“Thanks Mom,” Steel said before turning to Ian.
“Go on, Ian,” Jackson said.
“I read the file my mate-to-be left for me and I was astounded at the observation and details I found. What’s his background in medicine?”
“My brother was studying to become a nurse and was a year away from graduation when we were forced into hiding. I know he’s taken some online courses but still doesn’t have enough credits for his degree. Right now, he’s taking on-line foreign language classes.”
“Why is he doing that? They’re not required for his nursing degree.”
“He wants to be able to communicate with patients who don’t speak English,” said Jackson.
Why doesn’t this surprise me, Ian thought, as he remembered Colton’s dedication to everything he did.
“I told you Colton would fight against claiming you,” Jackson said while Ian nodded. “My brother is a natural-born healer and has been doing it since he first started to crawl. His goal since he was a young boy was to join Frontline Doctors once he got his degree. I intend to make it a reality once the problem with Silver Point Pack is resolved.”
Ian’s jaw dropped.Frontline Doctors???For the first time, he saw a way for them to be mated with neither giving up their dreams. Just thinking about spending nights with his mate sent his cock into overdrive.Fuckingbe damned! The Fates did it. They found a perfect match for me with a bonus. A natural healer, wow. That’s the stuff of legends. He couldn’t wait to meet him.
“My story is similar Alpha, but I’m not a natural healer. After completing my residency, I joined Frontline Doctors and never left. I love it.”
“Good to know. Any other questions? If so, let’s continue this conversation at dinner. I’m starved and my pup is letting me know it’s time to eat.”
“Sure. Sounds good. I haven’t had anything since this morning.”
“Well, there’ll be plenty of food, but you’ll have to wait until my brother Dakota returns with the rest of the pack from Seattle to taste the cooking of a Master Chef,” Jackson said with a smile, as he and Steel got up and led Ian to the dining room.
Chapter 11
Colton was exhausted. After almost two weeks of 10 to12 hour days, the hospital and clinic were finally ready. Walking through it one last time before the grand opening, he marveled at everything he saw—the latest medical equipment, family friendly spaces, beautiful restful colors throughout, and the hominess of the patients’ hospital rooms. He felt a lot of pride in being part of this effort and was sorry he’d be heading home shortly but at least he’d be here for the opening celebration.
He knew Jackson was eager to have him back in the security of the Blackwood Pack and, to be honest, he was homesick. Colton kept his promise to Slate, emailing Jackson every night, telling him what he did during the days. His efforts paid off because the calls from Steel dropped off.
Today he planned to speak with Dr. Luna about the possibility of spending a few weeks working under his supervision. After all, his brother said he could spend a month down here so as Colton saw it he was owed two more weeks. His plan was to get Dr. Luna to support his request and then together they would tackle Slate. Smiling as he walked back to the reception area, he was thinking about learning new techniques and procedures. During his previous weeks, he enjoyed the many stories Dr. Luna recounted about his experiences with Frontline Doctors.
“There you are. Is everything in place?” Slate asked.
“Yes, I did the final walk-through and found no issues with any of the rooms. We’re ready to open for business,” Colton said excitedly.
“Great! Dr. Luna is on his way so let’s meet him outside for the ribbon cutting,” Slate said, unlocking the front door and stepping into the sunshine.
Colton followed and was astounded to see a very large group of Mexican Wolf shifters milling about. During his two weeks here, he hadn’t met many, only those working on the project. But now, the whole village had turned out for the celebration.
Slate pulled him over to the side and said quietly, “You must stay next to me at all times. Okay?”
“I will, don’t worry,” Colton replied. It was important to show Slate he could be safe among the local shifters if he were to convince him not to say anything to Steel about the hospital and clinic being open. He’d doanythingto show no harm would come to him.
Slate pulled Colton over to the area where a big red ribbon was located in front of the clinic doors. Listening to Dr. Luna speak about the great gift Dire Medical had given to his people, Slate waited for his introduction. He was still mulling over what Juan asked him last night—it was a major risk. What if something happened to Jackson’s brother? Steel would kill him. But his desire to have Colton work with the doctor was more than Slate could resist. So, in the end, he decided if Colton agreed, they would stay for two weeks more before heading home.Shit, my cue.
~/~/~/~/~
There’s my target, he thought as he got a closer view. Finally, after waiting for what seemed forever he could finally report to the Alpha asshole the package was within his grasp. When he finished the job, his payday would set him up for the rest of his life. He could leave this shithole and head to a place where fun, booze andwomen flowed like a mighty river. And if there was gambling, well, that would make it all the sweeter.
He studied his target who never left the side of the other man.Shit, how am I going to get the guy alone?Failure isn’t an option. He had no doubt he’d be killed if he failed, so he just needed to keep his head in the game. Walking around, greeting different people, chit chatting, he kept an eye on him and finally, finding himself behind the doctor, eavesdropped so he could find out everything possible about his target. And figure out how he could bag his quarry.
~/~/~/~/~
“Well Juan, everything went off without a hitch,” Slate said jovially.
“Yes, it did. Thank you both for moving mountains and getting the project done in record time. Many lives will be saved, not only from the attacks,” Dr. Luna said. Then turning to Slate. “Have you made a decision about my request yet?”
