by Lynn Hagen
“Thanks.” Scott walked away, following the assistant to Baxter’s room. Gavril didn’t go in, though. He went to the doctor’s private office, leaving Scott to stand outside the door.
Before Gavril disappeared, he turned and looked at Scott. “The drugs in his system are gone, but that doesn’t mean the craving isn’t still there. Wish I could interfere, but even I have rules I have to follow.”
Scott hadn’t the first clue what Gavril was talking about. What rules? He didn’t get a chance to ask. Gavril stepped into the doctor’s office and closed the door.
After a deep sigh, Scott walked into Baxter’s room. His mate was curled into a ball, a sheet covering him to his shoulders.
Scott grabbed a chair and moved it to the bed. “How’re you feeling?”
“Why do you care?” Baxter refused to look at him. “You got some kind of quota for saving people?”
“For every fifty people I save, I get a free toaster oven.” Scott got up and grabbed a plastic cup by the sink. He filled it with water and brought it back, trying to hand it to his mate, but Baxter refused to take it.
Scott set it on the stand next to Baxter’s bed.
“Well, I get the toaster oven. I’ve always wanted one.” Baxter sat up, winced, and rolled his shoulders. “But you don’t have to stick around. I’m all better now. You can go find your next victim to stalk.”
Baxter might’ve spoken in a surly manner, but there was a vulnerability to him that made Scott want to protect his mate. Even from his own self.
“Your prize is that you get to come stay with me.” He braced himself for the fallout, for Baxter to go apeshit about decisions being made without his consent.
Scott had talked with the doctor, had told Ari that Baxter was his mate. The doctor thought it best that Scott watch over Baxter, because the human would relapse. It wasn’t a matter of if but when.
Baxter gave a humorless laugh. “I get to go home with a complete stranger. Today must be my lucky day.”
It had been. Scott had a feeling that if he hadn’t shown up at Baxter’s apartment, his mate might’ve died. Scott had smelled the drugs in his system, the death, the noxiousness that poured off him. Baxter had no idea how close he’d come to dying.
Scott winked, trying to keep the moment light. They could get into heavy talk later. “I make a mean lasagna.”
Baxter eyed him then scooted back down to his fetal position, tucking the sheet around him. “How about you fuck off and leave me the hell alone? And you can keep the toaster oven. Happy baking.”
* * * *
Wheeler sat on the overturned crate and grabbed the tools he needed to fix his hog. He wouldn’t say he was upset that Ruiz was gone. The Black Python president had been kind of a bitch in Wheeler’s opinion.
But now the Black Pythons needed a new pres., and Wheeler was determined to get voted in as their new leader. He’d wanted the position for some years now.
And the only way he would be considered was if he went after those who’d attacked their clubhouse. The members were spitting mad, talking about an attack on Maple Grove, but Wheeler knew better. They’d get their asses handed to them if they showed up with nothing but attitudes and weapons.
No, he had to be smarter than that. Those men who’d invaded their clubhouse had been extremely strong and cunning. They’d taken the members by surprise and had cleaned house with them.
In his peripheral vision, Wheeler saw Mount and Dooby heading up his driveway. They were actually the two people he wanted to see, the only two in the club that did whatever Wheeler wanted them to do, and they kept their mouths shut.
But Wheeler knew how to hit where it hurt. Those two bitches that had been kidnapped. Their deaths would be only the first in his retaliation.
“Whatcha smilin’ for?” Mount asked. “Got some hoe in your bed?”
“Nah, not that.” Wheeler’s smile widened. “Brothers, I have a plan that’ll get us back on track.”
Dooby chuckled. “Lay it on us.”
Chapter Two
“I’m not confident that releasing you on your own is the best choice,” Dr. Bjord said. “Scott is a great guy, Baxter. He’s not only a fireman, but he—”
“Volunteers at the rec center, I know.” Even after all the sleep he’d gotten, Baxter felt exhausted. More so mentally than physically. He was sick and tired of arguing with everyone that he was fine. He wasn’t. He was far from okay, but shame and guilt swallowed him up and refused to allow him to get the help he needed.
“I tell you what.” The doctor sat on the side of the bed and patted Baxter’s leg. “You stay with Scott for as long as you need to, and I won’t involve the cops.”
“That’s blackmail!” Baxter shot up in his bed and glared at him. “Besides, what’re the cops gonna do?”
“Hmm, let me see.” Dr. Bjord tapped his chin. “Possession of illegal narcotics, for one. They’ll force you to give up your dealer, Baxter. Whoever it is won’t be happy that you ratted them out. Two, I’m pretty sure you have more stashed at your house. I’m not certain what kind of charges the cops can make stick, but for your safety and health, I’d be willing to find out.”
“Why’re you doing this?” Baxter stared slack-jawed at the doctor. “Why do you even care?”
“That’s one reason I became a doctor. To help those in need, and you’re in desperate need of intervention. Are you gonna take my deal, or should I make that phone call?”
This was straight-up bullshit, but Baxter saw the resolution in the doctor’s pale blue eyes. He wasn’t kidding around, and the last thing Baxter wanted was to snitch on his dealer. Spider was a nasty piece of work, and he would come after Baxter for telling on him.
“Fine. Whatever.” The doctor was right. Baxter had some stashed at his house, and he was itching to get to it. He might not like the doctor’s methods, but crap, the guy was right.
Baxter needed help.
“Excellent. I’ll get your discharge papers ready.” The doctor left the room, and Baxter felt as if his life was over. He was angry with himself for allowing the addiction to continue, for not telling Jayce what was really going on with him. For getting fired when he was a hard-working guy. For…god, everything.
Baxter shoved the sheet aside and found the bag with his belongings in it. He pulled out a pair of baggy jeans. They weren’t even his. Last night was somewhat of a blank, and he didn’t know who the jeans belonged to.
He had no choice but to put them on, or he would go to Scott’s in his hospital gown. Baxter sat on the side of the bed, the pants scrunched in his fist. As outgoing and charming as he had been, change wasn’t something he liked. And it had all begun two weeks ago.
If only he could rewind his life and take back what was stolen from him. His innocence. The way he’d viewed the world with rose-colored glasses until they had been ripped off his face.
With a deep sigh, Baxter dressed. Thankfully the shirt was his. But he didn’t have any shoes or his wallet, keys, and phone. They must’ve been left at his house when Mr. Nosy had rescued him.
He looked up when a knock sounded on the door. Scott opened it and stuck his head inside. He looked Baxter over, clearly satisfied that he was dressed, and stepped into the room.
“I guess you get that toaster oven after all.” Baxter rubbed his chest, fighting the itch that started. The itch to use. The itch to get high and forget he’d been kidnapped, had been lured away from his apartment then drugged.
“I guess I get to make you that lasagna, too.” Scott took a seat beside the bed.
“I’m not really hungry.” Baxter wished he had some shoes to put on. It was late spring. The days were warm, but the nights were still chilly. He didn’t like the thought of walking out in his bare feet.
He liked the thought even less of Scott carrying him out like Baxter was some helpless moron.
And Baxter was a moron. There was no debate about that.
Dr. Bjord stepped back into the room, and Baxter glar
ed at the guy for forcing him to stay with Scott.
“Here’s your papers. I just need you to sign them.” But it wasn’t really papers. The doctor held out an iPad to Baxter and gave him a pink stylus to use. Baxter stared at it.
“Sorry, I couldn't find another color. I promise the pink won’t rub off on you.”
Baxter didn’t know if the doctor was teasing or serious. He signed his name and handed back the things.
“You’re all set.” Dr. Bjord gave Baxter’s arm a quick pat. “You’re pissed at me now, but I promise you’ll thank me later.”
Baxter seriously doubted that.
He walked to the front door of the clinic and looked outside. The sun already set, and when he pushed the door open, a chill raced over him. The parking lot wasn’t that far, but with Baxter’s luck, he’d catch pneumonia walking out there with no shoes on.
Without asking, Scott lifted Baxter off his feet, half-cradling, half-fireman hold as he left the building and headed for his truck.
“Sorry, I would’ve asked, and you would’ve said no, so we can debate about me carrying you while I carry you.”
Baxter refused to find Scott charming. He also refused to think about why this complete stranger was going out of his way for him. He just didn’t ask. Baxter’s mind was on other things, no matter how hard he tried to forget.
Scott slid his hand down Baxter’s thigh as he opened the truck door. Now that was another thing Baxter had to work at not to think about. Like how nice Scott’s hand felt on his body or how he liked the feeling of being around an alpha male. They were definitely Baxter’s type. Also, how wonderful Scott smelled.
“Here you go.” Scott placed him gently on the seat. When he tried to snap Baxter’s seat belt into place, Baxter smacked Scott’s hand.
“I’m not helpless.” And he didn’t like how his body was reacting to Mr. Nosy. That was the last thing that should be on his mind. He took a deep breath when Scott closed the door.
“This is insane,” Baxter murmured while Scott rounded the hood. He watched the guy, telling himself to get those dirty thoughts out of his head.
Scott drove them to his place, and Baxter was impressed. Scott’s house was beautiful. It was a two-story white house with dark green trim. An empty flowerbed lined the long porch, and there was even a swing. The property was well maintained.
Scott pulled into the long, gravel drive and parked behind the house, which was equally impressive. There was a back deck and a huge yard.
When Scott parked, he turned and looked at Baxter. “Dr. Bjord told me about the deal. Can’t say I agree with his methods, but I do agree that you could use someone in your life to help you get past this.”
“Get past being blackmailed?” Baxter reached for the handle and opened the door.
“I wouldn’t step out if I were you. The ground has to be mighty cold.”
Baxter was being a jerk, and he knew it. He didn’t want to be here, but honestly, he didn’t want to go home. Not when temptation sat in his bedroom drawer.
He jumped down and instantly regretted it. Not only was the ground freezing cold, but how in the hell had he forgotten that fast that the driveway was made of gravel?
Baxter hopped around then lost his balance. If Scott hadn’t rushed from the truck and grabbed him, Baxter would’ve hit the ground.
“Are you always this stubborn?” Scott scooped Baxter up into his arms and headed for the deck.
“Only when I’m being forced to…wow.” Baxter looked around when Scott slid open the glass sliding door. The kitchen was amazing. Baxter started to wiggle free until he heard a bark. He stared wide-eyed at Scott. “You have pets?”
“One dog, three cats, and a snake.” Scott tried to put him down, but Baxter clung to him.
“Okay, so you have a zoo.”
Scott chuckled. “They’re all rescue pets and real friendly. I promise. You’ll like Coco. He’s a mutt but don’t tell him that. He doesn’t know. He thinks he’s a Saint Bernard because he keeps trying to rescue stray animals that come into the yard.”
God, there Scott went again, being all charming and shit. “How do you know he’s not trying to eat them?”
Scott grinned. “You’ll see when you meet him. He’s being shy right now.” Scott’s features sobered. “He was rescued from an abusive asshole who kept him chained up all the time. Beat him badly, too. Coco has a lot of scars that tell of his life before he came here.”
Crap. Now Baxter felt sorry for the dog and he didn’t like dogs. He looked down when a multicolored cat strutted into the kitchen.
“All the cats are fixed.” Scott removed his coat and hung it on the back of the kitchen chair. “That’s Beanie. He came with that name, so no making fun of him.”
Baxter bent and gave the cat a good scratch behind his ears. “They say animals are good therapy.”
Scott made a sound that had Baxter thinking the guy was choking. He glanced up, and Scott quickly looked away. “Glad you like cats.”
Baxter had no idea why that statement made him feel cautious. “Do you mind showing me to my room?”
With a nod, Scott led the way. Baxter curled his arms around his midsection, crappiness setting in. He needed to get out of here, to head home and…Baxter wiped at tears that stung his eyes.
Scott opened the second door on the right. “You can sleep in here.”
Fuck, this room was nicer than Baxter’s entire apartment. There was a queen-sized bed to the left and dressers and a door to the right. The bed looked soft, and it was covered with a white comforter and pillows.
“Let me know if you need anything.” Scott leaned against the doorframe. “I’ll make something light to eat just in case you change your mind.”
After Scott left, Baxter sat on the bed and smoothed his hand across the blanket. He felt so damn lost and alone. Who could possibly understand what he was going through? Jayce wouldn’t, and definitely not Scott. The guy looked as though he’d never seen a day of trouble in his life. Scott was too put together to have gone off any rails.
But Baxter’s train had certainly gone off the tracks. He lay down and curled his arms around his legs as tears leaked from his eyes.
* * * *
Scott stood outside the bedroom door and listened to his mate softly cry. It was killing him not to rush in there and hold Baxter in his arms, but he knew his mate wouldn’t welcome that.
When he couldn’t take the sound any more, Scott went to the kitchen to make Baxter some soup. The guy needed something on his stomach. The doctor had advised Scott to make sure Baxter ate at least once a day, even though Baxter might not have an appetite for a while.
Scott grabbed the cordless phone off the counter as Coco slowly made an appearance in the kitchen. He bent down and caressed the dog’s fur. “Heya, boy.”
His tail wagged, and his tongue stuck out. Coco looked toward the hallway and whimpered.
“Baxter is a nice guy. I think you two really need each other.” If Scott could get Baxter past his fear of Coco, he had a feeling the two would be friends. Coco was just as skittish as Scott’s mate, but Scott was hoping the two could bond.
After a few scratches behind the ear, Scott straightened and called Sal. Scott had the next two weeks off, but he needed a favor. He could’ve gone to Baxter’s apartment himself and gathered some things, but Scott didn’t want to leave Baxter alone.
“Got him settled in?” Sal asked when he answered. The polar bear shifter really was a kind-hearted guy. Sal might’ve looked intimidating, but he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.
“Yeah, he’s in the guest bedroom. Can you do me a solid?”
“Sure.”
“I need you to go to Baxter’s apartment and grab some clothes and personal items. You know, like his toothbrush, deodorant, that sort of thing.” Now was the real favor Scott needed. “Could you try and find his stash? I need all that crap cleared out of there. I also want to find out who sold it to him.”
Scott wanted the dealer out of commission.
“Sure, Renny and I will go over there tomorrow when my mate is on break. He’ll know what Baxter needs more than I will.”
“Thanks for doing this for me.”
“It’s not a problem,” Sal said. “I was serious when I said for you to let me know if you need anything. We’re a family at the station, and Baxter is now one of us.”
That touched Scott deeply. He already looked up to Sal like a father. A better father than Scott grew up with. At least Sal had always been there for him, even when Scott was going through the darkest part of his life.
Scott’s own father had given up on him when his old man had started using. It had been a long, hard battle, and in the end, the drugs had won out.
Not this time. I’m gonna save Baxter if it takes my last breath. “Just let me know when you’ve got his things. I’ll meet you outside. I’m not sure he’s ready for company.”
“Understandable,” Sal said. “I’ll give you a call. By the way, do I need a key, or should I use other means to get in?”
“I may have broken the lock when I barged in earlier. See if you can find the keys and lock the place up. If not, I’ll get a locksmith over there.”
Just because Scott didn’t want Baxter returning to his apartment didn’t mean he wanted his mate robbed blind.
“I’ll let you know what’s up tomorrow.” Sal hung up.
Scott filled a bowl with chicken noodle soup and set it on a serving tray. He also placed some crackers and some hot tea on there, as well. He wanted to make more, though. Scott loved cooking. It was his second favorite thing to do besides helping others. He was a natural caretaker, and a part of him was very happy to cater to his mate.
He’d been that way for as far back as he could remember. That was why he’d busted his ass so hard to try and help his father. Remus Mulligan wasn’t the soft and nurturing type. He growled more than he hugged, and his encouraging words went along the lines of “Be smart, not a moron” or “get an education because your looks won’t last.”
