They both tensed as the cop came back out. He didn't bother to look around this time, just got in and drove off. Maddie took a breath as Aidan slowly loosened his grip. Aghast, she snatched the arm back as she noticed the unmistakable gashes on his knuckles. They looked excruciating. Aidan, stood still as she inspected his battered hand. He had figured her to curl her lips at it, tsking him and scorning him about the consequences of violence. To his surprise, she instead held a concerned expression as she dutifully ran her fingers around the bone.

"It's not like they're broken. It's nothing."

Maddie felt a pang of guilt pulse through her like fever. Those gashes were there because he didn't want her hurt. And he was the only one willing to do anything. He fought, and was ready to fight again until Riko showed up. He deserved kindness, and what did she give him instead? She lashed out at him when he was the only one who didn't deserve it.

Aidan began to feel uneasy with her small hands cradling his. The soft pads of her fingertips roamed over his flesh so carefully, he forgot that it ached. No one touched him this way. Delicately, like a lover...

He needed to leave. At least get her out of the shadows before he's tempted to do a few discoveries with her of his own.

"Are we fugitives now?" Maddie cast a look towards the bar.

Aidan shook his head. "Trust me, the last thing Old Riko wants is to make a spectacle out of his bar with cops. I think you're safe from the long arm of the law." He cast her a stern face in warning. "I wouldn't ever go into that bar again though."

"I've been banned?"

Aidan slowly pulled his hand away. "Best thing that ever happened to you, really."

"From a bar? But I didn't do anything!"

Aidan tried to move from her, but she caught his hand again. "I know, but it's Riko's place and he can ban who he chooses." She was back examining his hand again with that feather touch. "Uh, could I have my hand back, please?"

"No."

Aidan was taken aback by her response. "No?"

"I mean," she squeezed her eyes such as if putting her thoughts in order pained her, "Uh, look, these are pretty nasty gashes. You need to get them patched up—"

Aidan frowned. "No hospital."

Maddie blew out an exasperated sigh. "I know, I know. You can handle a little scratch Macho Man!"

His mouth gaped open at her comment. "Macho Man?"

"You know, testosterone packing, punch throwing, karate kicking men who don't cry? The John Waynes and Arnold Schwarzeneggers?"

"Now you're insulting me again." He attempted to pull his hand, but she resisted.

"You're right," she sighed and bit her lip. "I don't mean to be a shrew. I'm asking you to let me patch you up."

"No hospitals. It's not a big deal, honest."

She smiled. "What about a clinic?"

Aidan frowned, puzzled.

She turned her head in direction of the nearby brick building. "That's my clinic over there. I can patch you up there without the unbearable stress of an emergency room." She began to walk towards the building, Aidan's hand gently in hers.

He shook away his temptation to smile. There was just no ending to the minx's sarcasm. Moreover, he couldn't stop himself from following her. He didn't say yes, but his curiosity of her kept him from refusing the gesture.

Aidan looked at the building's sign as he approached, sniffed the air and scowled. "A pet clinic?"

"Yes? I do have med supplies for humans, you know? Humans work in my place of business." Maddie turned loose his hand to grab her keys in her purse. As she fumbled through her little bag, Aidan briefly suggested to himself to make a break for it before he got her into more trouble. He figured it absurd as it presented itself, and couldn't level with himself why he was so worried of this woman.

As the door's locked snapped, Maddie pushed open the door and turned the lights on in one effortless move. Aidan figured to have stepped into broad daylight at the vision of the bright lemon yellow in the office. Oddly enough, the vivid color was the only out of the contemporary look of the place, and had suspected her as the culprit that modified it.

"Nice...color." Aidan stepped in looking around.

Maddie stopped walking to cast him a quelling look. "Don't go there."

Aidan threw his hands in surrender. "Wouldn't dare."

Maddie's faced blossomed into a soft smile. "Good. Cause I happen to like it." She threw her purse on the receptionist desk and walked behind it. "Now have a seat over here, Greta has my kit locked here up front."

Aidan, rather obediently, came up to the desk and sat in the chair behind it. Maddie started looking through a cabinet across from him. Watching her bent over rummaging through another cabinet, Aidan couldn't stop himself from staring at that gorgeous backside of hers. The woman had the sexist ass he'd ever seen. There was no way he could shake all the thoughts in his head now of all the things he could do with—and to—a body like hers. Never mind that she was considered off limits to his kind.

What the hell is wrong with you?! Leave her be!

He whipped his head back as she turned around with a container in her hand.

"Found it," Maddie shook it gently as she strode over to the desk. Sitting beside Aidan, she turned to pull her stool up to him and sat. It took her a moment to realize Aidan was staring at her.

Not looking at him, Maddie opened the kit and started taking items out. "You're not scared are you?"

"Should I be?"

"Well, do you trust a vet doctoring on you?"

Aidan could hear the underlying bitterness in her voice as she rolled up his sleeve to examine him. In fact, the irony was enough to make him roll in his seat. What medical assistance could be more apropos?

"Veterinarians are doctors," he said looking down at her hands touching him, "I'm sure you know basic human medical as well as many other species."

Maddie paused and looked up at him in amazement.

"I may actually be in better hands here than an M.D. I suppose." He looked up and met her light brown eyes, realizing his compliment based on his theory was correct.

At that moment, Maddie could've kissed him. He didn't have any idea that simple affirmation meant so much to her. So often she was ridiculed for being a vet. Many assuming she was some sort of "med school reject" and "settled" for veterinary medicine. In fact, Erick gave her that same low blow just before they broke up. Her mother and grandmother told her a long time ago it was her calling, and that Maddie's 'healing hands' would benefit more caring for animals—those who would be grateful for it. It was weird, but she agreed with them. Her family was nothing if not a little creepy.

"Thank you for that." She said quietly. Her tone was heartfelt and tugging he barely recognized her voice. Aidan was satisfied she welcomed the compliment. He meant every word. Vets were very much admired by his kind, so much that Aristans were often influenced to become veterinarians themselves. The value of one was indispensable, especially to Aristans who refused to fight in human skin, or damaged to where they were too weak to change back to human form. He knew enough of them to know the stigma that often came with the profession. Could see the past anger in her eyes of those who have belittled her. It made him angry for her.

"For trusting you?"

"Yes." She paused dabbing peroxide on his cut. "For everything." She blew on his cut across his arm and tensed as it sent chills throughout his body. Though he knew it wasn't intentional, the sensation of her cool breath on his skin was flirty and seductive. "We started off on the wrong foot, haven't we?"

"Perhaps."

"I'm sorry for yelling at you, being a royal bitch." She said while placing gauze on one cut on his forearm. "Thank you for helping me out of that mess. It sucks you're banned from that place too. I know you were only trying to help me."

Aidan grunted. It did suck. He was bound to be banished from that bar given what he is, but he needed some answers first. Now the Thesians will be on guard for him now, and perhaps warn Kieran before he could get his hands on him. However, there wasn't any regret in doing what he did for her. "That bar sucked anyway."

"You're right it did, stupid bar. Stupid...Neanderthals." She pouted her soft, oval face, pretending to be angry.

Then Aidan did something he hadn't done in forever.

The corner of his lips curved into a breathtaking smile, his features brightened and turned so incredibly sexy, Maddie's heart fluttered at the sight of it.

Goodness, the man was beguiling! He definitely needs to smile more often!

She beamed. "Was that a smile?"

He looked back at her hands tending to him, letting his smile fade. "Perhaps."

"That was a smile." Her face triumphant as if she won some great battle. She dabbed alcohol on his other hand. "What's your name?"

"Aidan."

She blew on his cut and pulled his hand onto her lap. "I like that name. Aidan." She met his eyes levelly as she pronounced his name. "I'm Madeline. My friends call me Maddie. Where are you from?"

Aidan cocked his head as she dutifully tended to him. She didn't fear him, nor hate him. A stranger to her, her heart reached out to assist him. Her altruism was blowing him away just as much as her feather touch that seemed to heat his blood.

"Maryland."

"Never been there, but I've heard the scenery is awesome. That's a long haul. You out visiting?"

"Interrogating me, doctor?" He quipped.

"No," she smiled. "I wouldn't be small town if I didn't mettle. Besides, I will be sending you a bill, so I'd like to know where to send it."

"Ah. Here I thought you were showing a gesture?" He smiled.

"Well, one good turn deserves another, but business is business." She said smiling back at him as she closed the bandage on his arm. She ran her hand around his bicep to make sure the bandage was smoothed. Maddie actually enjoyed tending to his boo-boos. It was a great excuse to grope around on his delicious body. To feel the hardness of his honed, lean body. Let's face it, he was definitely the best looking patient she's had thus far.

Aidan looked into her eyes, a little overwhelmed he managed to find himself with this woman who sought to be kind. Looking around, he found himself worried for her well being. This wasn't a town to help strangers. "Do you make a habit of tending to strangers all alone?"

Maddie shrugged. "I hate to blow your ego up, but in truth, no. It appears you're a special case." She was amazed herself at her trusting kindness rising to the surface again with him. For such a long time, she reserved her hospitality to animals, which have proven to be more accepting of help. After Eric, she realized that all her kindness would do was get her used and hurt. Now, Aidan shows up and she practically rolls out the red carpet for him. "My Nana says that all friends were strangers once."

"That's a dangerous sentiment, Maddie. Taking in strays."

"I appreciate the concern, but that's kinda my territory." Applying the liquid sealant on one gash, she glances at him. "Besides, it's dangerous to take on a whole bar as well."

"That's... different."

Maddie nodded. "Umm hmm." Her voice playfully unconvinced. "What if I was to tell you that I happen to know that you aren't going to hurt me? That I could tell if you would?"

"Is that so?" Aidan leaned back, curious of her explanation. "I would ask you how."

"Well, I, being a vet, can read a lot of body languages and such since I deal with patients that cannot speak. I know mannerisms that are threatening."

"Go on."

"Well," She cleared her throat, and tried not to stare at him. He was unbelievably easy on the eyes. "For starters, you haven't challenged me yet. Many animals stand their ground and stare me down, intimidating you to back off, especially since you're injured. It's a vulnerability most animals can't stand, and won't let you near them."

"Is that it?"

"Yeah, and you haven't initiated closing in space enough to attack me.

"Hmm. Am I that transparent?"

"Let's just say I'm not an idiot. I trust you, but I do have a shotgun in close proximity to me as well."

He wanted to smile in disbelief, but he honestly wasn't sure if she was joking or not.

"You don't trust your instincts?"

Maddie's spunk got knocked down a few notches as she thought of Eric. "I don't give them too much clout anymore." She rebounded with a little smirk, but not fast enough to keep Aidan from seeing the pain on her face a moment ago.

"Thank you." Aidan inspected the bandage. His other hand was still on her lap, resting against the dip of her thighs. Her skirt was of such thin, silky material, it felt as if his hand rested on water. As he stared down at her bare legs between them, he wondered if her skin felt the same way—or better.

He shook the thought away. Annoyed with himself for being so taken by the interest of her. Of Maddie. The human. But something about her kept him wanting to explore who she was.

"You're welcome. Aidan. I don't mind helping you at all." She placed the extra bandages back in the case and snapped it. "You were an excellent patient. Not a single whine." She gifted him a kind-hearted smile. "I'd give you a lollipop if I had one, but most of my patients enjoy doggy biscuits instead."

Before Aidan could stop himself, the hand on her lap hooked around her waist and pulled her in the stool even closer to him. Their eyes locked, and though her face was shocked by the quick gesture, he sensed no fear from her. How was it she was comfortable with him? A lot of times, he just gave people the creeps, but Maddie looked at him as if she was fascinated with him. He found it odd.

Maddie swallowed hard as the faint scent of him and sandalwood surrounded her. There was something very demanding and predatorily sexy about the man before her. Possessing a raw, masculine power about him that was tempting, frightening and deadly. The air around him seemed to hold a thickness between them, as if he was more than he appeared. It drew her to taste that power, and the thought of it nearly left her speechless.

"You just... closed the space between us..." she trailed off as she stared at his lips. Heaven be merciful and let me sample those please?

"So it would seem." He leaned closer to her, as if his body wanted to gravitate to her. He couldn't remember the last time a woman ever riled him up. And never a human.

"Are you planning to attack me?" Maddie leaned into him, feeling his body heat.

"Not...exactly." He voice became distracted and slow as he concentrated on the idea of claiming a taste of her. Feeling the softness of those heart-shaped lips. Never had been compelled to do such a thing before.

The spell was broken as Maddie jumped at the sound of loud knocking on her front office door.

Aidan quickly stood up glaring at the door. Maddie stood up as well, her body tense from the sudden intrusion.

"Who is it?" She asked shakily, as she cut her eyes to Aidan, who hasn't taken his eyes off the door and the shadow behind the blinds.

"It's Sheriff McTiernan. I saw your light on."

She cringed. She couldn't let him in with Aidan there all bandaged up, the sheriff will place him at the bar.

Aidan still stared at the door, his look unyielding and deadly. "You better go greet him so he'll know you're okay."

"And that I'm not harboring a suspect?" She whispered to him.

"That too."

"What about you? If Sheriff—"

"Answer the door, Maddie. As for me, I don't exist."

"I'm a terrible liar, Aidan."

"It'll be in both our best interests for you to rise to the occasion then."

The Sheriff knocked again. "You okay in there?"

She ran to the door and midway she stopped to check on Aidan. Her mouth gaped open to find him gone. Without a trace.

Okay, like that's not creepy.

She shook her body loose and opened the blinds. Sure enough, a tall, pudgy man all in tan stood in front of her door. She offered him a smile, unlocked the door and opened it to see him.

"Sheriff McTiernan."

"Good evening Doc," he gave her a curt smile. "Sorry to disturb you, but I noticed your lights were on at such a late hour and thought maybe someone had broken in or something."

"Oh," looked around. "Thank you. But I just decided to stay and finish some lab work and what not. I had a busy day today." She backed away from the door as the Sheriff walked in looking around. He took his hat off and scanned the office. "You do lab work in the dark, Doc?"

She scowled in confusion as she saw that the backlights were off.

Shit!

"Actually, I was getting ready to leave when you knocked. I still have to open this place back up again at seven in the morning, and I'm beat."

He nodded. "Ah, I hear that." He strolled past her and turned the lights on in the lab.

She held her breath as she thought he'd find Aidan hiding in there. But there was nothing. Just a few samples on the table. She scowled at the Sheriff, for it seemed to have peeved her that he didn't believe her.

"Sheriff, is something wrong?" She turned the lights back off, her face struggling to appear polite.

"There was a disturbance across the street a while ago. You know, over at Riko's Bar?"

"Really?"

"Yeah, some guy started a brawl in there and ran out."

Maddie tensed as she realized Riko completely put the blame on Aidan. She quelled her need to plead his innocence and simply folded her arms. "Those bars, what do you expect?"

"You haven't seen anyone strange around here, any noises or people bothering you?"

Maddie shook her head. "Nope, it's been peaceful here."

McTiernan gave her a little smile. "That's good. At least you're safe. When you're working late, make sure all your doors are locked alright."

"Thanks Sheriff, I'll remember that." She lead him out of the office. "You have a nice night."

He placed his hat back on. "You too Doc. Don't work too hard."

"I'll try not to." She nodded as she closed and locked the door on him. Maddie then turned her attention to the silent, empty office, looking around. "Aidan? Are you still here?" She turned the light on back in the lab and saw nothing. She knew he couldn't have been in the kennels, because the animals would have given him away. Walking back to the front desk she plopped down on the stool and sighed.

"What a day." She twirled in the stool and stopped abruptly as a gold reflection on the floor caught her eye. Moving the other chair to the side, Maddie picked up the small medallion that she remembered to be around Aidan's neck. She sat on the floor and examined the beautiful, intricate markings on the edges. It looked antique and held a mild shine on the gold. Two silver crescent moons formed an "X" in the center and was smooth to the touch. The latch that held it on a chain was worn off and broken. It was intriguing and mysterious. Like Aidan.

She clasped it in her hands as she stood up taking another glance around her office, making sure no one was there.

"I could use some sleep." She prepared to close up and smiled to herself. Despite their unconventional introduction, Maddie couldn't help but hope this wouldn't be the last she saw of Aidan.

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