“Thanks, Shadow.” Her uninjured cheek nuzzled the wall of his chest as she rested her head there, her arms wrapping around his shoulders.

Destiny opened the door wide and he followed the nurse farther down the hall to whatever tests would assure them Beauty had no serious damage. Shadow stewed, wanting to go to Security to personally show his displeasure at one of his fellow task force members but that would mean leaving her.

Beauty was his first priority.

* * * * *

Beauty didn’t complain as she waited for Destiny to return. Shadow hovered at her side and she was grateful. He’d even demanded food to be brought to her while they’d waited for the results. Her stomach was full.

“I was told the scans were clear,” the nurse stated when he walked back into the room. “You’re fine. Not even a fracture and the bruise only makes you prettier.” He winked and smiled.

Shadow snarled. “Don’t flirt.”

“It’s called having a good bedside manner.” Destiny stiffened. “I wanted her to smile by giving her a compliment. I’m not offering to share sex with your female. Do you think I’m blind or my nose isn’t working? Your scent is all over her and your name is very accurate at the moment.”

Beauty frowned. “His name is accurate?”

“He’s your ‘Shadow’.” Destiny suddenly chuckled. “That was a good one, wasn’t it? He’s right next to you.”

She smiled. “Thank you for caring for me.”

Shadow growled again, drawing her gaze.

“What?” She didn’t know why he looked angry.

“It’s his job to treat you. I am taking care of you.”

“Okay.” She began to wonder if Shadow was more hurt than he’d let on. He was unusually irritable and perhaps a bit irrational to make such a slight distinction. “Will you allow Destiny to look at your cuts? I’d feel better. You don’t want me to worry about you, do you? I will.”

“I’m fine.” His stubborn streak reared its head. “None of my injuries require his assistance.”

“He is fine,” Destiny agreed. “I’ve been eyeing his wounds and the way he’s moving. He’s got some bruising but the cuts aren’t bad. Just disinfect them the first chance you get and slap some bandages on the worst ones. We fight infection easily but why take the chance?” He turned, opened a cupboard and removed a small box. “Here. It’s a mini med kit. It’s got everything you’ll need.”

“Thank you.”

The door opened behind them and a human walked in. She remembered him from when she was rescued. Beauty tensed until Shadow stepped between them. His body completely shielded her from the sight of the other man.

“I wanted you to know both suspects are being detained and Al is all over their bank accounts, phone records, and tracking their movements over the past twenty-four hours. We’ll figure out which one it is.”

“Thank you, Tim.” Shadow softly growled. “I still want his head.”

“I have a feeling there isn’t going to be much of this ass left by the time he’s taken apart by our team. He broke the code. Never screw over your brothers. We’re sending one of the helicopters back to Homeland. Justice called and wants you to escort the Gift back. She’s too exposed here and I have to agree. She needs tighter security.”

“Understood.”

“Blades up in twenty. I’ll have a few of the guys cover you there.”

“I’ll have officers drive us.”

The man hesitated. “Just because we had one bad apple doesn’t screw the entire pie, Shadow. I don’t want this to sour you on the task force.”

“I trust the team but I know the officers wish to speak to me. It will give them the opportunity.”

“Sure.”

Shadow shook the man’s hand and Tim left. He grimly regarded her. “Let’s go. I have to give a debriefing before we meet that helicopter.”

“So we are going back to Homeland.” She didn’t really need to say the words but it was better than what she really wanted to blurt out. What was that going to do to their budding relationship?

“We are. You’re safer there. There’s too much open land here for them to breach and miles of walls that they obviously were able to sneak across.”

A knock sounded at the door and it opened, admitting Jaded, the council member. He glanced at Beauty and jerked his thumb at Destiny to leave before addressing Shadow. “You look good after what you suffered.”

Jaded kept by the door while he spoke, far from her. She did notice that Shadow didn’t step between them. He must trust him.

“Thank you.”

Bright-green, catlike eyes narrowed. “Great job. Breeze will be fine. The female is too stubborn to be harmed enough to keep her down for more than a few hours while she undergoes the cleaning of the wound and stitches. She’s already made one of the Drs. Harris threaten to quit.” He chuckled. “It was the younger one. He’ll learn to be as grouchy as his father when dealing with us. Self-defense.”

“I’m glad to hear she will be well.”

Beauty was too. She kept silent though, not comfortable with someone she didn’t know.

“Justice wants a full report when you land at Homeland. You’re to take Beauty home. The task force is giving you a lift in about twenty minutes. They have both their helicopters here.”