Chapter Six #2
I gazed at the sparse scenery. The odd building.
The hardware store stuck randomly next to a gas station was reminiscent of some 1950’s movie.
Then we turned. I could see the junction for I-90 in the distance that would take someone all the way to Seattle if they wanted, and Kaylan turned again, pulling into a parking lot in front of a motel that had seen better days.
I got out very quickly and stilled, scenting the air.
“Shall I—”
I lifted my hand, cutting off Matthew’s words. “This way,” I said, taking in another breath and feeling my wolf calm. He was close. So close. We ran up an outside flight of stairs and then down a corridor, then another half dozen steps to some end rooms.
Matthew seemed to stumble suddenly and put out a hand to the wall. “Jesus,” he choked out. I glanced at him and jerked in shock. Matthew’s eyes had also bled to his wolf. He looked at me. “I can’t,” he gasped.
I shook my head, sudden and inexplicable rage building in me, and took a step toward Matthew.
“Phoenix!” Kaylan grabbed my arm, and I snarled, feeling ready to rip out—I jerked. What the hell? Matthew was my friend.
“What the fuck is wrong—”
“Nothing,” Kaylan snapped and shoved me at the next door. “Your blood mate is in heat, you stupid fool. All your wolves can sense it because of the pheromones you’re giving off. I’m getting away with it because I’m a cat. If I were a wolf, I’d want to fight you for him.”
My lips parted in shock, but only one word really registered. “Heat? But that’s impossible. Kaylan, he’s a fucking guy.”
Kaylan nearly snarled his answer. “You don’t think I know that? For fuck’s sake, Phoenix, get your head out of your ass and listen to your animal.” Kaylan nearly shouted the last world, and I rocked back.
“He can’t be just human. I know it. You’d know it if you’d think for a second.
I didn’t know guys can get heats, but he’s your blood mate.
How many of those have we known? Whatever he is, he’ll feel like he’s sick and not have a fucking clue what’s happening.
I’ll stay by the door and give you privacy.
Probably give Matthew oxygen,” he added and waved at me one more time.
Not needing a second urging, I tried the door, and unsurprised it was locked, I simply put my shoulder to it and pushed it in, then quickly closed it behind me.
I had an apology on my lips, an explanation of sorts, something. Except rather than facing indignant angry words from a pissed-off Emery I’d just barged in on, the only sound I heard was a low moan from the bed.
I deliberately let a little of my wolf out so I could see in the dim room and crossed to the bed, easing the covers down from the huddled mound. “Emery?”
Emery opened his eyes. “G-great, I’m hallucinating now,” he stammered out and closed them again, pulling the covers up, then seeming impatient with the blanket, shoving it away.
I felt his forehead immediately and frowned. His skin was on fire. Fuck what Kaylan said about his heats. This wasn’t a heat. He really was sick. Human sick. And he probably needed a doctor, maybe even an ER.
“Emery,” I tried again. “You’re sick. I need to get you some help. We—” Emery’s hand suddenly shot out, its strength surprising as he wrapped his fingers around my wrist.
“Don’t you dare go anywhere.” He groaned and curled in on himself as if in pain.
“Kaylan,” I yelled, and the door immediately opened.
“He’s sick,” I snapped out, bending down and lifting him, sheet and all.
“Are you sure?” Kaylan asked while not moving from the doorway, but I was already heading there.
“We need to get him to the ER,” I instructed, but Kaylan’s hand grabbed my arm once again.
“We absolutely cannot take him to a human doctor.”
I paused and glanced down helplessly. Emery hadn’t even opened his eyes when I lifted him up, but he had now, and the gold was both startlingly obvious and startlingly beautiful.
But Kaylan was right. If there was any doubt I couldn’t take him to a human doctor, that killed it.
“Esther, then.” I stepped outside and headed for the stairs. Matthew stepped back out of the way.
“Into the truck,” Kaylan told him, but Matthew shook his head.
“No, Alpha. I’ll get his things together and call someone to collect me.” He was very definite.
We didn’t meet anyone as I followed Kaylan to the truck.
I held Emery firmly, but as gently as possible so as not to jostle him.
My heart was beating a frantic staccato, worried I was making the wrong choice.
Esther was good, but what if the human part of Emery needed surgery for something?
A relatively simple case of appendicitis could be deadly for humans if untreated.
I was surprised my wolf wasn’t going insane.
Then I frowned. My wolf was quiet, docile.
As if pleased with whatever was happening and, for once, wasn’t challenging me to do something else.
That was the trouble with being an alpha.
My animal was an alpha wolf and saw things in a much simpler way than I did.
Emery was his mate, period. The complicated part-human guy issue wasn’t even a consideration.
I slid into the back seat carefully, not attempting to lay Emery down because I could keep him more comfortable in my arms. Emery seemed to have cooled a little as I held him.
He wouldn’t move as the truck took a corner or Kaylan had to brake, because I kept him safe.
The fact I would have trouble letting him go at the moment wasn’t lost on me either.
I vaguely heard Kaylan on his cell to Esther—I presumed—saying where we were and agreeing we would get to her cottage as fast as possible.
He added that the wolves might want to consider some sort of protection, but maybe at a distance.
I almost smiled at that, remembering Matthew’s reaction.
I pushed a stray piece of hair off Emery’s face, wishing he would open his eyes.
Should I offer him some water? He was really hot.
“Em,” I murmured, unable to stop stroking his cheek with the edge of my finger. “Emery,” I said a little louder as we got onto the highway, and I picked up the open bottle of water from the cup holder.
Emery moaned again, but his eyes fluttered open, and my breath caught.
His eyes. His gorgeous green eyes were even more beautiful with the streaks of gold that bled into them.
I could look at them for hours. Emery blinked, obviously trying to focus.
“Some water,” I murmured and went to tip the bottle near his lips, but Emery screwed his face up and gasped.
“Hurts,” he cried and tried to press a hand to his belly.
My heart clenched, and I glanced up to see where we were.
Still a good fifteen minutes from Esther’s, but at least we were now on pack territory.
I glanced back, meeting his eyes, and tipped the bottle just enough to wet his lips.
Emery’s small pink tongue lazily licked the moisture off his plump lips, and I—to my eternal shame—felt the action thicken my cock.
Suddenly, Emery’s scent seemed stronger.
How could I? How could I think like this when he was sick?
I bent and brushed a kiss to his warm forehead almost as an apology.
“You’re an amazing kisser,” Emery mumbled as his lids slid closed. I shook my head in more self-disgust. I doubted if he was aware of what he’d just said, and it made me feel worse.
Kaylan was on his cell again, and this time, I could hear my father’s concerned voice. I didn’t bother interrupting, though. Kaylan explained how we’d found Emery, and I heard Dad tell him he would keep the wolves at a respectful distance but make sure the area was secure.
I gazed back down at Emery, and even worried, I marveled at how settled I felt with him in my arms. I’d heard the legends of blood mates—of course I had.
How they were supposed to be two halves of one soul.
How they could sense each other even miles apart.
It was a huge thing in our world for a true mate to even be found.
Not that any of that was important right at this second. I just wanted him safe and well.
And with me. That part was non-negotiable.
Emery Valentine was going nowhere.