Protector Panther (Protection, Inc 3)

“We didn’t give you much for the pain,” Ellie said apologetically.

Shane wasn’t surprised. He had a gunshot wound and they were transporting him in the back of a car. Since they didn’t have any electronic monitors, Shane needed to be able to notice and inform them if the pain suddenly got worse. It might be their only chance of treating a complication before it was too late.

“You see, if it suddenly starts to hurt a lot more,” Ellie began.

“He knows, Ellie,” Catalina interrupted, but not rudely. “He used to be a PJ.”

Ellie looked down at Shane in surprise. “You never told me that.”

You have a lot of explaining to do, his panther remarked.

Ellie leaned forward and poked Hal in the shoulder. “You never told me that. And I bet you knew.”

“It was Shane’s secret,” Hal replied.

Shane suddenly realized that he’d never told Justin how he’d survived running away. If Justin didn’t have any doctors he trusted...

Catalina squeezed his hand, catching his attention. “If you’re worrying about Justin... You were right, he should have come with us. You’re a panther and Hal’s a bear and I’m a superhero and Ellie’s got a gun, of course we could handle anything! But you did tell him that you had a cure. And I don’t know if you noticed, but when he touched your shoulder, he put his hand right where your shirt was ripped. He has to touch your skin to track you. He was making sure he could find you when he needs you.”

Her logic made sense. Shane was relieved that she’d known what he was thinking.

Of course she does, his panther hissed, exasperation audible in every rasping word. She’s your mate.

Shane gazed past Hal’s broad back and out through the windshield at the brightening sky, the occasional flake of snow drifting by, and the streaky granite cliffs. Hal was driving much faster than would normally be safe on these roads, but Shane trusted him not to go off a cliff.

Hal glanced into the rear-view mirror, his hazel eyes meeting Shane’s in reflection. “Everyone’s safe. They’re driving separately. Except Lucas. He’s flying.”

Hal too had known what Shane was thinking without him having to ask. Shane nodded again. Even a single word felt like it would require strength that he might need for something more important later.

Catalina stroked his hair with a steady touch, as if she was petting a cat. If it hadn’t been for the pain, his panther would have purred.

“Hang in there,” Catalina said. “It won’t be long now.”

Shane relaxed into her caress. Like he’d told Justin, he was in good hands.

Chapter Fourteen

Catalina

Catalina hurried to Shane’s bedside and bent over him anxiously. He’d been in surgery for a much shorter time than she’d expected and Dr. Bedford had assured her that he’d make a complete recovery. The monitors assured her that his vital signs were good and stable. But it was still frightening to see him lying unconscious and pale, his intense eyes closed.

Her leopard’s purring voice sounded within her. Your mate needs you. Lick his wounds and make him better.

Catalina hoped her leopard didn’t mean that literally. But the big cat was right that Shane needed her touch. She reached out to stroke his hair.

“You might not want to get that close,” said a deep voice.

She turned around. Hal was standing in the doorway, with Ellie right beside him.

Ellie started forward, but Hal waved her back. “Wait in the lobby, Ellie. The team will be here any minute now. Don’t let them come in till I give the go-ahead.”

Ellie’s eyebrows flew upward. “You think I can stop them?”

“I think you’ve got a better chance than Dr. Bedford,” Hal replied.

“I’ll do my best.” Ellie went out, closing the door behind her.

Hal turned to Catalina. “Like I said. You’d better step back. Let me handle this.”