"Something to do with Doc?" Spur presses.
Shadow's jaw ticks. "Maybe."
Spur nods slowly, like he's putting pieces together. "You need backup, you say the word."
"I'll handle it."
"Alone?" Banshee's tone is sharper now. "Or are you planning to keep secrets from the club?"
"I'm planning to protect what's mine." Shadow's voice is steel. "However I need to."
The brothers exchange another look.
Finally, Spur stands, clapping Shadow on the shoulder. "Just remember, brother. Club's got your back. Whatever you're dealing with, you don't have to do it alone."
Banshee slides out of the booth too, but not before giving me a small nod. "Doc. Take care."
They leave, and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
"They know," I whisper.
"Yeah." Shadow brings my hand to his lips, presses a kiss to my knuckles. "They know."
"They're going to tell my father."
"Maybe. Or maybe they'll give me a chance to tell him myself." He meets my eyes. "Either way, it's happening. You okay with that?"
Am I?
My father finding out about us, about Shadow and me, about everything we've been hiding for all of two days?
"I don't have a choice," I say quietly.
"You always have a choice, Grace." His voice is gentle but firm. "You can walk away right now. End this before it gets complicated."
I stare at him.
At this man who's upended my entire world in forty-eight hours.
Who makes me feel safe and desired and claimed in ways I never thought I'd want again.
"I don't want to walk away."
His smile is slow and devastating. "Good. Because I wasn't letting you go anyway."
The afternoon passes in a blur of appointments.
Shadow stays close, helping where he can, watching when he can't.
Every time I look up, he's there. Solid. Steady. Mine.
By the time I finish with my last client, the sun is setting and exhaustion is pulling at me.
I lock up the clinic, grab my bag, and head out to my truck.
That's when I see it.
Another note on my windshield.
