The Werewolf Dates The Deputy - Kristen Painter Page 0,8
the rest of the labs are back.” He smiled. “You’re officially discharged. But remember, a day or two of rest. And if you start feeling unwell again, please come back. I know you’re physically stronger than most of my patients, but I’m serious about the rest.”
She nodded. “Thanks. I will. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“All right. Have a safe trip home. An orderly will be in shortly to take you downstairs.”
Jenna held up a finger. “Just a second. Why do I need an orderly to take me downstairs? Are we talking wheelchair?”
Dr. Navarro nodded. “It’s hospital policy.”
“Yeah, that’s not going to happen, so you can save him the trip.”
“Jenna.” Tessa’s voice held all the signs of an imminent scolding. “It’s hospital policy.”
“I heard the man, but I’m a sheriff’s deputy. What are people going to think if I get wheeled out like an invalid? They need to have confidence in me.”
Dr. Navarro crossed his arms and gave Jenna a look that said he wasn’t about to give in. “Maybe those chemicals affected you more than we realized. Maybe an overnight stay for observation is in order after all.”
Jenna sighed. “Bring me the wheelchair.”
Jenna thanked the orderly who’d wheeled her out, then got herself into her sister’s car. Her headache seemed to be lessening. She felt pretty good. Especially because the hospital was now behind her. “Thanks for giving me a lift. Wait. Where are we going?”
“Your house. I guess that short-term memory loss is kicking in,” Tessa said as she climbed behind the wheel and put on her seat belt. “And you’re welcome for the ride. That’s what family is for.”
“Speaking of, how’s Sebastian? Still grumpy?”
“He’s not grumpy.” Tessa started up her Mercedes SUV, a gift from the man himself on their one-year wedding anniversary. But Jenna wasn’t jealous. On the contrary, she was ridiculously happy for her sister. And she really liked Sebastian. After all, he was the reason her sister had stayed in Nocturne Falls. “He’s just a serious man.”
“Which is why you’re so well matched.”
“I’m not that serious.”
“You can be,” Jenna said. “You’ve actually lightened up a bit in the last year or so.”
“Thanks.” Tessa’s sarcasm was thick. “You’re not exactly a barrel of monkeys, you know.”
“Please. I’m a freaking delight.”
Tessa snorted as she drove away from the hospital entrance. “Sure, if you think going to the range or drinking some beers is a good time.”
“Everyone should practice their range skills. And excuse me for not liking fancy drinks.”
Tessa smirked. “Wine is not a fancy drink.”
“It is when it’s five hundred dollars a bottle.”
“Sebastian has good taste. And as far as range time goes…” Tessa shook her head. “We’re valkyries. We have magical swords permanently etched into our backs, ready to be called forth and made real whenever we need them. I don’t know about you, but I’m good.”
“I’m a sheriff’s deputy. Range time is mandatory.”
“I know.” Tessa stopped at the parking lot exit, looked both ways, then pulled out.
Pain immediately shot through Jenna’s gut. She clutched at her stomach, bending over at the sudden onslaught. “Owww. Holy Loki, that hurts.”
Tessa pulled over. “What’s wrong?”
The pain intensified, leaving Jenna almost unable to get the words out. “I…don’t…know. Bad pain. Bad.”
Tessa whipped the SUV around. “I’m taking you back.”
“No…okay.” Jenna groaned, still bent double by the stabbing, searing whatever-that-was happening in her middle. It felt like someone was trying to tear her insides out with a claw hammer.
For a librarian, Tessa suddenly had the driving skills of a Formula One racer. She screeched to a stop in front of the hospital doors they’d just come through, jumped out of the car, and ran around to Jenna’s side. “Come on, let’s get you inside.”
But Jenna’s pain was gone. She straightened. “I think I’m okay now. Maybe, um, it was just…gas?”
Tessa’s look said no explanation was going to stop her from getting Jenna back into the hospital. “Out of the car, then, and you can walk in under your own power.”
“I’m good. Really.”
“Do not make me carry you. You know I can.”
She could. Valkyries were incredibly strong. “You can’t leave the car here. What if there’s an actual emergency?”
“This isn’t the emergency entrance.” Tessa hooked her thumb over her shoulder. “Inside.”
With a sigh, Jenna undid her seat belt and got out of the car. “Fine. I’ll wait for you while you park.” No way was she letting Tessa leave her here. Jenna wanted to be home. Whatever pain she’d felt in the car had to be some residual thing. After