Resisting the Cougar (Cascade Shifters #2) (21 page)

Nate nodded. “She expected as much. Tell GreyFire about the meeting and to contact me with their answer. I’ll leave my contact information here before I leave.”

Aidan had been patient, but couldn’t hold back any longer. “So what’s the law that will allow me to keep my female?”

Nate jumped right in. “When a human has been attacked or turns state’s evidence against a terrorist group or some sort of organized crime unit, they can ask the federal government for help to ensure their safety. Since shifters are notoriously protective, if a human knows a local clan and can gain their approval, he or she can be placed with them. Not even the mob wants to start a war with a shifter clan.”

Aidan frowned. “This goes against every law I know of.”

The bear-shifter shrugged. “It took my clan weeks to find it, so it’s not exactly broadcasted. Hell, the FBI probably forgot it even exists. It was written in the 1970s to aid the RICO Act, which was used to take down mobsters.”

“So a law used to fight mobsters is going to allow me to keep my female?”

Nate crossed his arms over his massive chest. “It shouldn’t matter how the law originated as long as it helps you.”

Aidan’s opinion of Nate went up a notch. “True. And your lawyers have given the green light to using the old law?”

“Yes. Unless a new law is passed to repeal it, the law still stands. My clan will email all the information you need in the next few hours and offer assistance, provided Kian keeps his word.”

Kian’s voice answered, “I will. I don’t know how to contact Odessa personally since she eschews technology, so thank your clan leader for me.”

Nate uncrossed his arms. “Sure thing. Now, I need to go.” He looked over to Dani. “I’m sure I’ll see you in the summer, Danika Fisher. I look forward to it.”

Before anyone could say a word, Nate Carter was gone.

Aidan turned the tablet around to speak with his clan leader. “Keep me updated on the validity of the law, Kian. I’m in no state to read and decode political jargon.”

“No problem. You stay with Claire as long as you need, okay? GreyFire is helping with our security until you two are back.”

Aidan glanced to Dani, who shrugged. “I’m staying here to help you. I trust Sylas to keep DarkStalker safe.”

Since Sylas was Kian’s twin brother and former second-in-command, Aidan trusted Sy as well.

Aidan was about to ask for an update on the attackers when someone knocked on the door and entered. It was Lisa.

Handing the tablet to Dani, he walked over the wolf. “How is she?”

“Claire survived the surgery, but she lost a lot of blood and her heart stopped once. It’s beating steady for now, however, so I’m optimistic.”

Ignoring the pain in his heart, he asked, “Can I see her?”

Lisa smiled. “Yes, although she’s unconscious.” The doctor’s face turned stern. “If you try to wake her before she’s ready, I will ban you from her room, cougar.”

“I won’t wake her up, I promise. I just want to see her and hold her hand.”

Lisa’s expression eased. “Good, then follow me.”

As Aidan and Lisa walked down one corridor and then another, his heart pounded harder. Claire was alive, and if he had any say in it, she would stay that way.

The wolf-shifter finally stopped in front of a door and whispered, “She’ll need your strength. Even though she’s unconscious, you need to help her fight for her life. She’s human, which means her recovery will be trickier without shifter healing abilities.”

He nodded impatiently. “Stubbornness is my middle name.”

“Good.”

As the wolf doctor opened the door to Claire’s room, Aidan braced himself and went inside.

Claire lay on the bed with a few wires and tubes attached to her. She was breathing on her own, but she was pale. Without her glasses or the vitality of her personality, he barely recognized his female.

Slowly, Aidan went to the bed and sat down. Taking Claire’s hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed it. The door clicked closed behind him and he whispered, “Fight for your life, Claire Davis, because I love you and want to mate you. Not only that, you have work left to do for all shifter-kind. Dying is not an option, understand?”

Claire remained motionless except for the slow rise and fall of his chest. Placing her hand on his cheek, he willed his strength and health to transfer to her.

Chapter Seventeen

A singing voice filtered into Claire’s mind, creating a mosaic of colors and shapes to match the tune. As they swirled around, shrinking and expanding, she deciphered some of the singing.

One shifter, two shifter, three shifter, four. Embrace your inner cat and roar, roar, roar.

The voice sounded oddly familiar. If only she could place it.

Five shifter, six shifter, seven shifter, eight. Change your form and wait, wait, wait.

When the time is right, pounce on your prey before it’s too late!

The words sounded like a nursery rhyme. Before she could think too hard, a familiar male voice said, “Why do you keep singing that tune over and over? Cougars can’t even roar.”

“But, Daddy, it’s fun to say. I like pretending I’m a lion.”

Cougars, Daddy, and a girl and man; it was Aidan and Chloe.

Claire tried opening her eyes, but they were heavy. Trying something easier, she moved a finger. When she moved another, there was a gasp and Chloe’s voice shouted, “Daddy, look. Claire’s moving. Maybe my singing helped.”

A warm hand caressed her forehead. “Claire, are you awake? If you are, open your eyes for me, love.”

The relief in Aidan’s voice pushed Claire to try harder until her eyes opened a crack. Even without her glasses, Aidan’s face was close enough she could see him perfectly. Even to her own ears, her voice was scratchy. “Aidan.”

He kissed her on the lips and then her nose, his eyes shimmering with tears. “You’re awake.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Tell the guard outside that Claire is awake.”

“But Daddy, I want to say hello to Claire too.”

“Then hurry and tell the guard.”

With a huff, she heard Chloe open the door. But Aidan’s scratchy voice, full of emotion, caught her attention. “I should start by saying thank you for saving my life.”

She tried to raise a hand to Aidan’s face, but couldn’t move her hand more than an inch or two off the bed. The slightest movements took more effort than it ever had before in her life.

Yet somehow, she made her voice work. “You would’ve done the same for me.”

Aidan took one of her hands and squeezed, his warmth helping to chase away the cold. “I should have paid more attention, Claire. I failed you and totally understand if you want me to leave.”

She squeezed his hand lightly. “You leave and I will kick your ass.”

He smiled. “I’d like to see you try.”

“Just shut up and give me a kiss.”

Aidan pressed his lips against hers, slowly and gently tasting her lips. When he pulled away, she nearly asked for another, but then a fuzzy Chloe appeared on the other side of her bed. “Claire, I’m so happy you’re awake! I’ve been practicing my paper flowers and I can’t wait to show you how good I’ve gotten.”

Claire smiled. “How about you give me a hug first.”

Chloe gently laid her head on Claire’s chest and stayed there. With Aidan caressing her forehead and Chloe’s weight on her chest, she felt at home.

While blurry, a woman with short, blonde hair she didn’t recognize appeared at her bedside. Aidan nodded toward the woman. “This is Dr. Lisa. She’s a GreyFire wolf and the woman who saved your life.”

Claire tried her best to focus on the fuzzy shape. “Thank you, Doctor.”

“I’m just happy you made it. Between Kian, Kaya, Aidan, and the SEA breathing down my neck, you being alive makes my life easier.”

Claire heard the teasing in the woman’s voice, but wished she could see her. “You didn’t by chance save my glasses as well?”

Aidan chuckled, released her hand, and slowly put a pair of glasses on her face. Everything went back into focus.

The doctor smiled down at her and said, “I need to examine you, but I’ll give you a few minutes with your family first while I check the readings on the machines. They’ve pretty much lived in this room for the past three days.”

Claire blinked. “I was out for three days?”

Lisa nodded. “Yes, and it’s going to be a long recovery with plenty of physical therapy. You aren’t going to be making any speeches any time soon, I’m afraid. Aidan will have to take care of you until you’re stronger.”

While tired, Claire felt more like herself and couldn’t resist saying, “A man waiting on me hand and foot? I think I could get used to that.” Lisa laughed as Aidan grunted. Looking at her man, she added, “It’s not like you won’t be hovering anyway. Shifter males are notorious for hovering around a sick mate.”

He caressed her forehead some more. “Yes, we just need to make the mate part official first.”

Chloe chimed in with a squeal. “Yay! I was hoping you’d be my new mommy, Claire. And maybe once you’re better, you can give me a little brother. Or, sister, although a brother would be cuter.”

Claire started to laugh but then groaned. Aidan’s voice was tender when he spoke, “Are you all right, Claire? Where does it hurt?”

Pain throbbed in her left side. “My left side, which I’m guessing is where I was shot.”

Dr. Lisa pushed Aidan out of the way, pulled back the blanket, and gently felt her side. With a nod, Lisa put the blanket back. “You’re tender but not swollen, which is a good sign. What you need more than anything is rest.”

Claire eyed Aidan. “I’ll only rest if you promise to do the same.” He opened his mouth, but she beat him to it. “The circles under your eyes tell me all I need to know. Get some sleep, Aidan. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

“I would argue, but I have a feeling I’d lose.”

Claire glanced to Chloe. “Can I put you in charge of making sure your dad gets some sleep?”

Chloe bobbed her head. “Yes, Claire. I’ll do a good job and make sure he takes a nap.”

“Thanks, Chloe. And maybe when I wake up, you can show me your flowers.”

“Of course. I’m going to decorate your room and surprise you.”

Claire smiled. “I can hardly wait.”

Lisa cut in. “Okay, you two, out. I’ll look after Claire and let you know when she wakes up. Jose is waiting outside the door to show you to one of the temporary quarters our researchers use whenever they pull all-nighters.”

Aidan kissed her gently. “Sleep well and heal, love. We have lots to discuss when you wake up.”

She frowned. “Why would you mention that now? I’ll be wondering what the hell you need to say.”

One corner of his mouth ticked up. “It’s good news, Claire. I found a way for you to stay with me and Chloe, always, if that’s what you want. But you need to sleep first. If the doctors tell me you fight it and don’t get some rest, I’ll wait longer to tell you the news.”

She sighed. “Fine. But I’m only giving in easily because I’m not at full strength. Don’t expect this to be a regular thing.”

Aidan grinned. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” He kissed her again. “Sweet dreams, love.”

Chloe kissed her cheek. “See you soon, Claire. I’m glad you’re okay.”

Claire smiled. “Me, too, Chloe, me too.”

Once Aidan and Chloe left, Lisa gave her some water. Then she stated, “I’m going to give you something to make you sleep because if I were you, I’d be wondering what the hell Aidan was teasing about, too.”

“Do you know what it is?”

Lisa shook her head. “Not really, just that the bears found a way to legally allow you to stay with DarkStalker. It’s very hush-hush, though, so I’m not in the loop.”

The doctor took out a needle, placed it into the IV opening, and pushed some drugs into her system. Before the drugs could knock her out, she murmured, “Thanks, Doctor, for keeping me alive.”

She heard, “Don’t thank me, your spirit is something else, especially for a human,” before the world went black.

~~~

Aidan checked his reflection in the mirror one more time and brushed his hair to the side.

Chloe put her hand in his. “You look good, Daddy. You always tell me if I play too much with my hair, it will fall out and I don’t know if I want a bald daddy just yet.”

With a grin, he placed a hand on Chloe’s head. “So what do you think? I want to look nice for Claire.”

His daughter nodded. “I almost don’t recognize you. You usually don’t brush your hair or wear nice shirts.”

Aidan smoothed his button-up shirt. “Don’t worry, I feel trapped in this thing and it’s coming off as soon as possible, but Claire deserves it.”

Chloe released his hand and leaned against the bathroom counter. “Are you sure I can’t go with you? I have some real flowers to give Claire and the longer I wait, the more they’ll die.”

He crouched down until he was eye level. “The flowers will last another half a day. This one time, I need to go alone. I’ll take you to visit Claire tomorrow, okay?”