Page 78 of Howling Night

They exchanged a quick look, and Trevor nodded. It wasn’t long before there was a knock at the door.

Trevor opened it, letting the doctor in. When I looked up, my mouth dropped open.

ChapterThirty-Five

I stood there gawking at Dean Quinn, my mind completely blank. I’d met him once in May’s diner, and the only thing I knew about him was that he was the town’s one and only dentist.

“The dentist?” I managed to get out in a high-pitched squeaky voice.

He nodded, his eyes on Ryder. “Hey.”

“How is a dentist going to help?” I asked, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.

Dean offered a sheepish smile, running a hand through his hair. “I know a thing or two. Still not entirely sure how I got caught up in being a doctor to these guys.” He gestured with a flick of his hand toward Trevor and Ryder.

Trevor, his face etched with concern, stepped forward. “And we appreciate it, Doc, but Ryder really needs you right now. We can talk about all that another time, perhaps.”

The urgency in Trevor’s voice made my stomach tighten. Whatever was happening here was serious. Dean’s expression shifted immediately to one of professional focus.

“Of course, sorry,” Dean said, sitting on the coffee table in front of Ryder.

I awkwardly stood there as Dean turned his full attention to Ryder, who was looking worse by the minute. The dentist — a dentist, for heaven’s sake — set a small medical bag next to him on the coffee table.

“I’m going to need some privacy while I work,” Dean said, glancing between Trevor and me. “Could you give us the room?”

Trevor nodded, checking his watch. “I need to get going, anyway. Check on the others.” He turned to Ryder. “You gonna be okay here, or do you want me to wait outside?”

Ryder winced as he shifted position. “Go. I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll check in later,” Trevor said, giving Ryder a quick nod. With one last concerned look, he headed for the door.

“Should I…”

“She can stay,” Ryder said, before Dr. Dean could say anything.

Dean’s head bobbed as he dug for something in his bag. “As you wish.”

I sat down on the recliner, twisting my fingers together as the doctor worked. Dean remained calm and professional as he cleaned wounds and asked Ryder only the necessary questions.

When I dared a look at him, Ryder was grimacing as the doctor wrapped a bandage around his middle, covering the claw mark on his back. There were smaller bandages on his arms, and one wrapped tightly around his leg. Dean was packing up various tubes of creams and gels, gauze, and medical tape.

“He’s in pretty rough shape,” Dean told me as I approached, “but I don’t think anything’s broken. He’s lost some blood, that’s for certain. Had to stitch up a few that were pretty deep, but I think he’ll be okay with just some rest and fluids.”

I hugged myself. “Thank you.”

Dean closed his medical bag with a decisive snap. “You’ll want to help him change those bandages tomorrow morning,” he told me, his expression serious. “And keep an eye on the wounds. Call me immediately if you notice any unusual redness, swelling, or if he develops a fever. Infection is our biggest concern right now.”

I nodded, trying to absorb all the instructions while still processing the surreal situation. There was no doubt in my mind that Doctor Dean knew exactly what Trevor and Ryder were… but wasn’t he also human?

Ryder shifted on the couch, wincing slightly as he extended his hand to Dean. “Thanks, Doc. Send a bill.”

“You know I will,” Dean said, gently clasping Ryder’s hand. He reached into his pocket and handed me a card. “My number, in case you need anything or have any questions. It’s my personal number, so it’ll go directly to me.”

“I appreciate it,” I said, walking him to the door.

With one final nod toward Ryder, Dean stepped outside. “Take care of yourself, Mr. Black.”

“You bet,” Ryder said, settling back onto the couch.

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