Archer and I had stayed in the field for a short while before the cleaners arrived. After questioning us, they got rid of all evidence and removed Noah’s body for disposal.
I called Enrique to explain that his warehouse was wide open, and I felt terrible about the whole thing. When he showed up, he was more upset that his security guard was the cause of the mess. He said the incident gave him a reason to fortify his garage doors and do more comprehensive background checks on his employees.
In fact, Enrique expressed deep remorse about my situation since Noah was his employee. He even offered me the books freeof charge. While it was thoughtful, I insisted on paying, but he only accepted half.
Because Lakota’s truck had to be towed for repairs, Tak picked us up. Fearing his reproach for causing trouble, I was surprised to find him genuinely concerned about my safety and everyone else’s. He called Hope’s father to help Enrique with repairs on the garage, and that left us in good standing.
Archer had lent me his shirt until Tak arrived with clothes. It wasn’t until the cleaners shined their flashlights that I glimpsed Archer’s new tattoo. I didn’t say anything until we were in the car, and even then, all I could do was hold him after he explained the meaning.
Sothat’swhere he had gone on his night out.
Now that we were home, Archer wanted to keep the scratches on his lower right leg that Noah’s tiger had made. Once he stripped down to his underwear, we could see how gruesome the gashes really were.
Salem’s messy hair suggested we had gotten him out of bed. “I won’t do this until you shift and close the wound. Otherwise, it’ll look like a horror movie.”
“I don’t want to heal it,” Archer countered.
“It’s too deep to heal with only one rotation. It would require at least two, but it’s better if you seal the open wound. You need to heal the damage to the veins, nerves, and muscle. Otherwise, you might wind up with something like a permanent limp.” Salem rubbed his eyes. “I don’t have a magic pill for a limp.”
With a reluctant sigh, Archer shifted to his wolf and back. After putting on his boxer briefs, he sat on the chaise and scooted back so his leg was straight. “Let’s get it over with, Doc.”
Salem pulled a jar out of his bag and shook his head. “This is permanent.”
Archer gave him a cross look. “I know that. Everything about tonight is permanent.”
It struck me how true that was. I circled the couch and stood beside him. “Give me your hand.”
“Why?”
“So you don’t have to experience the pain alone,” I said matter-of-factly.
Salem bent over and stared at the wound. “Maybe you should bite down on something.”
When Archer didn’t reply, Salem put on a rubber glove and applied a small amount of liquid fire directly to each wound. Archer never shouted or punched the couch pillow. He did squeeze my hand, but I’d never seen anyone more brave—more tolerant to pain that the average person could never endure.
“That hurts worse than the tattoo,” he finally said, sweat beading on his brow.
Salem bandaged his leg. “That’s because it’s deeper.”
After leaving a few painkillers on the table, Salem made a hasty exit.
Still shaken, I washed my hands and then changed into a T-shirt and sweatpants. Splashing water on my face didn’t wash away the lingering horror.
“Are you okay?” Archer asked from the bathroom doorway.
I stared at my reflection. “Why did he do that? He set everything up just to lure me there. None of it makes any sense. He could have gone on with his new life.”
“Because men like him don’t change. He had a black heart. That tiger made his choice, and he paid for it.”
Still rattled, I moved past him into the kitchen area. “Do you want me to make you coffee or cocoa?”
“I’m good.”
“What about a sandwich? There’s bread and peanut butter.” I had the bread on a plate before he could answer. Then I saw the jar and realized he might need help opening it. “I’ll make it for you.”
Archer came behind me and gripped my wrist. “I don’t want this.”
I paced to the back of the couch and leaned against it. “I don’t know what you want from me. With Noah, he always told me. But with you, I’m always guessing.”
