River Wolf(24)

As dominant as Luc was, Brett was Alpha and he didn’t want or need the fight at the moment. “Save the crap for when you’re healthy enough for me to beat the shit out of you.” Unflinching, he held Luc’s glare while he cracked the plaster. The conversation outside the room drifted toward them. Colby seemed intent on returning.

“Behave, Luc.” He kept his tone as civil as possible. “Your girl is out there and I don’t intend for her to see you shift. Remember Colby.” The order had the desired effect, Luc tipped his head backward and blew out a breath.

“Hurry the fuck up then. I don’t—think I can hold him back much longer.” Wolves needed to shift when they were gravely injured. Luc had spent all the time in the hospital holding off his wolf when shifting would have begun his healing process. Splitting the cast, Brett worked the plaster free while at the same time refusing to do further injury.

They both breathed easier when it came away in pieces. Thankfully, the second cast didn’t disguise further infection. Colby was at the door when Brett caught the sound of his mother and father arriving.

“Hello!” Margaret Dalton called up the stairs. “We’re here to take charge of Luc…” The distraction gave Brett blessed time to inspect Luc’s left leg. He found the sore leaking puss behind the knee.

“Hard or easy?” He glanced at the wolf’s violent eyes, giving him the scant seconds to decide.

“Do it.” Luc dug his hands into the covers on the bed. Nodding once, Brett used a claw and sliced across the infection, bursting the abscess open. The stink increased as it drained. The muscles in the injured wolfs neck stood out in stark relief as he arched upward. Face contorting, the shift hit him hard and fast.

Retreating a step, Brett gave him the space to change. Unfettered, the wounded man twisted as his skin slipped, his bones cracked and realigned themselves until finally a large gray wolf stood on unsteady legs in the middle of the bed only to collapse, panting. The scent of infection still clung to him. Another shift or two could help, so could the energy of pack. Lone Wolf or not, Luc remained his friend.

Lips peeling back from his teeth, the wolf snarled at him. Fisting the animal’s scruff Brett brought his head up to eye level. “And that’s enough of that. Sleep. Heal.”

The animal fought, but he was no match for an Alpha and Luc finally gave in, head nodding as his eyes closed.

“Sleep, old friend.” He rubbed the top of his head gently, and one of the ears flicked toward him then drooped as sleep stole over him. “I’ve got your back.” Luc might not be his anymore, but he’d come to Brett. Brett wouldn’t fail him. Leaving the damaged sheets, Brett stacked the plaster in the corner, then let himself out. He had a human to deal with so he could send his mother in. Gillian could finish her day off. Her patient would keep one more day; Brett could keep the wolf asleep.

“Are you a doctor?” Colby stood at the base of the stairs, arms folded and blocking his parents. Impressive, but unnecessary.

“They’re my parents and they’re here to help Luc.” He strode down the stairs and took her arm, tugging her out of the way. “He’s upstairs.” The advice was unnecessary, and his mother’s impatient look told him as much.

“It’s nice to meet you, Colby. Please stick around as I’m sure we’ll have questions.” She carried her medical kit with her, but Dad didn’t follow immediately. He studied Colby, then Brett.

“Charles Dalton,” he introduced himself and extended his hand. Brett’s eyes narrowed. What the hell was his father up to?

Beneath his fingers, Colby’s arm tensed, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she slanted a look at him instead. Edging a step forward, he eased Colby slightly behind him. If she wanted his protection, she had it. Luc wanted her to stay, she would stay. “Dad, you should help Mom.”

“Your mother can take care of Luc just fine without me, I’m going to make us all food.” He eyed Colby. “You look exhausted. Has Brett offered you a room and a place to clean up?”

No, he hadn’t, but that was beside the point. The problem with his parents was, Alpha or not, they were still his parents and never let him forget it. “No, I hadn’t…yet.” He enunciated each word carefully. “Colby, if you would do me the honor of being my guest, I can set you up in a guest room downstairs.” Downstairs away from Luc’s wolf at least until Luc had himself under control. “I can unload your car, too.” She had a few bags in the back he’d spotted.

“I have no intention to stay.” She shook her head and some droplets from hair flew at him. Dammit, she was soaked to the skin.