Lucy nodded, glad to have something to do other than fidget nervously while watching the doctor work. She knew Atlas was breathing, but it was labored. And while he’d completely zonked out, she didn’t know if that was a good thing or not.
“Thank you, Doctor Truett.”
Something about him put her at ease and let her know Atlas was in good hands.
“Call me Grey.” He smiled. “And I’m happy to help.”
“I hope you can. He’s a sweet dog.”
“Is he.” Grey chuckled. “Looks more like a wolf to me.”
“That’s what the other vet said.” Lucy frowned. “I think he’s a mix or something, but I don’t know for sure. He’s super sweet, though.” She smiled. “He made me feel safe during the storm last night.”
“Did he now?” Grey gave the dog an inscrutable look. “Will you give us a few minutes, Lucy?”
“Oh, sure.” She nodded. “I’ll just go start that tea.”
When she stepped out of the studio, she was surprised to find Maddox just outside the door, standing like a guard with his arms crossed over his chest, staring into the distance in complete silence.
“I’m going to put the kettle on. Would you like some tea? Or maybe something else to drink?”
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.” Maddox declared.
“Tea it is then.” She smiled.
As she made her way back into the house, the realization that she had two complete strangers on her property set in and Lucy found herself wishing Atlas was conscious. She knew he wasn’t really her dog, but she liked having him around.
While he was docile and kind to her, he’d growled at nearly everyone they’d encountered today whenever they’d gotten close to her, which had honestly made her happy. Atlas’s behavior had made her feel like maybe he’d seen her ashishuman or something.
But maybe all that growling was why the vet had prescribed opioids along with the anti-inflammatories. She’d read that aggression could be a sign of pain. Maybe the doctor had accidentally overdosed her dog because he’d been so growly?
Lucy sighed. Whatever was going on with Atlas, Grey was on it. She knew he and his colleague wanted to help, and she was determined to do whatever she could to support them.
She just wanted Atlas to be okay.
Chapter Four
Lucy glanced at the clock, wondering how things were going behind that closed door. Maddox had made quick work of moving Atlas from her studio to her bedroom earlier, so he’d be more comfortable. He’d been gentle about it too, carrying Atlas like a puppy instead of the big dog he was. No wonder Grey had brought the guy along.
They’d been holed up in her room with Atlas for a while now though, and all the no-news was making Lucy nervous. She took a deep breath, willing herself to chill out. There was no need to worry. Atlas was being overseen by a team of professionals. He was sure to pull through.
She glanced at the clock again, wondering if she should offer to make dinner for them, or if that would be weird. Man, she hated this lull.
Even though she knew it was irrational, Lucy couldn’t seem to shake the sense that something important was happening behind that closed door. Unable to stand the silence any longer, she knocked and called out.
“Everything okay in there?”
“Actually, Lucy,” Grey replied, “can you come here a moment?”
Though his voice was just as calm as before, a dread settled in the pit of her belly as she stepped into the room.
Maddox sat in a chair next to the bed with a hand on Atlas’s head, while Grey stood beside him, petting Atlas’s flank. There was a distinct air of disquiet in the room, the men’s faces drawn, as though they’d just been through something serious.
“What’s going on?” She whispered, focusing on Grey’s hand, wondering if Atlas was breathing or not.
“Lucy,” Maddox’s voice was rough. “Come, sit here.” He stood up, keeping his hand on Atlas’s head while shifting to the side to make room for her.
Lucy didn’t hesitate. In a moment, she’d crossed the room and settled into the chair.
