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Chapter Thirty-Five

I stood there gawking at Dean Quinn, my mind completely blank. I’d met him once in May’s diner, and the only thing I knew about him was that he was the town’s one and only dentist.

“The dentist?” I managed to get out in a high-pitched squeaky voice.

He nodded, his eyes on Ryder. “Hey.”

“How is a dentist going to help?” I asked, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.

Dean offered a sheepish smile, running a hand through his hair. “I know a thing or two. Still not entirely sure how I got caught up in being a doctor to these guys.” He gestured with a flick of his hand toward Trevor and Ryder.

Trevor, his face etched with concern, stepped forward. “And we appreciate it, Doc, but Ryder really needs you right now. We can talk about all that another time, perhaps.”

The urgency in Trevor’s voice made my stomach tighten. Whatever was happening here was serious. Dean’s expression shifted immediately to one of professional focus.

“Of course, sorry,” Dean said, sitting on the coffee table in front of Ryder.

I awkwardly stood there as Dean turned his full attention to Ryder, who was looking worse by the minute. The dentist — a dentist, for heaven’s sake — set a small medical bag next to him on the coffee table.

“I’m going to need some privacy while I work,” Dean said, glancing between Trevor and me. “Could you give us the room?”

Trevor nodded, checking his watch. “I need to get going, anyway. Check on the others.” He turned to Ryder. “You gonna be okay here, or do you want me to wait outside?”

Ryder winced as he shifted position. “Go. I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll check in later,” Trevor said, giving Ryder a quick nod. With one last concerned look, he headed for the door.

“Should I…”

“She can stay,” Ryder said, before Dr. Dean could say anything.

Dean’s head bobbed as he dug for something in his bag. “As you wish.”

I sat down on the recliner, twisting my fingers together as the doctor worked. Dean remained calm and professional as he cleaned wounds and asked Ryder only the necessary questions.

When I dared a look at him, Ryder was grimacing as the doctor wrapped a bandage around his middle, covering the claw mark on his back. There were smaller bandages on his arms, and one wrapped tightly around his leg. Dean was packing up various tubes of creams and gels, gauze, and medical tape.

“He’s in pretty rough shape,” Dean told me as I approached, “but I don’t think anything’s broken. He’s lost some blood, that’s for certain. Had to stitch up a few that were pretty deep, but I think he’ll be okay with just some rest and fluids.”

I hugged myself. “Thank you.”

Dean closed his medical bag with a decisive snap. “You’ll want to help him change those bandages tomorrow morning,” he told me, his expression serious. “And keep an eye on the wounds. Call me immediately if you notice any unusual redness, swelling, or if he develops a fever. Infection is our biggest concern right now.”

I nodded, trying to absorb all the instructions while still processing the surreal situation. There was no doubt in my mind that Doctor Dean knew exactly what Trevor and Ryder were… but wasn’t he also human?

Ryder shifted on the couch, wincing slightly as he extended his hand to Dean. “Thanks, Doc. Send a bill.”

“You know I will,” Dean said, gently clasping Ryder’s hand. He reached into his pocket and handed me a card. “My number, in case you need anything or have any questions. It’s my personal number, so it’ll go directly to me.”

“I appreciate it,” I said, walking him to the door.

With one final nod toward Ryder, Dean stepped outside. “Take care of yourself, Mr. Black.”

“You bet,” Ryder said, settling back onto the couch.

I walked back to Ryder, my mind racing with questions. The couch was stained with blood, and there was a trail of blood on the floor where he’d walked. I stood there, wringing my hands, unsure where to even begin.

Ryder broke the silence first. “I’ll replace the couch and anything else that got... uh, messed up.”

“Whatever,” I said, waving a dismissive hand. “I don’t care about any of that. It’s just stuff. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

He patted the couch. “Sit with me.”

Silence fell between us as he slid his hand over mine, giving it a weak squeeze. I cleared my throat awkwardly.

“Um, so, that was the town dentist,” I said, looking down at our entwined fingers.

Ryder nodded, wincing slightly as he adjusted his position on the couch. It seemed as though he couldn’t get comfortable.

“He knows about you guys? Knows what you are?” I pressed further. “But he’s human, isn’t he?”

“He is,” Ryder confirmed, his voice rough with pain and exhaustion. “In the rules set many, many years ago, a pack can form a relationship with a doctor. We need medical help sometimes that we can’t provide ourselves.”

“So many rules,” I said, shaking my head. “And he just… helps you? Doesn’t that put him in danger?”

Ryder’s eyes met mine, and something dark flickered behind them. “Of course, if the doc talks... it won’t end up so well for him.”

“What about rival packs? Couldn’t they?—”

“He’s protected,” Ryder said, with a long blink. “Dean’s a good guy. Keeps his mouth shut and my pack healthy.”

“You’re tired,” I said, frowning. “I’ll get you a pillow. More blankets?”

Ryder held my hand tighter. “I’m fine.”

“Well, I’m glad he was here to patch you up,” I said, pressing my lips together. “I’m not sure I could have managed that. There was so much?—”

“Everly,” Ryder said, exhaling slowly. “Try not to worry so much. It’s done.”

“It’s not done,” I said, shaking my head. “He’ll come back.”

Ryder shook his head. “He’s in worse shape than I am.”

“This shouldn’t have happened to you… here at my house,” I said, my head falling back against the cushion.

“Kellan is the only one to blame,” Ryder said, his voice low.

I swallowed hard, a lump forming in my throat as I stared at Ryder’s wounded body. “It’s my fault,” I whispered, barely able to get the words out. “If I would have never found out... never seen you that night in the woods... none of this would have happened.”

Ryder’s eyes found mine. “This has nothing to do with you or what you saw. Kellan has been doing this for years. Long before you were in the picture.”

I shook my head, unconvinced. “I don’t want to be a distraction for you. I could tell just how much you care for your pack.” I swallowed again, forcing myself to say what I thought was right. “You should let me go... release me... find a way so that I can get out of your hair.”

“I don’t want that,” he said, his hand tightening around mine, with more strength than I would have thought he had left. “I want you to stay. It’s going to be okay now. He got the message.”

“But the pack?—”

“My pack will understand,” he interrupted, his gaze never leaving mine. “They want me to be happy. I have a pack that will want you to be a part of it, even if you are human.”

I drew in a slow breath. “How do you know he got the message?”

“He knew I was going to end him. Not only did he see it in my eyes, he could feel it,” Ryder said, his voice low. “There is one thing I know about Kellan. He doesn’t want to die. In fact, I’m pretty sure he’s afraid of it.”

I looked over at him, covered in bandages. The fierce protectiveness I’d witnessed when he faced Kellan had changed something between us. It wasn’t just that he’d fought for me… it was that he’d chosen me, even knowing the complications it would bring.

“You should get some rest,” I said softly, starting to rise. “I’ll get you some water.”

Ryder’s grip tightened slightly. “I heal faster than humans. By tomorrow, I’ll be much better.”

“You’ll get rest. Doctor’s orders,” I said, crossing my arms as I looked down at him.

I went to the kitchen, filling a glass with cold water. My hands trembled slightly as I returned to the living room, the reality of everything washing over me in waves.

“I’ll leave this here,” I said, setting it on the coffee table. “Can I help you lie down?”

“I can manage,” Ryder grunted as he worked to reposition himself.

“So what happens now?” I asked, crouching beside the couch.

Ryder’s eyes found mine, steady and certain despite his pain. “Kellan will lick his wounds and retreat. He knows he came close to death today. As for my pack... there will be adjustments, but they follow me for a reason. They trust my judgment.”

“And us?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“That depends on you, Everly Montana,” he said, reaching for my hand again. “I know what I want. What do you want?”

The intensity in his gaze made my heart flutter. This man — this werewolf — had put himself between me and danger without hesitation. He’d been willing to kill to protect me and his pack.

“I want to try,” I admitted, the words feeling both terrifying and right. “But not if your pack is against it. This shouldn’t be hard for us, right?”

“They will accept you,” Ryder said, his voice hard. “They will protect you as if you were one of us.”

“You really want this?” I asked, shaking my head. “I’m nothing special. I’m just… I’m just me.”

A smile curled Ryder’s lips. “You’re everything. You’re special to me.”

“Did the doctor give you something?” I asked, raising a brow. “I think you might be delirious.”

Ryder laughed, but winced. “Ow, ouch.”

“Sorry,” I said, pushing myself to my feet. “Get some rest.”

I watched him for a moment, his eyes growing heavy as everything caught up with him. His breathing was slow, becoming deeper and more regular despite the occasional wince with the slightest movement.

Sighing, I sank into the recliner, drawing my knees to my chest. Was I really considering this? A real and serious relationship with a werewolf? I said I was done with men, but I guess we were all breaking rules. If Ryder broke his for me, then I could break mine for him. Maybe he really was different. Only time would tell.

All I knew for sure was that my heart was aching at the sight of him wounded. I’d been so afraid of losing him that I hadn’t been able to stand.

Something about him was different.

And when he looked at me… when he touched me… when our eyes met, it was all just right. It was like we were two pieces of the same puzzle, fitting perfectly together.

I shook my head, a small smile forming on my lips despite everything. I owed it to myself to find out what these feelings meant. What if this was it? What if this was the real thing?

A human and a werewolf — who would have ever thought? No one would believe it if I told them. But then again, no one would ever know. This would be our secret, mine and Ryder’s and his pack’s.

The rational part of my brain was screaming that this was insane, that I should run as far and as fast as I could. But then I looked at Ryder’s sleeping form, his face peaceful despite the cuts, stitches, and bruises, and I knew I wasn’t going anywhere. Not that the imprint would let me leave, anyway. Whatever came next, whatever challenges we’d face, I wanted to face them with him.

I just hoped everything was really over. That things wouldn’t be so hard, and no one would have to risk their life for me, or for their pack. But something told me that Kellan wouldn’t give up so easily. I was afraid he’d be back.

Hopefully, I was wrong.