Page 100 of Wolf's Endgame

“I’m mated to your brother; I’m your sister now.”

Looking at her over my shoulder, I saw the twinkling laughter in her eyes. It was the first time she’d looked happy in days.

“Yeah, well, something happens to you, and my brother is going to kick my ass, so you better be ready to remind him how much you love and need your sister.” The street was clear. “Okay, let’s go. Act naturally.”

We walked out the door, closing it firmly behind us, and headed towards the bunker. We didn’t see anyone and I didn’t hear a sound.

It was almost too good to be true. Right up until we reached the bunker, and Doc was sitting in front of a Jeep, a gun in his hand.

“Doc?” I asked warily.

He shook his head as he looked us both over. “I told Hannah she was stupid to doubt you, that you would listen to your mates, and she told me to sit here anyway and prove her wrong.”

“Hannah?”

He straightened. “Yup. Seems like I’m the stupid one.”

“What’s the gun for?” Cass asked cautiously.

Doc looked at it as if he forgot he had it. He placed it on the hood of the Jeep. “I’m on perimeter duty.”

“So not for us?”

I shot her a withering glare. “Doc isn’t going to shoot us, dumbass. He’s on our side.” I looked back at him. “Right?”

He shook his head. “No, I’m on Cannon’s side, always.” He frowned slightly. “But I also know you,” he told me. “And you’re getting out of this town no matter who stands in your way, so…” He walked to the passenger door, opened it, and pulled out two of the black backpacks. “I was told to make sure you had everything you needed.”

Gratitude swelled within me. “Hannah?”

“Also knows how stubborn and reckless you are,” he said with a small smile.

“If you don’t agree, why are you letting us go?” Cass asked suspiciously as she took a pack off him.

“Because I fucked up.” He shrugged. “I got too into my own head and wanted to fix a problem, a scientific problem. Only I was reminded not that long ago that there’s magic in this world, not just science. I made a mistake. This will not make up for it; in fact, it’s going to get me thrown out of this pack, but I’m not messing with the magic.”

I took the offered backpack. “He won’t throw you out,” I told him softly. “I won’t let him.” Reaching up, I kissed the Doc’s cheek. “Thank you, Mal.”

He rubbed his cheek, a blush in his cheeks. “Told you it’s best to call me Doc.”

“Doc is for the pack,” I told him, putting my backpack on. “Mal is my friend.”

He watched me for a minute and then chuckled. “Well, it’s a nice thought. Won’t stop the punch though.”

“I’ll help nurse you,” I told him with a wink. “Or we just don’t let him know.”

“Right.” He checked Cass over. “You’re in your first trimester; you need to take care. Nothing too strenuous, no heavy lifting, keep hydrated.” Leaning back against the hood of the Jeep, he sighed. “I’d say try not to stress, but I honestly don’t think you can avoid that right now. Whether you’re here or following them, I reckon your stress levels are pretty much shot.”

Cass actually laughed. “Yup. I weirdly feel calmer doing this than I would sitting not knowing.” She looked at him thoughtfully. “You’re an actual doctor?”

“I am.”

I watched my bold friend become suddenly unsure. “Um, when I come back, could you, would you…”

Doc looked more sure of himself. “I can give you a full medical, check the baby if you like.”

Cass nodded, and her bottom lip trembled as she rubbed her belly. “I do like. Please.”

“Are you going to cry all the time?” I demanded. “Stay here with Mal, get checked now. I can’t have you weeping all over the place.”

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