I’m not even surprised.Christian has been glued to my side for the last twenty-four hours.At first, I thought it was because he was afraid I’d make a run for it again, but then I realized he simply likes being around me.
He’s been called out a few times to help with other patients, but he always races back to my room as soon as he can.I fell asleep yesterday afternoon, and when I woke up from my nap, he was right there, my hand in his.He was fast asleep in the chair next to me, and I noticed then that he looked exhausted.
I expected him to go home last night, but he got comfortable in the chair next to my bed.At some point, one of his friends brought us both a change of clothes.When he came back, I moved over in bed in a silent offer for him to lie next to me.
He jumped at the opportunity, and I tried to hide my smile at how excited he was to be close to me.
I should find his behavior annoying, but after years of begging for attention, it’s wonderful to be around someone who gives me attention and cares so freely and so often.
Christian is still fast asleep behind me.I lie still so he can get some more rest.The clinic is quiet.Do they close overnight?Or is there no one who needs medical help?
Maybe everyone in town is a shifter, so they never need medical attention.
I still can’t believe this is all real.Shifters.Fated mates.It seems unbelievable.
Lifting my hand, I brush my fingers over the bite mark on my neck.I shiver as my fingers touch it.
What am I going to do?Do I stay here with Christian?What will my life be like if I agree to be his?Will my parents be upset if I don’t go to work for them?Will they even notice?Which option am I hoping for?
I sigh, rubbing my forehead as I try to organize my thoughts.
Okay, let’s get this sorted.We have a few options.Do I want to go back to New York and my parents?Do I want to find a new city and start fresh there?Or do I want to stay here in this small town with Christian?What will I do here?I need to find a job.Where will I work?
The sun rises in the sky, and I watch as it lights up the town outside my window.It’s so pretty here.Peaceful, even with everything that’s happened.
My mind replays everything Christian told me about shifters, fated mates, the pack, and the mating heat.The full moon is tomorrow.What will it feel like?
What would it be like to be with Christian in that way?
Christian stirs behind me.I stiffen and turn to look over my shoulder at him.
“Morning, mate,” he says softly.
“Morning,” I rasp.
He leans closer and presses a kiss to my neck, right above the bite mark.
I melt in his hold and marvel at how natural this all feels.It feels right to be with Christian, like we’re two puzzle pieces coming together to create a beautiful picture.
Will it always be like this?Does love at first sight really exist?I guess it does for shifters.
Maybe it’s real for me too.I’ve never wanted anyone, never even noticed boys before.Not until Christian.
I can’t deny that I find him attractive, that I want him, but I need to be smart about all this.I need to figure out what I want before I add people to the plan.
We need to get on the same page.I don’t want to hurt him or for there to be any confusion.I need to tell him I need more time to figure things out.
I turn to face him and take a deep breath.“We need to talk.”
His smile fades.He looks nervous as he rubs his hands up and down my arms.
“About what?Are you hurt?What’s wrong?”
“I’m okay.I just?—”
I gasp as the door bursts open, jerking up in bed.Pain radiates across my chest at the sudden movement, and I wince as Christian moves in front of me.
“Dr.McAdams!We need you.NOW!”a nurse states.
