Battle Tested by Laura Scott

Author:Laura Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-07-09T01:37:39+00:00

* * *

Isaac inwardly grimaced as his statement hung like a radioactive force field between them. He hadn’t intended to come across so blunt, but it was probably better in the long run.

He’d spent what had been left of last night wide-awake in a vain attempt to keep Vanessa from invading his dreams. He couldn’t ever remember feeling so tied up in knots over a woman.

She pulled over to the curb in front of the veterinary clinic and parked in one of the short-term slots. He almost wished she wasn’t coming in with him but he needed to remain with her, refusing to go back on his promise to protect her.

He went around back and stood in front of her, casting a glance up and down the road. “Ready?”

“Of course.”

Keeping her and Eagle in front of him, he entered the clinic and caught Airman Fielding’s eyes. “Is Captain Roark busy? I’d like to check on Beacon.”

“He was examining Beacon earlier. Let me get him for you.” The young woman left the main desk, returning in less than a minute. “Captain Roark has Beacon settled in exam room number three.”

It was frustrating to have to see Beacon in the exam rooms, but sensed it would be better than touching him through the metal bars of a kennel. He entered the exam room, suddenly feeling an odd sense of peace that Vanessa was beside him.

Kyle stood next to the table, holding Beacon’s collar. The German shepherd lifted his head and thumped his tail as Isaac approached. “Hey, buddy. You’re looking better today.” He bent over to bury his face in Beacon’s neck.

“He is better today,” Kyle confirmed. “The area of hemorrhage has shrunk considerably, which is a good sign.”

The news was a balm of relief. “I’m glad to hear it.”

Kyle stroked Beacon’s fur. “He was definitely feisty last night, giving Airman Fielding a hard time.”

“I’d apologize except that’s Beacon’s normal nature, which makes me happy,” Isaac said with a wry smile. “It must mean he’s getting better.”

“I think so, too.” Kyle gave a nod of satisfaction. “In fact, if the CT scan looks good tomorrow, I’m inclined to send him home with you.”

“I’d love it,” Isaac said. “As long as you think he’ll be okay.”

“I wouldn’t discharge him if I wasn’t sure of that.” Kyle stepped back. “I’ll give you a few minutes, then I need to get him back to the kennel.”

Isaac murmured reassurances to the animal, much the way he had when they were stranded on the edge of a mountainside. Vanessa didn’t say anything, but having her there was more than enough.

“Ready to go?” he asked her a few moments later, breaking the silence.

“Sure,” Vanessa agreed.

As they walked outside to where Vanessa had left her SUV, he noticed a brunette walking beside a medium-size Belgian Malinois. There was something familiar about her facial features...

Then it hit him. She was Jacey Burke, Jake’s younger sister. He remembered Jake telling him how they’d both joined the Air Force out of high school and had both become dog handlers.

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