Page 38 of Claws and Effect

“—checked everywhere,” came Holden’s voice. “She’s not in any of the designated areas.”

“She wouldn’t leave,” Zyle’s voice replied, tension evident. “Not with her injuries. Expand the search to?—”

“The panic room,” Laykin called loudly, hoping her voice would carry through the reinforced door. “I’m locked in the panic room!”

Silence, then what sounded suspiciously like stifled laughter from Holden.

“Laykin?” Zyle’s voice came closer to the door. “How did you?—”

“You showed me the entrance and left while the security system was in override mode,” she replied dryly. “The door closed automatically behind me.”

More muffled conversation, followed by, “We’ll have you out in five minutes. Security override requires clearance from outside during active alerts.”

“Take your time,” she called back, suppressing her own laughter. “I’m enjoying this demonstration of your foolproof security system.”

This time, she definitely heard Holden laugh.

True to his word, the door slid open five minutes later to reveal Zyle, his expression caught between concern and amusement. Behind him, Holden struggled to maintain professional composure.

Laykin couldn’t help the laugh that escaped despite her pain and exhaustion. “Wait until Seren hears about this.”

Zyle growled, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward. “Are you all right?”

“Other than wounded pride and these actual wounds? Perfect.” She gestured to her bandaged side. “Though I wouldn’t mind lying down somewhere more comfortable than emergency bedding.”

Zyle’s eyes softened as he took in her pale face and the careful way she held herself to minimize pain. Without warning, he scooped her into his arms with gentle precision.

“What are you doing?” she protested, though her arms automatically circled his neck.

“Taking you to bed,” he replied, then paused as Holden cleared his throat meaningfully. “To rest,” Zyle clarified, shooting his friend a warning glance.

Despite her independent nature, Laykin found herself relaxing against his chest as he carried her. Her lioness purred contentedly at the protective gesture, and she was too exhausted to maintain her usual self-sufficiency.

He took her to his own suite rather than the one prepared for her—a space that managed to be both masculine and welcoming. Deep greens and rich woods created an atmosphere that reminded her of forests and open spaces rather than confining walls. The enormous bed dominated one wall while a sitting area with a fireplace occupied another corner.

Personal touches surprised her—books stacked on a nightstand, a half-finished game of chess on a side table, photographs in simple frames showing family moments rather than business achievements. This was Zyle’s private sanctuary, not a space designed to impress visitors.

“I’m glad we’re sharing a room,” she murmured as he laid her carefully on the bed. “It feels right.”

A hint of vulnerability flickered across his face. “I didn’t want you to feel pressured. The formal covenant arrangement?—”

“Has nothing to do with this,” she finished for him, capturing his hand in hers. “This is my choice.”

He disappeared into an adjoining bathroom, returning with a glass of water and pain medication. “The shifter doctor said since you’re letting your wounds heal in your human form, it would be a little slower. He advised you take these if the pain increases.”

TWENTY-SEVEN

Laykin accepted both gratefully. As the cool water soothed her throat, she noticed for the first time how exhausted Zyle looked—the subtle shadows beneath his eyes, the tight lines around his mouth that spoke of stress and worry.

“You should rest too,” she patted the space beside her. “When did you last sleep properly?”

“I’m fine,” he insisted, though he sat on the edge of the bed. “I need to check the security reports, review the interrogation of the captured bear, coordinate with Summit investigation teams?—”

“And none of that will suffer from you taking a brief break,” she interrupted, capturing his hand in hers. “The world won’t end if the mighty Zyle Rubin takes a nap.”

His resistance visibly crumbled as she tugged his hand. With a resigned sigh, he stretched out beside her, careful not to jostle her injuries. They lay in comfortable silence, Zyle’s presence beside her oddly calming despite the tumultuous day.

“Did you really want me to be in a separate room?” Laykin asked, genuine curiosity in her voice. “After what we’ve shared...”

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