Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 73170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
I got a little upset, and Tyson pulled me back against the door where we stayed and he kept his arm around me, comforting me while they did their measurements and tests, including more blood drawn and another mouth swab.
It took only two hours for him to shift back and wake up, thankfully. I’m glad he let his wolf out for a run the other day or it might have been all day or longer waiting for him to shift back. But still… all that left me shaky, angry, and wanting a long, hot bubble bath, a stiff drink, and alone time with my mate. To reconnect. To comfort him. Because I can feel that this is affecting him.
Mitch and Cat had their heads together over lab equipment while I paced the office and waiting room, waiting for Jared to wake up. Everyone else left, besides Linc, Tyson, and Erica who stuck around to keep me company.
Mitch described Jared’s wolf as a super predator after they had nodes attached to his head, running scans of his brain, talking about his wolf having intelligence, not being just a mindless brute.
When Jared woke, his eyes found me and he assessed my wellbeing. It felt good that this was the first thing he did.
As he dressed, Mitch went over the results of their tests and talked about having another discussion in a day or so.
When we got to the parking lot I asked, “Can we go to the apartment for a while? I want a hot bubble bath and some booze. I have lots of booze in my cabinet.”
“Yeah,” he said, even though I don’t think he was all that happy about it.
“Want me to drive? Still feeling groggy from the sedative?”
“Naw, I’m good,” he said.
I gave him another chance to go back to the camper instead, but he drove us to the apartment.
***
“I’m gonna take a bath and order food from Roxy’s. Ask if someone can run it over,” I say.
“Bath big enough for two?” he asks.
“Absolutely,” I tell him.
“Shower first please, babe, and get Tyson Savage’s scent off your body.”
He doesn’t look pissed off about it. He looks tired right now.
“Tyson was comforting me when I got upset after you shifted,” I explain.
“Because it scares you?” he asks.
“Seeing how angry your wolf is, knowing he’s the way he is because he’s trying to protect you. And watching them poke and prod at your wolf... just made me… sad.” I choke up.
He grabs me and hugs me, holding me for a long minute.
“Your wolf is intelligent, Jared. He’s not just a mindless monster. He’s your protector. He just… he doesn’t know you’re safe now. He doesn’t know everyone around him isn’t out to hurt you.”
He sighs.
I kiss him softly on the lips before I dash the wet off my cheeks and back away.
I kick my shoes off, take off the utility belt, drop my jeans, and throw my t-shirt off. I leave a trail of clothing behind me, but take the belt to the bathroom and set it on the vanity.
I soap up in the shower from head to toes until the water is clear of bubbles, then drop the plug in and step out to fetch some towels and the bubble bath.
When I reach into the linen cupboard, I feel him directly behind me, so I turn to face him. He lifts me, sets me on the vanity, and moves in close, holding my jaw with both hands. The intense look of emotion in his eyes has me feeling all sorts of feelings.
“You,” he says, then swallows before he again says, “You…”
He doesn’t know how to finish that sentence. He doesn’t know the words. But I don’t need them; I see the emotion and even more, I feel it. He’s glad I was there today. He’s crazy about me. He’s happy I’m his mate.
“You,” I parrot and I hope he knows I feel the absolute same way.
His eyes drift shut and he blows out a breath.
“Come have a bath with me. I’ll put lots of bubbles in it.”
“Of course you will,” he says, smiling.
“Bubble baths help in every situation,” I advise.
“You’re lucky I’m off my game or I’d give you shit about this ridiculous shower curtain,” he quips.
“You think it’s ridiculous?” I ask, fake-aghast.
“Completely,” he teases.
“Well, now it’s the camper shower curtain,” I threaten. “Or should I get a new shower curtain for the camper that’s double ridiculous?”
He rolls his eyes. “Do your worst, woman.”
“I plan to,” I tease before I kiss his soft lips and pour a big glug of bubblegum-scented bath foam into the tub.
***
We’re snuggled on my couch with the TV on after having finished cheeseburgers and chili fries that Linc ran over for us. He left it all just inside the door downstairs along with a six-pack of giant stuffed cookies sent over by Stacy Blackwood with a sweet little note on the box, and a six-pack of beer that I’m assuming is a gift from Linc.