Page 6 of No Strings Attached

Dr. Baldwin looked at Morgan. “If you start questioning him, mate or not, I’ll kick you out of my hospital. I’ve always cooperated with any ongoing investigation, but my patients’ care and recovery are my primary concern.”

“Stay for as long as you need,” Dominic said to Morgan. “I’m going to give Cannon a hand. I’ll let you know if we find anything.”

Morgan dug into his pocket and handed over the keys he’d taken from the sedan. “I’d appreciate it if you got his car off the side of the road.”

“I’ll get his car taken care of.” Dominic took the keys, patted Morgan on the upper arm, and then walked away.

“Right now, I’m not here as a cop,” Morgan said when he turned his attention back to the doctor. “I’m not going to risk his recovery, either, but you’re not keeping me from him.”

“I can get just as snarly as you, bear. I’m not trying to keep you from him,” Dr. Baldwin said. “I’m just making it perfectly clear that Morgan Savani is welcome to stay with him, but Deputy Savani can piss off until I say he’s ready for questioning.”

“Only his mate is present right now,” Morgan replied.

“Keep it that way. Now follow me.”

On the one hand, Morgan admired the fact that the doctor defended his patients so vehemently. On the other hand, shit would have gotten really bad if Morgan hadn’t been allowed to be with his mate.

Because if the human was in some kind of trouble, he now had a polar bear on his side.

Chapter Three

A persistent, monotonous beeping noise pierced through the haze, pulling Sam out of the murky depths and slowly guiding him toward consciousness. As the fog cleared from his mind, he blinked several times and finally opened his eyes. He took in the sterile white walls as the sharp smell of antiseptic filled his nostrils.

He realized with a jolt that he was in a hospital room, and a sense of panic set in as he tried to piece together how he had gotten there. The last thing he remembered was… He tried his hardest to recall, but nothing was coming to him.

When he tried to sit up, a stabbing pain in his back stopped him.

“Take it easy,” someone said. “Don’t try to get up.”

Sam slowly turned his head, and his gaze landed on a stranger seated in a chair next to his bed. He noticed the uniform the man wore—the crisp navy blue of a police officer. As he took in the stranger’s appearance, Sam also noticed the impressive build of the guy’s muscular frame. A sense of unease washed over him as he met the stranger’s piercing brown eyes.

Why was a cop in his room? The fear that had gripped his heart seemed to paralyze him, making it impossible to look away from the intimidating figure next to him.

“I’m Deputy Morgan Savani. You’re in the hospital. Can you tell me your name?” The stranger’s voice was deep and commanding, yet soothing.

Sam turned away, the monitor beside him beeping faster. He swallowed roughly, noticing how dry his throat was. Maybe if he remained silent long enough, the deputy would leave him alone.

But after a few tense moments, he realized that wasn’t going to happen.

Taking a deep breath, he turned back to the deputy and whispered, “Samuel Mercer.”

Deputy Savani leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied Sam. “Do you remember what happened to you?”

Sam shook his head.

The deputy frowned, clearly not satisfied with his answer. “You were found unconscious in an abandoned house. Do you have any idea how you got there?”

Sam shook his head again, feeling like a trapped animal with no way out.

There was a knock at the door, and a nurse walked in. She had a soft smile and pushed a rolling cart. “Deputy Savani, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need to check on my patient.”

The cop nodded and stood, giving Sam a final lingering glance before he left the room. As soon as the guy was gone, Sam felt as if he could breathe again.

“I’m glad to see you’re awake. How are you feeling?” the nurse asked.

“Groggy,” Sam admitted, but his mind was still on Deputy Savani, wondering why he wanted the guy to come back when he’d felt so uncomfortable.

“Can you tell me your name?”

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