Chapter 27
Alex
A palpable tension hung as Jordan and Aunt Lynn arrived at the trailhead parking area.
Alex listened as Lisa recounted the terrifying incident to them. Her voice was steady, but her eyes reflected the fear they had all experienced.
"We were hiking, enjoying the day. Then, out of nowhere, this black bear appeared with her cubs," Lisa explained. Her gaze flicked toward Alex. "She charged toward me, and Alex... he didn't hesitate. He made himself as big as possible, trying to scare her away."
Alex, sitting on a nearby rock, looked up as Jordan approached. "I had to do something, Jordan. I couldn't let her hurt Lisa," he said, his voice shaky.
Lisa continued. "Shadow was right there with Alex. When the bear kept charging, Shadow lunged at it. They were both so brave, Jordan. They saved me."
Jordan knelt beside Alex, taking in the sight of his injury. Alex's left hip had bruising. His pants tore, revealing bandaged lacerations through the fabric. Sean, who was tending to the wound, looked up at Jordan.
"He'll need stitches for these, and he's going to be very sore in the morning," Sean said.
Alex’s breathing was erratic. He felt his anxiety levels escalating as the shock began to wear off .
"The bear... and Shadow... they disappeared into the woods. I couldn't stop him," Alex's voice broke, the guilt and worry overwhelming him.
Jordan wrapped an arm around Alex, pulling him close. "You did everything you could, Alex."
Alex leaned into Jordan, his body trembling. "But Shadow... I lost him, Jordan. It's my fault," he whispered, tears streaming down his face.
Jordan held him tighter, offering silent comfort. Alex saw Aunt Lynn and Lisa exchange worried glances.
"We'll find Shadow, Alex. We’ll search the entire area and get everyone we can to help. He’s strong, and he’s smart. We’ll find him," Jordan reassured him.
Lisa nodded in agreement. "We're all here for you, Alex. And for Shadow. We won't give up. We still have about three hours of daylight left, and Brenda is on the way with some others from the clinic."
The mood was somber as they prepared to organize a search party. Alex was grateful that Jordan and Aunt Lynn stayed close.
Sean gave Jordan and Aunt Lynn a measured look. He peeled back the bandages covering Alex's hip to reveal the extent of the wounds. Alex's gaze fixed on their reactions, and he braced himself for their response. His left hip endured the bear's swipe, and he had deep gouges in his side to show for it.
“Alex has sustained significant trauma here,” Sean explained. “The bruising is extensive.”
He paused. "There are also several lacerations of varying lengths and depths. The most concerning one is about four inches long, here.” Sean pointed to the largest gash on Alex’s side, which was still bleeding steadily.
He turned his attention to Alex. “We've done well to keep it clean so far. But these wounds need immediate professional attention. To prevent infection, they need stitches, and cleaning is necessary."
Alex's face contorted with each movement. Despite his efforts to remain composed, the burning and stinging sensations were overwhelming.
Sean reiterated the need for urgent care. "I understand your concern for Shadow, Alex, but we have to prioritize your health right now. You've sustained serious injuries, and the risk of infection is high. We need to get you to the ER immediately."
Alex's wanted to resist, his worry for Shadow making him hesitant to leave.
Jordan and the others exchanged worried looks. Aunt Lynn stepped forward. She placed her hands on Alex's shoulders.
"Alex, you can barely walk," she said, her voice calm but insistent. "You need medical care. We can't risk your injury getting worse."
Alex shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes. "But Shadow... I have to find him. I can't leave him out there alone," he pleaded.
Aunt Lynn held his gaze. "Listen to me, Alex. You need to trust in your friends to find Shadow. Jordan and I will go with you to the emergency room, and Lisa and Sean will stay here to organize the search. We're all here for you and Shadow. Deal?"
There was a pause as Alex's stubbornness battled with Aunt Lynn's unwavering resolve. He looked up at Lisa and Sean with a pleading look in his tear-filled eyes. They both held hands and nodded.
“Alex, you and Shadow are our family,” Lisa said. “Family sticks together. We’re all going to look for Shadow. You go get fixed so you can be there for Shadow when we find him.”
Finally, with a heavy sigh, Alex nodded. His shoulders slumped in defeat, but he trusted his friends.
"Okay... deal," he murmured to his aunt, the fight draining out of him as he leaned into Aunt Lynn for support.
Jordan stepped up, wrapping an arm around Alex to help steady him. With Sean’s help and Aunt Lynn's guiding presence, they made their way to the Jeep. Aunt Lynn took the driver's seat while Sean helped Alex and Jordan settle in the back seat.
Sean gently assisted Alex into the back seat of the Jeep. Alex settled into the seat with a grimace. He tried to find a position that minimized his discomfort.
As Sean secured the seatbelt around Alex, he spoke in a calm, reassuring tone. “I've notified Oregon Game and Wildlife about the incident. I've also notified the Forest Service. They're on their way to the scene now. They'll want to talk to you about the bear attack, get your account of what happened. It's standard procedure in these situations. "
He walked around to the driver’s side, and continued. "They'll need to assess the situation and understand the bear's behavior. It's important for them to determine if it's a threat to public safety or if it was an isolated incident. They take these encounters seriously and will do a thorough investigation.”
Lisa leaned in and hugged Alex. "Alex, you were amazing out there. Thank you. Don't worry about a thing here—Sean and I have got it covered. Now go to the ER and get patched up." She flashed a mischievous smile. "With some luck, you might get Dr. Dan to look after you. Trust me, he's quite the eye candy.""
Both Sean and Jordan shot Lisa playful, disapproving looks. "Really? Lisa." Sean chided lightly, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Lisa shrugged, unfazed, her grin widening. "What? It's true!" she retorted, her eyes twinkling with humor as she winked at Alex.
She stepped back, closing the door gently before the Jeep pulled away. Despite the tension, Alex and Jordan smiled at Lisa's light-hearted comment.
As they drove to the emergency room, Alex's emotions overwhelmed him. Tears streamed down his face, his body trembling with a mix of pain and anxiety. Jordan held him close and whispered words of comfort.
Aunt Lynn drove with a steady hand. Her eyes occasionally met Alex's in the rearview mirror. There was a silent promise in her gaze that they would do everything possible to find Shadow and bring him home.
As they reached the emergency room, the reality of the situation settled in. Still teary-eyed and grappling with his emotions, Alex got out of the car with Jordan’s help. Aunt Lynn and Jordan were at his side as they entered the ER.
The staff recognized Jordan as they ushered Alex into the emergency room. Many of them were familiar faces, clients of Pawsitive Vibes who had brought their pets to Jordan for care.
Nurses greeted Alex with gentle words and sympathetic smiles. They led him to the treatment area. Despite the usual protocols, they allowed Aunt Lynn and Jordan to stay with him.
The doctor entered the exam room with an air of confidence that immediately commanded attention. His presence was striking, almost cinematic, as if he had stepped straight out of a classic Hollywood movie. Tall and well-built, he moved with the grace of someone completely at ease in their skin. His chiseled features were reminiscent of golden-era film stars—high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through to a person's soul.
"Hi, Alex. I'm Dr. McDaniel. We're going to take good care of you," he said, offering a reassuring smile as he began assessing his injury.
Alex looked at Jordan, thinking of Lisa's comments. Jordan rolled his eyes. The humor of the moment brought Alex back into focus, with the effects of the shock wearing off.
He lay on the treatment bed. He remained calm despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him. Jordan and Aunt Lynn stood nearby, their presence a steady comfort.
"We'll need to get X-rays to check for fractures," Dr. McDaniel explained. He gently examined the bruised and lacerated area on his hip. "You're in good hands, Alex."
The journey to the X-ray room was a blur of corridors and medical equipment. Alex stayed focused on the here and now, pushing thoughts of 'what ifs' about Shadow to the back of his mind.
The X-ray technician was another familiar face. This technician was a client that Alex had helped when he brought his chocolate lab in to get a splinter removed. Alex kept his son occupied in the exam room while Emily removed the object and cleaned the infected wound.
"Hey, Alex. We'll get these images quickly. Hang in there," he said with a friendly nod.
While waiting back in the treatment area, Dr. McDaniel returned with the results. "Good news, Alex. No fractures or broken bones. We need to suture up and clean those lacerations, though."
As the doctor prepared for the procedure, Alex felt anxious. Jordan squeezed his hand, offering silent support.
The sensation of the local anesthetic was a strange mix of pressure and numbness. Despite himself, Alex watched, fascinated. Dr. McDaniel skillfully sutured the wounds after the nurse had cleaned them. His hands were steady and strong, the stitches neat.
"You're doing great, Alex," Dr. McDaniel said, his voice soothing. "A few more stitches, and you'll be all set. "
As Dr. McDaniel finished the last suture, he looked up at him with a smile. “All done. The wounds cleaned up nicely; they look worse than they really are. You were fortunate, Alex. We'll get you bandaged up.”
Alex let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, relief washing over him. The physical pain was manageable now. His thoughts immediately returned to Shadow, and the worry and guilt resurfaced.
Dr. McDaniel finished bandaging Alex's wounds. He pulled up a chair beside the bed.
"Alex, you've had an encounter with a wild animal. We need to take a few extra medical precautions," he said. "Even though it is extremely rare, I recommend a rabies prophylaxis regimen. It's unlikely the bear was rabid, but we don't take any chances with potential rabies exposure. Even though you think most of the scratches were from his claws, we cannot rule out that the scrapes on your arms didn’t happen from his bite."
Alex listened intently, his brows furrowing in concern. The mention of rabies sent a chill down his spine, though he tried to remain calm.
"Rabies is a serious virus, and it's almost always fatal once symptoms appear," Dr. McDaniel continued. “However, starting the prophylaxis immediately after exposure is extremely effective. It prevents the virus from developing."
He paused, allowing the information to sink in. "The regimen involves a series of injections. If you wish to proceed, you'll receive a series of rabies vaccines spread out over the next few weeks."
Alex nodded, absorbing the information. The thought of multiple injections wasn’t pleasant, but he understood the necessity.
“Okay, Doc, I think you’re right, and just to be safe, let’s do it.” Alex sighed
"Given the nature of your wounds, I'm going to administer a tetanus shot, too. It's a standard procedure for any puncture wounds or lacerations. Especially when an animal causes them," he explained.
Alex felt a slight twinge at the sight of his recent sutures.
“I'll also prescribe antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections from developing in your wounds. It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics," he added. "Even if the wounds look better." His gaze met Alex's to emphasize the importance .
The nurse entered the room with the rabies injection. Alex steeled himself for the first of many shots. A brief, sharp prick followed the cold sensation of the antiseptic wipe.
“There,” Dr. McDaniel said, disposing of the needle in a sharps container. "We'll schedule your next rabies vaccine before you leave today. Just come back into the emergency room, and I’ll administer them. I know you’re a veteran, and the VA normally handles your care, but it would be easiest to come back and see me for the rest of your care. And here's your prescription for antibiotics. Follow the instructions closely."
"Thank you, Dr. McDaniel," Alex said, with a genuine note of gratitude. "I appreciate you explaining everything so clearly."
It had been about two hours since they arrived at the hospital.
"Lisa said twenty-two people showed up from the clinic,” Jordan said. “Staff, volunteers, and family members who love Shadow were there looking. Sean got some members of his firehouse to come up as well. They have about an hour of daylight left—once it gets dark, they have to stop looking. We'll start again in the morning.”
Jordan explained to Alex that while he was in the X-ray, Linda got her laptop out of the car. They logged in to the GPS tracking website. The GPS location from Shadow’s collar was not registering. They used the chat on the website. The agent informed them that the satellite may not receive the GPS signal if the forest canopy was thick. They instructed him to check for the location frequently. They should watch for Shadow coming into a clear reception area so they can detect him.
That night, the ER discharged Alex. Despite the darkness and his physical discomfort, Alex remained determined. He wanted to return to the clinic. A group of volunteers, staff, and local firefighters had gathered there to find Shadow.
The clinic's parking lot was well-lit, and the group's presence was unmistakable. About a dozen people were there. Alex gingerly stepped out of the car, and he leaned on Jordan for support. A wave of appreciation washed over him .
Lisa approached. "Alex, I'm so glad you're okay. We've had teams combing the area since you left. The firefighters even brought in some thermal imaging equipment to help. Everyone's been amazing."
Alex looked around at the faces illuminated by the soft glow of the clinic's exterior lights. He recognized many of the volunteers as staff members and regular helpers at the clinic.
"We're organizing another search first thing in the morning. Many people have already committed to returning to help," Lisa added.
"Thank you, all of you," Alex began, his voice thick with emotion. "Your support, your efforts to find Shadow... it means the world to me. He's not just a dog—he's my friend."
The volunteers listened. Some nodded in agreement. Others reached out to pat Alex reassuringly on the back.
Troy, a firefighter who brought his black lab to the clinic's daycare daily, stepped forward. "We'll keep searching for him, Alex. We're all in this together. Shadow's a part of this community, too."
Lisa managed a big smile. "I can't thank you all enough. We’ll all meet at the trailhead first thing in the morning, ready to continue the search."
As the group started to disperse and make plans for the next day, Alex leaned heavily against Jordan. Exhaustion was setting in. But despite the physical and emotional toll, he felt a glimmer of hope.
Jordan wrapped an arm around Alex's waist, helping him back to the car. "Let's get you home and rested. Tomorrow's another day, and we'll be right there with you."
Under the starlit sky, the small gathering at the clinic thinned. Alex and Jordan got back into the Jeep. Aunt Lynn drove them to the cabin. She would drive Jordan's Jeep home since her car was still at the restaurant. As they exited the vehicle, Alex said with a small smile, “Call us when you get home so that we know you made it safely.”
“What about your prescription? Do you want me to run and get it filled?” Aunt Lynn asked.
Jordan interjected, “No, you go home and get some rest. Once I have him settled, I’ll go to the pharmacy and pick it up tonight.”
Alex said sternly, “Just get me in the house with my laptop so I can locate him, please? ”
Jordan and Aunt Lynn both nodded, and Aunt Lynn drove off. Jordan helped Alex up to the porch and into the house.
The cabin felt claustrophobic as Alex stepped inside. He stripped down to his underwear in the entryway, the bandages clear on his hip.
As they stood in the living room, Jordan turned to Alex. "Are you okay? You seem angry since we left the clinic."
"I’m pissed, Jordan. I’m pissed at my PTSD. It turned me into a basket case at that trailhead. I’ve always been the strong one. I’m always the one that people lean on when things get tough. I was always the one who kept everyone safe. I fucking crumbled like a fucking child, all because I lost my poor little doggy." His voice raised in level. "Do you know how fucked up and ridiculous I am? Sean was practically cradling me on that rock. He and Lisa must think I’m the biggest fucking loser ever."
"Are you done?” Jordan asked, looking at an imaginary watch. “We don't have time for a pity party right now." Alex felt startled.
"Lisa told me you punched the fucking bear to get it away from Shadow," Jordan said, his voice tinged with disbelief. "That isn’t what a fucking loser does. Do you hear me? You are the strongest and most courageous man I have ever met. Being in your presence is such a comfort to everyone lucky enough to be around you. They get to witness the man that you are. You are strong, Alex—you're just dealing with a trauma that is sometimes overwhelming. We all know that. Sean's not only a paramedic, he also served. Do you think he judges you because you went into mild shock and had a panic attack? You saved Lisa from getting seriously hurt. Do you think she’s judging you? So take the next five minutes to stand here and sulk and feel bad about yourself. After that, we get to work and find our boy."
There was a pause. Time stood still. Then Jordan added, almost as an afterthought, "I love you, Alex. I admire you. I will fight for you."
The words hung in the air, charged with significance. It was the first time he had expressed his feelings so openly, so passionately. Jordan's eyes widened slightly, as if he had not intended to be so harsh or to admit his feelings so casually.
Alex, still processing his words, looked at Jordan. A myriad of emotions crossed his face .
Then, slowly, a soft smile spread across Alex's lips. Despite the whirlwind of emotions he was experiencing, everything suddenly seemed to come into focus. He said, "I love you too, Jordan.”
In that instant, the tension dissolved. Jordan stepped closer, closing the gap between them. Their eyes locked, conveying more than words ever could.
They embraced. The contact ignited a spark of warmth that radiated through their bodies.
Jordan pulled back slightly, his hands cradling Alex's face. He gazed into Alex's eyes, those deep pools of emotion, and leaned in to press a gentle, lingering kiss on his lips.
Alex responded instinctively, his arms wrapping around Jordan's waist, drawing him closer. The kiss deepened. Their lips moved in sync.
The surrounding air seemed to hum as they parted, breathless and with racing hearts. They stood there, foreheads touching, basking in the afterglow of their admission.
"I've wanted to tell you I loved you for so long," Jordan whispered, barely audible.
"Me too," Alex replied, a sense of peace washing over him. "I was just waiting for the right moment."
Jordan laughed. "A screaming match love admission. Go us!” He held out his fist to fist-bump Alex.
Alex laughed and fist-bumped Jordan. "Thank you. Thank you for grounding me, for pulling me back to my baseline, as Dr. Martin calls it. I'm centered now, Jordan."
Alex, looking at his imaginary watch, said, "I still have two minutes left on my pity party, so want to rub my feet?"
Jordan laughed.
They stood together in the cabin’s quiet, with the night enveloping them in its embrace. The first "I love you" was more than words. It was a beginning. It was a promise of all the moments to come.
Jordan helped Alex settle on the couch by placing pillows under his hip for comfort. “Let me get you your laptop and you can log in to the GPS site. We’ll find him, Alex. I know we will.”