He used the designated entrance, positive no one would stop him; of course his ID was up-to-date if they did. He smiled as he passed the nurses’ station, listening to their whispers. Probably the women who didn’t know his brother personally would mistake him for Derrick. Sure he had two inches and about twenty pounds on his older brother, but most women only saw the tall, dark, and handsome doctor. Why couldn’t Victoria see that? he wondered. Though, he knew why. To Victoria, he was just another creatus, a brother in arms. She’d grown up with him, had fought most of the males. She’d been the only female near their age, so she didn’t hang out with the girls. She played football and basketball with them. It wasn’t as if they’d complain; they needed players, as they certainly couldn’t play with humans.
Michael stepped into the hospital room, pleased to see that she was alone. He’d rather not have to explain to a parent or fiancé why someone other than her regular doctor was here.
Beth’s face had cleared up some over the last couple of days. Such a shame. She really was a pretty girl. He’d always been a fan of strawberry blondes. Derrick thought he hated all humans. He didn’t. He just wasn’t willing to let any human jeopardize their way of life, nor would he let a creatus for that matter. He planned to do his job to the fullest, whatever it took.
Chapter Thirty-three
Kris grabbed the plate of pizza as soon as the man threw it on the counter and shoved bites down her throat as she ran the long stretch of corridor, which she was positive had doubled in length. Not as enjoyable as she’d imagined when she had to keep checking the time. At a couple minutes late, she was fine. Ten, she started to tap her foot in exasperation. Fifteen, she’d demanded they just give it to her as it was.
She rounded the hallway and saw Derrick coming out of the couple’s lounge, his white robe still wrapped around him. He made eye contact, and at first, a look of utter gratitude washed over his features as he pulled to a stop, both of his hands running through his hair. But then, if looks could kill, well, when she’d thought Victoria was dangerous looking, she’d been way off.
“I’m sorry…” She almost fell into him, the paper plate still clutched in her hand. “I’m so sorry. I was running to get back before we were supposed to meet.”
He exhaled a breath as one arm latched around her body and his hand cupped her face. Kris stared up to see his eyes completely glazed over. He pulled her against him. “I thought—” He ran his hands through her hair and kissed her forehead. “Please don’t ever scare me like that again. Any other time I wouldn’t freak out that you’re late, but right now, with that maniac—”
“I’m sorry,” she said again, her words disappearing into his chest as he squeezed her tighter.
“Pizza?” he groaned, pressing his lips to the top of her head, as if just happy she was with him. “All you had to do was order it. They would have brought it to you.”
She peered up at him, feeling like a little girl. “I didn’t want to eat it in front of you.”
“Why on earth not?” he demanded, his voice rising a fraction.
“Because you can’t eat it.”
Derrick swiped his hand across his forehead. “Kristina, I’ve never even tasted pizza, so I don’t miss anything. But oddly enough, it doesn’t appeal to me. It’d be like offering a great white shark ice cream.”
She covered her mouth to retain a laugh. “Yesterday a superhero, today a great white?”
“I’m not comparing myself to a shark. I’m just saying pizza isn’t in our food group. We don’t crave food the way humans do. We eat when we’re hungry, simple as that.” He lifted her chin. “And you’re in trouble, so stop trying to change the subject by laughing.”
She dropped her head. “I really am sorry. I knew you’d be worried, but I thought it’d only take a few minutes.”
Derrick scooped up her hand and led her to the couple’s area so they could change and be on with their day. “We’ll find him, Kristina. I promise. And then I won’t go insane when you’re fifteen minutes late. It’s just—”
She pulled him to a stop before he opened the door. “I understand, Derrick. This is serious. I know you’re not being ridiculously obsessive. I saw Beth; I know this is real. I just figured I was safe here.”
He nodded and pulled her against him again. “You are safe, but I can’t take any chances. I can’t lose you. I just got you.”
She smiled, even though he couldn’t see it. She felt the same way. She’d been irresponsible. “I promise. I’ll never cause you to worry again.”
Obviously comforted, he lifted her chin and kissed her again. “Okay. So, since you’ve already eaten lunch, how about we go change before we head off to our next adventure?”
“Maybe we can take a little nap before getting ready,” she said suggestively, hoping he wasn’t too upset with her. Though, oddly enough, he didn’t seem angry at all. It’s as though he’d gotten over his frustration in seconds.
“Well, our reservation is at two, so I’m sure we can fit in a nap if you’re tired.” He raised his eyebrows in question, but then continued, “But first off, I have to go in and settle our bill and make certain the staff doesn’t have us thrown out for disorderly conduct.”
Kris bit down on her lip. “Um… exactly what did you do?”
“I was looking for you the last place I saw you—the ladies’ locker room. They don’t like men in there, it seems.”
Catching the gist of his confession, Kris mashed her lips together to keep from laughing again, even though she knew it wasn’t funny. “You think? It’s not as if you can sneak in and out.”
He shook his head. “There wasn’t any sneaking going on, believe me. I’m surprised you didn’t hear me from the other side of the hotel.”
She nibbled on her bottom lip, her head lowered. She’d have to be extra nice to him when they returned to the room. He was being kind, but evidently, he’d been more upset than he’d let on. “Okay. I’ll go get my stuff out of the locker while you make amends.”
“I’m sure there will be a hefty tip involved.” He pushed open the door and stopped, peering into the eyes of the woman who’d checked them in earlier. He shrugged. “Found my wife.”
Kris cringed and then slunk off toward the ladies’ room, knowing Derrick would take care of everything.
Two hours later, Kris stood bundled in a harness and helmet, ready to take on the largest treetop zip line, approximately 165 feet off the ground. It didn’t sound high when she was on the ground, learning how to zip line five feet above the snow. But now looking over the expanse of the hemlock canopy below her to the platform over eight hundred feet away, she knew she’d been utterly insane to think she could do this. She was sixteen stories up; even Derrick couldn’t fall from this height and live. Or, at least she didn’t think he could. She’d never actually asked. The guide had mentioned that some of the trees were two hundred and fifty years old, dating back to The Revolutionary War. So they were strong and sturdy. The zip lines consisted of two vinyl-covered cables, assuring they were completely safe, and she’d been okay on the first few zips. Even the sky bridges they’d crossed had been okay. But getting a bird’s eye view of Rosebrook Canyon, she was having second thoughts.