“I think we’re going to get along swimmingly. I ramble too. And I’m sorry if I offended you just now. Kaya threw several names at me, and I was happy to have remembered yours.”
“Kaya’s good at that. Throwing things. Mostly it’s attitude, but she has to, being the Queen to all that badassedness. Just wait until you see all the males in a room together. It really is something. I’ve had a while to get used to it, but it’s still something to see. I’m glad you’re one of the mate club now. I look forward to rambling with you more and getting to know you.”
“Me too.” Josie felt weird talking to Trevor, mainly because she couldn’t see him.
“Hey, what was that you called Tessa?” Josie asked.
“TFR. Stands for third favorite redhead. Jasper’s my favorite for obvious reasons. Tessa used to be my second favorite, then Katherine came along. I’m mostly teasing Tessa because she’s truly one of my best friends. If I had an older sister, I’d want it to be her.”
“I would agree. I’d rather Tessa be my sister instead of the one I have.”
“Yeah, I had the, uh, pleasure of meeting yours.”
“I’m sorry.”
Trevor laughed. “I didn’t have to interact with her, but you might want to apologize to Dr. Bailey. Speaking of the gorgeous oncologist… Dr. Bailey, here’s your patient. Safe and sound and newly mated.”
“Thank you, Trevor,” a familiar female voice said. When the door clicked shut, the sheet was pulled off Josie. “Hi. I’m Sabrina Bailey, one of the other mates. I’m glad to see you coherent and without a fever.”
“You and me both. Thank you for helping in my escape.”
The pretty doctor smiled, her teeth white against her dark skin. “My pleasure. I have to admit, that’s the first time I’ve lied to someone’s mother like I did yours. She is beside herself with worry.”
“When’s the last time you gave her an update?” Josie asked, climbing off the gurney. Dr. Bailey handed her a hospital gown, and Josie changed out of the scrubs into the scrap of fabric that did little to cover her butt.
“A couple hours ago. I told her we were waiting on test results. I have to say, you look relatively clean for someone with such a high fever.” Sabrina had a glint in her eyes. “If your mom asks, I’ll tell her we used dry shampoo. God, I hate lying, but it was for a good cause. Right?”
“The best.” Josie found she meant it. She was now part of a secret society of shifters and their mates. She had never felt so alive.
Chapter Eleven
Malakai followed Gregor and Tessa into the main part of the hospital. Gregor let Kai know Frey had picked his Jeep up from Josie’s apartment and was parking it in the main visitor’s lot. Gregor and Tessa turned left to head to the waiting room, and Kai went right toward the front entrance. Trevor texted to let him know what room Josie was in, but Kai couldn’t walk right in. He had a part to play.
“I’m here for Josie Pierson. Where is she?” he asked, playing the concerned boyfriend. Sabrina, Deacon’s mate, was in on the ruse, so when he stopped at the nurse’s station inquiring about his girlfriend, Sabrina intercepted him.
“Kai, what are you doing here?” Presley asked. A woman who was an older version of Josie was behind her. Gregor and Tessa had joined them at that point.
Sabrina stepped up. “I called Malakai at Josie’s request.”
Presley ignored the doctor. “Yes, but what are you doing with Joselynn? What has she told you?”
“I’m not sure I follow. She’s told me lots of things. That’s what people do when they’re together.”
“Together? You and my sister? How is that even possible? Did she track you down at the gym? This doesn’t make sense.”
Gregor pulled Tessa back by a belt loop, banding his arms around her chest and whispering something in her ear. Her anger on Josie’s behalf was endearing.
Sabrina motioned toward the family room behind them. “Let’s take this conversation somewhere a little more private.”
Kai had known this confrontation was coming, but he hadn’t realized how angry he was going to be. As soon as the door closed, he turned to Josie’s mom. “You must be Jacinta. Now I know where Josie gets her beauty from. I’m Malakai.” Jacinta blushed the same pretty shade her daughter did. “Where’s Josie? What’s going on?” Kai asked Sabrina.
Before she could answer, Presley grabbed Kai’s arm. “Can we go somewhere private and talk?”
Kai jerked his arm away. “No. Whatever it is, I want to know. How bad is she, Dr. Bailey?”
“I wasn’t talking about Joselynn. I want to talk about us,” Presley clarified.
“There is no us, as in you and me. I’m with Josie, so you need to get used to it.” Kai gave Presley his back, turning his attention to Sabrina. He had to give the doctor props. He could feel her anger building, matching his own, but she hid it well.
“We’ll wait in the hallway,” Gregor said, pulling his furious mate along with him.
Sabrina waited until the door closed to speak. “Josie—”
“Joselynn’s medical information is private. He
