Page 88 of Rage

I shake my head, forcing myself to focus on the road.

With that thought to sustain me, I head toward the clubhouse.There’s work to be done, and I can’t spend all day worrying.No matter how much I might want to.

* * *

Meadow

I feel better than I expected to walking into the hospital.The familiar sights, sounds, and smells wash over me, grounding me.This is where I belong.

Several nurses and orderlies call out greetings as I make my way to the locker room.Their warm welcomes ease some of the lingering anxiety in my chest.These people are my colleagues, my friends.I’m safe here.

I can’t help but smile at the hickey peeking out from my collar.Mason had been… enthusiastic… about marking me before I left this morning.The memory sends a pleasant shiver down my spine.

“Dr.Beckham!”Sarah’s voice breaks through my reverie.I turn to see her beaming at me from across the locker room.“It’s so good to have you back!”

I return her smile, touched by her enthusiasm.“It’s good to be back,” I tell her honestly.

Sarah hesitates for a moment, then steps forward to pull me into a quick hug.“I’m so glad you’re okay,” she whispers.“After everything…”

I squeeze her gently before pulling back.“I’m okay,” I assure her.“Better than okay, actually.How are you doing?”

A shadow passes over Sarah’s face, but she manages a small smile.“Getting there.The therapy is helping.”I’m surprised she even came back to work after everything but she’s determined to move on with her life.

We chat for a few more minutes as I finish getting ready.By the time I clip on my ID badge, I’m feeling settled and focused.Ready to face whatever the day brings.

As I step out onto the floor, I take a deep breath.Time to get back to work.Time to start living my life again.

The morning passes in a whirlwind of patients, charts, and consultations.It feels good to be using my skills again, to be making a difference.By the time lunch rolls around, I’m riding high on adrenaline and satisfaction.

I’m just finishing up some paperwork when a commotion at the nurses’ station catches my attention.I look up to see Mason striding down the hallway, a takeout bag in one hand.

My heart leaps at the sight of him, even as exasperation bubbles up.Of course he couldn’t stay away.

“Sir, you can’t—” one of the security guards starts to say, only to fall silent as Mason fixes him with a hard stare.

“It’s okay,” I call out, stepping forward.“He’s with me.”

Mason’s face softens as he spots me.In a few long strides, he’s at my side, one arm wrapping possessively around my waist.

“Couldn’t stay away, huh?”I murmur, even as I lean into his solid warmth.

He grins.“Just wanted to make sure my girl was eating,” he says, holding up the takeout bag.“Can’t have you passing out on the job.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help but smile at Mason’s overprotective gesture.“You’re ridiculous,” I tell him, but there’s no heat behind my words.

Mason’s grin widens.“You love it,” he replies confidently.

And the thing is, he’s right.As exasperating as his caveman tendencies can be sometimes, I do love how much he cares.How far he’ll go to make sure I’m safe and taken care of.

“Come on,” I say, tugging him toward the break room.“Let’s eat before this food gets cold.”

As we settle at one of the small tables, I can feel curious eyes on us.Mason in his cut and tattoos is quite the contrast to the sterile hospital environment.But I find I don’t care what anyone thinks.This is my life now, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

“So how’s your first day back going?”Mason asks as we dig into the burgers and fries he brought.

I swallow a bite before answering.“Good, actually.Better than I expected.It feels right to be here, you know?”

Mason nods, though I can see a flicker of concern in his eyes.“No problems?Everyone treating you okay?”

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