“Dude, was there a murder?”
Lee started awake to a very Southern California voice coming from the front room, and he jumped out of bed, blinking at the light coming through the window. How long had they slept?
Robe. Then front room.
“Tran? You’re early.”
“No shit. Jase said you needed help. Who died, seriously?”
“No one. Well, actually me. And my mate. But it’s a long story.” He moved to hug Tran. “Thanks for coming so fast. Mikhail, he was the one you were supposed to come get, he went nuts and injured Drew.”
“Was?” Tran hugged him, then looked him over at arm’s length. “You need a B12 shot. I have some in my bag.”
“Thanks. I need to get Dash on finding the one who was so sick. Mikhail.”
“Okay. Stop. Was sick? Was alive?”
“Mikhail is alive. Partly healed, though I think his mind is a little…” Maybe it would be better to let Tran meet Drew. “Hold on a minute.”
He went to the bedroom, finding Drew awake, huddling in a corner with the blankets.
“Oh, baby. It’s just Tran. The medic. Can you come meet him?”
“The ambulance man?” Drew was washed out, faded and wan.
“Yes. I think it will be easier to show him who you are rather than explain. He’s a friend.”
Drew nodded and stood, even though Lee could feel his fear. “Should we have clothes on?”
“There’s a robe, but I have sweats if you want.” Lee got some out of the closet. They would hang on his lover, but they would make him feel better.
“Thank you.”
They threw on some sweats and headed out, Drew cuddled into his side.
Tran blinked over at Drew, then held out one hand to shake. “I’m pleased to meet you. I’m Tran.”
Drew reached out to shake hands, and Tran saw Drew’s -- scars? Birthmarks? -- arms, and Tran’s eyes went wide.
Tran shook hands. “Oh, man. Talk about complicated. So you healed Mikhail?”
“I tried. He was mad.”
“And then you fed off Lee?”
Drew shook his head. “He healed me.”
“It’s not like he’s a parasite, Tran.” He gave Tran a hard look. “I gave him what I could.”
“Then you both need that B12 shot.” Tran grinned a little. “Wow. I thought you healer guys were a myth.”
“I think we might be.”
Yeah, his mate was special. Older than he could imagine, and so strong.
“Well, I’m glad you’re both okay. Can I -- do you mind if I look where he bit you?” Tran was such a science guy.
Drew looked to Lee, and when he nodded, Drew lifted his chin.
“Your throat?”
“Yep.” Lee grinned a little at Tran’s shocked expression.
“Wow. Wow.” Tran touched Drew’s throat, and Lee swallowed back a growl. “Ah. Right. I need to get you both some vitamins and maybe some meds for just in case. You want to come see if there are any supplies you need Lee?”
“Yeah. That would be great. Will you call Dash?” He didn’t want to have to explain it all in front of Drew.
“No problem. Get some boots on. I have fresh milk.”
“Oh, that rocks. Man. I had a whole pan go bad.”
“That stinks.” Tran waited for him to get his boots on, then led him outside. “Jesus, Lee. You need to keep him safe. Did they know what they lost?”
“No. I mean I doubt it. They had him in a big dorm with other wolves and they chased way harder after the sister.”
“Good. I’m going to take you off the rescue roster, friend. You can’t risk him.”
“Okay…” He blinked. “What am I supposed to do? To live, I mean?”
“You stay here and we’ll reroute people.” Tran dropped his voice. “Seriously buddy. He’s worth… no one knew any were alive.”
“Oh. Okay, so I’ll be like a rest stop and recovery area?” He could do that. They could even put in another cabin.
“Yeah, but you have to protect him before anything.” Tran handed him a shotgun and a box of shells. “I’m serious.”
“I got it.” He did. Tran didn’t condone more than a tranq gun usually. He had to trust his friend.
“Okay. I’ve got two gallons of milk, some cheese, some potatoes, some snacks.”
“You rock so hard. Do I need to call anyone?”
Tran gave him a hard look. “No. Keep a lid on it. I’ll only tell a few guys we can trust.”
“Oh. Wow. Okay. Thank you.”
“I’ll deal with your runner, too. If you see Dash, I sent him.”
“Okay. He’ll be cool with Drew, right?”
“Dash is one of the good guys. Like you. No weird motives. Just doing what he’s good at.”
“Right. I’m just…”
Tran clapped his arm gently. “He’s a gift, Lee. You’re blessed to have him, and he’s the same. He has you.”
“He’s my mate.” He beamed. “I can’t believe it, but it’s true.”
“I’m going to give you both a shot of vitamins. You’ll feel better faster that way. Do you think he’ll be okay with that?”
“We’ll see what happens when you get the needle. I’ll take mine first.” He helped Tran unload, then headed inside.
Drew was standing at the window, staring out, watching them, still as a statue.
He waved, breaking into a trot, listening to milk slosh. “Right here, baby.”
“Milk!” That made Drew beam. “Thank you! I can put it away.”
“Thanks, love. Tran would like to give us both a B12 shot. I know that might make you nervous, but I think it will help.”
“You promise? He won’t try to take me away from you?”
“I promise. He’s a medic. He heals people. Differently than you but he wouldn’t hurt you.” Lee tucked away the gun while Drew wasn’t looking.
Drew let Tran give him the shot without a fuss, only hiding his eyes from the needle. Lee was so proud, because he knew his sweet mate had to be frightened.
The shot was an instant energy boost. Man, he’d forgotten how nice it was to have one.
“That’ll keep you until you have a chance to heal completely.” Tran nodded to them. “I’m heading out. I’ll call Dash for Mikhail.”
“Thanks, buddy. I mean it.” They shared another hug, because Lee was a hugger, and Tran seemed to be cool with that.
“It was nice to meet you, Drew. Be safe.” Tran lifted a hand to Drew, and then he was out the door.
Drew went and locked the door. “I cleaned up the blood. It was ugly.”
“Oh, sweet. You’re amazing. Milk?”
“Again? We should save it, shouldn’t we?”
Lee could feel Drew’s hunger like a living thing.
“We didn’t get our last batch.” Lee would order a delivery every week if he had to.
“Oh, then yes. I would love some.” Drew looked at him, so serious. “Is it over? Is the badness over?”
“I think so, yes. At least for us.” He hugged Drew hard. He knew for some of the wolves it was still going on.
“I want to be here with you forever. In the snow. In the woods.”
“In the snow. In the woods. Yes, mate. I vow it.”
Drew nuzzled into his throat. Home.
Yes, mate. Home.