Season of the Witch (Claws Clause 2)

Like a cellphone, it had its limits. The person on the other end needed to be tuned in and willing to answer the call. There were areas of poor service and reception, too. If her grandmother was in a heavily warded area, or if she wasn’t available, she’d never receive Shea’s page.

Shea, is that you, sweetheart?

She sighed. Her grandmother’s voice always made her feel safe. As if nothing could go wrong when she was around.

Yes, Nana, it’s me. I just heard that you were here. I didn’t want to worry you more than I’m sure I already have, so I wanted to tell you that I’m okay. Probably pushed it a little further than I had to, but I’m okay now.

I know, honey. I wouldn’t have left if I thought you were in trouble. Now, your brother on the other hand...

Shea winced. She knew that tone. Suddenly, she was relieved that Kallista was an ocean away.

Did you get to see him? she asked.

Not yet. He was still recovering when I got called back. And I am terribly sorry I had to leave you two so soon. As soon as I finish up what I’m doing here, I’m coming home for a couple of weeks. Maybe then I can teach my granddaughter to respect her limits, hm?

Her wince turned into a smile now that she knew Hudson had a little more time before he had to face their grandmother’s wrath.

Love you, Nana.

I love you, too, honey. Until I’m back, I’m confident I’m leaving you in good hands with your wolf.

As her grandmother cut the connection, Shea’s smile wavered.

If only he was her wolf.

It was easy to pretend. The look he gave her right before he warned her that he was leaving the room… it was so similar to the heated expression he wore the first time she laid her hand on his erection.

Like he wanted her.

If only.

* * *

Knock, knock.

“Ms. Moonshadow? It’s Corporal Wright. I’ve got your brother in my custody. May we come in?”

It had been about ten minutes since Colton left the room. Shea tested her shields, pleased when there was a tiny foundation that she could work on rebuilding. She grasped at it, holding tightly to it, then called out, “Sure. I’m ready.”

The door opened. She was able to withstand the push against her better this time, gritting her teeth as her brother was rolled into her hospital room.

Hudson looked like shit. The wounds were gone, no sign of the blood that coated him, or the gashes, either; with Shea’s level of skill, there wasn’t a single scar. But his curls were matted to one side, his olive-tone skin a washed-out pale beneath the fluorescent lights.

The man behind the wheelchair was familiar. It took her a second to place him.

Blonde hair.

Hazel eyes.

Human.

Huh. It was the cop that Colton had brought to Bloodlust that night.

He nodded over at her in greeting before parking the wheelchair at her bedside. “Nurses don’t want you being bothered too long while you’re recovering, so this is gonna have to be a quick visit. I’m gonna use your bathroom, if that’s okay with you.”

He was doing it on purpose. She wasn’t so sure why he felt like he had to stay, but at least he was giving her some kind of pretense of privacy.

“That’s fine.”