Steel helped Jackson sit up after Colton wiped off the gel. “You said there’s another test Ian wanted?” asked Steel.
“Yeah, I just need to take some blood.” Colton wrapped a rubber strap around Jackson’s bicep. “Hold your armout like this,” Colton demonstrated. Finding a vein, he quickly inserted the needle and undid the strap. After filling several vials with Jackson’s blood, he removed the needle and pressed a cotton ball on top of the puncture. Bending Jackson’s forearm up against his bicep, he said, “Hold it for a minute.”
They watched as Colton labeled the blood-filled vials. “I should have the results back by tomorrow.”
Jackson eyed Colton, “Did you see anything that is abnormal or unusual with my pup?”
“No, absolutely not. The pup is growing fast, but that’s to be expected according to Oracle. Your baby is on track with his development. Now, Alpha, listen to your medical professional who has authority over you,” Colton smiled. “I want you to stop worrying about everything and begin to enjoy your pregnancy. Understood?”
“Aye-Aye, Captain,” Jackson replied. “I promise I’ll try not to freak out so much.”
Colton sighed. “You’re a real pain-in-the-ass patient. Is this how he is with you?” he asked Steel.
Steel laughed. “Oh no, there’s no way I’ll ever answer that question. Come on, babe, Logan wants to go over some ideas for the nursery.” Steel helped Jackson down. Handing the cotton ball from his mate’s arm to Colton, he said, “I don’t think he needs this anymore.”
As they left, Colton said, “See you at lunch, guys.” He enjoyed watching his brother and Steel together; the love between them was so palpable he could almost feel it. He understood why Logan might be envious of his twin, but not he.Nope. That isn’t for me right now. Maybe later, but not right now. No way. He could get his warm and fuzzy fixes from Jackson and Steel in the meantime.
After changing the paper on the table, Colton straightened up the exam room. Taking the blood samples to his office, he packed them up for shipment. Then he wrote his report for that man—yes, he had taken to calling him that, hoping his cock wouldn’t know whom he was referring to—and faxed it off to that man.
~/~/~/~/~
Steel was listening to Logan’s ideas when his phone rang and knew he had to take this call in private. Excusing himself, he left the room before he answered, “Hello, just a minute, Slate. I’m heading to my office now.”
Once there, he sat down at his desk and said, “Hi bro. What’s up? Anything from Silver Point Pack yet? Have they answered our complaint yet?”
“Not that I’ve heard. All I know is their Alpha asked for an extension of time. By the way, the High Council called me, asking for a copy of the videotape of the Silver Point Pack enforcer who confirmed there was a kill order on Jackson and his brothers. After talking to Dad, I sent it over. Okay with you?”
“Yeah, Dad told me. We can’t very well refuse them if they asked for it. So besides that crap, what are you calling for?”
“Remember I told you about the problem the Mexican Wolf shifters were having?”
“Yup. Have you found out who’s been attacking them?”
“Well, I think it’s an inside job. What I can’t understand is why someone from their own species would attack? None of the wounds is life-threatening, but the sheer number of attacks is staggering.”
“That doesn’t make sense. What do Mexican Wolves have that’s so valuable?”
“That’s just it. Nothing, as far as I can determine. But there’s more to it. The wounds are strange…and so many. I need to set up a clinic and a hospital down there so there’s a place for these walking wounded to get treated.”
“Sounds like you have a handle on what’s needed so why are you calling me?”
“Dad told me about the hospital you set up for Jackson with help from one of your mate’s brothers…Colton, I think.”
“Yes, it’s Colton who did the research. Do you want him to do the same for your clinic and hospital?”
“You read my mind. Do you think he could give me an equipment list, so I can get it there quickly and have it set up? If they have the right stuff, I’m sure the doctors and nurses there will be able to deal with this better.”
“What are they using now?”
“You don’t want to know. They’re very poor and never had the money to set up a proper clinic and hospital. If you remember, we built them new housing a couple of years ago and Dire Medical planned to build new medical facilities sometime in the future. But we’ve moved up the timeline because of what’s happening there now. After we get these attacks stopped, the whole community will be able to benefit from the hospital.”
“Okay,” Steel said. “I’ll ask Colton. Knowing him, he’ll jump at the chance. I’ll call you back tomorrow.”
“Thanks. How’s my nephew-to-be doing?”
“Growing like a weed. Hey listen, I’ve got to go. We’re in the middle of planning a nursery and I left the meeting to take your call.”
Slate’s laughter came through loud and clear. “Look at you. New father and all that.”
