Declan - Heart of a Tiger (Royal Taiga Streak #1) - J.R. Loveless Page 0,51
looked down at his mate, anguish no doubt obvious on his face. He brought his hand up to cup Sean’s smooth cheek. “I can’t,” he murmured, pained.
Sean nuzzled into Declan’s palm. “Please, Declan. Seeing you, seeing the others and how happy they are in their other form, I need to know what that’s like. I have to know.”
Nothing in Declan’s life had prepared him for the day he’d find his mate only to have to watch him suffer through a pain he couldn’t fight or stop. But seeing the hope, the longing, in Sean’s face made him realize he couldn’t deny Sean something so integral to his being. Taking a deep breath, Declan gave a brief nod. “All right.”
Happiness lit Sean’s features. “Yes?”
“Yes,” Declan managed.
Cameron had all but been forgotten in those moments, but reminded them of his presence when he spoke. “There is still the matter of the collar.”
Sean’s face fell and Declan glared at Cameron. “We’re dealing with that. Kyle is already in touch with his contacts.”
“Kyle?” Cameron murmured. “He’s at the compound?”
“For a few days.”
“I see.”
“When Sean goes through his first shift, I want you there, Cam. Just in case.”
Cameron nodded, seemingly distracted. “I’ll be there, Alpha.”
“Thank you, Dr. Cameron,” Sean said quietly.
“Please, call me Cam or Cameron,” he replied. “And you’re very welcome, Alpha-mate. I’m just glad there was good news to be had.”
“Is there anything else we should know, Cam?” Declan asked.
“I am going to prescribe some vitamin D and calcium tablets for Sean to take, starting today. The extra nutrients may help speed up the process of the healing once the shift is complete.” Cameron grabbed a tablet from the desk, scribbled down on two sheets, and tore them off. He passed them to Declan. “I also think it would be a good idea for Sean to get regular exercise until then. Start with walking for at least thirty minutes a day and increase ten minutes each week. Until we know when the collar can come off, it will be beneficial in the long run to raise his strength as much as possible.”
Declan took the prescriptions from Cameron. “We’ll get these filled before we leave the city. Is there anything else?”
Cameron shook his head. “Not right now. Keep me posted regarding the collar and when that may be anticipated to be removed.”
“Will do, Cam. Thank you for your help today. I’m relieved to know Sean’s life is not in danger if he should shift.”
“As am I,” Cameron agreed.
They bid Cameron goodbye and left. Declan helped Sean into the Tahoe and jogged around to his side of the car. Minutes later they were on the main road. “There’s a pharmacy near the bakery. We’ll drop the prescriptions to be filled while we check out Harley’s, okay?”
Sean smiled at Declan, a smile so much brighter than any of the others Declan had ever seen on his mate’s face. It seemed as if a great weight had been lifted from Sean and happiness just radiated from within him. Declan cleared his throat which had suddenly grown tight. The emotions coming from Sean made Declan feel as if his heart would burst from his chest.
Declan took Sean’s hand and brought it to his lips. He pressed a kiss to the back of Sean’s palm. “You have no idea how beautiful you look right now.”
Pink bloomed over Sean’s cheeks and his full lips parted in surprise at Declan’s words. “I-I…”
A small chuckle trickled from Declan as he lowered their entwined hands to his upper thigh. He parallel parked the SUV in front of the pharmacy, hopped out, and went around to help Sean down from the Tahoe. It amused Declan when he saw Sean was so flustered he didn’t even notice their surroundings again until they were inside the pharmacy. The light of curiosity overcame Sean’s face and Declan allowed Sean to lead him in whatever direction. They wandered up and down the few aisles in the store for several minutes. Sean stopping every couple feet to stare at something on the shelves.
On the one hand, Declan found it endearing, but on the other it stirred the still smoldering anger at the fucker who’d stolen so much from his mate. If he had anything to do with it, he’d damn sure help Sean to experience everything. “What are these for?” Sean asked, bringing Declan out of his own head.
Declan raised a brow when he saw they had stopped in front of the feminine hygiene shelf. “They’re for women.”