He was a complete and utter idiot who had allowed his tiger to run free with his brain. That had to be the only reason he was overseeing the maintenance crew installing a reserved parking space placard in the closest spot to the hospital entrance with Carolline’s name on it.

Devon had gotten reports the day before from Frank about how slowly the woman had been moving getting from her car to her floor. Frank had tracked her with the security cameras per his explicit request. The footage was sent over to his house for him to go through, since he’d not gone to work that day.

Well, that wasn’t true. He’d snuck in at one point meaning to grab a few files he’d locked away and somehow ended up on Carolline’s floor pacing the hallway in a futile attempt to get a glance of her. The door had been closed and he knew he couldn’t spend all day waiting, despite what his tiger said. He was also going to ignore the fact he was basically scenting the area to scare off any others who thought to head her way. It made no rational sense because it was a damn public hospital and she had appointments, with patients, practically strangers.

Once common sense kicked in, he left and headed to where he felt he was more needed. The kids weren’t ready to be away from him. The shock of what had happened sunk in over the weekend, and he’d ended up with three little bodies joining him in bed and anywhere else he wanted to go. All unwilling to let him out of their sight. He’d understood and adjusted accordingly.

The only reason he was at work now was because he’d promised them they could skip school, except for Sebby, and come to work with him. Miss Crabtree came at them with open arms and hugged the living daylights out of them. She promised them cookies and games. Stories and warmth and comfort. It helped that his parents came with them to make sure they were settled in.

Only then had he been able to walk away and concentrate on other pressing matters. Knowing they were being cared for, and knowing there was additional security working in the daycare, assuaged his concerns. The Sheriff had been very accommodating with Devon’s request.

Don’t get him wrong, there was a part of his brain completely occupied with his children’s welfare; the tiger, however, was content with their safety and focused on his mate.

Fuck, his mate!

Who had yet to arrive.

The gate guards for the staff parking confirmed it when he’d approached to let them know where to direct Carolline to her new parking spot. There was no chance of her being elsewhere.

He hoped like hell she hadn’t overdone it the day before. He knew she’d gone home a couple hours after arriving; yet, he didn’t know what she’d done after she left the staff parking lot.

The only thing he could do now was get back to work and wait for updates. There had to be a limit to his stalker tendencies. He hoped.

Carolline rolled to a stop at the security gate for the staff parking lot. She was running late. Though she felt better than the day before, she took her time showering and getting ready. The hot water running over her skin and pounding into her muscles had felt a little too good.

It was fine being late, except when it came to parking. She didn’t look forward to the hike from whatever top floor spot she could find to her floor.

“Good morning, Dr. Greene,” the guard greeted her.

She passed her badge over the scanner. “Good morning, Sammie. Is it a full lot today?”

He grinned. “Of course, ma’am.”

“Great,” she mumbled as she waited for the heavy security arm to raise.

“You don’t have to worry though, ma’am. Dr. Andersen said you have a new reserved spot now.”

“Excuse me?”

“Yes, ma’am. If you head over to the hospital staff entrance, there should be a spot right there just for you.”

“I didn’t ask for a spot.”

“Dr. Andersen felt you deserved one. I’m sure it’s his way of thanking you for saving his cubs.”

Carolline frowned. “He didn’t need to, but I don’t think I’ll argue with him about it right now. I’m still feeling the effects of that tussle.” She smiled at Sammie and he smiled back.

The heavy arm of the gate lifted and he waved her through.

Carolline drove through the parking garage slowly, and when she got to where Sammie told her to go, sure enough, there was a spot reserved for her in big bold letters.

A giddy bubble of laughter burst from her lips. While her mind resisted, barely, her body and her tigon, greatly appreciated the gesture from her mate.

A soft growl slipped past her lips. Not from her mate. He was just a man. Just someone who appreciated what she’d done. That was all!