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“Bullshit!” I spit the word out so violently that Cedara startles. “Shhh…” I soothe her. “It’s just me. I’m sorry.” I turn back to the doctor, keeping my voice low. “I don’t believe you.”
“Look at her, Barrett.” Dr. Bea tips her head down toward my mate.
I run my eyes over her golden fur. She’s beautiful, even like this.
“The last time I saw you together, she was responsive to you…she turned to you. This…” She tilts her head in Cedara’s direction.
“She’s just distracted. She’s been cooped up in this apartment too long. You know we’re not meant to be caged.”
Caged. Like they caged her before. This place may be more comfortable, but is it much better for a creature who’s meant to be free?
I think of how I found her this morning.
She wanted to get out.
“She’s trying to break free, Barrett. Maybe to return to the wild.” The doctor echoes my thoughts. “That’s where you found her, isn’t it? In the woods?”
I nod, not trusting my voice.
“If this goes badly, she may have to go back there.”
“But we just forged a bond!” Why do I sound so tortured?
Because I am.
“I’m so sorry, honey.” The doctor sets her hand on my shoulder. Cedara growls, and she quickly removes it.
“She’s there! She’s in there, dammit! And as long as she’s there, I can handle it.”
“Then you may have to meet her where she is.”
“Where she is? What is that supposed to mean?”
“In your wolf form, Barrett. That’s the only thing I can suggest. But are you ready for that?”
“I’ll do whatever it takes.” My jaw works.
“Forever?” Dr. Bea cocks her head. “Are you prepared for that? To leave this behind? To step away from your humanity?”
“Yes.” I don’t hesitate.
“Even though it might mean losing your human side, too?”
My steady gaze is my answer.
She’s silent for a moment. “You’re a good man, Barrett Chord.” She nods over at Cedara. “Take care of her. And call me if you need anything else.”
I manage a tight smile, then open the door. Once she’s out of the apartment, I turn back to my mate. She’s watching me silently. Moving to her side, I drop to one knee and reach out to stroke her silky coat.
“You’ve been lying on the floor for too long, beautiful. You should be resting someplace comfortable.”
She keeps watching as the change comes over me. The tendons and ligaments and muscles that shift and contort around my changing frame. My snout stretching as fur sprouts over my skin. Once I’m on all fours, the wolf in me takes over. Turning away, I pad back to the bedroom, giving her a backward glance before I walk into the room. I bound onto the bed and settle onto the soft coverlet, gray paws dark against the pristine white linen.
A moment later, the mattress dips as Cedara springs up next to me. She curls at my side, nuzzling her face against me.
I heave out a sigh. There’s sorrow in it. But if this is the only way we can be together, then I’ll take it.
Chapter 22
