Chapter Twenty-Four:
Noah:
I was tired.
Didn't I just sleep?
Why am I so fucking tired?
"Noah?"
The voice sounded so far away. I could barely hear it.
"Noah?" the voice asked again, "Noah Valentine?"
My eyes opened, and I was in a white room.
The smell of disinfectant filled my nose, and I felt nauseous.
"Noah?"
I glanced over to see a man I've never met before.
"Who are you?" I asked.
It came out a little harsher than I intended.
He didn't look the slightest bit bothered.
"My name is Dr. Logan Booth," he said, "I am the new general doctor here at the facility."
New doctor?
He glanced down at the folder in his hands.
"You were on your way to see me the other day," he said, "When you had your first seizure."
I blinked a few times before his words sank in.
"I had a seizure?" I asked, "Wait, you said first."
His glowing blue eyes locked with mine, "That's correct."
"How long have I been here?"
"You came in yesterday afternoon," he said, "And you have had several seizures since."
His gaze went back to the folder in his hands.
"It says that you've had seven in total since arriving," he closed the pale-yellow folder.
Oh fuck.
I was going to try a sedative before calling Shay.
I wanted to at least try and see if that worked.
His eyes were actually freaking me out the way he stared at me.
What the fuck was he?
"You are wondering my classification?" he asked, "Aren't you?"
I wasn't stupid. I knew what the glowing blue meant.
I just haven't seen any in person before.
"I'm an Echo," he said, "I believe you have another one here at the facility."
Echoes were rare.
I haven't met too many of those either.
"Can you actually heal others?" I asked, "Or can you only heal yourself?"
He smiled slightly at my question.
"And if I said that I could do both?" he asked.
"How old are you?" I asked.
"Now, now, Mr. Valentine," he said, "We are here for you, not me."
"Alright then," I said, "What's wrong with me?"
"Your body is exhausted," he stated, "Sleep deprivation can cause some serious health issues, Devil or not."
"Isn't this something you can heal?"
"I can only do so much," he admitted, "I was only able to give you a little bit of rest."
So, it was probably because of him that I slept at all.
"When you'd wake, the first thing your body did was seize," he stated, "Whatever the issue is, I can't heal it."
I felt myself frown.
"I was informed that you recently found your mate," he said, "It might be because your body is reacting to either being close for too long or the absence of your mate for an extended period of time."
"How would we know for sure?" I asked.
I didn't want to have to stay away from her.
"Well, for one, I could just simply ask how you feel when she is away compared to when she is with you," he said, "Then we would need to monitor you with her here."
"With her here?"
My heart sped up involuntarily at the idea of seeing her again so soon.
He chuckled after glancing at the monitor beside the bed.
"Seems that got you a little excited," he said.
"Doesn't everybody?" I asked.
I felt a little embarrassed about how easily he saw through me.
"No," he said, "It depends how you react to being close to your mate."
"I thought everyone felt good," I stated, "Maybe a little bit of pain sometimes."
His eyes went to the window off to the side of the room, to my right.
"I had one patient that would bleed from her eyes every time her mate came near her," he stated, "Another one slowly fell apart, piece by piece."
I shuddered at the thought.
What if that happened to me whenever she came too close?
I'd lose my mind.
"It takes time," he said, "But those were extreme cases."
"Were they ever able to be together?" I asked.
He nodded, "Eventually."
I was relieved to hear that.
"But they were afraid for so long," he admitted, "To lose your body parts one by one is extremely painful."
I couldn't imagine it.
To be honest, I didn't want to.
"So, Noah," Dr. Booth said, "Do you experience pain whenever your mate is close to you?"
My head turned so that I could face him, "Yes, but nothing like that."
He nodded before writing on the back of the folder.
"The pain stops when I touch her," I admitted.
"Skin contact?" he asked, "Or just knowing that she is touching you?"
"Skin contact."
He nodded slightly, writing that down too.
"Does it hurt you more whenever she is near you?" he asked, "Or when she is away?"
I had to think about that one. It was obvious.
"Depends on what you mean by hurt," I stated.
"I don't mean the need to claim her," he stated, "I'm sure you knew that."
I shrugged, "With you doctors, it's hard to know for sure."
"Just answer my questions the way I ask them," he stated, "I won't ask questions I don't need the answers to."
I nodded.
"It hurts more when she's gone," I admitted, "It's like my bones ache."
He wrote that down too.
"Every mate bond is different," he stated, "We will still have to run some tests to know for sure."
"Alright," I said.
"From what Mr. Baird has said," he said, "Your mate has the ability to calm you, as well as bring out your Devil."
I only nodded.
"I would like to meet her," he said.
I glared at him.
"I am quite aware of your protectiveness over your mate," he stated, "You do not need to worry about me doing anything to her."
I was curious.
Even though he didn't like me prying before, I needed to know.
"Is it true?" I asked.
His eyes met mine again, "Is what true?"
"That Echoes have zero sex drive?"
"Would it make you feel better if it was?" he asked.
"I don't know," I admitted.
"Have you asked the other Echo this same question?" he asked.
I made a face before looking at the floor.
"I'll take that as a no then," he stated.
"Baird has never expressed any real interest in sex," I stated, "So I've never really had the chance to ask."
He nodded slowly, "Maybe you should ask him."
I frowned at the idea.
Baird already knew everything about me, if feel like I barely know him.
"I can't speak for all Echoes," Dr. Booth stated, "But I can say for most of us, we are very interested in sex."
I didn't like that he actually just said that to me.
Not if he was interested in meeting Shay.
"But for us," he said, "We can't have sex with whoever we want."
My eyes locked with his, "What does that mean?"
"It means we can't," he stated, "Not until we find our mate, and even then, we can only perform with them."
That sounded horrible.
Horrible and romantic in a fucked-up sort of way.
"Do you know if Mr. Baird is mated or not?" he asked.
I had no fucking idea.
I felt guilty for not asking more questions.
"What about you?" I asked, "Are you?"
"No," he stated.
I was curious, and I felt a little bad for what I was about to ask him.
"So, that means that you're a virgin?"
He sighed, "That's what you're curious about?"
"Wait," I said, "Does that mean your dick doesn't work until you find your mate?"
He glared at me now.
"Fuck," I said, "So that means you can't jerk off?"
"Noah," he sighed.
"You've never…" I was cut off by the sound of someone clearing their throat.
Baird stood in the doorway, with an intense frown.
"I apologize for him, Dr. Booth," Baird stated, "He has manners most of the time."
I felt a bit bad, but I couldn't help it if I was curious.
"It's alright, Mr. Baird," Dr. Booth said, "I am used to it."
"It is good, however, to see him finally awake," Baird said.
"Yes," Dr. Booth said, "However, it won't last long."
I didn't like the sound of that.
"We still need to find the cause of seizures," he stated, "Only then can we make efforts to halt them entirely."
"Yes," Baird nodded in agreement.
"I am sorry in advance," Dr. Booth said, "Based on my short time here with Noah, I believe I've incited curiosity."
"Hmm," Baird said, "That is quite alright."
It was like listening to two old men talking about boring shit.
"I will come back in a little bit," Dr. Booth said.
He left the room, leaving only Baird and me.
"How are you feeling?" Baird asked.
I didn't really have a chance to think about that yet.
"Heavy," I admitted.
"You should lie back down."
I shook my head.
It's not like I could sleep anyway.
"So, I assume you have questions for me then," Baird said.
"I've known my whole life that you are an Echo," I stated, "But I never really knew what that meant."
Baird glanced to the side, avoiding my eyes.
"Are you happy?" I asked.
His eyes widened before he smiled, "That is your first question?"
"Yes," I said firmly, "Are you?"
"I am content," he said, "Happy? I am not sure to what extent."
"Have you," I hesitated, "Have you found your mate?"
His hand came up to tug a bit at his ear, but his eyes still avoided looking in my direction.
"You know everything there is to know about me," I said, "I realized that there is a lot I don't know about you."
A dinging sound went off, and I knew it was Baird.
His phone went off, and he needed to check it.
He brought the device up so that he could read the message he received.
"There is plenty of time to know more about me, Noah," he said, "But I do not know how much of my life you need to know."
It was weird that his words hurt.
"Is it really so wrong that I want to know you better?" I asked.
"No," he stated, "What I say, however, will make you worry unnecessarily about me."
"Then let me worry, Baird," I stated, "Despite you being a pain in my ass, you're my family."
His eyes widened again at my words.
"It's weird to say, I get it," I said, "But I've always considered you kind of like a father to me."
"Noah," Baird said so quietly I barely heard, "You need to worry about yourself right now."
"I've worried about myself enough today," I stated, "I'm already fucked up, something is wrong, and we can't figure it out."
His eyes met mine finally, and I could see that he was genuinely worried.
"Please," I said, "Just humor me."
"Yes," Baird said, "I found my mate."
I was filled with an irrational amount of happiness to hear that.
"Really?" I asked, "What is she like?"
He smiled, but it didn't meet his eyes.
"He died," Baird said, "A very long time ago.��
I wanted to ask him more, but something felt wrong.
My vision blurred, and I felt myself falling backward.
Shay:
The anxiousness I felt the whole way to the facility was wild.
I almost yelled at Jody to drive faster, but there was only so much either one of us could do.
"Shay," Jody said, "I'm sure that he's alright."
Alright or not, I felt like I needed to be there.
We were close, and I was practically shaking.
I needed to see him.
I needed to wrap my arms around him and just hold him.
This had to be scary for him too.
It only took a few minutes before the facility was in view.
"Finally," I sighed.
"You can jump and run if you want," Jody said, "While I park."
"Park fast," I said, "And we can run together."
She handed me her phone, "Let Baird know that we are here."
I typed in her password before sending the short message.
To: Ginger Baird Man – 'We're here.'
I didn't even get to see his reply.
Jody parked and took her seatbelt off.
I handed her the phone before removing my seatbelt too.
We both practically ran to the entrance of the trial center.
It surprised me to see Delaney there.
"Hey," Delaney said when he saw us.
Jody grinned wide despite her nerves.
I was glad that she was able to see him.
"Baird asked me to take you both to the medical center," Delaney stated.
"How is he doing?" I asked.
Delaney smiled a little awkwardly at me.
"That boy is just drama," he grinned, "Don't worry too much."
I wasn't sure if I should feel relieved or think Delaney was just trying to make light of the situation.
Delaney held his hand out for Jody, and she took it.
Her cheeks were almost as pink as her short hair.
"Can it," Jody growled at me.
"Cuties," I said.
Delaney led us through way too many doors.
It seemed like each section of this facility was color-coded.
The trial center was just white walls and mirrors.
The section where Noah's room was, was red and white.
The medical section was yellow and white.
I could see a few people walking around now.
Some of them even stopped to look at us.
Shit, I forgot that we were still wearing our workout clothes.
They were still covered in dirt.
Jody's hot pink capris and sports bra weren't as bad as the black matching set I wore.
Delaney stopped at a door before he knocked.
The door opened, and Baird stood just inside.
I didn't recognize the other man, but I ignored both of them.
I was quick inside the room.
"Shay," Baird said.
"Please refrain from touching him," the other man said.
I just kept moving forward until I reached the bed.
Noah laid there, and I wasn't sure if he was even conscious.
My knuckles brushed the side of his face gently.
"Noah," I whispered.
A tired grin spread across his face.
"You're here."
I laughed, trying not to show how worried I was.
"Yeah, I'm here," I said, "What the hell happened?"
Noah's eyes opened slowly to lock with mine before he looked over at the others.
"Oh," he said, "How long was I out?"
He sounded a little out of it.
"Forty-five minutes," the other man said.
"Who are you?" I asked the man.
"This is Dr. Booth," Baird said, "Dr. Gardiner's replacement."
I was relieved to hear that.
"Sorry," I smiled, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Shay."
"I take it Dr. Gardiner rubbed a lot of people the wrong way?" Dr. Booth asked.
"You could say that," Delaney laughed.
"What?" Jody asked, confused, "Who?"
"Shitty pervy doctor," I said.
"Ah," Jody said, "Sounds like a real asshole."
"He was," Delaney stated, "The man didn't have any boundaries."
"What do you mean?" Jody asked.
Delaney made a face before shaking his head.
I didn't like the look on his face. It only makes me think that Dr. Gardiner did something to him.
I was looking at Delaney and Jody, so I didn't see Noah moving closer to me.
I felt his breath on my neck before I felt his nose touch just under my ear.
"Noah," Baird said, "You should lie down."
I turned my head to meet his lilac eyes.
"Baird," Dr. Booth said, "Can I see your tablet please?"
Why did it feel like something was wrong?
Baird sighed before pressing a few things and handing it to him.
"Is it usual to see a change so quickly?" Dr. Booth asked.
"Not Typically," Baird stated.
Noah moved forward to bury his face in my neck and pull me closer.
My chest was pressed against his.
"These readings don't appear normal," Dr. Booth stated, "Shay, if you can, please move away from him."
Noah only tightened his grip a little around me, but not enough to hurt me.
"I don't see that happening," I said, "Sorry."
"Noah," Dr. Booth moved closer, "You need to let Shay go."
Noah growled, louder than usual.
I looked over at Dr. Booth and Baird.
"He doesn't like it when people get too close to me," I stated.
"Is it usually like this?" Dr. Booth asked Baird.
"Unfortunately."
"Fucking hell," Dr. Booth sighed, "Well, what do we do about this?"
It was pretty much up to me to make Noah back off a little.
"Noah," I said.
"Hmm," he hummed into my neck.
"Hands off," I said.
A small growl of protest told me no.
I frowned.
I needed to sound a bit more serious then.
"Noah," I said again.
"Hmm," he hummed again.
I pulled myself back roughly, and he looked startled.
He reached for me, but I slapped his hand.
"No," I growled.
His expression fucking broke me.
He looked like I hurt him, maybe not physically but mentally.
"Shit," I mumbled.
He just kept staring at me.
He must have been worried about trying to touch me again.
"Sit up," I said.
He moved to sit up all the way.
"Shay," Dr. Booth said, "It is probably best that you keep your distance."
Most likely, but when Noah made that face at me, I couldn't.
"Move your leg," I said.
Noah looked down before moving his leg over the side of the bed.
I sat in front of him, so my side was against his chest, and my legs hung over the side of the bed.
He didn't move closer to me.
I turned my head slightly to see the same look on his face.
"I'm sorry," I said, reaching up to touch his cheek.
He finally moved forward to rub his nose on the side of my face.
"How are you feeling?" Dr. Booth asked.
Noah acted like he didn't hear him.
Well, either he ignored him, or he couldn't hear him.
"Noah," I said.
I felt his hand on the back of my neck.
"The man is asking you a question," I said.
"Repeat the question," Noah sighed, "Please."
Both of the men made a face.
Jody and Delaney were too busy playing with each other's hands to pay much attention to what was going on in here.
I was thankful for that.
"How are you feeling?" Dr. Booth asked again.
"I feel better," Noah said.
"Your numbers certainly agree with you," Baird stated.
Noah chuckled.
I felt it everywhere.
His left hand came up to land on my thigh, the one furthest from him.
It went to the side as if to keep me there.
I watched Baird pull his phone out of his pocket.
What was he doing?
"You smell like the earth," Noah said.
"Well, one tends to smell like dirt when they roll around on it," I said awkwardly.
He laughed, "Why were you rolling in the dirt?"
I pressed my face closer to his.
"Jody and I were goofing off instead of running," I admitted, "We were laughing about something, and we both just ended up on the ground."
I could see the broad smile on his face, but then it faded.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I'm jealous," he confessed.
"Delaney," Baird said louder than necessary, "Head down to the program center. Steven is waiting for both of you."
"What for?" Delaney asked.
"The two of you are here," Baird said, "Why not make a meeting out of it?"
"Really?" Jody gasped.
"Go on," Baird said, "Behave yourselves, please."
"No promises," Delaney said.
"Shay," Jody said, "Are you alright?"
"Go," I said, "Be with your boy."
"Are you sure?" she asked.
She was worried.
I didn't want her to miss out on time with Delaney. Her mate.
"We'll be okay," I said, "They need me here."
Delaney linked his hand with hers again.
He was waiting to see if I needed her, and I didn't have the words to express how much I appreciated that.
"Go on," I said again, "Go with your mate."
Jody nodded.
Delaney led her away, and I sighed.
"Interesting," Dr. Booth said.
"What is?" I asked.
Baird glanced at him too.
"Were the two of you friends before all of this?"
I nodded, "We signed up for the program together."
"And you both found mates?" he asked, "Here at this facility?"
It was strange the way that he said it.
"Yes," I said.
Noah's eyes were on Dr. Booth.
"Don't glare at me like that," Dr. Booth said.
"He's protective," I said, "Just don't come any closer, and you'll be fine."
Noah grunted in agreement.
Baird ignored what I just said and stood right in front of me.
Noah just looked at him, and it surprised me.
He usually growls.
"You should let her go for a bit Noah," Baird said, "Let Shay take a shower and come back."
"No," he said firmly.
"We have tests that we need to run," he said, "And she is not dressed appropriately for them."
His grip tightened on my thigh, and it made me gasp.
"Baird," I said.
Before I could say more, Noah started to growl.
I grabbed his chin to silence him.
He stopped mid growl to press his face to the side of mine again.
"It is strange," Baird said, "He will only listen to you in this state.���
I knew that already.
It was actually a major turn on.
I mean, it was nice that he listened to me when he ignored everybody else.
"Tell him that you need to take a shower and come back," Baird stated.
"I don't want to leave," I said.
"Baird," Noah said, "Stop."
"You do not have to leave the facility," Baird said, "You just need to shower and change."
"No," Noah growled against my face.
I gasped, feeling the vibration against my jaw.
"Why not?" I asked.
"No," he whispered.
"Noah," I whispered, "Why not?"
He moved his face away to look at Baird, "There are cameras."
I looked at Baird too.
"Then we turn them off," Baird stated.
Noah blinked several times before he grunted.
"Can I also borrow a charging cable?" I asked, "My phone is dead."
Baird nodded.
"Who's clothes?" Noah asked.
"Facility clothes," Baird said.
"Mine," Noah said.
"Is that a good idea?" Dr. Booth asked.
"Your shirt," I said, "Your clothes are too big for me."
"Shay," he said.
"No," I said, "The fact that I am even here now is a privilege."
"Well," Dr. Booth said, "I like her already."
Noah did not like that he said that.
"Then I go with her," Noah said.
"You are not showering with me," I stated.
"Of course not," he said, "Did you forget where you were?"
"No," I said, "I didn't forget."
"I just need to be close," he said in a pleading tone, "If something happens, I can get to you in time."
I sighed.
"Is that really necessary?" I asked.
"No," he admitted, "But it would make me feel better."
"Fine," I said, "But you don't get to see me naked. Period."
He just stared at me.
"I don't have to see you to get excited," he said, "If that's what you're worried about."
I felt the blush on my face.
"The thought alone is enough," he said right in my ear.
I shivered.
"I will take her to the bathrooms," Baird said, "You get her something to wear."
Noah nodded.
"I need a bra," I poked his shoulder, "Don't forget it."
"Is underwear optional then?" he asked with a playful grin.
I arched my brow at him, "Think hard about that one, mate."
I swear pink tinted his cheeks.
"I'll be a minute," he said.
I placed a quick kiss on the side of his lips before I stood up.
"I want that dark red shirt this time," I said.
He nodded before I turned to leave the room.
What kind of tests did they need to do?
Noah:
I hated the idea of Shay being here where I can't see her.
It was weird. I felt like she was safer with Baird now than I did before.
Was it because I knew that he already found his mate?
His mate was a man.
I didn't see that one coming.
Then again, it wasn't like we got to choose our mate.
It made me wonder if Baird was ever this helpless when it came to his mate.
Now that I thought about it, I thought that Devils were the only ones that reacted to their mates?
Dr. Booth said that Echo classifications couldn't perform without a mate.
That would be awful.
I shook my head, trying to get back to what I should be doing.
I had clothes in my hands for Shay. I needed to hurry back.
My body felt a little numb as I walked.
I didn't feel very well.
Should I even be walking around at all?
This was probably a terrible idea.
My feet stopped at the bathroom entrance.
Shay is inside.
I hesitated before I turned the knob.
Baird stood there with his back to the showers.
He glanced up at me.
"What took you so long?" he asked.
"You know damn well," I said.
He only smirked at me.
I froze. It was weird because I felt it coming.
"Baird," I gasped just before I hit the floor.
"Noah," Baird shouted.
My vision blurred.
"Shay," Baird gasped.
I felt her hands on my face before I could see clearly again.
Baird pulled a towel around her quickly, but I saw everything.
Fuck.
"Sorry," she said quickly.
It hurt pulling myself from the floor.
She hugged the towel tightly to her front as she knelt beside me.
"Baird," I gasped again.
He wasn't fast enough. I pulled her to me.
I pressed her roughly against my chest, and I wrapped my arm around her exposed back. My other hand pulled her thighs tightly to my side.
She gasped.
This really is a terrible idea.
I should have let Baird handle this alone.
I didn't expect to nearly have another seizure.
She stopped it, which means that it probably has to do with her.
She kept her arms protectively over the front of the towel, shielding her breasts from me.
I didn't like that.
I raised her up just a little to press my face against her arms.
"Noah," she gasped.
I wasn't in control anymore.
"Baird," I said quickly, "Sedative."
It was all I could say before I tugged gently at the bottom of the towel.
Shay had a good grip on it.
Baird was quick out of the room.
The hand I gripped her thighs with went to the top of the towel.
I was going to pry her arms away if I had to.
"What are you doing?" she asked, "Stop."
My hand froze over her arms.
How did she have so much power over me?
"I want you," I said.
"Noah," she groaned.
My gaze dropped to her arms.
"I want to see them," I whispered.
"Baird is coming back," she said.
"I don't care," I said back.
"You want him to see me naked?" she asked.
It was like a switch clicked in me.
"No," I groaned.
My hand went from her arm to pull the towel around her back. That way, it wrapped all the way around her.
She relaxed in my arms.
It might have been a mistake. I raised her up again, and when I pulled her back, her legs were on either side of my hips.
"What the hell?" she demanded.
Fuck, she is warm.
The hot shower she took only increased her body heat. I knew that me pressing her against me raised it too.
I hated how badly I ached.
My finger hooked on the top of the towel, and she stared down at me.
"This is a bad idea," she said.
"I know," I said.
She just stared at me before loosening her grip.
My heart pounded in my ears as I slowly pulled it down.
Right in my face were two perfectly shaped small breasts.
I hummed in appreciation.
Her hand went around my shoulder before settling on the back of my neck. It felt like she was urging me forward.
I didn't hesitate for even a second.
My mouth could almost take her completely.
I ran my tongue over the hardened point, feeling the metal bar.
She moaned, and it encouraged me to suck gently.
Her hand locked in my hair, and my jaw started to hurt.
"Fuck," I growled into her sternum before doing the exact same thing to her other breast.
She shouldn't have done it. It only made it worse.
She arched her back, making her pelvis brush against me.
I groaned.
She was naked.
Only two pieces of clothing separated me from her warmth.
I heard Baird before I saw him. I pulled the towel up to cover her.
She gasped.
The door opened, and two guards followed Baird in.
Shay smiled sheepishly at him.
My eyes stayed on her. I didn't even bother to look at the other men.
"Shay," Baird said gently, "I am going to administer these, but I need you to keep his focus on you."
"That shouldn't be too hard," she said.
Baird moved behind me, and I growled.
Shay took my face into her hands and touched her nose to mine.
I shivered.
God, I wanted her.
I wanted her so fucking badly.
Her mouth opened over mine, and she took in a shallow breath.
I was still too aware of Baird. My body turned when he nearly pierced me with a needle.
He moved back quickly.
"Shay," Baird warned.
"I'm trying," she said.
I don't know what she's thinking. It wasn't safe to be doing anything with me right now.
I'm just surprised I haven't blacked out yet.
"Noah," she whispered into my ear.
It only got a shiver in response. I didn't turn to face her.
"I think they can see my back," she said, "I feel a breeze."
My body turned to look at the other two, and I growled.
Her hands moved away from the front of her towel, and I panicked.
My hand was quick to hold it there.
"Hide me," she said.
Hide her? Hide her where?
How the fuck was I supposed to do that?
My eyes went around the room quickly, but the only place I could get to quickly was the corner of the room by the door.
She was shaking.
I wanted to let him sedate me, but I couldn't stop reacting. I think she knew that.
I glanced quickly to see where everyone was in the room before I shot to my feet.
"Noah," Baird warned.
Shay's thighs shook as she clung to me. It made me groan.
I was quick to find the corner and push her legs off me.
She didn't hold the towel. I had to catch it before it exposed any of her.
Her arms wrapped around my shoulders, forcing me to duck down.
"Shay," I pleaded, "Please."
She looked worried.
Her hand gently rubbed my face.
"Be here with me," she whispered soothingly.
I nodded nervously.
My body trembled at the approaching feet.
I hated the piercing of the sedative needle. I didn't want it to hurt. I didn't want it to burn like I knew that it would.
"Eyes on me," she breathed.
My eyes locked with hers.
"I'm afraid," I confessed.
She looked shocked, and then she looked at the others angrily.
"Try not to think about them," she nodded quickly.
It was easy to say.
She looked like she was thinking about something quickly, then she glanced to my left.
I tried to turn, but she pulled me tighter to her.
My first instinct was to push away, but I didn't want to leave her.
My body hurt from how hard I trembled.
"Fuck," I growled.
"Noah," she said, taking my face into her hands, "What's taking so long?"
"He keeps flinching away," Baird said, "I am trying to avoid hurting him."
She frowned at me.
"You're going to put your face here," she said, gesturing to her neck, "And you're going to let them do what they need to do, okay?"
I wanted to nod and say okay.
I couldn't.
"I don't want them to hurt you," she said.
It felt like she was letting them do exactly that, but knew better.
"You better fucking be quick about it, Baird," I growled.
"I am trying my best," he said, "Listen to your mate."
She held her arm out for me to come closer while the other hand held the towel in place.
My head was slow to bury itself into her neck. My arms wrapped around her tightly.
I trusted her.
I trust her.
Her arms wrapped protectively around me, one around my shoulders and the other around my lower back.
"Noah," she said softly, "My home."
I shuddered.
The second the words left her mouth, three needles pierced the side of my neck.
I growled feeling my body give out.
The burning liquid made its way through my veins, and I felt it all the way to my chest.
My grip was so tight around her that she went to her knees when I did.
"Get them out, Baird," I growled.
I saw him reach for Shay, but I growled louder.
"It is okay," Baird said, "We have it from here."
I could barely hear the two of them leave.
"Clothes," I gasped.
"You are in the way," Baird said.
"Clothes," I growled.
That last one hurt.
The burning from the sedatives and the rumble of my growl was not a pleasant combination.
"It's okay, Baird," Shay said, "Hand me the shirt."
Baird sighed, "Alright."
My vision blurred, but my body stayed firmly in place.
I saw the shirt at my side, and she was quick to claim it.
The plain white bra was in her hand.
She glanced up at me quickly.
"Put it on," I said slowly.
She nodded.
The towel dropped, and I stared openly at her bare skin.
My eyes went down to her belly button, then over to the red on her skin.
I had only seen a glimpse of it the other day.
I saw a red wolf. It was launching forward to bite, and inside of it was a human skeleton.
It looked like the skeleton was the human part of the wolf.
My hand went over the ink on her right side.
She managed to put the bra on without me seeing, and the shirt dropped, blocking the tattoo from my view.
"How am I supposed to put underwear on?" she asked.
I only stared at her.
Baird held the cloths out for her again.
"Not fair," Shay said playfully, "You get to see me naked."
I hummed, pleased that she was aware that I was going to stare at her.
"I would bare myself to you in a heartbeat," I said.
Her cheeks went red before she stood in front of me.
My shirt was long enough to cover her.
I frowned.
I noticed her glancing quickly behind me, at Baird.
He was, hopefully, looking away. I couldn't turn to check.
She stepped into the light gray boxer shorts, and she slowly pulled them up.
I didn't realize I was biting my lip until it started to hurt.
I saw a quick glimpse, and I groaned.
My underwear was on her, hiding her most private area away from me.
I both hated and loved the idea of it.
My body relaxed finally, knowing that she was covered.
Her bare legs were only visible for another minute before she sheathed them in dark gray sweat pants.
I slumped forward, and she caught me.
"Better?" Baird asked.
"Yes," I said.
"Now, I need to get you back to your room at the medical center," he said.
I shut my eyes, feeling her gently touching my cheek.
Then I knew the sedative was fully in effect, because I lost consciousness.