“Come in,” Steel called. Entering the room, he saw Jackson sitting next to his brother-in-law. Steel kissed his mate, then turning to Colton, “Have you brought the list of equipment we’ll need?”
“Yes,” said Colton, sitting down and handing Steel the list. “As I’ve said before, the doctor you hired should give final approval but the one piece of equipment you should buy immediately is the ultrasound machine. I’ve been trained to operate it and Jackson will need a number of these tests throughout his pregnancy.”
“Why?” asked Jackson.
“To see if the baby is progressing as it should, alert us to any potential problems, and also give you the sex of the pup—if you choose to know it—before the birth,” replied Colton.
“The sex of the pup? But I already know it’s a boy,” said Jackson.
“Really? And how did you find that out?” smirked Colton.
Jackson’s cheeks flamed red and Steel interrupted the brothers. “I don’t have a problem, but as you suggested, I’ll fax Dr. Wallace to get his input.”
Colton expected Steel to consult the doctor; he was just startled that the call would be done while he was present. He watched as Steel scribbled some notes on the list before faxing it to the doctor. “I asked Dr. Wallace to call as soon as he’s reviewed the list.”
Nodding, Colton checked Jackson over. “You look good today. How are you feeling, bro? Has the morning sickness abated at least a little bit?”
“Actually, I feel great today,” Jackson said with a big smile.
“Good, maybe you’re nearing the end of morning sickness and extreme fatigue,” said Colton. Just then, the phone on the desk rang and Steel picked up the receiver. “Hello… ahh, Dr. Wallace, just a minute, I’m going to put you on speaker,” he said, pushing a button and Colton heard the doctor for the first time.
“Hello, hello, can you hear me?” said a voice sending shivers down Colton’s back.
“Yes, Dr. Wallace…”
“Call me Ian, please.”
“Hello Ian, I’m Steel. Jackson, my mate, and his brother Colton are with me. I faxed you a list of equipment Colton made. He recommended I buy the ultra sound machine immediately so he can see if everything is all right with the baby. Before I do that, I just wanted your approval.”
“Who put together this list?”
“I did,” replied Colton.
“Do you have medical training…”
Oh yeah, there he was, the snot-nosed, know-it-all doctor who thought only he knew anything. “I completed three and a half years of nursing school,” Colton said angrily. He saw his brother look at him with raised eyebrows, as if to ask what Colton’s problem was.Shit, I need to cool my emotions.
Ian heard the anger in Colton’s voice and was puzzled. What had he done to arouse those feelings in this man? “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply anything by my question. I was impressed with the thoroughness of the list, wondering how you knew so much.”
Yup, it was now official, I’m an asshole. Shit.He over-reacted, jumping to the wrong conclusion.Dammit to hell,he needed to get his head on straight but every time Ian spoke, he was put on edge. The results of his thoughtless reaction were right there for all to see as Colton said, “I’m sorry, Dr. Wallace… my apologies. Do you have any questions or additions to the list?”
Ian felt Colton didn’t like him after hearing the tone of Colton’s answer, though he didn’t know why. He was sure he never met the young man but that didn’t seem to matter; it appeared he had been judged and found lacking by him.Should I just back out of this assignment, although it is a fascinating case?He’d never heard of an Alpha/Omega hybrid before which is why he’d jumped to say “yes” when Oracle called him. But Colton was Jackson’s brother and Ian didn’t want Jackson’s care compromised by any friction that might develop.Shit, now my wolf is snarling. What the fuck…???
“The equipment list is very complete and I was quite impressed by it. I know many doctors who couldn’t do as well.”
“Good to know,” said Steel. “What about Colton’s idea of buying the ultrasound machine right away?”
“I agree with that. I believe Jackson is about two months pregnant?”
“Yes,” replied Steel.
“Then Jackson should have an ultrasound done as soon as possible. Colton, have you been trained to give the test?” asked Ian.
“Yes, I’ve done a lot of them.”
“Would you please send me a copy of each result so I can keep a file on his progress?” asked Ian.
“Sure, no problem.”
