Chapter 18

EIGHTEEN

Z y's eyes never left Ellie's sleeping form as she rested in the clinic bed. The sterile white walls and antiseptic smell faded into the background as he focused solely on the rise and fall of her chest. Each breath she took eased the knot of tension in his gut, a visceral reminder that she was safe. For now.

His tiger paced restlessly beneath his skin, urging him to hunt down those who had dared to harm their mate. Zy clenched his fists, tamping down the primal urge. There would be time for retribution later. Right now, Ellie needed him here.

A soft knock at the door broke through his brooding thoughts. Adonis entered, his normally jovial expression replaced by grim determination.

"It's done," Adonis said in a low voice, mindful of Ellie's slumber. "We've cleaned up the office and removed all evidence of the altercation. Anything broken has been set to be replaced tomorrow. I also took the liberty of re-ordering the same monitors that were destroyed. The team's handling everything discreetly."

Zy nodded, a weight lifting from his shoulders. "Good. And Grant?"

Adonis's jaw tightened. "No sign of him yet, but we've got our best people on it. He won't stay hidden for long."

"I want him found," Zy growled, his eyes flashing gold for a moment. "And when he is, I'll deal with him personally."

"Understood." Adonis hesitated, glancing at Ellie. "How is she?"

Zy's expression softened as he looked back at her. "Physically, she'll recover. But this attack..." He trailed off, rage and guilt warring within him. "It never should have happened."

"You can't blame yourself, Zy. You got there in time."

"Barely," Zy muttered. He straightened, his decision made. "She's not leaving my sight until Grant is dealt with. I want a security detail on her 24/7."

Adonis raised an eyebrow. "That's going to be difficult to explain?—"

"I don't care," Zy cut him off. "Figure it out. Use whatever resources you need. I'm not letting her get hurt again."

The vehemence in his tone made Adonis study him closely. "You really care about her, don't you?"

Zy met his friend's gaze unflinchingly. "I told you, she's my mate, Adonis. I can't lose her."

Understanding dawned on Adonis's face. He nodded solemnly. "We'll keep her safe, I promise. What's your next move?"

"I'm taking her to my penthouse once she's released. It's the most secure place I can think of."

"Good call. I'll have the team sweep it again, just to be safe." Adonis squeezed Zy's shoulder. "Get some rest, my friend. You look like hell."

Zy managed a weak chuckle. "Thanks for the glowing review."

After Adonis left, Zy settled back into the chair by Ellie's bed. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his. The warmth of her skin against his palm grounded him, chasing away some of the lingering fear.

"I've got you," he whispered. "You're safe now."

Hours later, Ellie stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, confusion clouding her gaze for a moment before focusing on Zy.

"Hey," she croaked, her voice rough from sleep.

Zy leaned forward, offering her a glass of water. "How are you feeling?"

Ellie took a small sip before answering. "Like I got hit by a truck. But I'm alive, thanks to you." Her eyes widened as memories flooded back. "Zy, I've never seen you shift before. You were... magnificent."

He tensed, searching her face for signs of fear or discomfort. Instead, he found only wonder and admiration.

"I'm sorry you had to see it under those circumstances," he said softly. "I know we've talked about me being a shifter, but seeing it is different."

Ellie squeezed his hand. "Different, yes. But amazing. You saved my life, Zy. I'm just glad you were there."

Relief washed over him. "Always," he murmured. "I'll always be there when you need me."

She grinned, then winced as the movement pulled at her injuries. Zy's expression immediately shifted to concern.

"Easy," he murmured. "You need to rest. The doctor wants to keep you here for observation, but once you're cleared, I'd like to take you somewhere safe."

Ellie's brow furrowed. "My apartment?—"

"Isn't secure enough," Zy interrupted gently. "Grant is still out there. I have a penthouse with top-notch security. Will you stay there, just until we're sure you're not in danger?"

She hesitated, clearly torn between independence and practicality. Finally, she nodded. "Okay. But only for a few days. I can't hide forever."

Relief washed over him. "Thank you. I promise, we'll figure this out together."

True to his word, Zy whisked Ellie away to his penthouse as soon as she was discharged. The sleek, modern space with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the city skyline was a far cry from the sterile clinic environment.

"Wow," Ellie breathed as she took in the opulent surroundings. "This place is incredible."

Zy shrugged, suddenly self-conscious. "It's home. Make yourself comfortable. Are you hungry? I can order something in."

Ellie's stomach growled in response, making them both chuckle. "I could eat," she admitted.

"Chinese?" Zy suggested, already reaching for his phone.

"Perfect."

While they waited for the food to arrive, Zy gave Ellie a tour of the penthouse, showing her to the guest room where she'd be staying. He'd had Adonis arrange for some of her clothes and personal items to be brought over.

"I hope this is okay," he said, gesturing to the neatly arranged belongings. "I didn't want to overstep, but I thought you might like some familiar things."

Ellie's eyes softened. "It's more than okay. Thank you, Zy. You're so thoughtful."

The arrival of their food provided a welcome distraction from the intensity of the moment. They settled on the plush couch in the living room, an array of takeout containers spread before them on the coffee table.

"So," Ellie said around a mouthful of lo mein, "since we're apparently having a slumber party, want to watch something?"

Zy quirked an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"

"How do you feel about crime dramas?"

Which was how Zy found himself, hours later, utterly engrossed in a Law & Order SVU marathon. He'd never been much for television, but there was something oddly compelling about the procedural format.

"Wait," he said as the credits rolled on their third episode. "That's it? We don't find out what happened to the victim's family or with some of these victims?"

Ellie laughed at his indignant expression. "Welcome to the frustrating world of episodic TV. Sometimes you don't get all the answers."

Zy frowned. "But how can you stand not knowing? Don't you want closure?"

"Of course," Ellie replied, reaching for the last spring roll. "That's half the fun. I usually end up googling similar real-life cases afterward, trying to piece together what might have happened."

"That seems... inefficient," Zy mused.

Ellie poked him playfully in the ribs. "Not everything has to be about efficiency, Mr. CEO. Sometimes it's fun to let your imagination fill in the blanks."

He caught her hand, his touch gentle but firm. "I prefer certainty," he murmured, his gaze intense. "Especially when it comes to things I care about."

The air between them crackled with tension. Ellie's breath hitched, her eyes searching his face. For a moment, Zy thought she might lean in, closing the distance between them.

Instead, she cleared her throat and reached for the remote. "Another episode?"

Zy released her hand, tamping down on his disappointment. "Sure. But I reserve the right to complain about any unresolved plotlines."

Ellie's laugh rang out, bright and genuine. "Deal."

As the night wore on, their conversation drifted to lighter topics. Zy found himself captivated by Ellie's animated descriptions of her favorite games, her eyes lighting up as she detailed intricate storylines and game mechanics. He shared amusing anecdotes from his early days in the industry, delighting in her laughter.

"I can't believe you actually pitched a game about sentient office supplies." Ellie giggled, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes.

Zy grinned, enjoying her amusement. "Hey, I stand by that concept. The world just wasn't ready for an epic saga starring a heroic stapler."

"Clearly, their loss," Ellie teased. Her expression softened. "Thank you for making me feel safe, and for... well, for just being you."

He reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll be anything you need me to be, beautiful," he murmured.

Ellie leaned into him and his breath caught in his chest. "Will you be mine? Will you make me yours?"

Hell yes. "If that's what you want."

"It's what I need." She kissed him again.

"Are you sure?"

"I want to be yours. Your mate. Now"

"Ellie we can wait on mating."

She shook her head. "You saved me, Zy. Now I want you to have me. All of me. I've been denying myself long enough. I don't want to wait anymore."

Neither did he. He let her pull him in for a kiss and allowed her to take the lead. His mate wanted him and with the scare he'd suffered seeing her surrounded by danger, he needed the connection. He needed her.