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“How well do you know this guy?” Kent added, his eyes narrowing even more.

“And you don't think I take their protection seriously, Dr. Buchanan?” Dawn's voice hardened as she stared at Slade. The fact that she'd used his professional title instead of his first name should have been warning enough that he'd just pissed her off. “I walked away from a practice that I worked my ass off to build because I believed in what you were doing here. I gave up patients I cared about, a career I'd spent years building, and a life that was mine. Not because anyone forced me to, but because I wanted to help.”

Dawn shook her head in disbelief, her anger growing the longer she looked at Slade.

“I've kept your secrets, followed your rules, and done everything you've asked of me. But apparently, the minute I mention having dinner with a man, you act like I'm too stupid to understand what's at stake.”

Her fingers tightened around the boxes as she struggled to control her temper.

“I know exactly what's at stake, Dr. Buchanan. I don't need you to remind me. And I sure as hell don't need anyone making me feel like I have to choose between taking care of the women here and having a damn life of my own.” She paused, still unable to believe this conversation was even happening. “I understand why you have to be careful, and I respect that. But I'd appreciate a little of that same respect in return. I'm perfectly capable of going on a date without spilling every damn secret I know over dinner.”

“Okay, I think we all need to calm down.” Jill stepped closer to Dawn, giving Slade a pointed look. “She's a doctor, Slade, not a teenager sneaking out of the house. I'm pretty sure she knows how to go on a date without telling the guy she's having dinner with that she works for a bunch of badass vampires.”

“Thank you.” Dawn gave Jill an appreciative nod, grateful that at least someone in the room seemed to have some common sense.

“But,” Jill continued, giving Dawn a look of understanding, “once you become part of this crazy group, your normal life pretty much goes right out the window. Trust me, I know.”

Dawn couldn't argue with that, even if she didn't particularly like hearing it. Before she could give Jill's words much thought, however, Kent brought the conversation right back to the one thing he apparently wasn't willing to let go.

“You still haven't answered my question.” Kent was no longer frowning, but the serious expression on his face told her he wasn't about to let the subject drop.

“I don't answer to you.” Dawn knew she sounded like a bitch, but at this point, she didn't particularly care. These men were acting like the minute she'd put on a dress and let her hair down, she'd somehow lost half her damn brain cells.

“Listen.” Slade crossed his arms over his chest, his expression serious but no longer accusing. “Kent's question is legitimate. Even if this is someone you've known for years, we have enemies who would pay a hell of a lot of money for information about us. And believe me, there are plenty of people willing to take that money. I'm sorry we came down on you the way we just did, but you have to understand that trusting people doesn't come easy for us.”

Dawn remained silent, still irritated, but she was listening.

“We did an extensive background check on you before you ever became involved with us,” Slade continued. “I can tell you where you lived when you were a toddler, every job you've ever held, where your parents worked, and a whole lot of other things you'd probably be shocked to know we dug up. And that wasn't because we thought you were a threat. It's because we don't take chances when it comes to the safety of the women here.” His expression softened slightly. “This isn't about belittling you or questioning your judgment, Dawn. It's about protecting them, and whether you like it or not, that includes protecting you.”

Dawn remained quiet for a moment, considering everything Slade had said. She understood why they were cautious, but that didn't mean she liked having her judgment questioned. Especially when she'd given them no reason to doubt her.

“His name is Danny Jackson.” Dawn glanced at Kent before turning her attention back to Slade. “He's a CPA. I met him through a mutual friend almost a year ago, and we've only recently started going out to dinner. He's a good guy, and I wouldn't be seeing him if I thought otherwise.”

“Where does he work?” Kent asked, his tone curt and to the point.

Dawn gave him the name of Danny's accounting firm before turning her attention back to Slade. “I understand why you're concerned, but I also hope you understand that I'm not careless when it comes to my patients.”

“I know you're not.” Slade gave her a nod before looking toward Kent. “Run a background check on Danny Jackson.”

“Plan on it.” Kent's deep voice held a hard edge that didn't go unnoticed by Dawn.

She glanced at him before shaking her head. “I seriously doubt you’ll find anything too exciting. He's an accountant.” She snorted with a roll of her eyes.

“Accountants can have secrets,” Jill offered with a grin.

“Apparently, so can doctors who wear dresses.” Dawn gave her a look that had Jill laughing before she turned back to Slade. “Now, if we're finished investigating my love life, I have an ultrasound to do.”

Slade's mouth twitched. “We're finished.”

Dawn turned to leave but stopped when she noticed Kent was still staring at her. “I'd like to know what you find out.”

“You will.” His gaze never wavered from hers.

She nodded, then started toward the door, only to stop again. Damn her doctor instincts. She could be irritated with the man all she wanted, but that didn't mean she'd forgotten he'd recently been injured. “How are your wounds?”

“Already healed.” A small smile tilted his lips. “Thanks for asking.”

Dawn held his gaze a moment longer, surprised by the smile after the way he'd been acting. She wasn't sure what to make of Kent sometimes, and at the moment, she wasn't about to waste any more time trying to figure him out. With a final nod, she left Slade's office and crossed the hall into her own exam room.