Hunting Human - Amanda E. Alvarez [68]
There so much I still don’t know.
“That’s it.” He announced a few minutes later, removing the tourniquet and storing the vials in his bag. “I’ll be back to check on you tomorrow morning.” He stood and snapped off his rubber gloves.
“I’ll be fine. You don’t need to come back out.” She’d heal, with or without the visit. Still, she was reluctant to see him go. He’d acted as a comforting buffer between her and Braden. Since they’d moved into the living room, he’d been a solid presence between them. And, if Beth was being completely honest, an amusing one as well.
He’d laughed and joked as he gently inspected her wrists, then carefully lifted her sweatshirt, gently probing at the bruises the Taser had left. Focusing on him helped her ignore Braden every time he pushed away from the wall and fell into a routine of pacing and glaring.
“I’m sure you’ll be fine, too.” He said as he packed all of his medical supplies into his bag. “But I’m still going to come out and see if you need anything. I’m afraid tonight might be more difficult than what you’re used to.”
The blood drained from her face. Tonight? “What do you mean?”
He glanced up at her question and his face softened. “Oh, nothing. Just that with the amount of stress you’ve been under and how sore I know you are…the shift tonight will probably be a little rougher than normal. So I’ll be out here first thing to check up on you.”
Beth smiled weakly and rose from the sofa, folding her arms against her chest. “Thanks.”
“Sure.” He must have sensed her unease because he joked, “I’ll even charge Braden double, if it’ll make you feel better.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, I guess.”
The moment Mike left, Braden moved toward her, concern creasing his forehead. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.” She wished it were true. How had she forgotten about the full moon? She never forgot.
“You aren’t.”
Irritated, Beth moved away from him and toward the huge windows overlooking the front lawn. “I said I’m fine.”
“Was that Mike leaving?” Lucy came down the stairs, barefoot in jeans and a pink henley.
“Yeah.” Braden shoved a hand through his hair and turned to his sister. “He’ll be by in the morning.”
“Okay.” Lucy shrugged. “Mom!”
“Don’t shout, Lucy, I’m right here.” Anna strode out of the kitchen, digging through her purse. “Have you seen my keys?”
“They’re by the door.”
“Okay. Grab some shoes and we’ll get going.”
“Where are you guys headed?” Braden asked.
“We’re going to run a couple of errands in town.” Anna slid a slim pair of glasses onto her face. “We’ll be back by dinner. I’m going to pick up stuff to make the apple turnovers Angie sent me the recipe for.”
Mystified, Beth watched Lucy and Braden exchange a worried glance.
“Elizabeth, we’re going to pick a few things up for you, do you have any preferences regarding toothpaste or anything?”
“Um, no. Whatever’s fine.” She hoped she wouldn’t be staying long enough to care.
“Okay. I’m sure you’re tired. I changed the sheets in Braden’s room. You’ll be more comfortable in there.”
Beth bristled at the same time Braden choked. “That’s not necessary.”
“Nonsense.” Anna dismissed them with a wave and a glare in Braden’s direction. “Braden’s room is far more comfortable and it has a private bathroom. Braden can sleep down the hall in one of the guest rooms for the time being.” Between her tone and her pointed glare in her son’s direction, Beth decided not to argue.
“Come on, Lucy.” Anna stepped out the front door, beckoning her daughter to follow.
“You two be careful,” Braden said, his words weighted with caution.
“We will,” Lucy said, dismissing him.
Beth wondered if Lucy had been overprotected in a family with so many men.
“I’m serious,” Braden persisted.
“Oh, relax. We’re meeting Chase and Dad for a late lunch, we’ll be fine.” Lucy followed her mother out the door. She shot a beaming smile in Braden’s direction and gave a little finger wave. “You two have the whole place to yourselves…have a good time!” She pulled the door shut behind her before Braden could reply.
Braden