Page 21 of Accidentally on Purr-pose

Izei stepped out of the SUV and strode toward Luka and Kenia. Both of them looked up with expressions that shifted rapidly from casual greeting to alarm as they took in his blood-stained appearance and obvious urgency.

"Luka, I need your help now," Izei commanded, his voice cutting across the distance between them.

The exiled jaguar responded immediately, jogging toward the vehicle with the fluid grace of someone trained for combat situations. Kenia followed, her dark eyes wide with concern as she took in the scene.

"What happened?" Luka asked, reaching the SUV just as Izei opened the rear door to reveal Reth's unconscious form.

"Five rogue jaguars attacked us at Aldric's," Izei replied, already positioning himself to support his Beta's shoulders. "Reth took the worst of it, but Freesia patched him up."

Luka's expression darkened immediately, his green eyes flashing with recognition and anger. "Cassian's behind this."

"That's my assessment as well." Izei carefully lifted Reth's body. "Help me get him inside."

Together, they maneuvered Reth's unconscious form from the SUV with deliberate care. Luka's experience as a former scout showed in the way he anticipated Izei's movements, creating a smooth transition that avoided jostling the injured panther. Kenia had already rushed ahead to hold the estate's front door open, her face pale but determined as she watched them carry her brother's closest friend toward safety.

"Is he going to be okay?" she asked, stepping aside to give them room.

"Yes. Freesia saved his life," Izei said, the words carrying both gratitude and respect.

Behind them, Aldric climbed stiffly from the vehicle, his movements betraying the exhaustion of someone who'd survived far more excitement than his seventy years typically demanded. Freesia emerged last, the blanket wrapped securely around her form as she moved with careful dignity.

The small procession soon made its way through the estate.

"Second door on the left," Izei directed as they climbed the staircase.

Luka nodded, adjusting his grip. "So Freesia really took down multiple jaguars?"

"Without hesitation," Izei confirmed, pride evident in his voice. "Killed one herself, then helped me finish three others."

They finally reached the designated guest room, and Izei used his shoulder to push open the door. The space beyond was comfortable and well-appointed, with a large bed positioned near the tall windows. As they carefully lowered Reth onto the mattress, his Beta's eyes fluttered open, consciousness returning with gradual awareness.

"Where am I?" Reth asked, his voice rough but alert as his gaze focused on Izei's face.

"You're at the estate," Izei replied softly. "And you're staying here for a few days to recover."

Reth's hand moved instinctively toward his abdomen, his fingers encountering the neat bandaging that covered Freesia's surgical work.

"Who did the medical work?" he asked, though his expression suggested he already suspected the answer.

"Freesia stitched you up," Izei said, watching his Beta's face carefully.

A slow smile spread across Reth's features. "She's something else, isn't she?"

"Yes," Izei agreed, the simple word carrying layers of meaning that extended far beyond professional admiration. "She's incredible. Fought and killed those jaguars, then saved your life without missing a beat."

Luka, who had been listening quietly from the foot of the bed, stepped forward with obvious respect. "Freesia did all that?"

"Every bit of it," Izei confirmed. "Without hesitation."

"I knew she was special," Luka said softly.

Izei pulled the thick comforter up to cover Reth, ensuring his Beta's comfort. "Rest now," Izei instructed. "I'll check on you later tonight."

Reth nodded. "Thank you both."

Izei and Luka stepped back from the bed, moving toward the door with quiet efficiency. In the hallway beyond, Freesia waited with Kenia and Aldric, her blanket-wrapped form somehow managing to project authority as she grasped her satchel in one hand.

"Reth will be fine," Izei announced to the small group. "But he needs rest and monitoring for the next few days."