"The surgery went well. Mu Yang will make a full recovery."
Jia Hao closed his eyes and finally allowed himself to breathe again. He had been in that waiting room for what felt like an eternity.
"They're taking him to his room now. I'd like to take a look at your wounds."
The vampire shook his head. "I want to go to him."
"Do you think he'll be happy to see you in this condition when he wakes up? Besides, if you keep losing blood, you'll weaken—and you won't be able to help him."
He knew Dr. Silver was right, but all he could think about was seeing Mu Yang with his own eyes, making sure he was truly okay.
"How about I treat you in his room?"
He nodded. "Thank you."
She led him to the room where they had taken his companion and let him enter alone, then stepped away to gather the supplies she needed to treat his injuries.
Jia Hao walked in silently. Mu Yang was lying on the bed, his face pale but peaceful. He took his hand between his own, and when he felt its warmth, a tear slipped down his cheek. He wiped it away quickly, just as the doctor entered the room.
"Are there any medications harmful to vampires? Anything you're allergic to? Can I use a local anesthetic?"
"Not necessary, thank you. Regular disinfectants don't affect us."
Madison helped him off with his jacket and had him sit down. She then cut away his sweatshirt and T-shirt, cleaned the wounds, and carefully extracted the bullet from his chest. Jia Hao didn't make a sound—his eyes never left Mu Yang.
When she finished, Dr. Silver removed her gloves, gathered the materials, and stood up. "I'll bring you some clean clothes."
In her office, she kept a drawer of spare clothes for Christopher and the others. She clenched her hands. There was still no news about her own partner. She could only hope Lucian would bring him back before he collapsed from blood loss.
She returned with clean clothes for the vampire, checked Mu Yang—who was still unconscious—and then headed back to her office. Her hand was on the doorknob when a nurse informed her that Christopher and two of his people had arrived. They were waiting for her in Exam Room Three.
She quickened her pace—almost running—until she reached the door and opened it.
Christopher was seated, which already told her he wasn't feeling well. He stood as soon as he saw her, but she gestured for him to sit back down.
She glanced at Lucian, then at Alex. "Lucian, will you take care of Alex, or should I call another doctor?"
"I've got it."
"Okay. The next room should be free. You'll find everything you need. If you need anything, call."
Alex followed him silently, leaving Madison and Christopher alone.
The doctor swallowed. He was finally here. Safe.
As she reached out to help remove his clothes, he took her hands and brought them to his lips. "I'm sorry."
She stepped closer, and Christopher wrapped his arms around her. "Forgive me."
"There's nothing to forgive," she whispered, kissing his forehead.
"You were kidnapped because of me."
"I don't care."
"I do."
"I'm here. And so are you. Now let me take care of you."
He kissed her lightly on the lips, then released her.
She straightened and put on her professional expression. She cut away his clothes, and her eyes widened at the sight of his wounds. She looked up into his eyes, and he met her gaze calmly, as if shielding her from bullets had been the most natural thing in the world.
One by one, she removed the bullets and cleaned and dressed the wounds.
"You need to rest. You've lost a lot of blood, but with your regeneration speed you won't need a transfusion. A few days of rest will be enough."
"You're coming home with me."
Madison nodded. "Let me check on Mu Yang, and then we'll return to the mansion."
"I'll come with you," he said, pulling on the clothes she had brought him.