“I am,” I admitted. “Our hospital has forty beds with everything from a critical care facility, a state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging service, our very own lab, and of course a state-of-the-art birth center.”
“Wow,” he said.
“You’ll be well taken care of,” I reassured him.
“I know,” he teased. “You’d never let any less happen.”
“You know it. Only the very best care for my mate.”
Kian slipped his hand in mine and squeezed.
“I love hearing the history of our town,” Kian said.
I’d never get tired of hearing him sayour.
“Well, here is your history for the day,” I said. “This hospital was built eight years ago, but we’ve had our own medical center for over sixty years.” I turned around. “If you look behind you—actually, hold on.” I turned the car off and jumped out, hurrying over to his side and opening the door for him. I helped him out and shut the door. Then turned him around. “Over there.” I pointed across the street where the old hospital still stood. “It’s now something of a haven for omegas and teens that need help.”
“Wow, that’s amazing. I want to volunteer.”
And that was why he was the best thing that had ever happened to me. “You’ll make a perfect alpha mate.”
“I can’t believe there are abused omegas. I thought mates couldn’t hurt each other…”
I squeezed him to my side. “They can’t, but not all matings are fated. Just like humans, we have people who take what isn’t theirs. But they all know they’re safe in Asheville.”
“I kind of love you a lot right now.” Kian smiled softly up at me.
“I kind of love you a lot too,” I said back to him. “Now come on, let’s go meet our little pumpkin.”
Kian grinned. “Yeah, let’s.”
We walked hand in hand to the entrance, and the admissions clerk at the desk smiled at me. “Mr. Hallbjorn, welcome. We are so excited to have you. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Francine.” I smiled and waved. She was a sister of Thomas, who worked on the ranch.
“Thanks, Francine. We’re here to see Dr. Matthews?”
“You know the way. He’s expecting you.” She nodded in the direction of his office.
I led Kian through to the hallways to Dr. Matthews’s office. I knew my way around the hospital since I’d been involved from planning to completion.
I knocked on the doc’s door and was told to enter.
Ian stood on our entry and came over. “Gabe.” He pulled me in for a hug.
“Ian,” I said as I hugged him back. When we stepped away, I pulled Kian in front of me. “This is my wonderful mate, Kian.” Even I heard the pride in my voice.
“Nice to meet you, Kian.” Ian held his hand out to my mate after looking to me for permission.
“You too, Dr. Matthews. Gabe has said wonderful things about you.”
“Please call me Ian,” he said to my mate. His eyes on Kian’s belly narrowed, but before I could ask, the look was gone. “And I would hope so since we’ve been friends since we were cubs.” Ian nudged me. “Great Urs bless your mating.”
“Thanks, Ian.” I smiled at my old friend.
“Come on.” He opened the door for us. “Let’s get to the checkup first. Then you can ask whatever questions you have.”
I held my mate’s hand as we moved out of the office to a room across from it. This one had an exam table and an ultrasound device. There were two large TVs, one tilted over the bed and one across from the chair that was clearly for the doc, even though the ultrasound machine had one.
