“Both times I was thinking about how I wished I could help them find the person they were meant to be with. And I think that’s the key.” I sighed watching the speedometer. It hovered ten miles over what I considered a safe speed. “I don’t understand why I can see the lights, but I know it must be all tied together because when I try to use my sight when I feel like this, it hurts. Really bad.” Clay’s expression hadn’t changed. I realized I’d skipped the explanation of why I agreed to an Introduction.
“Oh, yeah. Before I shocked those two, Clay, a Forlorn came up behind me and started a conversation. My fish finder still worked then. There were more of them in the crowd, Clay. The one talking to me said he just wanted a chance to say hi. He was very persistent so I told them I would see them at the compound for an official Introduction. They left right after, but gave me the impression that if I didn’t show up, they’d come looking for me. I got the feeling they’d been pushed too far.” I watched his face. “Has it been the same werewolves trying to see me, or is it always different?”
He didn’t answer, but I didn’t really expect him to. I sighed and snaked a hand out from under the blanket to touch his leg. “It hurts to see you like this Clay. If I have to put up with an Introduction to keep you safe, then that’s what I’ll do.” My lids refused to cooperate any longer and drifted shut.
“I’m sorry Clay,” I mumbled sleepily, “I wish I could just get over my need for freedom and claim you. We both know you’re the one. I just don’t want to lose myself.” I fell asleep without looking at him to see his reaction.
I woke in a bed and felt disoriented, surrounded by darkness. He’d carried me around while I slept again. “Clay?” I whispered reaching out to feel the mattress beside me. Empty.
Sam’s voice came from nearby, “You’re safe, Gabby. At the compound.”
“Where’s Clay?” I asked trying to fully wake.
“In the unmated’s wing. I was surprised he chose to stay there. After I kicked him out of here, I thought he’d go to the woods.”
Sam’s words annoyed me. How dare he kick Clay out? He had no right.
Still tired, I could have easily fallen back asleep. Instead, I struggled into a sitting position to keep myself awake.
“You don’t know anything about him,” I muttered no longer caring if I sounded rude. “Can you turn on a light please? I can’t see.”
The lamp next to the bed clicked on.
Sam sat in a chair near the bed. I looked around. I wasn’t in the same room I usually occupied, but didn’t bother asking why not. “What time is it?”
He glanced at his watch then met my eyes again. “Just after seven. You look worse than sick. Charlotte came in to look at you. You have us all worried. You going to tell me what’s happened to you?”
He looked worn, but I didn’t feel very sympathetic. Of course, they were worried. They’d promised their horde an Introduction. “Nope, I won’t. Did you put out the call? Did anyone answer?”
He didn’t care for my answer, but let it go. “Yes, there’s about fifty or so. There were more, but we explained that you were ill and wouldn’t be able to…”
I cut him off. “Put the call out again.” Why did he choose now to care about my wellbeing? “They have an hour to get here. Get Clay for me, please.” I swung my legs out from the blankets not waiting to see how he liked my orders and moved to get up.
Sam moved in a blur of speed and pushed me back down, his hand on my collarbone. He didn’t have to use much force. I flopped back into the pillow easily and glared at him. He kept his hand on me for a moment, probably waiting for me to try again. As if I could move a werewolf.
“I get it, Gabby. I disappointed you and lost your trust, but you’re sick. This isn’t what I asked for when I said you’d be better off doing Introductions at the compound.” His voice turned gruff. “Please,” he begged me with real concern, “don’t push yourself like this. You’ll get sicker.”
His expression and pleading tone swayed me enough to take pity on him. I patted his cheek sadly and half-smiled. “Not everything is about you Sam. Yes, I’m still mad at you, but this is about Clay and me. I don’t want to see him hurt anymore trying to fight other werewolves away from me. Now help me up and go get Clay.” I held out my hands and he reluctantly helped pull me to my feet.
Wobbling a bit, I made my way to my bag lying at the foot of the bed. He shook his head watching my determined, but slow progress. Making it to the end of the bed, I sat again, pulling the bag toward me. With a sigh, he left me rummaging through my messenger bag to go get Clay.
I still dug in the bag when Clay walked in without knocking. Looking up, I let the bikini I found dangle from one finger. “Really, Clay? You’re killing me. Where are my jeans?”
He’d walked through the door wearing a concerned expression, but my greeting wiped it away. His lips twitched with a smile as he leaned against the frame, content to watch me dig through the bag some more.