Yes. It was throbbing. With the occasional stabbing pain. And that was the only reason he was looking at her—talking to her. She frowned. “I’m fine.”
“Let me see,” Hollis said, crossing the room.
His concern was nothing short of infuriating. She shook her head, wincing at the effort that took.
Anders said, “Forgot you can’t shift. I can see it from here—gotta hurt like a son of a bitch.”
“It’s fine,” she ground out, hating the attention.
Finn looked at her. “Let Hollis check.” It wasn’t a request.
She pushed out of her chair and stalked toward her mate. “Here?” she snapped.
“Would you prefer some privacy?” he asked, jaw tight, green eyes studying her.
“Now you want privacy?” She waited, hands on hips. “You’ve turned this into an exhibition. By all means, see for yourself. I. Am. Fine.”
His hands rested on her shoulders, causing a shudder to run down her spine. This was what she craved more than anything else. His touch. She let him lead her to Finn’s desk and pulled the lamp closer, stooping for a closer view. “I should have stitched this before we left.” But his anger had gotten in the way.
His scent flooded her. “You stubborn man.” Her voice lacked the bite she wanted.
“I’m stubborn?” he asked, parting her hair to assess her injury. “You’re the one bleeding and refusing help.”
“I don’t need help,” she snapped, waiting for his hands to fall away before standing.
“You proved that today.” His voice was low, the last word ending on a growl.
She spun to face him. “Hollis—”
“If Mal had been tied to that chair, or Finn, would you have done the same thing?” His eyes searched hers. “Would you have jeopardized the baby’s safety if you’d known their wolf was capable?”
She swallowed. She’d done more than broken her word. She’d hurt him, wounded his pride, deeply.
“Or was it just me?” he pushed.
She ignored the pack, ignored everything but him. “Pack be damned, Hollis Robbins, you are all I have.” Her hands fisted at her sides as she stared him down. “I will not live without you. I cannot.” She broke off, hating the waver in her voice. “Forgive me or not, I would do it again. If you refuse to understand, then you are the stubborn ass. Not me.”
His expression revealed nothing.
“But no, to answer your question, I would not have acted as I did if it had been anyone else in that chair.” She shook her head. “But not for the reasons you think.” Her hands cradled his face. “I believe in you, Hollis. I’ve always known you’d be a fierce wolf. But my wolf, my instinct, would not be denied. I will always fight for you. And fight with you.” She ran her fingers through the tangled copper locks she so loved, then sighed. “Believe me or not. Your wolf knows the truth.” She stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest, and scowled at him.
His gaze bore into hers, intent and piercing and tender. “I do.” He pulled her close. “Now you, forgive me. Watching you tonight… I was wrong to expect you not to fight.” He drew in a deep breath, his hand cradling her cheek. “You are a fighter. And a healer. I love who you are, as you are. Every stubborn hair on your beautiful body. Your scathing insults. Your lethal grace. The smile you give Oscar and Diana. The smile just for me. Because you’re mine.”
“I am,” she whispered, sliding her arms around his neck. “As you belong to me. My warrior. My mate. My love.”
He smiled, the slight flare of his nostrils revealing his hunger for her. When his lips sealed against hers, her wolf howled for more. This was what she needed.
Someone cleared a throat.
“Not to ruin the moment here, but I’m not sure I want to see where this is going,” Anders interrupted.
“Agreed,” Dante said.
“We’re done here.” Finn chuckled. “We’ll talk later.”
“Much later,” Anders whispered.
Mal laughed.