“That’s good.”
He takes a step closer and freezes. His nostrils flare.
I watch his face change. The casual friendliness evaporates, and his expression shifts. His pupils dilate instantly. His jaw tightens, and he grips the strap of his bag.
“Sedona,” he says, his voice dropping, getting gravelly.
“What?”
“Are you… feeling okay?”
“I’m fine,” I say, pushing a stray curl behind my ear. My hand is shaking. “Just hot. Is it hot out here?”
He ignores the question, taking another step to invade my personal space. He leans in. He doesn’t touch me; he just breathes.
The groan that rumbles in his chest is barely audible.
“You’re not fine,” he says.
“What do you mean?”
He looks around, checking the parking lot and the street. “Where’s your car?”
“Tex dropped me off earlier.”
“Where is he now?”
“He went back to the ranch to practice.”
Seth curses under his breath.
“Seth, you’re scaring me,” I say. “What is it?”
He looks at me, his eyes intense. “Your scent,” he says. “It’s changing. Right now. While I’m standing here.”
I feel the blood drain from my face, then rush back in. “No,” I whisper. “No, I took the pills. Maggie gave me the injection.”
“Maybe it wasn’t enough,” he says. “Or maybe the virus cleared your system faster than they thought. I don’t know.”
He reaches out and touches my arm. His skin is cool against mine.
“You’re burning up,” he says.
I sag against him, my knees weak. The heat is a wave now, crashing over me and pulling me under.
“I feel dizzy,” I admit.
“I need to get you home,” he says. “Now.”
“Seth, I can’t go to the ranch. If I’m… if it’s a heat…”
He wraps an arm around my waist, supporting my weight.
“Come on,” he says. “My truck is right here.” He guides me down the steps, and when I stumble, he’s quick to catch me.
“Seth, wait,” I say. “I can’t leave the clinic unlocked.”
“I’ll lock it,” he says. “Give me the keys.”
