Yeah, that must be it.
Not even their Dad knew just how much time Ben had put into the treatment plan they’d implemented for Koios. The stubborn ass refused to allow Ozias to look at his wings, even though Koios knew good and well that Ozias had already helped another part of their extended family who’d had a similar condition.
Oh no. Koios wanted nothing to do with the Prince of Hell. He’d insisted his wings were perfectly fine, even though Ben had the X-rays and scans of Koios’s body to prove otherwise. He’d be completely crippled, sooner rather than later, if they didn’t do something to help.
Human backs weren’t built to carry what Ben estimated to be an extra fifty to seventy-five pounds of weight from wings. Other winged shifters had the advantage of actually shifting. Their magic covered the otherwise impossible task of carrying the additional weight and muscular structures required to have a human body with the capabilities of flight.
“People don’t have wings, Lily,” Ben said as Lily stirred a little in his arms. “So we’re going to have to work extra hard for this patient. That’s what we do, isn’t it? That’s our job.”
The explanation fell flat. Luckily, Lily was too young to realize Ben lied through his teeth. His job had nothing to do with why he wanted to help Koios. No, why heneededto help. Ben had spent the past few months developing a treatment plan for Koios. His father had implemented it with the help of Koios’s siblings and Logan’s pack. To say Koios held a grudge against Ben would be an understatement.
Lily let out a snuffling snore and pursed her lips. Ben smiled down at her as he made a note to grab the goniometer before Koios’s appointment. He also readied himself for the upcoming battle. Koios had proved to be one of their most difficult patients, but they had both of his packs as support. It was the only way they’d managed to maintain Koios’s regular checkups.
“Don’t worry if Uncle Ben has to get a little bossy today, baby girl. I’m going to have to use my serious doctor voice. It’ll be okay, though. I promise.”
After discussing the case extensively with his father, they’d decided to ramp up Koios’s therapy. All Ben had to do was convince his stubborn patient to agree. He continued making notes as Lily slept peacefully in the crook of his arm. When he heard a vehicle pull up outside, Ben stood and grabbed his tablet with his free hand.
It would all be up to Koios now.
Iris entered first. Ben smiled at her, and she rolled her eyes in reply. Her brother was likely in one of his infamous moods, resulting in the exaggerated expression. Koios followed her, covered from head to toe in his cloak. The moment he noticed Ben, Koios froze.
His scowl rivaled any Ben had ever faced. He’d grown up with injured shifters in foul moods. For Ben and his bedside manner, it was another day that ended in Y.
“Good afternoon,” Ben said, pretending his voice hadn’t deepened the slightest bit.
Koios’s expression darkened. “Where is Dr. Vaughn?”
“He’s out for the afternoon. I’ll be doing your follow-up.”
“The hell you?—”
“Awesome, Ben.Dr. Ben. Sorry, I’m still getting used to the whole doctor thing.”
“Ben is fine.” Ben smiled at Iris. “There are too many Dr. Jerricks as it is.”
She grinned as she elbowed her brother in the side. “We’re very thankful for everyone’s help,aren’t weKoios?”
“Very thankful,” Koios parroted.
Ben wondered if Koios often confused sincerity and sarcasm, or if Ben was the only lucky recipient of Koios’s ire. Another car pulled up out front, and Ben shot a puzzled frown toward the door. He hoped there wasn’t an emergency, but mentally ran through a checklist of what he’d need to do based on which situation emerged when the door opened.
Luckily, he didn’t have to wait long. A familiar black-clad figure burst into the room, drawing an immediate smile from Ben and a groan from Koios.
“Hey, Nyx.”
Koios’s other sister looked like a goth pixie. At first, Ben had thought Nyx and Koios were twins. They both had ink-black hair and golden-brown eyes. Nyx also had wings, but hers were retractable.
That’s where the similarities ended. Nyx was pure joy and chaos, where Koios exuded doom and gloom.
“Ben!” Nyx said. “BABY!” Ignoring her siblings completely, Nyx darted forward and began cooing at Lily. “Gimme the baby. Gimmeeeeee.”
Ben gently placed Lily in Nyx’s arms. “Thanks, Nyx. Are we ready to head to the back?”
“No,” Koios grumbled. “I’d like to resche?—”
“Don’t be a dick,” Nyx cooed. “If you are, I’ll stab you in yours. Won’t I, sweet baby? Yes, I will. I will stab him in the dick if he keeps acting like one. I sure will. You’re so precious. Look at that cute little nose. Don’t make me hurt you in front of this perfect baby, Koios.”
“Why are you talking like that?” Koios asked. “You sound ridiculous.”
