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When we arrived back at the compound, I carried him straight to our cabin, ignoring the concerned looks from club members who had gathered to welcome us back. Questions and explanations could wait. Right now, all that mattered was getting Matty somewhere safe and taking care of him.
"I've got the doc waiting," Daisy said softly as she held the cabin door open for us.
I nodded my thanks and carried Matty through to the bedroom. Dr. Mitchell was already there, his medical bag open on the dresser.
"Set him down gently," the doctor instructed. "Let me take a look at those welts."
I tried to lay Matty on the bed, but he whimpered and clutched me tighter. "No, Daddy, please," he whispered, his voice so small it broke my heart.
"It's okay, little one," I soothed. "Doc just needs to check you over. I'll be right here the whole time."
After some gentle coaxing, Matty finally allowed me to set him down on his stomach. I kept hold of his hand, sitting beside him on the bed while Dr. Mitchell carefully examined the angry red marks across his back.
"These should heal without scarring," the doctor said, applying a soothing ointment. "Any other injuries I should know about?"
I looked at Matty, who shook his head slightly. "Just those," I confirmed, relief washing through me. It could have been so much worse.
"I'd like to take some blood," the doctor continued. "Based on his pupils and slight disorientation, he's been drugged. I'd like to know what we're dealing with."
Matty tensed at the mention of needles, his grip on my hand tightening.
"It's okay," I murmured. "Just a quick pinch, then it's over."
He buried his face against my thigh but offered his arm to the doctor. I stroked his hair as Dr. Mitchell worked quickly and efficiently, drawing blood with practiced ease.
"All done," the doctor announced, placing a dinosaur Band-Aid over the small puncture. I raised an eyebrow at him, and he shrugged. "I have unicorn ones for Annabel. Says regular ones are boring."
A tiny smile flickered across Matty's face at that, the first I'd seen since finding him.
"I'll run these samples right away," Dr. Mitchell said, packing up his equipment. "In the meantime, keep him hydrated and try to get some food into him. Nothing too heavy—clear broth, crackers, maybe some applesauce. If he shows any severe symptoms—difficulty breathing, seizures, hallucinations—call me immediately."
I nodded, already planning what I'd make once Matty was settled. "Thanks, Doc."
"I'll check in tomorrow," he said, giving my shoulder a brief squeeze before leaving.
When we were alone, I carefully helped Matty into a sitting position, mindful of his injured back. "Do you want a bath, little one? Or just to sleep?"
He looked up at me with those big, vulnerable eyes. "Bath, Daddy," he whispered. "Feel dirty."
My heart clenched at the implication, but I kept my expression gentle. "Of course. Let me get it ready for you."
I ran a warm bath, adding some of the lavender and vanilla bubble bath Daisy had left for us. When I returned to the bedroom, Matty was sitting exactly where I'd left him, staring blankly at the wall.
"Ready?" I asked softly.
He nodded, allowing me to help him stand. His legs were unsteady, either from the drugs or from kneeling too long—probably both. I supported him as we walked to the bathroom, then gently lowered him into the tub.
Matty sighed as the warm water enveloped him, not even wincing when the water hit his back, some of the tension visibly leaving his body. I knelt beside the tub, rolling up my sleeves.
"Is it okay if I help wash you?" I asked, wanting to be absolutely clear about boundaries after what he'd been through.
"Please," he nodded, his voice still barely above a whisper.
I took my time washing his hair with gentle, rhythmic motions that made his eyes flutter closed. I cleaned every inch of him with careful tenderness, as if I could wash away not just the physical grime but the memory of Degrassi's touch as well.
When I reached his back, I moved with exaggerated care around the welts. "Tell me if it hurts too much," I murmured.
Matty shook his head. "S'okay. Not that bad. My knees hurt, but that's it."