him pull her close.

  §

  “You’ve got to let that rage go, sweetheart. It will eat you alive if you hold onto it. I’m here now, and we are finally together.”

  Katherine started to cry, and Derek was glad to see her releasing her anger and grief. He rocked her and kissed her temple and hair.

  “Let it all out. We are safe now. You saved me, Kate. You’re my hero. You are an amazing woman. It’s okay, baby,” he whispered to her as he held her tenderly and rubbed her back.

  “I hate what she did to you. I felt so helpless. She was evil. I could have lost you. What would I do without you?”

  “I know, baby. It was pretty scary, but you weren’t helpless. You got me out. Don’t ever forget it. You are a strong, courageous woman, and I thank God every day that you are mine.” Derek kissed her.

  “You think I’m courageous?” Katherine wiped the tears away.

  “Yes, Katherine. You didn’t falter once on the mission, not even when a woman held a gun on you. That is courage, honey.”

  “I was determined to get you away from that place.”

  “That was strength, honey. I’m proud of you, Katherine. You did well,” Derek said. “Now, let’s dry those tears and get ready for sleep. I, at least, want to get out of these jeans.”

  Katherine helped Derek into the bathroom and waited outside in case he needed her. Then, she helped him back to the bed and fixed his pillows for sleeping. She gave him his last pain pill of the night and turned off the lights. When she climbed into bed, Derek pulled her into his arms, and they both fell sound asleep.

  The next morning dawned bright, with sun shining in the windows. Derek woke up first and stared at Katherine as she slept. He felt so privileged to be given Katherine as his mate. Seeing her in his bed with her red hair lying across the pillow was a gift he’d never expected. Derek stretched slowly, feeling his wound pull. It was sore, but felt better today.

  Quiet Thunder’s potion still worked in his system. Cara had delivered a note from the old Shaman yesterday. Derek had been almost afraid to read it. In shaky handwriting, it read: “Come by when you are fully healed to begin your training.” Derek couldn’t wait to get back on his feet.

  Walking away from Katherine had been a mistake, and they had both suffered. Now, there was a chance for a new day and a new life. It would be hard, but now that they were together, he couldn’t l
et her go. She’d be happy to know that he would settle down and train to become the tribal shaman.

  Derek shook his head. Quiet Thunder had promised to train him. That didn’t mean Quiet Thunder would ever forgive him for using the potion. Derek felt his heart ache at his foster father’s possible rejection. He had never been an obedient son to the Shaman. He would need to do better.

  There was a wedding to plan. Derek knew Cara would want to give Katherine a big wedding. He stretched again and sat up slowly. So far, so good. He decided to try to get up. He was a bit shaky but managed to head for the bathroom.

  He remembered that the last time he had been shot, when Cara had been kidnapped, it had taken him only a few days to get over it. That was because of Quiet Thunder’s potions. Derek had escorted Cara to her wedding. Hopefully, this time the healing would be short as well.

  Derek was able to brush his teeth and put on the jeans and T-shirt he found waiting. It rankled him that he had to sit down and rest a few minutes between these two tasks. He walked back into the bedroom and found Katherine opening her eyes. He stopped to watch her.

  Chapter Five

  Katherine woke up and stretched. Derek wasn’t in bed, and she looked up to find him already dressed and leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed.

  “Hey, beautiful, you look good enough to eat,” Derek said. “Give me another couple of days to regain my strength, and I’ll do just that.”

  Katherine found herself blushing and climbed out of bed. “How are you feeling? Should you be up?”

  “I feel better, only a little wobbly,” Derek explained. “I want to get my strength back.”

  Katherine walked over and gave Derek a hug and good morning kiss. She felt him tremble slightly as she held him. “Why don’t you sit down until I finish dressing, then you can come into the kitchen while I cook breakfast.” She gave him another kiss. “I’ll be right back.”