Page 45 of Claws and Controllers

Ellie closed her eyes, the pain meds finally taking hold.

EIGHTEEN

Zy’s eyes never left Ellie’s sleeping form as she rested in the clinic bed. The sterile white walls and antiseptic smell faded into the background as he focused solely on the rise and fall of her chest. Each breath she took eased the knot of tension in his gut, a visceral reminder that she was safe. For now.

His tiger paced restlessly beneath his skin, urging him to hunt down those who had dared to harm their mate. Zy clenched his fists, tamping down the primal urge. There would be time for retribution later. Right now, Ellie needed him here.

A soft knock at the door broke through his brooding thoughts. Adonis entered, his normally jovial expression replaced by grim determination.

“It’s done,” Adonis said in a low voice, mindful of Ellie’s slumber. “We’ve cleaned up the office and removed all evidence of the altercation. Anything broken has been set to be replaced tomorrow. I also took the liberty of re-ordering the same monitors that were destroyed. The team’s handling everything discreetly.”

Zy nodded, a weight lifting from his shoulders. “Good. And Grant?”

Adonis’s jaw tightened. “No sign of him yet, but we’ve got our best people on it. He won’t stay hidden for long.”

“I want him found,” Zy growled, his eyes flashing gold for a moment. “And when he is, I’ll deal with him personally.”

“Understood.” Adonis hesitated, glancing at Ellie. “How is she?”

Zy’s expression softened as he looked back at her. “Physically, she’ll recover. But this attack...” He trailed off, rage and guilt warring within him. “It never should have happened.”

“You can’t blame yourself, Zy. You got there in time.”

“Barely,” Zy muttered. He straightened, his decision made. “She’s not leaving my sight until Grant is dealt with. I want a security detail on her 24/7.”

Adonis raised an eyebrow. “That’s going to be difficult to explain?—”

“I don’t care,” Zy cut him off. “Figure it out. Use whatever resources you need. I’m not letting her get hurt again.”

The vehemence in his tone made Adonis study him closely. “You really care about her, don’t you?”

Zy met his friend’s gaze unflinchingly. “I told you, she’s my mate, Adonis. I can’t lose her.”

Understanding dawned on Adonis’s face. He nodded solemnly. “We’ll keep her safe, I promise. What’s your next move?”

“I’m taking her to my penthouse once she’s released. It’s the most secure place I can think of.”

“Good call. I’ll have the team sweep it again, just to be safe.” Adonis squeezed Zy’s shoulder. “Get some rest, my friend. You look like hell.”

Zy managed a weak chuckle. “Thanks for the glowing review.”

After Adonis left, Zy settled back into the chair by Ellie’s bed. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his. The warmth of herskin against his palm grounded him, chasing away some of the lingering fear.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered. “You’re safe now.”

Hours later, Ellie stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, confusion clouding her gaze for a moment before focusing on Zy.

“Hey,” she croaked, her voice rough from sleep.

Zy leaned forward, offering her a glass of water. “How are you feeling?”

Ellie took a small sip before answering. “Like I got hit by a truck. But I’m alive, thanks to you.” Her eyes widened as memories flooded back. “Zy, I’ve never seen you shift before. You were... magnificent.”

He tensed, searching her face for signs of fear or discomfort. Instead, he found only wonder and admiration.

“I’m sorry you had to see it under those circumstances,” he said softly. “I know we’ve talked about me being a shifter, but seeing it is different.”

Ellie squeezed his hand. “Different, yes. But amazing. You saved my life, Zy. I’m just glad you were there.”

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