Page 69 of Finding His Fox

Immediately, my eyes found Nate lying on the hospital bed, his face pale, marked with exhaustion, his arm encased in a cast.

Closing the door gently behind me, I approached the bed, taking cautious steps, not wanting to disturb Nate’s rest.

Placing the bouquet of flowers on a nearby table, I pulled a chair closer to the bed and settled down.

Max, ever perceptive, hopped onto the bed and curled up next to Nate, as if claiming his rightful place by his side. It brought a small smile to my face.

Reaching out, I took hold of Nate’s uninjured hand, my fingers interlacing with his.

For a moment, words escaped me as I simply reveled in his familiar warmth and presence. Then, leaning in, I placed a tender kiss on Nate’s cheek.

Nate’s eyes fluttered open, and upon seeing me, his lips curved into a tired smile. Max let out a soft meow, seemingly pleased by the reunion.

“Hey, you two. Have you been here long?” Nate asked, his voice filled with a mix of fatigue and genuine curiosity, but he didn’t let go of my hand.

“We just arrived. I wanted to stay the night, but the doctor convinced me to head back home and get some rest,” I replied, my gaze locked with Nate’s, studying him intently.

Nate’s concern for me was evident as he gave me a once-over. He released my hand momentarily, his fingertips gently tracing the dark circles under my eyes. My mate looked thoughtful.

“Did you get any sleep last night?” Nate asked.

“Not much,” I admitted with a slight sigh. “I was worried about you. How are you feeling?”

Nate’s expression softened as he replied, “The doctor gave me some painkillers earlier, so I feel pretty great. Dr. Daniels and Owen have been really good to me. Ian even stopped by an hour ago and brought me snacks.”

I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of our friends taking care of Nate during his recovery.

“That’s great,” I said, relief seeping into my voice.

Sensing that something was bothering me, Nate finally asked, his concern evident, “Cal, what’s bugging you?”

I took a moment to gather my thoughts before speaking.

“I can’t help but think that you got hurt because of me. The wendigo and I clashed twice recently, and it used you as a means to get to me,” I confessed, my voice laced with guilt.

Nate’s eyes met mine, determination shining through.

“Cal, stop it. That’s not true. When it found me, there was nothing but deep hatred in its eyes,” he reassured me, a shiver passing through his body.

Instinctively, I reached for the blanket, tucking it in more securely around him.

He continued, his voice steady, “This is only my personal theory, but I had a feeling it remembered me. After all, I took out its eye all those years ago.”

“It wanted both of us dead,” I corrected, a tinge of regret in my voice. “I’m sorry to bring it up again. Let’s focus on more pleasant things, like what you plan to do once you get out of the clinic.”

Nate pondered for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Suddenly, a brilliant idea sparked in my mind.

Nate chuckled, recognizing the mischievous glint in my eyes.

“I know that look. What evil plan are you concocting in that head of yours, Callahan Yates?”

I couldn’t help but feel a thrill at hearing him use my full name. It was a playful challenge that always made my heart race.

“I think you should spend a few days at the cabin, so I can spoil and pamper you,” I proposed, a hint of excitement in my voice.

Nate’s eyes twinkled with amusement as he scratched the top of Max’s head.

“Oh, I like the sound of that. What do you say, Max?” Max purred in agreement.