- 5.
I instinctively reached for Gabriel, clinging to his neck. His breath hitched. His voice was thick with something I couldn’t name. “Easy,
Elisabeth.”
“I am easy,” I murmured. Being close to him eased the agonizing pain radiating through me. My mind was foggy, clinging to instinct: seek
<
comfort, avoid pain.
I woke to warmth, sunlight peeking through the
curtains. I was nestled against Gabriel, his bare
chest a breath away. My hand rested on his
firm, warm skin. I blushed and snatched it back,
just as he stirred.
“Morning. Feeling any better?”
“Much,” I said, which was an understatement.
Not only was the mating rejection pain gone, but my battlefield injuries had vanished. I tried to untangle myself from him, but we were… close. He chuckled, a low rumble in his chest, and sat up, pulling me with him.
“Stay put. I’ll get the doctor.”
As a beta, Gabriel was no stranger to injuries, and the pack doctor was conveniently located across the street. It was the same doctor from yesterday. She stepped into the room, wrinkled her nose, and said, “Whoa, someone’s been busy. This scent is a little overwhelming for a singleton.”
My face flamed. Gabriel cleared his throat, his
ears turning pink. “Rachel, less talk, more
Г
checkup.”
914
DOGO
Rachel’s eyes flicked between us, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Alright, alright.” She paused. “This involves removing clothes,
Gabriel. Shouldn’t you, I don’t know, leave?”
Gabriel’s blush deepened. He turned and practically slammed the door behind him. The exam was quick. Cool instruments traced my skin. Then, at my shoulder, Rachel paused. “Elisabeth, what are these purple marks on your back?”
“Purple?”
Purple was the color of witches. Rachel gave me a significant look. “You should probably visit Tanya. She can explain.”
Tanya was our pack’s elder witch. She rarely made public appearances. I helped Rachel pack up her things. Then, I hesitated. “Rachel, my wounds… they’re gone.”
“It’s connected to the marks. And to the guy outside.” Rachel winked. “Makes you wonder who decided you and Andrew were meant to be in the first place. Maybe they got it wrong.”
<
I tried to remember when the whole “destined
mates” thing started, but I couldn’t. Rachel
patted my shoulder and opened the door.
Gabriel’s anxious voice greeted her.
“How is she?”
“She’s fine. Now shoo.”
