Free Racing The Alpha (Dirt Track Dogs #1) by P. Jameson Page B

there’s nothing in it. It’s just cut real bad. I can fix this.” He met her gaze, apologetic. “It’s going to hurt.” And then he covered the laceration with his palm.
    His touch was scalding, and Ella locked her jaw against the pain. Seconds passed, maybe minutes, and then the touch turned warm and soothing instead of fiery. She almost moaned at the change. The relief from the pain was incredible.
    “Better?” he asked.
    “How did you do that?”
    But as soon as she asked the question, her wolf knew the answer. Shifters could heal on their own, with time. But an intended mate could help the healing process along. It was the power within their bond. The power of two. And it was nothing short of magic.
    Drake let out a harsh breath. “It’s because you’re mine. You and me, together…” He shook his head in wonder. “We can do amazing things.”
    Sirens wailing brought her attention to the flurry of activity around them. Her gaze landed on Blister standing a few feet away. His eyes were wide with horror, his scar contorting in a terrifying way. She might not know him well, but she knew he was worried. Possibly even scared for her.
    “I’m okay,” she mouthed.
    He blinked, and she repeated herself to reassure him. Finally he nodded, running a shaky hand through his hair.
    “This way,” Diz said, clearing the way for the paramedics. Immediately, they went to work on Punk.
    Ella held her breath, silently begging whoever was listening from the heavens that her friend would be okay.
    “Ella! Punk!”
    Blister jerked his head in the direction of Annie’s hysterical voice. She pushed through the crowd, crouching down to examine Ella.
    “Are you okay?” she wailed. Tears streamed down her face faster than she could wipe them away. “Tell me you’re okay.”
    “I’m fine, Annie. Punk’s hurt.”
    “No,” she breathed. Her gaze bounced all around in panic. The paramedics, Surge, back to Ella, Drake, Blister.
    When her eyes landed on him, he turned his face to hide his scar.
    “They’re going to take care of her.” Ella squeezed her friend’s hand. Damn it, she hoped she was right. She couldn’t lose someone else so soon.
    Peering through the dust, she saw Diz helping Beast out of his mangled car. He ripped off his helmet and threw it before pacing a tight circle. He yelled something at Diz and gestured in the direction of the fence. He started their way but Diz stopped him with a shove to the chest. After a moment Beast nodded, conceding.
    Drake was right. Beast was going to be okay.
    Ella held Annie’s hand while the paramedics eased Punk onto a board and then onto a stretcher.
    “I’m going with her,” Annie said. “Will you meet me at the hospital?”
    Ella started to answer but hesitated. The hospital. It would be the first time since daddy’s death. The thought of walking those halls, smelling antiseptic, the blood, the needles and tubes…
    Drake’s hand landed on the small of her back. His touch promised more than just support. It was her future, her healing, and full of love.
    She could do this, and he’d go with her. He’d always go with her. She wasn’t alone anymore. She had her friends and her pack and her… mate.
    Ella nodded. “Go,” she told Annie. “We’ll follow in Drake’s car.”
    Even though she watched her friends pull away with sirens wailing, she took a minute to be thankful for all she had. She wouldn’t spend another moment in misery over what she’d lost. Not when she had gained so much.

Chapter Ten
    Ella flung open the door to Drake’s cabin and dragged herself inside. After six hours at the hospital, it was good to be home.
    Home.
    This place really did feel like home. It just went to prove that if it was the right place—and the right person—time didn’t matter.
    She fell onto the couch with a heavy sigh. Part exhaustion, but mostly relief. Neither she nor Beast ran the qualifier but it hardly seemed important anymore. It was all overshadowed by