The healers had left Xander’s room hours ago, but Claire remained glued to his side. She sat on the edge of the massive bed, carefully changing the bandages on his ribs for the third time that night. The gashes were closing faster than a human’s would, thanks to his wolf healing, but they still looked angry and raw. Xander watched her with soft eyes, his hand resting on her thigh, thumb tracing lazy circles.
“You don’t have to keep doing this,” he murmured, voice still rough from pain. “I can feel how tired you are through the bond.”
Claire shook her head, focusing on wrapping the fresh gauze securely. “I’m not leaving you. Not tonight. Not ever.”
Xander’s fingers tightened gently on her leg. “My stubborn mate,” he said with quiet affection. “I love you for it.”
A soft knock sounded at
