“Won’t happen.” How to explain the bond between shifters, when he barely understood it himself? “She’s loved me for a long time, and it hasn’t gone away despite my shoving her away. She’s loyal in ways I didn’t understand until recently.”

“Is she doing better? I know you were worried about her.”

Funny, Irene was one of the few people he’d confessed his feelings to. They’d gotten along well from the moment she answered the ad he’d placed for a new partner in his practice. “She thinks she’s as good as she’s going to get, and that bothers her more than she says.”

“Hmm.” She shook her head. “It’s going to take a while to get her self-esteem back where it was.”

He tilted his head, utterly confused. “I’m sorry?”

“Think about it for a minute. She had the world at her feet, and now she’s the one kneeling.”

“Chloe doesn’t kneel for anything or anyone. Not even her disability.” His Wolf snarled, forcing Jim to take a deep, calming breath before he accidentally outed himself. “She’s strong. She’ll have the world at her feet again.” And if not, she’d have to take one possessive, newbie Wolf who was more than willing to take that spot.

“Good for her, if it’s true.” She shrugged when he scowled. “Look, I haven’t met her, but anyone who has been through what she has—and lost what she has—is going to have issues I can’t even begin to imagine. Is she seeing a therapist?”

“Yes.” That wasn’t quite correct. Chloe was seeing the Pride Omega, Sarah Anderson, once a week to deal with the lingering side effects of her beating. She hadn’t told him how those visits were going, but it might take a while before she felt comfortable enough with him to open up to that extent. As the Omega, Sarah could feel the emotional well-being of her Pridemates. As Chloe and her family were considered Pride, she could sense Chloe’s emotions as well as soothe them when Chloe became upset.

Jim wished he could be there for their sessions, but until he was invited he wouldn’t dare intrude. By doing so he could actually hurt Chloe’s recovery rather than help.

“I’m glad to hear that. Maybe she wouldn’t mind getting together for lunch?”

He’d have to ask first. “She still has speech problems when she’s uncomfortable.”

“Then Val and I will just have to make sure she feels the lurve.” Irene waggled her brows, making Jim laugh. She stood, grabbing hold of the folder. “Want me to drop this off at the lawyer’s?”

“Sure. Let’s get this filed and official.” He stood as well and held out his hand. “Welcome home, Doc.”

“It’s good to be back, Doc.” Instead of shaking, she hugged him tightly. “And thanks for helping convince Val she’d love it here.”

Jim patted her back. “You’re welcome.” He pulled back but held on to her upper arms. “Did you find a place to stay?”

“Yes, Daddy.” Irene rolled her eyes. “Val even let me have the top bunk.”

“Fine, I’ll stop nagging.” Jim let her go.

“It’s just how you are. You worry about everyone, and I like that about you.” Irene winked and opened the office door. “See you on Monday?”

“Looking forward to it.” Jim watched his new partner leave, relieved that he’d finally, finally be getting a break. With Irene in place he’d be able to take off every other weekend, and some weeknights as well. They’d share the load, and he’d be able to concentrate more on his mate.

He couldn’t wait to introduce Chloe to Irene and Valerie. He bet they were going to love one another on sight.

Chapter Six

“Your left hand won’t get any better. Unfortunately, from the latest tests we’ve done, we’re looking at some degeneration in your right hand as well.”

Chloe closed her eyes as the neurologist gave her the bad news. “Why?”

He put her patient folder down on the counter by the sink all doctor’s offices had. It was the same beige and white color scheme, the same non-offensive artwork, the same speckled white and green tiles on the floor. Always the same room, just different locations and different doctors. “The trauma you suffered was severe. Nerves were damaged, and now that time has passed and you’ve healed, we’re starting to see some of the secondary effects.”

The tingling and numbness was nothing new, but the pain she’d been experiencing recently was. Neuropathy. Yet another fun word to add to her growing list of ailments.

She blew out a breath, refusing to allow this latest setback to get her down. “What do we boo?”

“We can start you on a round of medications that will deal with the pain. There are quite a few that have been effective, mostly low-dosage antidepressants. I think that may be the best place to start.”

“Wonderful.” She clenched her right fist. While she was able to close her hand all the way, the pain when she did so made her wince.

“The pins and needles sensations you’ve been feeling down your right leg should also begin to subside with the treatment.”

She nodded, relieved. “That’s something, at least.”

“Trust me. The news could have been much worse.” The neurologist smiled. “You haven’t developed fibromyalgia yet, from what we’ve been able to determine. And the tests indicate that your left side has stabilized. We shouldn’t see any more degeneration there, but we’ll continue to monitor it just to be on the safe side.” The doctor put his hand on her knee. “I know this is tough for you, but really, it could have been a great deal worse.”

Chloe smiled faintly, still staring at her clenched fist. “I know.” And she owed all of that to Julian, who’d saved her life. “Any exercises?”

“Try and keep your muscle tone. Listen to your body. If it tells you that you’ve pushed too hard, then you have. Continue working with the stress ball for your left hand, and if you notice any problems with your left leg or hip contact me immediately.”

“Can I drive?”

He thought about that for a moment. “If you’re experiencing any dizziness from the medications or if your leg starts to have spasms, then no. Honestly, I’d take it day to day. You’re walking well, you’re not having seizures, and you’re not blacking out, so I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to do whatever you want.”