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"It's nothing," I say through gritted teeth, trying to sound convincing. But even I can hear the strain in my voice.

Her eyes bore into mine, filled with worry and something else, something that makes my chest tighten. She knows it's more than nothing, and for once, I'm at a loss for words. How do I reassure her when I'm not sure myself that everything will be okay? My protective instincts roar within me, but right now, all I can offer her is the truth in my gaze and the hope that it's enough.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Felicity

I can hardly believe my eyes. Raj stood before me, not entirely human, but something else entirely, something magnificent and terrifying. A weretiger. The realization crashes over me like a wave, but there's no fear, only awe. He protected me.

His transformation has faded, leaving him human again, crumpled on the floor. Blood seeps from a gash on his arm. I drop to my knees beside him, my hands trembling as I reach out.

"Raj, are you okay?" My voice quivers, shattering any semblance of calm I tried to maintain.

"Yeah," he grunts, attempting to push himself up. "Just a scratch."

"That's more than a scratch," I retort, pressing my hand firmly against the wound to slow the bleeding. "We need to get you out of here."

He manages a faint, strained smile. "You're bossy when you're worried."

"Shut up and let me help you," I snap, my voice tingedwith both frustration and fear. I hook my arm under his, struggling to lift him. He's heavier than he looks, but adrenaline gives me the strength I need.

We stumble toward the exit, every step a struggle. The club's dim lights flicker above us, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Raj's breath is ragged in my ear.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I ask between grunts of effort.

"Not exactly first-date material," he replies, wincing as we reach the door.

Outside, the cool night air hits us like a slap. I lead him to a nearby bench and ease him down.

"You shouldn't have done that," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I had to," he whispers back, his breath hot against my cheek. "Couldn't let that asshole hurt you."

I tear off a piece of my apron, my hands shaking as I press it against his wound. "You're crazy," I murmur, trying to keep the panic out of my voice.

His eyes meet mine, warm despite the pain etched across his face. "Maybe," he replies with a hint of a smile, the kind that makes my heart skip a beat despite the dire situation. That smile is so Raj—charming and infuriatingly confident, even now. For a moment, the world narrows to just the two of us, and I almost forget the blood seeping through my makeshift bandage.

I can feel his heartbeat under my fingers, strong and steady despite everything. It's strange how this moment—so raw and real—feels more intimate than any touch or kiss I've ever known. The warmth of his skin against mine, the rhythmic thump that reassures me he's still here, fighting for me. It’s as if his very essence is seeping into my soul, binding us together in a way words never could.

"You saved me," I say quietly, my voice barely more than a whisper.

"And I'd do it again," he answers without hesitation, his words firm and unwavering.

I shake my head, trying to process everything. The weretiger thing is shocking, sure, but what hits me harder is how much he cares—how much he's willing to risk for me. My mind races, replaying the events of the night. The way he leapt into danger without a second thought, the fierce protectiveness in his eyes. It's almost too much to take in.

"Why?" I ask, my voice trembling with the weight of the question.

His grip on my hand tightens, grounding me in the moment, his gaze never wavering from mine. "Because I care about you, Felicity."

The sincerity in his eyes makes my heart ache. For the first time in a long time, I feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I can trust again.

"Let's get you out of here," I finally say, breaking the silence that hangs between us.

"Felicity," he starts, his voice full of emotions I can't quite decipher, but I cut him off gently.

"We'll talk later," I insist, trying to keep my voice steady. "Right now, you need rest. You've done enough for today."

Raj leans heavily on me as I help him up, his weight solid and reassuring against my side. My apartment isn’t far, but every step feels like a mile with him injured. His breathing is ragged, but he doesn’t complain. The adrenaline that had fueled me moments ago begins to wane, leaving me shaking with the aftermath.