Page 99 of Ice Devil

“Yep. I was there. You had to tell someone what was happening. Remember? Oh, wait. You were too worried about the woman. Your mate. Right?”

“Fuck this family.”

“This fucking family cares about you. You saved her life, man. That’s amazing.”

I shook my head, ensuring our conversation wasn’t being overheard. “Yeah, well, I had to shift into my wolf to do so.”

“How did you get the tree off her?”

“A partial shift.”

“Wow. I’ve never done that before,” Cole seemed impressed.

I was still uncertain about everything. Including why I’d literally almost panicked in trying to get to her. “I haven’t either.”

“You did what you had to do. Very cool.” He took a sip of coffee while I remained quiet. “Oh, let me guess. She witnessed the whole thing.”

“Apparently, she did. I denied it, but I know her. She’ll dig and dig and fucking dig and write an article about it. A scathing horrible article.”

He had his eyebrows furrowed, fighting laughter.

“What?” Now I was even snapping at my own brother. I was one big basket case.

“You saved her life, dude. I seriously doubt she’s going to go on national television and spout off that she witnessed a scary looking dude turning into some wolf creature to save her life. She’s more likely to go on national television and tell the entire world the star of the Portland Hellions was a hero and saved her life.”

“Not with the way we left things just before her accident.”

His eyes opened wide. “Wait a minute. Are you telling me you’re the reason she had the wreck in the first place?”

I fiddled with the cup. “Maybe.”

“Oh, my God. Then I take back the hero part. You are going to make it up to her. Right?”

“Now, why would I do that?”

“Because, dumbass, you’re crazy in love with her. Don’t kid yourself.”

His laugh at my expense pissed me off, but in truth, the bastard could tell when I was lying. Not that I was in love with her. Hell, no. But I did have a soft spot for her. “Not a chance.”

“How does that stupid expression go about protesting? Me thinks you are doing that.”

“And me thinks you need to shut the fuck up.”

“There’s the doctor,” Cole said, nodding over my shoulder. “You’re going to do right by her though. Right?”

“I’ll make sure she gets back to her hotel. That’s as far as I go.”

“Don’t worry,” he said, clapping my arm. “I’m working at the sawmill. Take your time.”

Before I could pop him, he backed away.

I snarled and even fisted my hand before heading toward the doctor. Who I was certain was ready to have a heart attack when he saw me coming.

“Mr. Kendrick. I’m already put in for an expedited release. Should be about fifteen minutes. However, you’re going to need to bring her to my office in two days so I can check her out. I’m a little worried about her spleen. Make sure someone stays with her at least for the next twenty-four hours.” He skirted away, trying to rush down the corridor to get away from me.

“Why?”

“Because I’m the doctor. That’s why.”