Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

CAITRONIA

Stepping out into the hall, Jackie was correct. There are people everywhere. “I need everyone to please head outside. Once I check my patient, I will give EVERYONE an update.” No one moves.

I am about to repeat myself when Harris steps up. “You assholes heard her. MOVE!” They all do. Some grumble, some laugh. Harris stands there. So close I can smell the pine forest on him, or is it him?

Shaking my head, I look up at him, damn he’s hot. I want to climb him like the pine tree he smells like. I’m lost in his whiskey eyes that are squinted because of the knowing smile on his baby smooth face. His auburn hair is flecked with golds and is neatly trimmed. No part of it touching his ears or neck. Fuck, it’s then I remember. Shifters can smell arousal.

Shaking my head, I say, “You too. Out.” He chuckles a deep rumble but does as I say. Charlie is the only one left.

“Yes, he knows you're into him. But as mates, it’s how it should be.” She smiles like the cat that ate the canary. I’m gonna kill her.

Turning, I enter the room my patient is in. I will get answers later. “Hi Doc,” Jackie greets. “Sorry we had to meet like this. But can I just say you were amazing in the OR? The town’s in excellent hands again. I’m happy you're here.”

“Thanks Jackie. How’s he doing?” I ask as I walk to the bed. Once vitals are checked, I stroke his hair, unaware Jackie has stopped talking. “Shit, I don’t…”

She cuts me off. “It’s all good Doc. You're human, it will take time to get used to all this, but know I’m here for you. Besides, Charlie found her mates too, so she will be busy, if you know what I mean?”

“Wait what? Oh, she gives me shit for hiding stuff…” Jackie laughs, and before I know it we both have tears streaming down our faces.

“Go on Doc. The town will get restless to know how he is. I will sit with him and call Charlie if I need you. We can exchange numbers in the morning. You’ve had a long day.” She sits at the bedside and opens her phone.

No time like the present to meet the town. Heading out front, I am shocked. There are men, women, and children everywhere. There must be several hundred people here. I start to turn around when Harris puts his arm around my waist. “Easy doll, I got you,” he whispers, and I can’t explain it. I relax instantly. He's better than Xanax. He turns me to face an older gentleman similar in build to Harris. “Alpha, this is Doctor Caitronia McConnell, Marko’s and my mate.” This is said with so much pride, I practically melt.

“Pleasure Doc. Welcome to Grimsby and I guess the pack. We will have a meeting to discuss things once you're settled. However, thank you for saving my son today. Now, up on the truck bed. The town needs an update.”

Blinking, I try to grasp everything he just said. Son? Pack? Mate? My head spins, but Harris is there whispering encouragement until I’m back from la la land. “There you are. You good now?” he asks. I look at him, seeing concern on his face.

“Yes, sorry, and thank you. I don’t know how you…”

He smiles and interrupts me, “Mate thing. We will talk after you rest. But first.” He lifts me into a truck bed like I weigh nothing. “The town needs to hear about Marko, so start from where you found him, please. I’ll be right here.” He then jumps up and stands beside me.

“Hi everyone. As you guessed, I’m Doctor Caitronia McConnell. I know you don’t want to hear about me, but your friend Marko. So here it is…” I begin at the beginning. Telling them how I found him. Up to everything that happened until I walked out here. They listen until I am finished.

Several people ask questions and I answer them between yawns. Thankfully Harris notices. “Okay everyone. That is enough for tonight. Doc is tired. If the council is agreeable once Marko is awake and the Doc gets settled, we can meet and go over everything more, but my mate needs sleep.” Before I can open my mouth to object, the crowd whoops and disperses.

Harris helps me down, and before I know it, I’m tucked into Charlie's car, heading to my new home. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but I can’t wait to find out.

The End…For now.

Need more? Check out Charlie’s short story, Brewed With Love, also in this anthology. Don’t worry, this was just the beginning for Caitronia and Charlie. Angel Nyx and I will be continuing these two stories in Valentine's Fate, coming in 2025!