“Let me see.”
The contact sent electricity racing up my arm. I could feel his pulse through his palms, steady and strong. When he lifted my hand to his mouth and blew gently across the burn, I forgot how to breathe.
His attention was completely focused on my injury, but all I could focus on was the ring on his finger. A black band shaped like a serpent, eating its own tail. I’d seen him wear it for years, but never really noticed it before.
“It’s nothing, I managed. Just a little hot.”
“Hmm. He didn’t release my hand immediately. Instead, his thumb traced across my knuckles in a soothing pattern.
The simple touch was more intimate than any kiss I’d shared with Darrell.
This is dangerous.
“I should probably find another place to stay,” I said, finally pulling my hand free.
“Your room is flooded. Hotel’s booked solid.”
“There are other hotels.”
“Not decent ones.” He crossed his arms. “Besides, this suite has two bedrooms. I’ll take the guest room. You can have the master.”
He held up his hand before I could protest. I give you my word – complete gentleman. You’ll be perfectly safe.”
Safe from him, maybe. But what about from myself?
I weighed my options. Gabriel’s surgery was tomorrow. I needed to be rested and focused, not dealing with the questionable accommodations Moonridge’s cheaper motels offered.
“Fine.” I kept my voice cool. “But just for tonight. After Gabriel’s surgery, I’m going back to my pack.”
Carlan’s expression flickered with something I couldn’t read, ‘Of course. That’s why I’m here. To take you home.”
An awkward silence settled between us. I fiddled with my coffee mug, avoiding his gaze.
“Oh Caelan’s voice drew my attention back to him. “About your mother’s necklace…”
My head snapped up. “What about it?”
“I contacted a jewelry restoration specialist. She works exclusively with antique pieces.”
Hope fluttered in my chest before I could squash it. “And?”
“When we get back to Blackwood, I’ll make an appointment with her. His expression softened. She specializes in heirloom repairs. Emotional significance pieces.”
‘Really? The word escaped before I could stop it. It can actually be fixed?”
Caelan nodded. “I sent her the photo you sent me before and she said there’s a ninety percent chance of complete restoration.”
For a moment, my carefully constructed walls cracked. Mom’s necklace could be whole again. The last piece of our time together, restored.
I looked away quickly, blinking back the sudden moisture in my eyes. “Thank you.”
“You don’t need to thank me for everything, Sabi.”
There he goes again with that gentle tone.
I stood abruptly. “I need to go to the hospital. Work stuff.”
“Something urgent?”
“Tomorrow is Gabriel – my patient’s surgery. And I have prep work today.” I moved toward the door. “Chart reviews, pre-op consultations. Making sure he’s mentally ready.”
“Can I come with you?”
I stopped mid-stride. “What? Why?”
Caelan’s expression shifted into something that could only be described as… pitiful. His shoulders drooped slightly, and he gazed at me with wide, innocent eyes.
“I’ll be bored here all alone.”
I blinked. “You`re the Lycan King. You’re the Lycan King. Don’t you have thirteen packs to rule and world peace to maintain? I thought you’d be buried under royal paperwork until the next century.”.”
“I’m in a strange city where I don’t know anyone.” He sank deeper into his chair, the picture of abandonment. “What if I get lost? What if bad people try to take advantage of me?”
“Are you serious right now?”
“I’ve never been alone in an unfamiliar place before. His voice took on a theatrical tremor. “What if someone tries to rob me? I might not be able to defend myself.”
I stared at him – all six-foot-four, muscle-bound, powerful Alpha of him – claiming he couldn’t handle Moonridge’s mean streets.
“You’re joking.”
I’m delicate. He held up one hand, examining it like it was made of spon glass “These soft royal hands have never known hardship
A short of laughter escaped before I could stop it Your soft royal hands could probably bench press a frack
“That’s exactly what the criminals will think ton. Then they Il be disappointed when I crumble at the first sign of trouble
“Carlan
“Plos… His expression grew more serious, though amusement still danced in his eyes. Id like to see you work See this part of your life?
The genuine curiosity in his voice made my resolve waver. Why does he care about my work?
Tine I threw up my hands in defeat. But you wait in the lobby. No interfering with patient care.
His face lit up like Christmas morning. I promise to be the most well behaved observer you’ve ever had.”
Twenty minutes later, I was behind the wheel of the Bentley while Caelan folded his large frame into the passenger seat.
“I can drive if you want,’ he offered, reaching for his seatbelt. You don’t need to
“No, it’s fine. You just flew in last night. I adjusted the mirrors, avoiding his gaze. “You should rest.”
“Are you worried about me? His grin was pure mischief. How sweet. My future queen is concerned about my wellbeing”
“Keep it up and I’ll dump you on the sidewalk.”
Such violence And here I thought doctors were supposed to do no harm.” ignored him and pulled out of the hotel parking garage.
“So Carian’s fingers drummed against his thigh. How do you like the car?”
Just finer He pressed his hand to his cheat in mork offense 1 have you know this vehicle has won multiple automotive wards.”
Well, Very seg ward what is the gas pedal and stops when I h the brakes I kept my expression deadpan. The wheels a perfectly rowd engineering
Cerianich und the filled the paced spec high prese. I helmed by your enthusi
Telly Ups Jones) sowie that could benda tey see a fainted from the
Susie bushel and dig
I circled twice before finding a space on the third level of the Moonridge General’s parking garage.
“Busy place, Caelan observed as we walked toward the elevators.
“Surgery day prep. 1 pressed the button for the main floor. Plus it’s Thursday. Always hectic on Thursdays.”
The elevator doors opened to reveal the familiar chaos of the hospital lobby. Patients with clipboards. Families clustered around uncomfortable chairs. The constant background hum of medical activity.
“You’ll wait here.” I gestured toward the seating area near the coffee kiosk. ‘I should be about an hour.”
“I’ll be right here when you get back.”
Try not to intimidate any sick people while I’m gone.”
“I make no promises.”
Gabriel William looked smaller than I remembered lying in his pre-op bed. His hair was completely white despite being only fifty, and his skin held a grayish pallor that no amount of treatment seemed to improve.
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