Jake gathered Liam’s snout in his hand once more and began to dress the wound. “I’ve never seen a lion that big.” He continued. “Never seen one that close, either. I knew you were lucky your injuries weren’t worse, but I really didn’t know how lucky. Is that why you think she’s a shifter? Because she could have killed you and she didn’t? Or because she’s the size of a horse?”

Liam lifted his paw over the word pad again.

Yes.

“Right. Didn’t really realize how big you are, either. I know that sounds daft, doesn’t it? But I guess it’s because I never saw you standing on your hind legs before. Hmm, you know, now that I’ve got this blood cleaned out, it doesn’t look too bad. Like most head injuries, it’s going to bleed a lot because the vascular system is so dense.” Jake wasn’t even sure if Liam was listening, or if he cared, but he kept talking anyway. “Sorry that your adventure outside turned into such a mess.”

Jake stepped back to study his work, and his breath caught in his throat as Liam looked up to meet his gaze with big, dark, soulful eyes. Even if Jake knew nothing about Liam specifically or shifters in general, he would know there was something very special about this dog. His eyes were bright with intelligence, and he didn’t know what Liam might be thinking, there was no doubt that his brain was always working, collecting and processing information, forming opinions, reaching conclusions. Liam was well-loved by his coworkers, and if Jake had any doubt of their affection and loyalty, it would have been put to rest in the three days since his injuries, as they came in at any opportunity to check if Liam was alright, if there were any improvements, if he was comfortable, if he needed anything, always speaking with warmth and genuine concern. Jake could even feel himself becoming more attached to Liam, and the day Liam was released from his care would be a very happy one, but a part of Jake was already dreading it. He was going to miss the massive dog, and he doubted the man would have any time for Jake.

“You’re such a handsome dog, you know that? Yeah, you are.” He began cleaning away the used equipment and discarded the blood-stained patches of medical gauze. His tone turned wistful as he kept talking, even though he tried his best to sound upbeat, “You’re a pretty fucking handsome man too, come to that, even if you do hate my guts.”

No.

Jake turned sharply, wondering if Liam had bumped the word pad accidentally. His paw was suspended above the button and he pressed it again.

No.

He made his way back to the table. “No?” Liam pressed the button a third time, fixing Jake with those liquid eyes, “As in, no, you don’t think you’re a handsome man?”

No.

“Or ... no, you don’t hate me?”

Yes.

Jake felt like his heart rate kicked up a notch. It certainly had felt like Liam couldn’t even stand the sight of him the last time he’d seen him as a man, but a lot had happened since then. He beamed happily, scratching over Liam’s back and flank, breaking into a chuckle as Liam’s tail began wagging again.

“Well, that’s good. Since we’re going to be working together, we should be mates, right?” It would certainly make Jake’s life easier if he didn’t have to worry about the most popular guy in the unit, and the freaking pack leader, hating his guts. “Okay, my man, you’re due for some painkillers now, and while you’re resting, I’ll see if I can find you a proper bed.”

Jake turned to the cabinet to prepare the syringe, and when he looked back to Liam, he saw that Liam was looking directly at him. He moved to the other side of the room to switch on the overhead light, and Liam tracked every step. He remembered the way Liam reacted to the lion, putting himself between the threat and Jake, as though the fence wasn’t even there and Liam was the only thing that could protect Jake from danger. Maybe it wasn’t just that he didn’t hate Jake, maybe he was starting to view Jake as part of his work pack? There was something thrilling in the thought of this magnificent creature being invested in Jake’s safety. And that thrill deepened when Liam rested his chin on Jake’s shoulder, sitting patiently while Jake guided the needle between his shoulders.

Instead of pulling away once the syringe was empty, Jake turned his face into the thick scruff of Liam’s neck. He inhaled deeply, trying to catch the smell of Liam beneath the antiseptic, sterile smell of medical care. There was a hint of the outdoors still clinging to him, the wind that had rippled through his fur, the warmth of the sun, the green smell of fresh grass and dirt. Jake was prepared to step back at the slightest sign of discomfort, but Liam seemed content to rest his weight against Jake, his freshly bandaged snout not quite touching Jake’s neck.

Something about the way Liam was nestled against him made Jake feel a little fluttery. The huge dog seemed in no hurry to move away so Jake did the only thing that made sense at that moment. He lifted his arms and curled them around Liam’s body and ran his hands over the thick glossy fur.