<b>Chapter </b><b>67 </b>


    Dr. Winters followed close behind, her medical bag in hand. “I’ll need to examine her injuries,” she said, her professional demeanor firmly in ce despite thete hour and unusual circumstances.


    I nodded shortly and carried Reba directly upstairs,ying her gently on my bed. She winced as her shoulder made contact with the mattress, and I immediately adjusted her position, carefully propping her up with pillows. Her hand caught mine as I pulled away, fingers intertwining briefly before reluctantly letting go.


    “I need to check the extent of her injuries,” Dr. Winters said, moving to Reba’s side. She looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to leave.


    I growled low in my throat, the sound entirely inhuman. “I’m staying.”


    Dr. Winters, familiar with werewolf protectiveness, merely nodded and began her examination. She carefully cleaned the cuts on Reba’s shoulder and face, applying antiseptic that made Reba hiss in pain. I took her hand, letting her squeeze mine when the sting became too much. Her grip was surprisingly strong, her eyes seeking mine forfort. I moved closer, letting her feel my presence.


    “The shoulderceration has some depth to it,” Dr. Winters said after her examination. “It will need a few stitches, and there may be some minor scarring.”


    “Use whatever treatment will minimize scarring,” I instructed.


    Dr. Winters nodded and prepared a local anesthetic. As she worked on Reba’s injuries, I maintained my position at her side, never letting go of her hand.


    When the doctor finally finished and packed up her supplies, the room fell into a heavy silence. I walked Dr. Winters to the door, exchanging a few quiet words about follow–up care and medication. When I returned, I stood at the foot of the bed, taking a moment to collect my thoughts. Reba looked small against therge bed, her eyes following my every movement, uncertain and vulnerable.


    “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to work?” My voice was carefully controlled, all emotion stripped away.


    Tears welled in her eyes again, her lower lip trembling slightly. “Since that day at the hospital… you haven’te home once. I thought you were angry with me.”


    Something twisted in my chest–regret, sharp and unexpected. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, then slowly rxed. I watched her swallow hard, the delicate movement of her throat drawing my attention.


    ‘I wasn’t angry,” I said finally, “I was… caught up inpany matters.”


    It sounded hollow even to my own ears. Reba looked away, a shadow passing over her face. Her fingers yed nervously with the edge of the nket, exposing then covering the smooth skin of her thigh in a rhythm that made it difficult to maintain my focus on her face.


    63


    “My father’s surgery went well,” she said, changing the subject. “But I owe the hospital a lot of money. I couldn’t… I can’t keep depending on you.”


    I started to speak, to tell her that money was the least of my concerns, but she pushed on, her voice growing more strained. The pulse at her throat quickened, visible even from where I stood.


    “My brother’s gambling debts, my father’s medical bills… it’s too much. I had to get a job, to start taking care of things myself.”


    Her voice broke, tears spilling over. “And Elizabeth told me… she said you’ve been with her these past few days. I thought you didn’t want me anymore…”


    The revtion of Elizabeth’s lies sparked fresh anger, but I contained it, focusing instead on Reba’s pain. Her chest rose and fell rapidly with each breath, the scent of her distress filling the room.


    “Then Steve… he almost…” She couldn’t finish. “I don’t belong in this world, Dominic. Humans aren’t meant to be mixed up with werewolves.”


    She struggled to sit up, ignoring the pain in her shoulder. Her hospital gown slipped slightly, revealing more of her


    corbone and the soft curve of her breast.


    “I should go,” she said, reaching for the bedside drawer where she kept a few personal items. “Leave this city… leave


    the werewolf world entirely.”


    I moved with werewolf speed, suddenly at her side, gently but firmly pulling her back. My hands encircled her wrists, careful not to press on her bruises. Her pulse jumped beneath my fingers, her breathing catching at my sudden


    proximity.


    “No,” I said, my voice rough with emotion. “Don’t do that.”


    I gathered her into my arms, careful of her injuries, and held her close. Her body was warm against mine, soft where I was hard, yielding where I was unyielding. “Listen to me, Reba. Just listen.”


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