“Does it hurt? Is it healed?” I sit on my heels beside the couch.
“I got shot, of course it hurts.” She sighs. “Shit, sorry. I’m cranky after a near-death experience.”
“I don’t care if you're a raging bitch,” I growl. “I’m just glad you're awake to snip at me.”
“I must have lost a lot of blood,” she says, pressing her hand to her chest. “I’m weak.”
“Yes, you did,” I mumble, and she looks at me.
“You were scared,” she whispers.
“Terrified,” I say, blinking. “I lost it.”
“Haven.” She holds out her hand, wiggling her fingers, and I place my palm against hers. “I was scared, too. I heard what you said, and I couldn’t leave you. My animal saved me. It helped that I was shifted, and my fox could heal me. You know I’ve faced many injuries.”
“I know, but you shouldn’t have to,” I rasp.
“No shit. I’m done with getting beaten up and shot,” she says, squeezing my fingers. “My fox is pissed and ready to live wound-free. I hate that a human almost killed me. What the hell happened? Why was she here?”
“She wanted to be me.” I shake my head. “Now’s not the time. We can talk about it when you’re completely healed.”
“Well, you're fabulous. Why wouldn’t she?” She grins. “I’m sore, but a couple more days, and I’ll be good as new.”
“You can stay here,” I offer.
“I don’t think so,” she smirks, releasing my hand. “You have a bond to complete, and I have a snake who’s going to pamper me. Heath wants me close.”
“I get it.” I rub my hands up and down my thighs. “I’m nervous.”
“Listen, those four men are devoted to you,” she whispers. “They could have lost you today, and I’m sure they’re a bit touchy not being in the same room with you.”
“I couldn’t do anything until I knew you were safe. I also need to deal with my father, and process Jenica's death,” I say.
“I swore you told me her name was Jenny,” she mumbles, and then waves her hand. “Doesn’t matter. Put everything out of your head, and concentrate on them. This is your destiny, and I’ll be mad if you put it off because of me.” She narrows her eyes. “I bet a jaguar named Hunter will have your father dealt with soon. Let him. You’ve done all you can.”
“It would be nice to let him.” Hunter offered before, and I’m sure he would take pleasure in the task.
“Then do.” She rolls to her good side, facing me. “You aren’t alone anymore. They won’t leave you, cheat, or treat you like shit.”
“I always had you,” I whisper.
“Not always,” she reminds me. “For several years, you thought I left you on purpose, too. Now you know I would have done anything to come back to you, but at the time, it appeared that way. I know it hurts you. Today was a fluke. I have no plans to disappear again. Your mates won’t either.”
“I know,” I murmur, looking at the closed door. I’m hoping they aren’t listening. The noise in the kitchen should make it more difficult.
“Hey.” I look at her. “I’ll always be here for you. It’s time to decide your future. We have always been family, so nothing will change except our ability to shift together.” She smiles softly. “My fox would love to meet your animal.”
“It’s mind-blowing to think about it.” I shake my head. “Seeing it and doing it are vastly different.”
“Don’t be scared. It’s natural, and you're supposed to be a jaguar.”
“Will I be able to fly through the air, shifting mid-leap like you did?” I ask.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” she snorts. “I’m just that badass.”
“Yes, you are.” She laughs, and it turns into a groan. “You need to rest.”
“I’m good.” She exhales harshly. “I’ll be able to get up in a few hours. Go find your mates.”
