“Yes. Stopping a drug suddenly can be dangerous because the body’s reactions can vary so greatly to the shock of withdrawal. We just don’t know enough about myst yet for me to allow you to detox on your own.”
“Fair enough.” Though he hated the idea of being placed in a hospital room. Maybe locked up for his own good, and others’. “I’ll try the weaning-off method.”
“I think that’s wise.”
“No other shifters have experienced problems with the drug except me?”
“None at our facility, but I’ll make some calls. We definitely have a few patients using myst, and you can bet we’ll be keeping a closer eye on them. It could be you’re one of the few unlucky shifters whose body isn’t taking well to the drug.” She lifted a sheaf of paper and studied some notes in his file. “We’ll continue counseling, though, and hopefully you won’t need another drug to help you cope. You’ve come a long way since you were first rescued.”
“Yeah.”
Mac paused. “Something else is eating at you. What is it?”
He stared at her. “How do you know?”
“You have a tell.”
“I do?” He tried to think what gave him away and came up with nothing. “What is it?”
Her lips curved up. “If I told, you’d stop doing it and ruin my powers of observation.”
“Damn.”
She sobered. “So, what’s wrong?”
“It’s not that it’s something that’s wrong per se, but . . . I’ve met my Bondmate.”
“You—your mate!” For the first time since he’d walked in, a huge, genuine smile spread across her face. “Micah, that’s wonderful, isn’t it?”
“Yes, absolutely. But it would be even more awesome if I wasn’t a drug-addicted head case! What if I hurt her like I almost did Noah this morning?”
If he did, he’d die. Just take himself out, quick and easy.
“We’ll make sure to get you well so that doesn’t happen,” she reassured him. “Besides, your wolf is wired to be even more protective of his mate than you are. I don’t think you’ll have to worry.”
“I hope not.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“Who is she?”
“One of the bartenders down at the Grizzly. Her name’s Jacee Buchanan.”
“Jacee?” Mac got a funny look on her face.
“Yeah, why? You know her?”
“I’ve met her a few times when we’ve been in there. But no, I don’t really know her.”
Something in her tone gave him pause. “You don’t like her.”
“No, it’s not that at all. Believe me.”
“But?”
Mac sighed. “Let’s just say her presence will make things a little more interesting around here for a while.”
“What does that mean? How so? Wait—is it because she’s a coyote?”
“No, that’s not it, either. I’m afraid you’ll have to ask Jacee,” Mac said. “It’s really not my place to say anything.”