Page 29 of Blazing Joysticks
The events came rushing back, and Cat’s eyes widened. “The woman – her face, it changed. Keir, I swear I’m not imagining things. I’m pretty sure she was a shifter.”
To her surprise, Keir didn’t dismiss her claims. Instead, he nodded gravely. “I believe you, Cat. But right now, I need you to focus on recovering. We’ve brought you to a private clinic where I know you’ll be safe and well cared for.”
Cat glanced around the room, noting the high-end equipment and luxurious furnishings. “This doesn’t look like any hospital I’ve ever been in.”
A ghost of a smile crossed Keir’s face. “Let’s just say I wasn’t about to take any chances with your safety or your care.”
Warmth bloomed in Cat’s chest at his words, mingling with the lingering pain and confusion. She squeezed Keir’s hand, suddenly overwhelmed by the depth of emotion she felt for this man. “Thank you,” she whispered. “That woman was intent on getting my laptop. I’m surprised she didn’t tear my arm off when she pulled.”
Keir leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “You should have let the laptop go.”
“Heck no. I worked hard on that security. I’m not just gonna hand it over.”
He cupped her cheek and frowned. “Next time, let go.”
She leaned back, glad that whatever painkillers they gave her because she suddenly didn’t want to discuss her attack. “Thank you for coming to my rescue.”
“Always,” he murmured. “We’ve got a lot to discuss when you’re feeling stronger, but for now, just know that you’re safe. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
FOURTEEN
Keir stood by Cat’s bedside, his eyes never leaving her sleeping form as Beck entered the hospital room. The security chief moved quietly, respecting the somber atmosphere.
“Any news?” Keir asked in a low voice, not wanting to disturb Cat’s rest.
Beck shook his head, frustration evident in his stance. “Nothing from the footage around Cat’s building. But we’ve got better prospects with the conference center cameras. There’s one just down the hall to the ladies’ room where the attack happened.”
Keir nodded, a glimmer of hope sparking in his eyes. “Good. I want every second of that footage analyzed. Find me that woman, Beck.”
“We’re on it,” Beck assured him. “The team’s working round the clock. We’ll find her, Keir.”
As Beck turned to leave, Keir’s phone buzzed. Cat’s mother. His stomach clenched as he answered, keeping his voice low.
“Mrs. Reeves,” he greeted softly. “I was just about to call you. Cat’s condition is stable. The doctors are monitoring her closely.”
Suzette Reeves’s voice crackled through the speaker, tight with worry. “We’re on our way to the clinic now. How could this happen, Mr. Sharpe? Who would want to hurt our daughter?”
Keir’s jaw clenched, his free hand gently taking Cat’s. “I assure you, Mrs. Reeves, we’re doing everything in our power to find out. Cat’s safety is my top priority. I’ll be here when you arrive, and we can discuss this further.”
After ending the call, Keir turned back to Beck, who had waited silently. “Keep me updated on any developments. And Beck? We need to tighten security here at the clinic. I don’t want any unauthorized personnel getting anywhere near this room.”
Beck nodded, his expression grave. “Consider it done. And Keir? We’ll get them. Whoever did this, we’ll make them pay.”
As Beck left to implement the increased security measures, Keir settled back into the chair by Cat’s bed, his mind racing but his body refusing to leave her side. He’d be here when she woke, when her parents arrived, and for every moment after. Nothing would tear him away from protecting his mate.
Keir remained vigilant at Cat’s bedside, his posture alert despite the hours that had passed. A soft knock at the door drew his attention, and he turned to see Cat’s parents entering the room, escorted by a nurse.
Suzette Reeves rushed to the bed, her eyes wide with worry. “Oh, Cat,” she whispered, reaching out to gently stroke her daughter’s hair.
Jonathan Reeves approached more slowly, his face a mask of concern and barely contained anger. “Mr. Sharpe,” he acknowledged, his voice low and tense.
Keir stood, careful not to disturb Cat. “Mr. and Mrs. Reeves,” he greeted them quietly. “Thank you for coming. Perhaps we could step just outside the door to talk? I don’t want to wake her.”
With a last glance at their sleeping daughter, the Reeves followed Keir into the hallway, positioning themselves so they could still see Cat through the door’s window.
“What happened?” Jonathan demanded, his lawyer’s instincts kicking in. “How could someone attack our daughter at your company event?”
Keir met his gaze steadily. “We’re still piecing together the details, but I assure you, we’re doing everything to find the person responsible. Cat’s safety is my absolute highest priority.”