Page 12 of Hart's Redemption

I couldn’t hold back a huff of laughter. The sound surprised me.

Dr. Lyons turned curious brown eyes on me. “What?”

“She chose the wrong person to fuck with. I’ve seen Josh be polite and make you question your existence on this earth. When he settles, she is going to be very sorry she ever crossed him.”

“Elijah, you need to know that day may never come. Tommy’s case is mild compared to Detective Hart’s. While I don’t agree with Dr. Florence’s methods, today’s outburst is a testament to that. Josh is volatile and unstable, and… he may stay that way.”

I shook my head. “You don’t know him like I do. He’s a fighter. The life he’s lived… Josh can conquer anything. He’ll conquer this too.”

“That’s another thing. Are you going to tell him what you saw in there?”

My hand stalled on Josh’s arm. He may not feel the gesture, but it reassured me. “I haven’t decided.”

“You might want to consider it more seriously. As you pointed out, the next full moon is almost here. Hewillturn. This may be your only chance.”

“We can’t let him turn here.”

Dr. Lyons blinked back at me. “Where would you have him turn? Pack land isn’t any safer for a number of reasons.”

She didn’t need to list them. I was very aware of the danger Conrad and other members of my pack posed to Josh’s life since they’d learned the truth of his identity. I also knew‌, much like Keith had done so many months ago, Josh could lose his mind and attack everyone near him in a mindless rage.

“There’s a reserve not too far from here. It’s mostly enclosed, but it’s a good stretch of land. We could go there.”

“I understand your desire to have him back, but I fear you’re ignoring the—”

“He needs a forest, a real one,” I said over her. “Small wonder he’s half-crazy considering the box y’all keep him in.”

“That’s not fair. We’re doing everything we can.”

“I know that, I do, but it doesn’t change the fact that he needs torun, to be free.”

Dr. Lyons crossed her arms and glanced at the discarded data tab.

“Please, Priscilla, you're his doctor now. You can make that call.”

“There would be forms that need to be filled out.”

For the first time in days, hope filled my chest. “Whatever you need.”

“By both of you,” she added.

“Right, of course. Just as soon as he wakes up.”

Dr. Lyons cracked a smile. “All right, I’ll see that you receive the disclosures and discharge paperwork.”

I released Josh’s hand and swept her up in a hug. “Thank you.”

“He will still have to prove he can manage the change. I’ll expect him to return for a physical immediately afterward. And of course, all of this is completely based on the assumption that he maintains control until then.”

I finally released her. “He will. You’ll see.”

She shook her head, but the smile continued to play about her lips. “In the meantime, I’m going to run relevant diagnostic tests on these samples Dr. Florence already obtained. Andyoushould go home and get some rest.”

“Sure thing.” We both knew I was lying, but she let it pass and turned away. “Hey, Priscilla?”

“Yes?”

“Tell Sabrina I said hi.”