Page 40 of Not Dating Material

“But if he—”

“He will be. They know what to do.”

“Okay. I’ll call.”

“Right. I’ll meet you there.”

“I said I can handle this, dammit. Stay with your client.”

“Molly—”

“I’m serious.”

Seven lets out a frustrated sound. “I … I can’t.”

“Don’t make me blackmail you because I’ll do it. Keep your ass at work. I’ve got this.”

I hang up and find the number Seven mentioned, trying not to freak out when Xander slumps to the floor beside me. I’m shaking almost as much as him now, and while I really, really fucking really think the call I should be making is to a goddamn paramedic, I wait as patiently as I can until the line connects.

“George Park District Pharmacy.”

“Umm, hi.”

“Hi.”

“I’ve got Xander here. Is, ah, Derek available?”

“Of course, sweetie. What are the symptoms?”

“He’s been bitten by something and is having an allergic reaction.”

“Not a problem. We’ll be ready for him.”

The line cuts out, and I stare at the phone for a second before turning back to Xander. He’s on the floor, shivering uncontrollably.

His brain is forcing these feelings on him.

My heart sinks.

“Okay, up you get,” I say.

I hook my arm around him and help him to his feet. He can walk, thank god, and after strapping him into the front seat of my car, I jog around the hood to get behind the wheel, holding back the stress tears as best I can.

“Ah, where did you get bitten?”

“My … ankle …”

“Right. Umm.” I cast my mind around for the limited first aid knowledge I have. “Pretty sure you’re supposed to keep it elevated … right?”

He lifts his foot onto the dash.

“Good.”

Then I back out and follow the GPS directions to the pharmacy.

They’d been right in saying they’d be ready. As soon as we walk in, Xander’s ushered away from the customers at the front of the store and into a back room. The woman’s murmuring calming things as she helps him onto the bed, and then a man I’m assuming is Derek walks in the door.

He’s tall with black hair, a scruffy jaw, and sharp brown eyes. Eyes that do a double take at the sight of me before he steps around me to get to Xander.

---