“After what the hospital did to you,” he explains, standing beside me, “Grey and I got talking.Community needs a good doctor.One who won’t turn people away because they’re wearing leather or have tattoos.”He gestures toward the building.“The club had this property.Wasn’t doing much with it.Figured it could do some good.”
I’m speechless, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this gesture.“You… bought me a clinic?”
“The club did,” he corrects, though his expression tells me this was primarily his doing.“Figured you’re family now, and family takes care of each other.Besides,” he adds with a small smile, “I’m being selfish.This way I know you’ll always be around to patch me up.”
Before I can respond, the door opens, and people begin streaming out, not just club members, but Shaylin, Tiana, Livie, and others I’ve come to consider friends over these past weeks.Grey steps forward, holding out a set of keys.
Lastly my parents walk out behind everyone, my mom’s eyes shining with happiness, and my sister is grinning from ear to ear.
“Welcome to your new practice, Doc,” Grey says, his usually stern expression softened with genuine warmth.“If you want it.”
Tears prick at my eyes as I take the keys, their weight solid and real in my palm.“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes.”Zach’s hand finds the small of my back.“Say you’ll stay and be our doctor.Our family’s doctor.”
I look around at these people, this unlikely collection of outlaws and their loved ones who have somehow become my family.At Zach, whose eyes hold a vulnerability he shows to no one else.
“Yes,” I whisper, then louder, “yes.Of course, yes.”
A cheer goes up from the assembled crowd.Shaylin rushes forward to embrace me, followed by Tiana and others, all offering congratulations.Through it all, Zach stands slightly apart, watching with that half smile that first captured my heart.
When I finally break free from the well-wishers, I find him waiting patiently, pride evident in every line of his body.I move to him, drawn as always to his orbit.
“Thank you,” I say, knowing the words are inadequate for what he’s given me.Not just a clinic, but purpose, belonging, family.
He shakes his head, pulling me close.“No need to thank me.This is what we do.Take care of our own.”
“I love you,” I tell him, the words sending a thrill through me.
His answer is a kiss, fierce and claiming and full of promises right there in front of everyone.When he pulls back, his eyes hold that intensity that still makes my heart race.
“Come on,” he says, taking my hand.“Grey’s arranged a little party inside.Time to see your new kingdom, Dr.Blane.”
Zach leads me toward the door, surrounded by our family.The journey hasn’t been easy, it has been downright dangerous at times, but as I look up at the building that bears my name, at the future it represents, I know with absolute certainty.
This is exactly where I’m meant to be.
CHAPTERTWELVE
Xavier
The evening shadowsstretch across the gleaming floor of my new clinic as I make final adjustments to the exam room.Three weeks in, and I still can’t quite believe this place is mine.I smooth my hand over the leather padding of the examination table, feeling the cool, pristine surface beneath my fingertips.The Devil Souls logo subtly embossed in the corner makes me smile.Zach’s touch, added without my knowledge.
I straighten the blood pressure cuff hanging on the wall, organize the tongue depressors in their glass jar, and adjust the height of the rolling stool.Every detail matters.This isn’t just any medical practice, it’s a sanctuary I’ve created where anyone can receive care without judgment, regardless of their cut or color or criminal record.
“Last room,” I mutter to myself, checking my watch.The illuminated face reads 8:52 PM.Zach will be wondering where I am by now.I promised I wouldn’t work late tonight, but setting up the pediatric room took longer than expected.The animal-themed decorations had to be perfect: teddy bears with bandages placed just so, cartoon dolphins swimming across the wall mural, exam table shaped like a friendly dinosaur.
I want the children of club members to feel safe here, to grow up knowing there’s at least one doctor who won’t look at their parents with suspicion or disdain.Who won’t call Child Protective Services just because their dad wears a leather cut with a skull on the back.
My phone buzzes in my pocket.A text from Zach, right on cue.
Dinner’s getting cold, Doc.You still alive in there?
I smile, typing back quickly,Just finishing up.10 minutes.
I flick off the lights in the exam room and head toward the lobby, mentally reviewing tomorrow’s appointments.We’re already booked solid, a mix of Devil Souls family and regular community members who’ve heard about the new doctor in town.Word travels fast when you’re backed by the most notorious MC in three counties.
The reception has been better than I expected, though I still get occasional suspicious looks from those who recognize me with Zach, the respectable doctor who sleeps with an outlaw.The whispers follow us sometimes when we’re in town together, but I’ve stopped caring.Let them talk.They don’t know what we’ve survived together.
