“There was a severe loss of blood. Broken ribs. She was battered, but she protected the baby. There wasn’t so much as a bruise on her stomach or abdomen. Her ribs, hips and back took the brunt of the attacks. We had no shortage of blood. Jake called it in fast, and Dr. Mason and I were set up for her. She’ll be sore and weak for a while, but she’s going to be fine.”

Eli glanced around the room. There were only shifters. “Her leopard?”

“I’m certain the leopard is okay as well. There were no signs that there was any damage, but of course we had no way of examining her cat.”

“Thank you.” He could barely get the words out. He glanced at Jake, who was holding Emma close to him. “Thank you both.” Dr. Mason had done the surgery on Drake, and Eli remembered him from that operation. He was grateful Jake had called both shifter doctors in to try to save Catarina.

Jake gave him a small salute, one that said “what are friends for.” Emma was crying with relief, and that’s what really mattered to him. Jake turned her into the shelter of his body and held her gently. He might be angry that she came, but there was only gentleness in his touch.

“I need to see her.” Eli made it a demand.

“She’s in recovery right now. In a couple of hours . . .”

“I need to see her,” Eli said again. This time his voice was a low growl. His leopard needed to see her as well.

Mulligan was a leopard. He knew the signs of a male at his limit. He nodded his head. “I’ll show you the way.”

“Elijah will stay,” Jake said. “He’ll have anything you need, Eli. Let Liam take care of your wounds while you’re with Catarina in recovery. You’re scaring the hospital personnel looking like that.”

He couldn’t answer. He couldn’t breathe without her. He needed to see her. That was all that mattered. Until he did, his leopard prowled too close. Until he did, air wouldn’t move through his lungs. He nodded a little curtly to Jake to indicate he understood and stalked through the double doors and down the wide hallway.

Dr. Mulligan hurried after him. “She’s strong, Mr. Perez.”

“Eli. Any man who saves Catarina’s life can use my first name.”

Mulligan smiled for the first time. “I’m not altogether certain I was the one who saved her life. She was a pretty determined woman.”