He glances at me. "You're good. He's settled."
I move quickly, grateful for Shadow's presence.
Pull out the scalpel, sterilize the area, make a clean incision in the abscess.
The bull shifts but doesn't thrash—Shadow's holding him steady, that low voice never stopping.
Thick, yellowish pus drains out, and I clean the wound, flush it with saline, and apply antibiotic ointment. The whole procedure takes maybe ten minutes, but it feels like seconds with Shadow there.
When I'm done, I step back. "All clear. He should heal up fine now."
Shadow releases the bull slowly, and the animal huffs but doesn't charge.
Just stands there, calmer than he's been since we arrived.
Mr. Peterson shakes his head. "I'll be damned. You got a way with cattle, Shadow."
"Grew up on a farm," Shadow says simply. "You learn."
We walk back to the trucks together, and Mr. Peterson pulls out his checkbook. "What do I owe you, Doc?"
I quote my standard rate, and he writes the check, but his eyes keep darting between Shadow and me, that curiosity still there.
"So," he says as he hands over the check. "You two... together?"
My face heats.
I open my mouth to deflect, to make an excuse.
Shadow's hand settles on my lower back, warm and possessive. "Yes."
Mr. Peterson's eyebrows shoot up. "Does Phantom know?"
"He will." Shadow's voice is calm. Certain. "Soon."
The older man whistles low. "Well. Good luck with that conversation, son."
"Thanks." Shadow's hand slides to my hip, pulling me closer. "I'll need it."
We drive away five minutes later, and I'm gripping my steering wheel so hard my knuckles are white.
Shadow pulls up beside me at a stop sign, and I roll down my window.
"You just told him we're together!" I hiss.
Shadow's grin is wicked. "I told him the truth."
"My father is going to hear about this before the day is out."
"Good." He leans closer, eyes dark and intent. "Save me from having to tell him myself. Meet you at the diner for lunch?"
Before I can argue, he's pulling away, bike roaring down the road.
I sit there for a moment, heart pounding, and realize: there's no stopping this now.
Shadow isn't hiding. Isn't pretending. He wants everyone to know I'm his.
And the terrifying part? I want them to know too.
