Page 29 of Vampire Pack

The woman was delusional. She had been possessive of me at the medical office the night before, without a mate bond. Hell, she'd threatened to murder me if I fucked anyone else, even before that.

I opened my door, and made it to hers in time to help her to her feet. She reluctantly let me wrap an arm around her waist, and stayed close as we made our way into the building.

There were a few other people in the waiting room. The medical office took nonathlete patients when there weren't games going on, so that wasn't surprising.

All of the eyes in the room turned immediately to us.

The receptionist waved enthusiastically from the front desk, wearing a bright smile. Carmen immediately went stiff beside me.

I gave the receptionist a small nod, and a growl rattled Carmen's chest.

The other woman's smile slowly faded.

I could've smirked.

All of the eyes on us were now wide open.

"I'll check in," Carmen muttered to me, trying to step away.

"They know we're here."

I guided her to the chairs nearest to the doors, and we sat down together. I had to release her waist. She awkwardly took my hand with her good arm, as soon as we were sitting.

Her foot tapped on the floor as we waited.

I slipped my phone out of my pocket with my free hand and typed a quick message out in the notes app on my phone.

How does the mental bond work?

She read it before I sent it, then released my hand long enough to take the device and type a message back.

We can speak through it, but it's not easy. Feels like talking underwater. My pack usually just communicates over text or in person, unless there's some reason we can't.

When we communicate that way, the whole pack hears whatever we say. It's like a group phone call situation. There's no privacy, so keep that in mind.

She handed the phone back, and reluctantly retook my hand.

"This is the bond," she said, her voice quietly slipping into my mind.

It wasn't comfortable, but it wasn't painful, either.

I attempted to send back, "That's different."

She nodded. "It is. And it's easier to use in wolf form, too."

"Welcome to the pack," Paige said quietly, joining the conversation.

"Hi." Mal spoke up too.

The door that led to the treatment rooms opened, and the team's physical therapist stepped through.

She smiled in our direction, and Carmen stiffened again.

I squeezed her hand lightly.

She gripped mine like I was anchoring her to her sanity as she stepped in front of me, separating me from the physical therapist with her body.

I stayed close, holding her hip with my free hand.