you want to stop in before we head back home after the tests?”
Sean looked over his shoulder at Declan, pure excitement on his face. “Can we? Oh, please?”
Declan cleared his throat and gave a grin he knew didn’t reach his eyes and was shaky at best. “Of course. We’ll get anything you want.”
The idea of the sweets seemed to distract Sean and, even though he displayed curiosity of the things around them as they continued their drive through the city, it kept his mind preoccupied from the tests as far as Declan could tell. When they got into the hospital, Sean’s gaze never lingered anywhere for long. Declan would explain things to Sean and what they were before Sean could ask. The nurse at the desk directed them where to go, sending them to a set of elevators. Sean jumped when the doors opened and Declan guided him into the elevator. He hit the button for the third floor.
A slight tang of fear hit Declan’s nose causing him to pull Sean closer to his side. “It’s all right,” he murmured.
Fine tremors shook Sean’s body and Declan urged the elevator to hurry. It dinged at their floor and he led Sean out immediately. They followed the signs to the imaging department where another attendant indicated for them to take a seat.
They weren’t on their own for long when Cameron greeted them at the small waiting area. “Declan. Was the drive in okay?”
“Fine. We’re going to stop at Harley’s bakery on the way back to the house.”
Cameron smiled. “Sounds amazing. He makes some of the best pastries! If I ate there every day, I’d weigh three hundred pounds in a quick minute.”
Declan laughed. “I don’t know about that, Cam, but I agree, his pastries are almost sinful.”
“Why don’t you two come this way?” Cameron beckoned and led them through a door and stopped beside a huge window. Declan could see the MRI machine through the glass and hoped Sean could handle it. Being enclosed in a little tube like that wasn’t easy. Declan’s tiger prowled restlessly beneath his skin at knowing Sean would be separated from them.
“Sean, I need you to change into the hospital gown the nurse left for you on the chair. Just put your clothing into the small lockers nearby, okay? No one will touch them.”
Sean nodded and entered the room, closing the door behind him. Declan leaned against the wall and waited, arms folded across his chest. Cameron gave him a sympathetic smile. “He will be all right, Dec.”
Declan nodded, but didn’t relax. Sean joined them moments later, barefoot and wearing the usual white and blue paper thin gown. He held the back shut with one hand and flushed, eyes trained on the floor. Declan moved around to shield Sean’s backside and he tied the cloth closed better, ensuring no one could see Sean’s bottom. “It’s okay, baby,” Declan murmured close to Sean’s ear.
He could feel Sean’s uneasiness as Cameron led them into the room with the giant window. “This is an MRI machine, Sean. It’s basically a way for me to see your internal organs and bones so we know what to expect if you go to shift.”
“If?” Sean asked softly.
Hiding a wince, Declan placed a hand on Sean’s shoulder. “When.”
Sean gave a small nod and Declan squeezed Sean’s shoulder in comfort. Cameron smiled, but Declan could see Cameron’s uncertainty about whether Sean would be able to or not. “I need to see what kind of damage has been done to your body, Sean. To ensure it’s safe for you to shift.”
“Okay,” Sean whispered.
“Climb up and lay down on your back, head toward the machine,” Cameron instructed. He hovered near as Sean wriggled his way onto the platform. “While the tests are running, you can’t move, Sean. I need you to remain still in order to get the images we need.”
He handed a small rubber ball attached to a cable to Sean. “If you start to panic or need to pause the tests, squeeze this. It’ll alert me and I’ll immediately halt the scan. I’ll be able to talk to you through the speakers in the machine.”
“C-Can Declan stay with me?” Sean stuttered, nervousness obvious in his features and tone.
Declan swallowed hard and gave Sean an encouraging look. “I’ll be right outside that window, Sean.” He pointed toward the nearby room where another man sat behind a computer. “Just like when Cam took the x-rays. Remember? If you need me, you just tell me, okay?”
Sean took a