Page 7 of Honey Heat
Lucio didn’t push, which surprised Ethan. Most wolves were all dominance and demands.
Minutes stretched between them in silence, broken only by the steady beep of monitors.
“How long was I out?”
“About six hours since we found you.” Lucio sat back in his chair like he’d appointed himself Ethan’s quiet guardian.
Six hours. Ethan closed his eyes, fighting back unexpected tears. His throat felt like sandpaper, and his mouth was bone-dry.
“Thirsty,” he admitted reluctantly.
Without hesitation, Lucio stood and filled a plastic cup from a pitcher beside the bed. Instead of simply handing it over, he helped Ethan sit up slightly, supporting his back with one arm while holding the cup to his lips.
“Small sips,” Lucio cautioned. “Slow down. Too much at once will make you sick.”
The water tasted better than anything Ethan could remember, cool and clean against his parched throat, and it was a blessed relief after days of deprivation. He wanted to gulp it all, but Lucio controlled the pace, pulling it away between sips.
Setting the cup aside, Lucio eased him back down. The simple act of drinking had drained what little energy Ethan had. His gaze drifted around the room before returning to Lucio.
“Why is a wolf sitting at my bedside anyway?” Ethan asked, curiosity finally overriding caution. “Where’s my dad? Does he even know I’m here?”
“Who’s your father, osito?” Lucio asked.
“Boone McCade.”
Worry gnawed at Ethan’s insides. His father would be out of his mind with concern. Boone had always been protective, sometimes overbearingly so, but right now, Ethan desperately wanted that protection. His dad would never let any of the clan suffer alone, especially not his own son.
Lucio stared at him, as if he hadn’t expected the answer, then cursed under his breath. “He’s in town meeting with my alpha, Matias Salvador. They’re trying to figure out the identity of the man on a still photo. And I’m here because I was the one who found you.”
“Can I borrow your phone? Please?” Ethan needed to hear his dad’s voice, needed to reassure him that he was safe and alive.
Without hesitation, Lucio pulled a sleek black smartphone from his pocket and unlocked it before he handed it over. Ethan shook his head, momentarily thrown by the wolf’s easy trust.
“Where exactly am I?” Ethan asked.
“Martinez Clinic on Oakwood Drive. It’s about ten minutes from Sin’s tavern.”
Nodding, Ethan dialed his father’s number from memory, fingers trembling slightly. The phone rang three times before a gruff voice answered.
“McCade.”
“Dad?” His voice cracked on the single syllable.
“Ethan?” The relief in his father’s voice was palpable. “Thank God. Are you okay? What happened, son?”
The flood of relief and questions from the other end made Ethan’s eyes burn with unshed tears.
“I’m at a clinic in town. On Oakwood.”
“We’ve been looking everywhere. When I learned a bear shifter was found…” Ethan could hear him swallowing. “I got caught up in trying to figure out who did this when I should’ve been at that clinic already.”
“Don’t. This isn’t your fault, Dad.” Ethan glanced away, not wanting Lucio to see his tears. “Can you come get me?”
“I’m already on my way. Are you hurt?” The sound of an engine starting punctuated his words.
“Yeah, but I’ll be okay.” Ethan glanced at Lucio, who had moved away to give him privacy but remained watchful. “A wolf found me.”
“I know, son. I owe him everything.” A brief silence. “I’ll be there shortly.”
