* Once the melee was clear, I shifted back and went to Raechel Hadrian. She was breathing hard and looked as if she'd run a marathon. I grabbed her into a fierce hug. * I'm alright, I'm alright. * She gasped out as she sobbed against me, her arms going around my waist. Thomas was there, petting Raja. * Daddy, you look hurt. * I looked to Rae as Jackson started the truck forward. She nodded and touched my face. * I'm alright buddy. Just a scratch. * Thomas was talking to Raja as we drove to town. He was injured worse than I had thought, but I knew Julian Takumi would do everything in his power to keep him alive. I knew the question was how had this all happened, and while I didn't know for sure, I had two suspects to question down in the basement jail. The Alpha side of me wanted to stalk down those stairs and kill both motherfuckers without waiting for the explanation. I had the right to be judge, jury and executioner. They had dared to touch what was mine. What was OURS. But the father side of me, the mate side of me, knew I should stay until I knew without a doubt that Rae and Raja would be okay. They both had fought to protect what was ours and I was more than impressed with Rae. I kissed her forehead. * You fought well, babe. * She half smiled. * I was terrified. * I she was still snuggled against me. We pulled up next to the clinic and I hopped out, holding a hand out for Rae. * Julian! * I bellowed as I eased Rae to the ground. She turned for Thomas just as Julian came out of the clinic. * I know you aren't a vet, but Raja needs care and now! * Jackson was there, helping me to pull the injured dog from the truck. * Bring him in, Beck, and we'll see what's what. * Jackson and I maneuvered Raja into the clinic and carried him to the room Julian indicated. * I also would like my mate checked over. She says she's fine, but I'd like a once over, just in case. * He nodded and I stepped back, giving him room to work. Jackson stepped out to take up his position in guarding Rae and Thomas. * I'll help you with Raja as needed. * I stated, watching as Julian moved to get things together for Raja. *

* Once the melee was clear, I shifted back and went to Raechel Hadrian. She was breathing hard and looked as if she'd run a marathon. I grabbed her into a fierce hug. * I'm alright, I'm alright. * She gasped out as she sobbed against me, her arms going around my waist. Thomas was there, petting Raja. * Daddy, you look hurt. * I looked to Rae as Jackson started the truck forward. She nodded and touched my face. * I'm alright buddy. Just a scratch. * Thomas was talking to Raja as we drove to town. He was injured worse than I had thought, but I knew Julian Takumi would do everything in his power to keep him alive. I knew the question was how had this all happened, and while I didn't know for sure, I had two suspects to question down in the basement jail. The Alpha side of me wanted to stalk down those stairs and kill both motherfuckers without waiting for the explanation. I had the right to be judge, jury and executioner. They had dared to touch what was mine. What was OURS. But the father side of me, the mate side of me, knew I should stay until I knew without a doubt that Rae and Raja would be okay. They both had fought to protect what was ours and I was more than impressed with Rae. I kissed her forehead. * You fought well, babe. * She half smiled. * I was terrified. * I she was still snuggled against me. We pulled up next to the clinic and I hopped out, holding a hand out for Rae. * Julian! * I bellowed as I eased Rae to the ground. She turned for Thomas just as Julian came out of the clinic. * I know you aren't a vet, but Raja needs care and now! * Jackson was there, helping me to pull the injured dog from the truck. * Bring him in, Beck, and we'll see what's what. * Jackson and I maneuvered Raja into the clinic and carried him to the room Julian indicated. * I also would like my mate checked over. She says she's fine, but I'd like a once over, just in case. * He nodded and I stepped back, giving him room to work. Jackson stepped out to take up his position in guarding Rae and Thomas. * I'll help you with Raja as needed. * I stated, watching as Julian moved to get things together for Raja. *
A few of the enforcers stayed behind as the rest left to patrol the town. They said they were going to help clean up the mess but I knew they didn’t want to leave just in case there were more rogues out there somewhere. Kimiko, Kaiyo and Takahiro seemed a bit nervous and I still couldn’t get a clear reading on anyone except for Kaiyo. Takahiro looked to the females before making his way to me. “I think I should get them home. It’s been a long few hours.” He pulled some money out of his pocket and handed it to me. Shaking my head, I told him he didn’t have to pay me, but he insisted as he backed away. He turned and walked over to his female and her sister and for a moment he looked familiar. I watched as they left my clinic and was about to call out to him when I heard Beck’s voice. “Julian! I made my way outside and was shocked to see Beck, his family and to my surprise his dog. Beck turned to me and I could see and feel the worry. “I know you aren’t a vet, but Raja needs care and now!” I watched as Beck and Jackson pulled the dog from the back of the truck. I moved back towards the clinic as the other enforcers stood guard over Beck’s family. Bring him in, Beck, and we’ll see what’s what. They moved as one as they followed me back to one of the rooms with a bed. They laid poor Raja down and Thomas moved in beside him and started talking to him. Beck looked at his mate then back to me. “I also would like my mate checked over. She says she’s fine, but I’d like a once over, just in case.” I nodded as I looked Raechel over, understanding about mated males. Of course. Let me make sure Raja is stable Beck stepped back and I moved up, grabbed some gloves and got to work. He’s lost a lot of blood, but once he’s stitched up and given something for the pain, I’ll try and use my ability to replenish his blood supply. Raechel’s eyes widened at my words. “You can do that?”
ReplyDeleteYou can do that? * Julian nodded and got to work on Raja, Thomas was right there, nose to nose with his brother, his best friend. I was afraid that if hurt, Raja might accidentally bite Thomas but, one whimper and Thomas soothed the big dog, talking in a quiet whisper to him while rubbing one of Raja's ears. I was amazed, clearly our son had more gifts, or it was the special bond they had. Julian sewed several lacerations that we didn't realize Raja had. I cried for him. He had been so determined to protect us. He risked his life for us. I hugged Beck so tight and whispered in his ear.* That dog is getting steak for dinner as soon as he's well. * Beck chuckled and kissed me hard. " He deserves it, and so much more." I nodded and we watched Julian use his gifts. There seemed to be a soft hum in the room, Raja's laboured breathing became slower, calmer till he was resting. Beck and I looked on, dumbfounded and in awe. Thomas rested his hand on one of Raja's paws, watching over his protector. After a few moments Julian turned to me and indicated for me to sit in a chair I did and he began his examination of me. Beck stayed by my side as Julian asked questions. Apart from feeling shaky, my arms and right shoulder hurt from using the shotgun. I told them both this and Beck pulled the neck of my shirt to the side, revealing a large blueish bruise.*
ReplyDelete* I looked at Julian who's eyes started to smile as I bit back one myself. * Looks like my mate needs a lesson or two in how to hold a shotgun to lessen the kick on her shoulder. * Julian chuckled and Rae eyed me, looking disgruntled. * What would you have had me to do? Hide? * She jerked her shirt back in place. * It's just a bruise. * Julian agreed. * I think it'll heal up nicely. * I looked over at Raja and Thomas. * And Raja? * Julian tossed his gloves and washed his hands. * He's going to be okay, Alpha. * I breathed a sigh of relief. My son wouldn't lose his dog and everyone was safe. I still had a lot of work to do, though. I had two idiots that needed questioning and apparently, a bear shifter that had decided we were his pack. Based on his assistance with the rogues, I had nothing but admiration and respect for him. Julian gave Jackson a quick check over as well. * I would recommend leaving Raja here for the night so that I can monitor him. He can go home tomorrow. * I nodded and knelt down next to Thomas. * Raja has to stay here with Dr. Tukami to make sure he's okay. I know it's scary, but he's going to be alright. * Thomas wrapped his arms around my neck. * It was scary, Daddy. * I held him tight. * I know. But you and Mommy were very brave. And I'm so proud of you. * I stood up with him in my arms. * You and Mommy are going to go home. Have a nice bath. And by the time you finish up with that I'll be home. * I set Thomas down on his feet. * I've got to go to the station. But I won't be long. * I kissed Rae. * I know it seems like I'm always leaving, and I promise you, it will stop. I just have to take care of this. * She nodded. * I know. Do what you have to. Thomas and I will be waiting. * I kissed her again, kissed our son and then shook Julian's hand. * Thank you again. Jackson, as always. I owe you my life for protecting my mate and son. * He nodded, his handshake firm. * I'll make sure they get home safe and stay there. * I nodded in thanks and then headed to the station to deal with the two rogues I had in the basement cell holding. *
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