stronger shifters have died from cyanide poisoning,” Doc said, his face tired and grim.
“I understand, please do what you can.” Gabriel motioned to the bed.
“I was made to understand that you have medical facilities here,” Doc asked. Gabriel nodded.
“Downstairs where my people sleep we have a clinic,” he said.
“Let’s get him moved. He’s going to need a blood infusion and an IV drip,” Doc said, walking over to
the bed.
“Oh, my Ashby, what has been done to you?” Doc said, looking down at the small, still pale body.
“He is not your Ashby,” Gabriel said flatly. Doc raised a single eyebrow.
“I don’t care if you’re the King of Siam. Ashby belongs to those who love him and I hate to break it to
you Dracula, but in Arkadia we have years on you when it comes to caring for this young man. Now move
out of my way as I try to save my friend,” Doc said, brushing past Gabriel to lift Ashby gently in his arms.
David and Daniel watched the entire scene, their eyes wide.
“Dude, can I be you when I grow up?” David asked. Daniel nodded. Doc looked over at the small men
and winked. They both blushed. He carried Ashby’s form down the three flights of stairs and waited on the
ground level. Gabriel followed and went to the hallway beside the bathrooms, where he waved his hand to
reveal a small keypad. He punched in the code that unlocked the door. He walked through the opened
doorway and headed to the right.
“This way, doctor. And know that the only reason you’re still breathing is because I know you can help
my mate,” Gabriel said coldly. Doc rolled his eyes. Gabriel led the man holding his mate into the
underground chambers where his people slept for the day. He headed left and walked into a darkened
room, then reached out to the right wall and turned on the lights. In front of them were three small rooms
which made up the basics for their small clinic. Doc carried Ashby into the main treatment room and laid
him down on one of the beds. Behind him Baptista walked in carrying a bag and a cooler.
“Perfect. If you could set those on the counter please,” Doc said, moving around the room flipping
switches and checking gauges. He went to a drawer and pulled out the small kit to start an IV. Gabriel
watched as the man who was obviously the master of his craft stuck his small mate and started the blood
transfusion that would give him the untainted blood from his friend. He carefully removed a second IV kit
and made his way to Ashby’s other side. There he started a second IV, one of saline, antibiotics, and
vitamins.
“What was done before I got here? His breathing is surprisingly even for someone who’s been
poisoned,” Doc asked.
“That would be me, sir. My name is Nathaniel, healing is a gift from my family,” the auburn-haired man
said, stepping forward.
“I’d be interested in seeing exactly what your limitations are Nathaniel,” Doc said, taking Ashby’s pulse.
“He’s not an experiment. We prefer you not say anything about his gifts,” Eirik said from behind
Nathaniel. Without even turning around Doc snorted.
“You must be the Alpha. Please, it’s a closed space, try not to piss on him to mark him, the smell will get
overwhelming,” Doc said writing down Ashby’s pulse and temperature. He turned around to face the room
full of men.
“Gentlemen he’s not going to jump up and dance the jig. You can do nothing for him here, I’ll let you
know if there are any changes. Nathaniel, if you are able to stay I would like to see the changes that you
have on his physiology,” Doc said to the auburn-haired man. Nathaniel looked over to his Alpha who
scowled and nodded. Nathaniel’s head turned back to Doc smiling.
“I can stay.”
“Wonderful,” Doc said. Pulling out his phone from the medical bag, his long fingers moved quickly
over the text pad. He hit send, and then turned to Nathaniel.
“I sent an update to Aleks. OK, let’s get started.” Doc turned back to Ashby.
Gabriel moved to the side of the bed and took a seat in the plush armchair.
“He won’t wake up for a while,” Doc said, his voice gentling from his normal slightly aloof tones.
Gabriel nodded.
“I know, but I can’t leave him.” Gabriel took Ashby’s hand. Doc nodded.
“I guess if it were my mate, I wouldn’t be able to leave either.”
Chapter 10
“Gabriel, it’s been two days since I was poisoned, I’m doing much better now. I can stand, I can dress
myself, I can walk to the kitchen, I can make myself breakfast, and I’m bored out of my mind,” Ashby said