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"If he regains consciousness, that'll be a very good sign," Charles finishes gravely. He runs a hand through his tousled hair, blowing out a long, weary breath.
My mind is still reeling from the trauma. Poor Larry, lying there clinging to life after that vicious attack from...that thing. Just picturing the monstrous beast makes me shudder violently.
"Hey, you're still in shock," Charles says, his voice softening as he steps closer and gently grips my shoulders again. "Why don't you sit back down?"
I allow him to ease me onto the couch, too dazed and numb to protest. He takes a seat beside me, our shoulders brushing together. Warmth and that familiar, comforting scent of his cologne washes over me.
Stop it, Cassie. This is so not the time for your ridiculous crush to be rearing its head!
"Listen," Charles says in a low, hushed tone, leaning in a bit closer. "We're gonna have to be very careful about what we say happened out there."
I tear my eyes away from studying the strong lines of his chiseled jaw to meet his intense gaze. "Why? What do you mean?"
He lets out a mirthless chuckle and shakes his head. "C'mon, Cass. You really think anyone will believe the truth about what attacked us?"
I frown, considering this. He does have a point. The "truth" sounds completely crazy. Some massive, human-like wolf monster straight out of a horror movie? Of course no one would believe it.
"I...I guess not," I murmur, chewing my lower lip anxiously.
"Exactly," Charles says with a nod. "They'll think we're insane if we try telling them we were assaulted by some genetically-mutated, human-dog hybrid gone berserk."
Despite the dark situation, I have to stifle a tiny snort of laughter at his silly wording. Trust Charles to try alleviating the tension with a bit of humor, even if unintentionally.
He manages a faint half-smile at my reaction before growing serious again. "We'll tell them it was a bear attack. Much more plausible in these woods, as crazy as what really happened seems."
A cold sliver of dread lances through me. "But what if...whatever that thing was...attacks someone else?"
Charles's jaw clenches and there's a hard glint in his eyes. "It won't get that chance. Whatever that monster is, I'll make sure it gets hunted down and put out of its misery for good."
There's a conviction and intensity in his tone that makes me shiver. Charles has always been the quiet, reserved, perfectly polite gentleman whenever I interacted with him before. This commanding, forceful side of him is....electrifying.
We sit in silence for a few moments, lost in our own turbulent thoughts. I keep replaying the attack over and over - Larry going down, the beast relentlessly pursuing us back to the SUV, Charles shielding me and yelling at me to run.
"Thank you," I suddenly blurt out. "For, you know...protecting me out there."
Charles turns to look at me, one eyebrow quirked slightly. "Of course. I'd never let anything hurt you, Cassie."
My cheeks flush hotly at the fiercely sincere, almost territorial edge to his words. His emerald eyes bore into mine with such intensity that my belly clenches and flutters start dancing there.
Just as I'm about to open my mouth and undoubtedly say something dumb to ruin the moment, a nurse strides over and clears her throat. "Excuse me, Mr. Danvers?"
Charles blinks and turns his attention to her, features hardening again.
"Dr. Harris would like to go over your friend's condition and treatment plan in more detail. If you'll follow me?"
With a weary sigh, Charles nods and stands to leave. But before walking off with the nurse, he pauses to look down at me with those soul-searching eyes again.
"Get some rest if you can," he says in that low, husky tone that makes me melt. "But don't go wandering off anywhere alone, understand? I won't be able to focus and handle this if I'm worried about your safety too."
I give a small, dutiful nod, warmth blooming in my chest at his protectiveness.
"Good girl," he murmurs, the barest hint of a smile playing across those rugged, chiseled features. "I'll be back before too long."
With that, he strides off down the hallway with the nurse. I watch him go while anxiously worrying my bottom lip. My big, tough hero...
I settle back on the couch cushions with a shuddery sigh, but quickly sit up straight again when I realize my rear is sticking up a bit too much in these tight jean shorts. I discreetly tug the hem downwards, cheeks flaming self-consciously.
Charles is the only other person here. Get ahold of yourself, Cassie! I can't be sending any more accidental "come hither" vibes his way than I already do normally.
Though...he did seem extra protective and attuned to me today. Even nicely scolded me like a stern dad or firm boyfriend when warning me not to wander off. Part of me withered a bit in embarrassment while another, darker part...well, kind of thrilled to his authoritative tone.
No, stop! God, now I'm really losing it if I'm getting turned on just by him laying down simple safety rules.
With a groan of frustration, I flop back on the couch and drape one arm over my burning face. How am I supposed to get over this idiotic, obsessive crush when he does charming little things like calling me "good girl" so tenderly? It makes me want to be good for him in return.
I let out a whimpery sigh, squirming a bit on the couch. It's going to be torture being in such close quarters with Charles constantly while my dad is away, isn't it? Especially after he just played the dashing, heroic protector by warding off that monster and defending me.
Maybe I should leave after Larry gets a bit more stable? Go stay in the dorms until Dad is back? The thought makes my heart plummet but it's probably for the best. I can't be constantly lusting after a man twice my age who views me as a little sister!
But then I remember the steel in Charles's voice and eyes when he said he'd hunt down that beast before it can hurt anyone else. My stomach flip-flops just picturing him channeling that intense, forceful energy into a mission of vengeance and justice. Holy hell, it's intoxicating.
I squeeze my thighs together tightly, my body betraying me as it heats up with desire for the forbidden man. I could never leave while that monster is still on the loose, terrorizing people. I'd worry about Charles too much, especially if he tried going after it on his own. He already seems so fixated and hellbent on seeing this through.
No, I have to stay by his side to watch his back as much as he protects me. Even if it means torturing myself being in such close quarters, constantly tempted by his authority and virile masculinity while having to repress these smoldering desires. It's the only way to ensure his safety too.
Sitting up straighter with an resolved look, I take a few calming breaths and force myself to get my hormones under control. Don't be a horny mess, Cassie. You need to be strong and level-headed to deal with whatever comes next.
But fate seems determined to test me, of course. Just then Charles returns from the hallway, his muscular frame outlined by the harsh fluorescent lights. A tight black t-shirt clings to his sculpted torso, highlighting those broad shoulders and powerful chest.
My mouth goes a bit dry as he moves towards me with that purposeful, predatory stride. Jesus, the man is just...sinfully sexy without even trying.
"Bad news," he rumbles in that deep, gravelly tone that shoots straight between my legs in a delicious shiver. "They don't think Larry will stabilize enough to be transferred to a bigger care facility for at least four or five more days."
My foolish, traitorous thoughts about leaving are quickly banished as I refocus on the grim situation at hand. "So...we're stuck here in town until then?"
Charles nods, raking his fingers through his tousled hair again in what I've come to recognize as a nervous habit. "At the very least. Who knows how long until he's fully recovered...or if..." He trails off.
- Writer
