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comforted Daniel.
    The man put his glasses back on and started to speak. “Like I’ve said before, his shape-shifter nature ensures his full physical recovery.” He paused. “However, that doesn’t mean the situation shouldn’t be given full attention. Daniel, the symptoms you’ve been experiencing are psychosomatic—caused by stress.”
    Daniel had figured out that much. “Thank you, Doctor. I have been under a fair amount of pressure, but I will make sure to take care of myself more from now on.”
    “I’m not sure it will be enough. Please, let me finish, Daniel.” Dr.
    Jenkins frowned. “You probably don’t remember much of what happened when you were sick, but your body does. This is why, in moments of mental anguish, it… I suppose I could say that it believes it’s sick.”
    “Yes, Doctor, you’ve told me this before. I—”
    “And yet, you don’t take it seriously,” the other man interrupted him. “I highly recommend you staying in bed for the next couple of days, and avoid all sources of stress. I would prefer it to be here at the clinic.”
    Daniel’s eyes widened. Jenkins might have been his once-upon-a-time crush, but he was wrong about one thing. Daniel did understand the seriousness of disease. He did remember his sickness, perhaps not completely, but bits and pieces came to him all the time. And because The Love He Squirreled Away
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    he recalled this, he refused to be hospitalized when he didn’t need to be.
    Besides, Soren was waiting. He’d sounded pissed off on the phone, and Daniel really needed to talk to him. “That’s all right, Doctor,” he said, offering the man a smile he did not feel. “I promise such precautions are not necessary. I’ll take care of myself better from now on. Now if you’ll excuse me, I really must go.”
    His father Benjamin glowered at him. “Dani, you’re being rude.
    The doctor knows what he’s talking about.” Turning toward Jenkins, he said, “I’m sorry. He just has this idea that he’s found a mate.”
    Jenkins’s brows shot up. “A mate?” he repeated.
    “A wolf mate out, of all things.” His mother didn’t sound judgmental, but she did seem upset.
    “Well, I suppose that explains it.” Jenkins frowned. “Look, Daniel, I really must recommend you go back on the capsules.”
    Daniel got up and shook his head resolutely. He didn’t want the medicine. It made his brain fuzzy and his world strange. The time he’d spent taking those capsules had been almost the worst in his life, second only to his sickness. He already had a treatment he was taking.
    He didn’t need more pills.
    “I appreciate your concern, but I’m afraid I must refuse. I’m fine with my current prescription.” He stole a look at the clock at the wall.
    “Thank you for coming, and for your advice. Good day.”
    Without further ado, Daniel turned his back on his parents and fled the house. They’d nag him later, but now, he really needed to meet up with Soren.
    Since he was unable to take the car, he chose the subway instead and reached the park just as his three hours were up. He saw Soren already waiting in front of the meeting spot.
    On normal circumstances, Daniel would have been thrilled, but Soren had been behaving strangely. Daniel made his way to his mate’s side and greeted him warily. “Hi, Soren.”

    40
    Scarlet Hyacinth
    The wolf didn’t even greet him back. “Who was he?” Soren asked, his expression dark. “Who was the man?”
    Daniel blinked in shock. “What man?”
    “The guy I heard over the phone.” Daniel had never seen Soren look so furious. “Jesus, you smell like him.”
    Daniel gaped as he realized the reason behind Soren’s little fit.
    The wolf had overheard Daniel’s father and thought Sean was his lover. The disgust on Soren’s face clearly illustrated it.
    Daniel bit the inside of his cheek so hard he tasted blood. He’d been the one to make all the compromises. He’d been the one who’d accepted Soren’s