Clinic

[Hyacinth]

It feels weird, being home again. So much seems the same. The town gate, the streets, the bland color of the houses, and the rolling hills. The Temple of the Moon Goddess is still standing, glowing white and pure in the afternoon sun as devotees enter for midday prayers. My cheeks flush with remembered fear and anger as I think of that temple and how I was shamed before the pack.

And yet, through the haze of my strong emotions, I can also see that a lot has changed. The pack has grown considerably. There are new buildings and more homes. The people milling around on the streets seem happier and more carefree than before, their clothing nicer, their cars newer. I start to blush when I see a young couple sitting on a park bench, in a public display of affection that should have been unseemly, even amongst mates.

Things have definitely changed here. Or maybe it is just me who has changed.

I was hoping to see improvement in Blake on the ride here, but my tonic alone wasn’t enough. She needs real medicine, and machines for monitoring both her and her pup. As we arrive at the clinic I feel my anxiety rise. Afraid of being recognized, I take a deep breath, braid my hair, and hide it under a hat. Grabbing Drew’s aviator sunglasses, I place them on my face. 

Taking a quick look in the mirror I am pleased with my disguise.

“I shouldn’t be here long,” I inform Drew as I open my door, “I’ll text you when I am done.”

 Carefully I guide Blake out and we head to the main doors. I plan to find the pack doctor,  hand over her care, and leave as fast as possible. I assumed it would be an easy thing to do. But much to my surprise, I discover there is no pack doctor on site.

“Is he at home?” I ask, baffled. “Can’t you just call him and tell him it is an emergency?”

“Unfortunately no,” the receptionist has a sour look on her face. I don’t think she’s recognized me yet, but I still find myself looking over my shoulder. “Our last doctor retired last year and we haven’t been able to find a doctor willing to come this far away from the city,”

“Who’s been tending your sick?” I inquire, stunned that they have been able to manage for so long without someone to oversee the workings of a clinic serving so many. 

“Anyone with any medical background,” she shrugs. “We do what we can.” 

 I no longer want to leave Blake here. I wouldn’t leave anyone to the mercy of a ragtag crew of “medical professionals” who are doing the best they can with no guidance, direction, or proper training. If I knew somewhere better to take her, I would. 

Changing my stance I stand up taller. “I am a doctor,” I announce. The nurse's ears perk up as she considers me. “I need immediate access to a room with a heart rate monitor, a clean and comfortable bed, and an ultrasound machine.”

The nurse, recognizing a doctor when she hears one, simply nods, leading me to the nearest examination room. 

Speaking with the nurse I learned that the Tribunal of Elders was disbanded six years ago and replaced by a new young Alpha who began making changes almost immediately, especially regarding pack law. She tells me enthusiastically about how many wolves from all over the area, including herself, came just to work and live in this pack because their new Alpha, Slate Danvers, has done such an excellent job not only caring for the pack but also helping it thrive. 

“It doesn’t hurt that the Alpha is also very handsome,” she blushes as she unlocks the door to the examination room. “He has a chosen Luna but they aren’t married and it's been six years.” She whispers conspiratorially. “Some think it’s because he doesn’t like her. I think it’s because he’s still looking for his fated mate.”

“Well, Lisa,” I read her name on her nametag as I lay Blake down on the bed. “ Thank you for your help so far. If you could also call Alpha Danvers and tell him his sister has arrived…”

“You?!” she shouts maybe a little louder than she intends, putting her hand over her mouth. 

I shake my head, pointing at my patient. “No, I’m…” What should I call myself? I cannot give them my real name. “I’m ‘The Healer.’”

Her eyes widened at my code name, recognizing it. Rushing forward she gives me an unexpected hug. “Oh my god, it’s you! Thank you for coming to our little pack.”

“I’m sorry I…” 

Lisa releases me, wiping her eyes. “You helped my sister, Eva, last summer. Thanks to you she has made a full recovery.” She stands up a little straighter. “I would be honored to fetch the Alpha for you.”

The nurse leaves us alone with the gentle click of a closing door. Turning to Blake, I quickly help her get comfortable, giving her privacy as she changes from her clothing into the waiting dressing gown. A quick examination tells me what I already know, that she is extremely dehydrated and undernourished. I call the front desk and requested an IV be brought in with fluids and nutrients. I will need to do further bloodwork to be sure, but based on her coloring and energy levels, I am sure I will find that she is anemic. A quick ultrasound shows that her pup, while a little undersized, is doing well, although her placenta is in a worrying location. 

If she were my patient, I’d recommend continual monitoring with the understanding that she may need bed rest in the near future if she wants her pup to survive. 

There is a gentle knock on the door. 

Ah, this must be the alpha. 

“Enter,” I quietly call out. The door creaks slightly as it opens and he enters. My back is turned to him as I busily record notes.

“Doctor,” his voice is deep and soothing.“Can we speak outside?”

He doesn’t wait for me to answer. I follow him out into the hallway and turn to face him. The first thing I notice about him is how very young he is. He looks my age, maybe a year or two older. That feels a bit young to be in charge of a pack, but as I discuss his sister’s condition and her care needs, I find myself instantly at ease with him. 

I can also see why the nurse was blushing while speaking about him. He's almost too handsome with his dark brown hair, bright blue eyes, and chiseled features fit for a Greek god. Tall and fit, with a delicious woodsy scent, like sandalwood and pine I can imagine most she-wolves who meet him swoon. 

“Unfortunately, your sister’s condition is going to require constant care. I understand that your pack does not have a doctor, so I recommend transferring her to a pack that has a well-staffed facility.”

“Lisa told me that you are the infamous rogue doctor ‘The Healer,’” Slate confronts me. 

“Yes,” I admit. “But I am unavailable. I need to leave as soon as we are done with this conversation I..”

“As a rogue, you do not have a pack nor a home. I’d be willing to offer you both. Stay here, care for my sister, become our new doctor and I can give you security, income, and a pack to call home,” moving in closer he adds. “Many of our pack came here as rogues. We won’t hold that against you.”

“While I appreciate your offer I…”

My words are cut off by the sound of heels clicking behind me. “There you are, Slate. I’ve been looking all over for you. Do you know how embarrassing it is for me as Luna to be chasing you down all over the pack?”

That voice. My whole body freezes. It can’t be.

Turning around, I try not to gasp. 

It’s my sister. 

Ashlynd.

And she’s Alpha Slate’s Luna.