Page 77 of Howling Night

When I turned back to the yard, Ryder was already shifting back. The transformation to human seemed extremely painful, and his wounds were more apparent on his skin.

Ryder walked toward me, glancing back over his shoulder as he dragged his feet through the blood-soaked grass. His body was covered in gashes, bites, and a deep claw mark across his back. Blood oozed from a particularly nasty wound on his thigh. His breathing was ragged… his face contorted with pain as he tried to move toward the house.

“Ryder!” I said, my eyes wide.

Trevor shifted too, returning to human form in a quicker, more fluid motion than Ryder had managed. He ran quickly inside my house, returning moments later with a blanket draped over his shoulder.

“Help me get him inside,” Trevor said urgently.

I rushed forward, the grass wet with dew and blood beneath my bare feet. When I reached Ryder, he dropped to his knees in front of me, unable to take another step.

Trevor slipped an arm under him, helping him back to his feet. “Come on, man. You weigh a ton.”

“Is he okay?” I asked, my eyes locked on Ryder. “Are you okay?”

Ryder’s eyes found mine, glassy with pain but still alert. “Everly.”

“I’m right here,” I said, going to his other side to help Trevor.

We took five steps before Ryder stopped moving his feet. He swayed dangerously, and I didn’t miss the look of concern that flashed across Trevor’s face.

“Only a little further,” Trevor said, grunting as he carried most of Ryder’s weight.

“I think I need a doctor,” Ryder said when we finally lowered him to the couch.

Trevor nodded. “I’ll call.”

“Um,” I said, looking at the marks on Ryder’s body. “Won’t they know something weird happened?”

“It’s a special doctor,” Trevor said, looking around. “Got a phone?”

I handed him my cell phone.

“Thanks,” Trevor said with a nod before placing a hand on Ryder’s shoulder. “You’re going to be okay, but you’re a real idiot.”

My eyes narrowed with fury.

“You should have killed him when you had the chance,” Trevor said, bowing his head.

Ryder’s jaw tightened. “I should have.”

“Why did you hesitate?” I asked as Trevor went into the kitchen, tapping the numbers on my phone.

“I didn’t want it to go that far. I never did,” Ryder said, wincing.

“Will he come back?” I asked.

Ryder met my eyes. “Let’s hope not. Next time, I won’t hesitate.”

Trevor came back into the room, handing me my phone. “Actually, if he comes back, we have every right to?—”

“Let’s not worry about it right now,” Ryder said, closing his eyes.

“Doctor will be here in a few minutes,” Trevor said, placing a light hand on Ryder’s shoulder. “Want me to get out of here?”

“Wait until your doctor arrives, okay?” I asked, grabbing Trevor’s arm.

I was just so terrified that something would happen and I wouldn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to be alone when Ryder was in such a vulnerable state.

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