Page 43 of Claws and Controllers

Ellie nodded, wincing as the movement sent a fresh wave of pain through her leg. “I think so. Just... a little cut up.” She frowned at him. “Zy, your clothes.”

Zy’s expression darkened as he surveyed the damage. “We need to get you to a doctor. And I need to call Adonis for cleanup. I’ve got clothes in my car.”

He found his phone on the floor and dialed quickly. “Adonis, we have a situation at Madden Gaming. Two dead pumas, major property damage. Bring the cleanup crew and alert the clinic. We’ll need medical attention for a human.”

As Zy spoke, Ellie couldn’t help but marvel at the efficiency with which he handled the situation. This was a side of him she hadn’t seen– the powerful CEO, the alpha shifter taking charge.

Zy ended the call and turned his attention back to Ellie. “Can you stand?” he asked gently.

Ellie tried to push herself up, but her injured leg buckled beneath her. Zy caught her before she could fall, scooping her into his arms as if she weighed nothing.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured, his voice a soothing rumble against her ear. “You’re safe now.”

As he carried her out of the destroyed office, Ellie couldn’t help but burrow closer into his chest, seeking comfort in his warmth and strength. Despite the chaos and pain of the night, she felt safer than ever.

Zy slid on sweats in his car and drove her to the clinic. As Zy carried Ellie into the private shifter clinic, the stark contrast between the chaos they’d left behind and the calm, sterile environment was jarring. The air smelled of antiseptic and something else, something almost... wild. Ellie supposed that made sense in a place that catered to shifters.

A nurse with glowing purple eyes - clearly a shifter herself - rushed to meet them, her eyes widening as she took in Ellie’s bloodied state and Zy’s disheveled appearance.

“Mr. Ashford,” she said, her voice calm but urgent. “This way, please.”

Zy followed her to a private room, gently laying Ellie on the bed. He hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave her side.

“I’m okay,” Ellie assured him, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “You should go clean up your face.”

Zy shook his head, his golden eyes intense. “I’m not leaving you.”

Before Ellie could argue, a doctor entered. The woman’s gaze flickered between Ellie and Zy, a knowing look in her eyes.

“Mr. Ashford, I assure you, your mate is in good hands,” she said softly. “Why don’t you use the adjoining bathroom to freshen up while I examine her?”

Ellie’s breath caught at the wordmate. She and Zy hadn’t discussed that aspect of their relationship since he’d first revealed it to her. The weight of it hung in the air between them now, charged with unspoken meaning.

Zy hesitated for a moment longer, then nodded. He pressed a gentle kiss to Ellie’s forehead before disappearing into the bathroom.

As the doctor began cleaning and examining Ellie’s wounds, Ellie’s mind whirled with everything that had happened. The attack, Zy’s transformation, the revelation of his true strength and power...

“You’re very lucky,” the doctor’s voice broke through her thoughts. “These cuts are deep but not life-threatening. No major damage, though you’ll be sore for a few days.”

Ellie nodded absently, her gaze fixed on the bathroom door. “Is he... will he be okay?”

The doctor followed her gaze, a small smile playing on her lips. “Mr. Ashford? He’s fine. Shifters heal quickly, especially alphas like him. I’m more concerned about you. How are you feeling? And I don’t just mean physically.”

Ellie considered the question. How was she feeling? Shocked. Grateful. Terrified. Exhilarated. Safe. “I’m... processing,” she settled on.

The doctor nodded understandingly. “That’s normal. Finding out you’re a shifter’s mate can be overwhelming, especially when it comes with such... dramatic circumstances.”

Ellie’s eyes widened. “How did you?—”

“The way he looks at you,” the doctor said simply. “The way he refused to leave your side.”

Before Ellie could respond, the bathroom door opened and Zy emerged. He’d washed the blood from his hands and face. His eyes immediately sought out Ellie, relief washing over his features when he saw her sitting up.

“How is she?” he asked the doctor, moving to Ellie’s side.

“She’ll be fine,” the doctor assured him. “The cuts are deep but didn’t do any major damage. I’ve given her some stitches which will dissolve with time. I’ve also cleaned and bandaged the others. She should rest for a few days, but there won’t be any lasting impairment. Maybe a small scar. I’ve given her something for the pain so she’ll probably sleep for a while. Let her rest if she does. She’s going to be really sore when she wakes up but the painkillers will take the brunt of it.”

Zy nodded, his hand finding Ellie’s and squeezing gently. “Thank you, Doctor.”

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