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  Jake and Blake both turned quietly to face the opposite direction but Justin, who was always very sensitive to others, walked over to Bailey’s side and rubbed the area in between her eyebrows and said, “She needs more medication for the pain.”

  Shana observed her patient. “I told you to tell me if you were in pain. Bailey, I need you to communicate with me. You don’t need to be in pain.” Shana brought a syringe to Bailey’s IV and gave her the injection.

  Paul stayed on his knees and watched Bailey open her eyes and gaze at Justin in confusion. “Blake? Why are you always around to piss me off?”

  Justin and Paul chuckled, “Alas my dear, I’m not Blake. My name is Justin. Paul, Blake and I are from the same litter. We’re triplets. But I’m the best thing to come from my mother’s womb.”

  Bailey gave him a small smile, which caused Paul to growl before closing her eyes in pain once again. “It’s nice to meet you Justin. Did you know Blake has the best name?”

  Blake laughed while Paul growled and Justin merely smiled.

  Justin placed his hand on Bailey’s forearm and Paul noticed his pinched expression as Shana and Bailey both looked at him adoringly. “Thank you Mr. Justin Nunn. That’s better. You have a gift.”

  Paul felt a moment of jealousy before he viewed his brother’s pained expression and knew he was easing his mate’s discomfort. As a small child Justin was always able to take someone’s pain into himself. Once during a soccer game Justin slide for the ball at the same time as the defender, breaking his arm. Justin rode to the hospital with them the whole way touching him to ease the discomfort.

  Paul whispered, “Thank you” to his brother before getting up from his position on the floor and coming to his mate’s side. “Bailey, are you okay?”

  Bailey opened her eyes and considered Paul. “Yes, I’m fine.”

  Paul scoffed and stared at her wound. He placed his mouth by her ear and said, “I can feel everything that’s happening. Every staple that goes into your sweet flesh is felt in mine. When they scrubbed your wound clean I felt it. I know something happened, but no one has said how this wound came to be on your lovely body.”

  Bailey glared at Paul. “I was attacked. Did you feel that too? If so, where were you?”

  Paul flinched. “I had no idea that what I was feeling was connected to you. How could I?”

  Bailey stared him down. “I was mauled by a bear, in your territory. Please tell me sheriff, how does that happen?”

  Paul was outraged. “I refuse to be blamed for this. I would have stayed with you and protected you but as you so aptly put it ‘you can protect yourself’. For Christ’s sake, I gave you my magic, to please you.” His face became stoic, “If you’d like to make a report, I’d be more than happy to accept it, but if you want to place blame-put it on the bear.”

  Bailey wasn’t used to someone calling her on her bitchiness and felt fragile and inadequate. “You’re right sheriff. I apologize.”

  Paul grimaced, “Why are you now calling me sheriff? You’ll call Justin and Blake by their given names but suddenly I’m sheriff? Never mind, Shana, will you please tend to me when you’re done with Ms. O’Shea.”

  Shana replied never taking her eyes off Bailey’s wound. “Of course Paul.”

  As Paul walked out of the exam room and into another, Shana felt compelled to say, “Don’t you think you’re being a tad tough on him? His instincts are to protect and aid; you played off every single one-unfairly.”

  Bailey knew she was being unfair, but seeing him in the pain that she’d inadvertently caused, made her ill. She didn’t mean to be a bitch but she felt tied down and no longer free, which was absurd. “I’ll apologize later.”

  “That’s it? He gives you his magic, which, he has never done before, and you tell him it’s his fault because he didn’t protect you. You must be more like your mother than I thought.”

  Appalled Bailey grabbed Shana’s hand and took the staple gun. “I’ll finish up here, see to Paul.”

  Shana rubbed her pregnant belly and said, “Our pack’s not like yours. We respect people’s individual choice. You seem to want your freedom, but when something goes wrong, you’re quick to blame others. I’m not sure you are the quality Jake thought you were.” Shana left rubbing her lower back and muttering to herself.

  *****

  Paul pulled himself from his infuriating mate’s bedside and decided that he was no longer going to be hurt by her, her family or her Pack. Yeah right, as if he could prevent it.

  He walked into the room next to Bailey’s and gently removed his shirt. He didn’t have the grizzly marks that were on Bailey’s skin but he certainly felt them.

  About ten minutes later Shana entered his room with Jake her Alpha mate. Paul bowed his head in respect and was surprised to hear Shana say. “Stop that nonsense. We need to get x-rays, Jake can take you.”

  Jake smiled as Paul blanched. “I can find my own way. It seems like your mate needs your comfort.”

  Paul stood and caught his breath. He walked himself to where he knew the x-ray department was, got his films and went back into his room to await the results. He was just getting comfortable when he heard a familiar booming voice.

  “Good Evening, sheriff, I’m Dr. Hopkins and I believe we’ve met.”

  Paul smiled, “Evening Dr. Hopkins. How’ve you been?”

  “Better than you I’d say.” Dr. Hopkins placed Paul’s x-rays on the lighted box. “Your x-rays look great. No sign of a break but let me see something.” The doctor put some pressure on the left side of Paul’s torso. At Paul’s scream of pain he said, “Interesting.”

  Jake walked into the room and eyed the doctor. “He shared his magic with Bailey. I told you he was having the same symptoms as her, just without the physical findings.”

  Dr. Hopkins smiled. “Yes, yes. I was just making sure. As a doctor I’m afraid we know very little about shifters mated to each other.”

  “We’re not mated. I only shared my magic with her, which I wasn’t even sure I could do. She was standing there trying to change and couldn’t so I touched her and bam-insta shift. I’m going to go; now that I know my ribs aren’t broken I’ll leave.”

  Dr. Hopkins stopped him. “I think we should bind you ribs for comfort if that’s okay with you. Are you going to sit with Ms. O’Shea?”

  Paul recoiled at the sound of the doctor’s disappointment. “Ms. O’Shea made it clear she doesn’t want me around.” Looking at Jake, “Have you heard of any aggressive bears around lately?”

  Jake shook his head and gave Paul a, we’ll-talk-about-it-later look. Paul was uncomfortable while the doctor bound his ribs. Damn they hurt, he couldn’t imagine poor Bailey having to get staples and then get her ribs bound. He was deep in thought when he noticed another presence in the room.

  “What are you doing here, Shana? I thought you were treating Bailey.”

  Shana got a disgusted look on her face. “Jake I need to talk to you.” Watching the startled reactions of Dr. Hopkins and Paul, she added, “Privately.”

  “What’s wrong? Is something wrong with Bailey?” Paul jumped up and tried to run from the room but Jake caught him by the shoulder and spun him around.

  “Complete your treatment and stop worrying.” Jake was using his Alpha voice so Paul knew he was at his limit for shit taking for the day. Paul nodded to show that he would comply.

  Shana took Jake’s hand and pulled him into a vacant exam room. “Bailey was rude to Paul.”

  Jake snickered, “That’s why you needed to talk to me? Paul can take care of himself.”

  Shana blanched at his tone which seemed to keep getting angrier. “Yes, but she blamed him for her accident and I told her it wasn’t nice.”

  Jake’s lips thinned, “What did you say? You only come to me when I need to fix a problem.”

  Shana became indignant. “There is no problem. I told her we didn’t accept bitches like her mother into our pack and if she was going to act like her mother s
he should find another Pack.” Jake was looking at her with wide eyes, “What? It’s true. I don’t want a troublemaker in our pack.”

  Jake smiled. “That is my decision. How did little Bailey take the news that she was acting like her mother?”

  Shana’s feet shuffled and she looked uncomfortable, “She took the staple gun from me and kicked me out.”

  “Shana, it is none of your business how Bailey treats Paul; so please butt out. I think you should apologize. Just like she used Paul’s weakness against him, you used her weakness against her. You know she hates her mother.”

  Shana grinned as she rubbed her pregnant belly. “I know. Hopefully she backs off Paul. I’ll see you at home, I’m tired.”

  Jake walked back to Paul’s room only to find it empty.

  *****

  Paul was wondering what Bailey was doing until he heard the clicking of the staple gun and saw her trying to twist around. “Uh, are you supposed to be doing that?”

  Bailey was startled and she accidentally squeezed the staple in the wrong part of her skin. She took a deep calming breath a replied, “What business is it of yours?”

  Okay, she was still pissed at him. “Where’s Shana? And Justin?”

  “I’ve relieved them of their duties. Just as I’m about to do to you.”

  Paul let a small sigh escape as he approached her. “Here, I’ll take over; you won’t be able to reach that far. How do your ribs feel?”

  She wanted to argue but he was right. She’d been trying to staple her flank but was having a hard time reaching. Every time she placed a staple it pulled her skin and wasn’t aligned properly. She could care less about scars; she had the one on her neck that was big and deep. Emotionally and physically. She handed the small white staple gun to Paul. “Thanks.”

  “You’ve done well so far but do you mind if I take out the last three staples? Otherwise it’ll scar.”

  She laughed bitterly, “Does it look like I care about scars. Leave ‘em.”

  He didn’t listen; instead he got the staple remover and removed the staples, and began re-placing them to close the wound.

  At the first contact of his warm calloused hands on her side she felt tingles reign throughout her body. Did he have to touch her skin? It was disturbing and slightly erotic. Who was she kidding she knew nothing about erotic thoughts or sensations, but every time this wolf was in the room she wanted to lick him, and bite him. She was never going to be with a man anyways so it didn’t matter. “Why did you ask if you were going to remove them anyway? It’s annoying.”

  Paul smiled cheekily and then took in a deep breath and his movements stopped. He closed his eyes and she noticed that his hands shook when he re-placed them on her side. “I’m sorry; I know I’m not being very nice. I…it’s just…well, I’m sorry.”

  Paul’s voice had taken on a husky tone when he replied, “No worries.”

  Bailey tried to look up at him and gauge what was wrong but he wouldn’t meet her eyes. “I understand if you want to leave too. I haven’t been very nice to you…” Her words stopped and she began to giggle when his hand caressed a particularly ticklish spot along her upper wound on the outer section of her breast, by her armpit.

  Paul had an unusual look in his eyes, almost a sparkle of amusement. “I’m sorry, I’m done,” but he didn’t remove his hand from the spot. His fingertips were brushing the wound so instead he laid his palm over the upper portion of the area and took in another deep breath. “You’re so soft.”

  When Bailey chanced looking up at him he looked like a hungry wolf, and instead of being afraid, she was very aware of how her breasts suddenly became heavy, and she felt swollen and wet in her girly area. Crap, did she pee herself?

  Bailey shot up off the gurney and scrambled around looking for her clothes. Damn, she’d shifted by the house- no clothes.

  Chapter 6

  Paul was stunned when he saw Bailey launch herself off the gurney. He thought things were going okay. “What’s wrong? Where’s the fire?”

  Bailey just stood there and looked around as if searching for something. Her head flying from side to side attempting to cover the scar on her neck.

  Paul ripped the sheet from off the gurney and covered Bailey. He noticed the smell of her arousal, stronger than he scented her blood, and wondered if that’s what had spooked her. He’d finished stapling her and was touching her skin. He could feel the attraction but she was fighting it. His wolf was pushing him to dominate her and show her that he would protect her. He was able to reign in his wolf and take a step back.

  Bailey felt like an idiot. Ever since she’d met him she’d been abused and scarred and it had changed her. She wanted to be the woman she’d been before the betrayal and attack. She trusted no one and that left her alone and lonely, but at least she wouldn’t have to be let down by the people she trusted. Bailey lowered her head in shame, “I’m sorry…again.”

  Paul stayed across the room knowing she was in fight or flight mode. “What happened?”

  Bailey could feel the flush start in her chest and run all the way to the top of her head. “I have to use the bathroom. I…um…could you…turn around?”

  Paul turned, automatically, at her request not questioning for a moment. “Bailey, I like you and I think you like me too. I’m sorry if I touched you inappropriately.” Did she think the sweet cream that she had released was abnormal?

  “Uh, it’s okay. I just don’t like being touched, or looked at, or talked to…” She knew it sounded pretty bad but she was truly unsure of herself.

  Paul turned. “I think you liked my touch and I like talking to you. You’re going to have to open up to the pack sometime. I know you had a really bad experience with your old Alpha, but we’re all very supportive and close knit.”

  Bailey sighed. “I know. Jake is a great leader and everyone I’ve met has been understanding and patient. I think I just need time and distance from my old pack. It’s going to hurt leaving Dante but I just…have to.”

  Paul’s look softened, “He’ll understand. He wants you to be happy and whole again. It’s what we all want.” Paul moved closer and put his arms around Bailey. He hugged her gently to his chest and felt a few hot tears on his chest. “You’re breakin’ my heart. Let’s get your ribs bound and I’ll take you out for coffee.”

  Bailey sniffed and took in Paul’s comforting scent and nodded. “I’d like that. Thank you, Paul.”

  Paul held her a moment more loving the sound of his name on her tongue. He wanted to keep her with him forever. Share his life, love, and start a family. Holy shit, where did that come from? He’d never really thought about having kids before.

  “You okay? You smell, anxious.”

  “Sorry, let’s get started.” Paul needed to keep it together.

  *****

  Jake did not want to make this call, but he didn’t have a chance of getting out of it. He was the Alpha so he was responsible for making difficult calls. He better call before checking on Bailey again. Here it goes, “Hey Dante, its Jake. How are you doing?”

  “What do you want Jake?” Dante’s reply was terse.

  Jake growled low in his throat, “Show respect pup. If you’ll recall, I’m the one who helped you take control of the pack you currently control. I also helped save your pups, and kept their mother safe, from your old Alpha.”

  Dante groaned. “You’re right, I apologize. How can I help you?”

  “I am giving you a courtesy call to let you know your sister was attacked by a bear while she was frolicking in the woods. Apparently, she does that often. We’ve never had a bear shifter in our woods, so I was hoping you could tell me if you’ve had one in your area that might have followed.”

  Dante swore loudly. “Is she okay? We’ve had several upsets recently. Some of the older Pack members have been rebelling against the updated rules, but I don’t think they would harm anyone.”

  “They are not harming just anyone. Someone is going after your sister, have you r
eceived any threats?”

  “You’ve no need to concern yourself with my Pack any longer.”

  Jake was baffled. “That is what friends do, Dante. Help whether you think you need it or not. If you want to keep your head up your ass, I’m okay with that, but I’m keeping your sister. Have a nice night.” Jake disconnected while Dante was trying to scream into the phone. He smiled to himself, stupid Dante didn’t know who he was messing with.

  Jake walked into Bailey’s room to find Paul wrapping her ribs in the same manner the doctor had done his. “How are you feeling, Bailey?”

  She looked alarmed to see Jake enter the room. “Uh, fine. Thank you for asking.”

  “What’s going on Jake?” Paul was getting nervous, Jake smelled pissed.

  Jake looked to Bailey, “Maybe we should ask her. What’s goin' on Bailey?”

  She looked puzzled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t done anything. Well, that’s not true. I was mean to your female Alpha and I apologize. I was also mean to Paul and have asked forgiveness.” She looked to Paul, “Do you accept?”

  Paul nodded.

  “Well, I spoke to Dante who refuses to tell me the threat to you, but I believe you know something we don’t. Do you need protection, Bailey?”

  “I’ve always received threats from my old pack, but I’ve never taken them serious. I wasn’t respected or wanted. I understand if you no longer want me as a part of this pack. I’ll go back and take the troubles with me.”

  Paul blanched while Jake spoke. “You misunderstand. I informed Dante that we would keep you, for as long as you are willing to stay. We will accept you as pack and you will be protected. I’ll call the pack members to meet you so that they can be aware of the situation. Will you stay at Alpha house?”

  Bailey felt the beginning of tears sting her eyes. “Will it be okay with your Alpha female?”

  Jake smiled. “I’ve spoken to Shana, who specifically requested we show you how a healthy pack runs so you’ll stop being…uh, uncomfortable.”