“What does that mean?”

His gaze lowered down her body. “Go shower now. My nose is still messed up from the smoke and gasoline I inhaled. I don’t want to scent something on you when it recovers that might bring out my savage instincts. I’m barely holding on to my control. I know I’m being an ass**le but do it.”

She tried to close the door but he snarled. She paused. He didn’t say anything but she got the message loud and clear. Her fingers released the doorknob and she left it open. The shower was a large one that could accommodate a wheelchair if need be. Soap and hair products were inside on a shelf when she turned on the water.

* * * * *

Tiger had to fight the urge to throw away the ice packs on his leg and go to Zandy. He’d crawl if he had to. He took deep breaths, battled his instincts, and ordered his mind to rule his body. He’d nearly lost Zandy and he wasn’t over it by a long shot.

The memory of the fire and seeing her suspended by ropes on a wooden cross constructed by those crazy humans would be the source of many nightmares in his future. He’d reached her in time but he could have failed. She could have died and him with her. No way would he have stopped trying to reach her even if he’d known with certainty he had no chance.

She was his mate. His eyes closed as his heart hammered and his fingers curled into fists. He might not have meant to ever take one but he had her. Zandy Gordon had unexpectedly come into his life and blindsided him. He missed her scent. He was hopelessly addicted to it and couldn’t wait for his senses to recover just to breathe her in. His lips still tingled from their kiss and he wished he could taste her. A frustrated growl rumbled from him. Dr. Harris had said to give it an hour before the effects of the burning motor home left his system.

The drug he’d been injected with didn’t help. His skin felt hot and tight all over his body, his heart rate wouldn’t slow to normal and it brought his emotions closer to the surface with the adrenaline pumping through his body. His eyes opened and he glared at his leg. It was stopping him from being with Zandy at that moment. He’d like nothing better than to shower with her and hold her in his arms.

The water in the other room turned off and he watched as she dried her body. The bruises on her waist, legs, and across her rib cage drove him into a frenzy to track down the rest of the humans who’d harmed her. Two were dead but there were more of them. The team that had gone to Zandy’s house had scented at least four males. A silent promise was made to himself to track the remaining two humans down and kill them as soon as he was back on his feet.

She stepped back into the room wearing a towel wrapped around her body and she paused there. “I don’t have any clean clothes.”

“You don’t need them. Come here.”

He just wanted her at his side, in his arms. He refused to let her out of his sight now that he had her back. Go slow, he reminded himself. Don’t frighten her away. His fingers uncurled and he patted the bed next to him.

“I’ll get you wet.”

“Come here.” He inwardly winced at his rough tone. “Please,” he added.

She slowly crept closer, an unsure look on her face.

“I won’t hurt you, Zandy. Never.”

“I know that. You’re just acting really different.”

“I’m aware of the drugs in my system and I’m stressed. It’s a bad combination but you are safe.”

She crawled on the bed and settled down next to him. He reached out and pulled her closer, her wet hair causing water drips to slide down his chest. He didn’t care as he hugged her to his side and rested his chin on the top of her head.

“Tiger?”

“Yes?”

She lifted her chin to stare up at him. “I’m okay. Honestly. I’m more worried about you. Are you in pain? Should I get the doctor?”

“I just need to hold you.”

“Okay.” Her hand flattened on his chest and stroked him gently. “How is your head feeling? They said you had a head injury at the hospital.”

“I’m healing fast. I’ll be on my feet in two days. We’ll stay here until then. They have to keep an eye on me.”

“To make sure you’re healing okay?”

“To make sure I don’t go insane on the drugs and try to harm someone.” He forced a smile to assure her when fear dilated her pupils. “You are safe but don’t be surprised if I snarl at the doctors. They annoy me.”

“That’s good to know. About me being safe, that is. I’m glad I don’t work here.”

He wasn’t sure how to respond. The feel of her hand rubbing his chest between his ni**les made his dick hard. The purr started in his chest and rose to his throat. Zandy smiled.

“You only make that sound when you’re turned-on.” Her hand paused before her fingertips traced lower to his belly and her gaze lowered. “And I see that you are.”

They’d removed his pants when he’d reached Medical and offered him loose cotton shorts to wear to get access to his leg. The front of them tented from his stiff shaft trapped inside them.

“Ignore it. I am trying to. You’ve been through a trauma and I’m severely stressed from nearly losing you.”

Green eyes lifted to gaze into his and her smile widened. “We’re both okay and I know a great way to make you relax.”

His eyebrows arched.

Zandy wiggled out of his hold. She sat back on her heels and he couldn’t stop from growling when her hand rubbed his c**k through the very thin material. Desire shot through him so strongly he snarled at her.