Shifters Storm by Tia Didmon
Chapter 6
Nick’s cat growled when Evie pulled away. His concern about her eyesight was escalating, but he didn’t know how to approach the subject without disclosing his background or species.
He unlocked the clinic and motioned her in. She stopped at the entryway and glanced down the few stairs. “My first suggestion is to make a ramp on half the stairwell.”
Nick nodded. “Ironically, that’s why the previous clinic closed. When they built it, they didn’t consider how difficult it would be to carry an injured animal up three steps. The previous owner realized that mistake too late. He lost half his clientele but was close to retirement. This place closed five years ago and hasn’t been operational since.”
Evie glanced back at the door. “This used to be Sam’s Veterinary Clinic. I remember the sign, but I have never been inside.”
“That’s right. My family bought the building, but we haven’t put it to use yet. I’m hoping you will change that.”
Evie glanced around the small waiting room. While the cleaning company the Cascades had hired kept the building clean, the animal-themed posters on the walls were faded and outdated. The squirrel print wallpaper had visible cracks and peeled in several places. She walked over to the reception desk. “The layout is nice. It would help if you repainted, re-tiled, and updated the cash register. If you plan a walk-in clinic, then you’ll need over-the-counter shampoos, ointments, and specialized pet formula.”
Nick nodded. “Agreed. I have someone looking into that. Would you like to see the examination room? There isn’t much, but the operating room has been updated.”
Her eyebrows arched. “I’d like to check the surgical area.”
Nick led her down the hallway to a set of new steel double doors. He pushed one open, so Evie could enter. Her eyes widened as she surveyed the room.
Overhead lights illuminated the steel operating table in the middle of the room. It was surrounded by trays of surgical instruments, anesthesia machines, IVs, blood pressure monitors, and an oxygen machine. A large empty kennel sat in the corner of the room. The lone indication that the surgeries performed would be on animals.
She turned around slowly. “This equipment is state-of-the-art. I would have thought you’d concentrate on updating the areas your clients see first.”
“We will update the clinic with quality products and equipment prior to opening.” He couldn’t add that an operating room far outweighed that of pretty wallpaper. That her boss was a catalyst for buying the building. The clinic was a ruse, but it gave them the excuse to order the equipment they needed for both the clinic and the lair. Nick had never expected to use the clinic to lure his own mate.
Her hands slid along the steel of the table. “This is impressive and more advanced than I expected.” It was her smile that did him in. The radiance in her eyes as she talked about animal care and which breeds would be suited to a walk-in clinic.
He slipped his arm around her waist, halting her explanation. In truth, he didn’t know what she said. He was so focused on her lips, the sweet curves of her body, and the gentle rise of her chest. He knew it was too soon, but he couldn’t help himself. The pull was too strong. It was the wrong place, the wrong time, but his cat didn’t care. His lips descended on hers.
His body shuddered at the first taste of his mate. A feeling of pure elation filled him as he pulled her aggressively against his hard body. His mouth dominated her as he swept her into his world without conscious thought.
Evie clung to him like a safe harbor in a storm of chaotic emotion. Her fingers clutched his shirt, causing a growl to rumble in his chest. His mouth moved over her lips before traveling to the sweet skin at her throat.
Nick’s arms tightened around her in a feral, unbreakable hold. She trembled, but her arousal was unmistakable. A burning, primal desire made her body pliant against his.
Evie moved restlessly against him, pressing her breasts against his chest. Inflaming the beast within. It pushed Nick to claim his mate. A barrage of images battered his mind as fire raced through his blood.
His hand moved up her waist to her firm breasts. His thumb slid over an erect nipple, pressing against the thin cotton of her shirt.
Nick was so lost in the miracle of her body he failed to miss the warning signs. The slight whistle of wind before a rock hitting the window had him turning, sheltering her at the last second, from the shattering glass.
She stepped away from him, putting her fingers to her swollen lips, shocked at her behavior. While she’d been as lost as he was, her tentative responses gave away her inexperience.
Nick grabbed the rock wrapped in paper and unwrapped it. He stuffed the note in his pocket when he realized Evie was covering one of her eyes.
He put his hands on either side of her head. “Let me see.”
The tiny shard of glass lay against her pupil. While she didn’t appear to have cut the membrane, one wrong move and she would be in surgery.
“I’ve got something in my eye.”
“It’s a piece of glass, but I can get it out. I need you to stay still. This might hurt a bit.”
Evie stood completely still as Nick held her eyes open. The ends of his talons pierced the tips of his fingers, creating a small set of tweezers. While closeness to the eye would distort the image, there was still a chance she would notice.
He used his cat’s reflexes to extract the sliver of glass. She never moved, even when his claws had touched her pupil. “I got it, but if that had been any closer, you would’ve been blind.”
She looked away with the pained expression. “It’s a bit late for that.”
Nick frowned. “What does that mean?”
She waved her hand dismissively. “Nothing.” She pointed at his pocket. “What was on the note?”
He pulled out the paper. “We don’t want your kind here.”
Evie’s eyes narrowed. “You’re kind? Aren’t you from Mt. Adams?”
Nick took a long breath. “Yes. The note is from Kevin.”
She shook her head. “Why would Kevin throw a rock in your window? That’s a little juvenile, don’t you think?”
“Kevin Kallan is not who you think he is. His experiments on animals and soldiers are despicable and illegal. He is head of a very well-organized crime syndicate, but he’s in a power struggle with his family. He recruits intelligent young scientists to his cause, but if they don’t come willingly, he bribes them or coerces them into his cause.”
Evie shook her head. “Kevin did none of those things. Yes, he offered me a job, but I wasn’t coerced. Except for the penthouse, I have no special perks. In fact, I make less money than the other assistants at the zoo.”
“You agreed to work for him, so he’s already getting what he needs from you. Whether you realize it or not, you are helping a monster further his cause.”
Evie folded her arms over her chest. “Then what is his cause?”
“Kevin has multiple sclerosis. He has to be running out of time. He needs a cure, and Jordan is the only one who can provide the base material he needs.”
She took a deep breath. “I’m a veterinarian, not a doctor, but I know there’s no cure for MS. We’re not working on human ailments at the zoo. I think it would be best if we call it a night.”
Nick stemmed the growl in his chest when Evie refused to hold his hand during the walk back to her apartment. He had made a catastrophic mistake, exposing his vehemence of Kevin Kallan. His family had warned how good Kevin was at projecting an honest business owner persona. Still, while his mate was smart, she didn’t fit Kevin’s parameters for recruitment.
Evie put her hand on his chest when he moved to follow her into the lobby. “I’m good from here. Although I appreciate your interest in having me work for you, and I wish you the best of luck with the new clinic, I must decline your proposal. Goodbye, Mr. Cascade.”
