“Thank you for the ride.” Kenny reached out a hand, preparing to open the door when Damon stopped him.
“Kenny…Listen, Michael works at the Silver Bullet. My brother and I own a tattoo shop called The Burning Needle. The doctor was right, you aren’t alone. The Alpha and owner of the Silver Bullet, Gideon Channing, will probably end up checking on you soon.”
“That’s not necessary.”
Damon snorted, “Yes, it is. You were drugged at the pack’s club by another patron. The Alpha takes security very seriously. Consider yourself the newest member of his pack.”
Kenny wasn’t sure what that meant. Instead of asking, he opened the door and climbed out.
* * * *
Kenny Reeves. Kenny Reeves. Michael hadn’t been able to stop thinking about his mate. The man’s name sang through his mind. He couldn’t sleep and he didn’t dare try to eat anything. His stomach was a mess due to the stress of wondering how his mate was holding up. He stayed up all night, alternating between pacing around the house and sitting uncomfortably in each chair in the living room.
He held his cell phone and impatiently waited for each and every text message from Damon. If he couldn’t be by Kenny’s side, he was relieved to have one of his friends to take care of his mate.
He wasn’t worried about Kenny’s safety, especially since one of the Sabbath brothers was there at the hospital. The jaguar shifter wasn’t afraid to dive into a full confrontation if it meant protecting Michael’s human.
When his cell phone beeped, Michael’s heart jumped. Kenny is awake. No memory of last night. Stephen just arrived. Michael read through the text message multiple times, his heart sinking. Sitting down, Michael pushed a hand through his short hair. He was both relieved and sad. He didn’t want his mate to deal with the memory of being drugged and assaulted, but he was really hoping the young man would remember him.
Leaning back, Michael sent Damon a quick message. Thanks for the update, man. Please stay with him and make sure he gets home safe.
Damon replied immediately. Of course, I’ll take care of your mate.
Forcing himself to stand, Michael headed toward his bedroom. He closed the door and plugged his cellphone into the charger. He stripped off his clothing, the same items from the night before, and dumped them into the laundry basket. Michael yawned as he turned the shower on. He was completely exhausted, but he was unable to sleep peacefully with his mate across town in a hospital bed.
Michael climbed under the warm spray and leaned against the cool tiles. He yawned as he picked up the bar of soap and washed away the night before. After a few minutes, he shut the water off. Michael stepped out of the glass enclosure, grabbed a towel, and proceeded to dry off on his way back into his bedroom.
What would Kenny think of them when they met once more? Would he be intimidated by his size? He knew he was bigger than most men. Standing at six foot, six inches, he towered over most people he came into contact with. He needed a plan, something that would open Kenny’s heart. What can I do to get his attention? When should I approach him? Should I wait and give Kenny time?
Picking up his cell phone off the dresser, Michael read the newest message from Damon. Kenny is being discharged and I’m driving him home.
Licking his dry lips, Michael grabbed his phone and charger and transferred them both to the bedside table. He climbed under the covers before replying to Damon’s message. Thank you. Keep me posted.
Barely a few seconds later, his phone beeped. I will.
Michael placed his phone on the bedside table and lay down. Yawning, he closed his eyes and allowed sleep to pull him under. He was fast asleep when his phone started ringing. Jerking up, Michael grabbed it.
“Yeah?” He cleared his throat. Using one hand, he rubbed his face.
“I just dropped Kenny off. He’s safe,” Damon said, and Michael breathed out a sigh of relief.
“Thanks.”
Chapter 7
Kenny took a shower, washing away the hospital stench along with his own potent smell. Scrubbing his body, Kenny washed and rinsed a half dozen times until finally, he felt clean once more. He grabbed a bright yellow towel hanging over the stall and quickly dried off before stumbling back into his bedroom.
Falling forward onto his queen-size bed, Kenny closed his eyes. He was only planning to take a quick nap before getting dressed and heading to the Silver Bullet to pick up his car. He was glad that it was only Sunday. He had the entire day to get organized before the work week started. The sound of his phone ringing woke him up. Groaning, Kenny rolled over. He stretched out his muscles and blinked open his eyes.
Kenny grabbed his home phone off the receiver and answered. “Hello.”