Tessa, Vampire/Werewolf Romance, (Standalone) (Shadow Creek Shifters Book 3) by Maddie Foxx Page A

might be,” Seth replied. “I’d think it might be Jason since he was looking for her last night, but I’d rather hear Carrie say that. We can’t afford to jump to conclusions.”
    Carrie was covered with a clean sheet and Paige inserted a needle into her arm, setting a bag of saline on a tall, silver pole.
    “This is like a regular hospital,” Seth stated.
    “It comes in handy,” Paige said with a grin. “I’ve nursed my fair share of shifters back to health.”
    Seth and Dr. Evans went downstairs where a teary-eyed Melody asked, “Is she going to be okay?”
    “It’s too early to say yet, but when you found her, was she unconscious?” Dr. Evans asked.
    “Was she awake, he means, Melody?” Seth explained.
    “Yes, she stumbled into the clearing and fell on the ground. She said my name, but then closed her eyes and didn’t wake back up.”
    “Thanks, that helps. We’ll be monitoring her for the next twenty-four hours. I’ll make a decision by then if she needs to be hospitalized or not. Since she was awake when you found her, that’s a good sign.”
    “Can I stay with her?” Melody asked.
    “That’s up to your father. Perhaps you should go home until she wakes up.”
    “No!” Melody shouted. “I want to be here when she does.”
    “I can take Maxwell home,” Brendan said. “I’m sure Raphael is worried by now.”
    “I didn’t even think about calling him,” Seth said. “I guess I should do that.”
    “Don’t. I’ll tell him when I take Maxwell home,” Brendan offered.
    Melody folded her arms across her chest. “And what about Jason? Are you planning to let him get away with nearly killing my mother?”
    “Honey, we don’t know for sure if he did this or not yet. We’ll have to ask your mother when she wakes up. And call in the sheriff if he’s really responsible.”
    “But he was looking for her last night and he was angry. You know that man has beaten my mama before.”
    “Call the sheriff?” Brendan asked. “If Jason is responsible, I’ll handle it. Carrie is my responsibility as a resident of Shadow Creek.”
    “Let’s talk about it later when the children aren’t present,” Seth suggested.
    “We’re not babies,” Melody replied defiantly. “I’ll hunt that man down by myself.”
    Seth smiled. “I bet you would, but how about we wait until we know for sure?”
    “I suppose, but I want to see Mama now.”
    Seth took Melody upstairs and Brendan ran Maxwell home. Raphael met them in the drive, a curious look on his tanned face. “Why is Maxwell here? Is he sick?”
    Maxwell ran inside while Brendan told Raphael how the children had found Carrie and that she was being treated at Shadow Creek.
    “Was it Jason?”
    “Don’t know yet. We’re waiting until she wakes up to ask her.”
    “Really? That doesn’t sound like the Brendan I’ve heard so much about.”
    “We need to be sure but believe me, if it’s him, there won’t be a rock he’ll be able to hide under.”
    Raphael thanked Brendan for bringing Maxwell home and said, “Keep me updated, would you?”
    “Will do. I think Seth and Melody will be at Shadow Creek, keeping a watch over Carrie today.”
    “I’m glad. Melody was quite upset and wanted us to find her mother last night.”
    “I did look, but she wasn’t home. I suppose I should have searched the ranch for her.”
    “How were you supposed to know what would happen, or that she might have been in serious danger? If it turns out to be Jason, you can count on us to help you any way we can.”
    “I’m not sure I’d feel good about that. The last time the werewolves helped me, your brother was killed.”
    “That wasn’t your fault, Brendan. Nate was like that, willing to put his life on the line to help another shifter. I’ll have the pack ready just in case it’s Jason. Preparations are essential.”
    Brendan left, and Raphael went inside and told Palina what happened. He then glanced around. “Where is Maxwell?”
    “In his room.