He let out a big breath. “I’d really appreciate it. But don’t you have to work today?”
“I only have one appointment I can’t move, and Gordon can handle it for me. I’m getting in the truck now. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Do you want me to stay on the line with you?”
“No. I’ll make sure Lennon has some water and stuff. I’ll be downstairs by the time you get here.”
“Okay, see you soon.” My wolf wanted us to take Elton back to my place to recover from the surgery, but he’d be more relaxed at his apartment. Plus I’d need to check on Lennon and clean up that bathroom anyway.
Elton practically jumped in the truck when I stopped in front of his apartment building. “Thanks so much for doing this. I owe you.”
I shot him an exasperated look. “We’re dating. Partners. About to be mates. Of course I’m going to come help you. Anything you need, I’m here for it. You don’toweme.”
He heaved a big sigh. “Yeah, okay. I’m just used to having to do most things on my own, you know?”
“Well, those days are over.” I was glad I could see well in the dark, because it meant I didn’t miss Elton’s smile. “Will Lennon be okay by himself? I can have someone from the pack stop by.”
He shook his head. “Thanks, but I suggested having my neighbor look in on him, and he was adamant he’d be fine. I left him some water and sports drinks, and I put your number in his phone.”
Within forty minutes of his call, we were back in my apartment, and Elton was in the shower with his special soap. I knew he wouldn’t be allowed to have anything to eat, so I took the opportunity to down a granola bar. I could get something heartier at the hospital during Elton’s surgery if my wolf would let me leave the waiting room.
I used the bathroom off the common area by the pack kitchen to get cleaned up and dressed in more respectable clothes. Eventually Elton emerged, wearing sweats and clutching his backpack like a life vest. “I’ve got special underwear I have to put on after the surgery, and then when we get home, I have to lay down with something supporting my balls. Last time I used a little stack of towels, but t-shirts work too.”
The hospital was ready for him, and check-in was tedious but efficient. Sooner than I was ready for, they had him in a room and in a gown.
I gaped when the nurse gave him a marker so he could draw an arrow to indicate the correct testicle for them to work on. “Is that really necessary?” I never went to the doctor myself, having fast shifter healing as part of my magic, but I was under the impression that surgeons were generally pretty skilled.
The nurse smiled and shrugged. “Not usually, but it reduces patient stress, and it never hurts to be extra cautious.”
And then it was time for them to wheel Elton away. My wolf howled, and Elton grimaced. “I’ll be fine.”
I tried to smile confidently at him, but I could feel my lips trembling. “See you before you know it.” I stepped back from the bed, and the nurse eyed me strangely, no doubt expecting me to kiss Elton. And fuck, did I want to.
I argued with my wolf until he let me go to the cafeteria and get some coffee and a muffin. My stomach was in knots; I couldn’t handle anything more than that. Elton had given me phone numbers for his parents and his brother, so I created a group chat with them.
Me:
This is Rafferty. They just took Elton in for his surgery.
Phoebe Johnson:
Rafferty? You’re the young man Elton has been seeing. Where’s Lennon?
Oops. Should’ve led with that.
Me:
Sorry, Lennon isn’t feeling well this morning. I brought Elton to the hospital instead.
Phoebe Johnson:
Lennon Newton Johnson, tell me you did not drink too much the night before your brother had surgery!
I waited a moment, but Lennon didn’t reply. I figured I should intervene, since he was probably still dry heaving.
Me:
Elton told me Lennon has food poisoning.
Robert Johnson:
