Chapter 56
Donovan heard the small telltale emotion laced in the tone. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” he answered just as quietly.
TJ’s eyes warmed before turning hard. “Yet, you were ready to just walk away.”
A little defensive, Donovan tampered his response, understanding where TJ’s sentiment laid. He’d been hurt before and the shock of finding Donovan with bags packed was enough to stir up old pains and shake him to his core. “I wasn’t thinking. Only reacting. Hell, if you had a killer hot on your trail, I’d bet you wouldn’t think straight either.”
TJ tilted his head in acknowledgement. “Just promise me you won’t do something like that again.” His voice hardened a bit.
Donovan held up a hand. “Promise.” He lowered it, took another bite of food, and swallowed. “I have something to fight for.”
TJ’s gaze met his. For a long moment, they simply stared. Donovan’s breath caught at the darkening of TJ’s eyes and the flaring of his nostrils. Easily, he read the signs. Arousal. Possession. And something more.
Donovan dared not put a label on it. Not right now, anyway. 13
“You can’t close the clinic to watch over me, and I still have to work.” Donovan planted his hands on his hips and glared back at TJ.
“Watch me.” TJ narrowed his eyes.
Donovan threw up his hands in exasperation. He’d spent the night with TJ. Rather TJ had spent the night with him, in Donovan’s bed. The sweet cuddling and gentle kisses had soothed him into sleep. Yet, as soon as he’d risen this morning, the nerves were back. Along with TJ making the declaration that he’d be Donovan’s personal bodyguard to the detriment of the community’s health. Donovan was having none of it. “I’ll be fine.”
TJ snorted. “Like you can count on that.” Sarcasm dripped from his words. Donovan opened his mouth but TJ spoke over him. “You’re working. Focusing on the next mail stop. Even being observant, you won’t be able to see someone perched on a rooftop aiming down at you.” He shook his head. “Besides, what if your bear scents the man? He’ll force a shift in order to protect you. That would cause a stir if it happened in front of the humans.”
“My polar will be fine. It’s not like I can’t control him.”
“Even in dire circumstances?” TJ eyed him.
Donovan didn’t bother to answer. There was no use. They both knew in times of life and death emergencies, the animal inside would take over, his protective instincts so strong, he’d seize control and fight to the death.
“I can’t just hide all the time,” Donovan implored TJ to understand. “I have a life, a job. Those don’t get put on hold for however long it takes for this guy to show up and do his shit.”
TJ ran a hand through his hair and started to pace. “You’re too vulnerable delivering mail. There’s a million places he can ambush you.”
“So, I stay in the office. Even you said it was safe in town.” Donovan had thought of all the challenges already. They were numerous. Too numerous to number. Yet, he refused to cower. He’d fight because he had a good reason to—just like he’d told TJ. Being whisked away wasn’t an option. Bagsby would just hunt him down again. No. It ends. Here.
His heart filled with worry. Finally, he’d found the man for him and just when things were looking good, Bagsby was out of prison and on his trail. It just wasn’t fair.
He underestimates us.
TJ?
No, the bad smelling man who sent that awful rat.
We have strength, that’s for sure. But even the strongest man can’t outrun a bullet.The thought sank Donovan’s shoulders further.
He’d put up a brave front, but deep down inside, he was afraid. Not just for him, but for TJ. His courage wavered, but he refused to bow to the pressure. The only way he’d ever be free was to face this evil head on. If Bagsby ended up dead, then all the better.
“TJ. I’m not running or hiding. Call me stupid, but I refuse to spend the rest of my life waiting for Bagsby’s shoe to drop. It happens here. He’ll come. We both know that. In his own sweet time. Until then, I can’t stay locked up in a little room for my own safety.” He clasped his hands together and sat on the edge of the sofa. “What about the safety of the others in town? If I were at the clinic with you, that puts the others at risk. Innocent people that could get caught in Bagsby’s trap.” He paused to let that sink in. “The same with Mary at the post office. If she’s out delivering, she won’t be at risk, but someone has to man the place.”
TJ turned to study Donovan. “You’re too easy to get to.”
Donovan shrugged. “What other option is there? I’m done running, TJ.” He added firmness and command to his tone, needing TJ to understand. “The rest of the shifter community are banding together to find this hunter and eradicate him. We’re not running from him. And, I’m not running from Bagsby.”
TJ closed his eyes and sighed, before opening them again. “I’ll swing by and pick you up after work each day. You’ll stay with me every night.”
“What if he shows up and follows us to your house?” Donovan asked, worried about the likelihood of TJ’s house being riddled with bullets or burned down. He couldn’t rule out any of those things with Bagsby. As a precaution, he’d locked all the windows on his house, and, of course, the doors. Even pulled the shades to keep prying eyes out. In the scheme of things, it was a piss poor way of preventing Bagsby from getting to him. Hell, the guy could find him anywhere in the world if he was so inclined. A few locks meant nothing, but they would slow him down some. The house empty might not even stall Bagsby for a while.