She had to blink away tears and then she thought—why stop them. Jane realized just how close she’d come to losing everything. She jerked him closer, locking her arms around him, and Jane held Aidan as tightly as she could—so tightly that she never wanted to let him go. “I love you,” she whispered.
Her words were so true. This hard, stark, primitive connection between them—it was just the beginning. Physically, she was completely attuned to him. But emotionally, he got to her. Had, from the very first. He could frustrate her, amuse her, charm her…thrill her. Love. That’s what I feel for him. For a while, she’d thought that she’d never fall in love with anyone. Her job had consumed her. She’d only let a few friends close. Jane’s life had been about protecting herself from the pain of the past. From any future pain that would come.
But…that hadn’t really been living.
She eased her hold on Aidan. He pulled back, staring down at her.
Jane kissed him. She poured all of her emotions into that kiss. He’d given her his own blood so that she could live. He’d fought for them both when she was on the verge of passing—of becoming something else.
Aidan. Her Aidan. Always.
A knock sounded at the door. “Aidan?” That slightly pompous voice—ah, she would recognize it anywhere. “I need to check on Jane.” The door swung open and Dr. Bob stood there, glowering. “What the hell? She has been fighting death all night. Don’t jump the woman now!”
“I wanted him to jump me,” Jane said. She offered Aidan a weak smile. “That was all me.”
He didn’t smile back. If possible, his expression became even grimmer. “I would do anything for you. You know that, don’t you, Jane?”
She did.
He kissed her again. “I can’t lose you.”
“I need to check my patient,” Dr. Bob said, huffing indignantly. “I’d better make sure your jumping didn’t pop any of her stitches.”
Aidan growled, but he backed away from the bed. He shot a fast glare at Dr. Bob. “Watch the tone, asshole. Her friend or not, you don’t fuck with the alpha.”
Dr. Bob licked his lips. “I-I—”
“I’m grateful to you for saving Jane, so you get a pass this time. But don’t pull that shit again.” Then Aidan’s gaze swung back to Jane and softened. “I’ll see you again real soon, sweetheart. I just need to take care of one thing, and I’ll be back with you.”
She didn’t want him to leave. Crazy but…she was feeling vulnerable and scared. Claws to the stomach could do that to a woman. But she kept her weak smile in place and nodded.
A few moments later, the door closed with a soft click as Aidan left the room.
“Jane.” Dr. Bob didn’t sound so pompous any longer. His shoulders had sagged as he stared at her. “Jane, I thought you were dying in front of me.”
Her breath heaved out. “That bad?” Because she felt pretty darn good right then, all things considered.
“That bad.” He gave a brisk nod and hurried to the bed. “I saw the claw marks and I…I thought Aidan had attacked you.”
“That wouldn’t happen.” Her words came out instantly.
“I know how strong he is. The alpha, just like the cocky SOB just said. He’s stronger than every other wolf in this town, and I know the kind of damage he could do to you if he lost his control.”
“Aidan doesn’t lose his control. And he wouldn’t hurt me.”
Dr. Bob chewed on his lower lip. “You absolutely sure about that?”
As long as I’m not a vampire, yes. But if I change…all bets are off. Her chin lifted. “I’m sure.” If she changed, then she wouldn’t be the same person. And Aidan would need to protect the world from her.
Vampires became wild, bloodlust driven monsters. They attacked their families, their friends. The old. The young. Everyone.
Dr. Bob cleared his throat. “You look remarkably well.” A pause. “I was scared last night.”
Now he was surprising her.
“I…like you, Detective Hart. You don’t put up with my bullshit. You don’t pull your punches. And you do your job because you actually care about people.”
Her eyes widened. This was more emotional than Dr. Bob had ever been with her before.
“I would appreciate it,” he continued gruffly, “if you would not get yourself killed. I don’t have many friends as it is, and I would like to keep the few that I enjoy.”
“I’ll do my best,” she told him. “On the whole, not getting myself killed part.”
He nodded. His expression lightened a little.
“And I’m glad you’re my friend,” she added. His cheeks flushed a light pink. “Even though you can be a serious asshole most days.”
A ghost of a smile lifted his lips.
“I guess I like asshole medical examiners,” Jane mused.
“Damn straight.” He exhaled heavily. “Now, I’m going to need to take off that shirt and look at your wound. Just—you know, hold your shit together because this is all just medical. Purely professional. Don’t go freaking and calling in the big bad wolf on me just because I see you without your clothes.”