Page 75 of King of Ruin

“Overall, I’m afraid, this is a wait-and-see kind of situation.”

I nod, snuggling the kitten back against my body. I’m not surprised to hear her say that. “Thank you.”

“I hope you weren’t hoping for more from me.”

I shake my head. “This is not my first patient that’s given birth. I know how tenuous these first days are. I just wanted to make certain there wasn’t an obvious health issue with this little one. It’s always a worry that there is something wrong with the heart or lungs.”

“I agree. It was smart to bring the kitten in. And you’re welcome. Though, I’m pretty sure, I should be thanking you.”

“Why is that?”

“Your animals have provided endless educational opportunities for us. Dr. Anderson’s plans were excellent, and a different methodology from our own. In addition, we rarely get to have animals in the various states of healing for our students to look at comparatively.”

“Dr. Stevens,” I start, worried she’s just being nice. “You don’t have to?—”

“I do. Have to. And just so we’re clear, we have several open positions in the vet school for associate professors. If you ever find yourself in need of a job, call me.”

I blink back my surprise, my heart swelling in my chest. It’s more than I’d ever hoped for. Not having finished college, I’m not even sure I’m qualified but the offer still takes my breath. To think of someone wanting me... “Thank you.”

Roman and I walk out of the exam room, the kitten now rooting around on my chest. Poor thing is likely hungry.

I brush my hands down it’s little back. “I’ll hurry. As soon as we’re in the car, I’ll give you back to Mama.”

Roman’s got an arm around me, his other hand holding the carrier as he guides me through the waiting room and down a short hall.

We’re almost to the door when someone else stops us. “Roman.”

“Alex,” Roman rumbles. Then he squeezes my arm. “Maddie, this is Alex. He’s the one who picked up your animals.”

I stop, all my insecurities coming back. My first conversation with Alex wasn’t the easiest one. He was barking on the phone to Roman, Lucia was snarking at Alex…. “Hi,” I softly reply, my chin dipping to my chest. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“And you. I’d shake your hand, but I see they’re full.”

I smile at that, thinking that Alex is actually much nicer than Mike. “Thank you again for all your help. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t collected my rescues. And my apologies about Lucia. She is the most wonderful person but she’s not afraid to express herself.”

“No need to apologize. Roman and I go way back,” Alex says. “And it was no trouble. Well…it was a bit of trouble, Lucia is not a woman I’d want to cross. But we’ve spoken several times since and her knowledge has been invaluable. I’ve enjoyed many of our conversations since.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“And she’s been amazing for the students.”

“Dr. Stevens mentioned the student experience,” Roman inserts. “I’m so glad it’s worked out all around.”

“It has…with the cat too, I see.”

My brow furrows, as I blink several times. “The cat?” How would Alex know about Thomasina? “What does that mean?”

There is an awkward pause, the air stilling around us as some energy I don’t understand crackles. “I called Alex when Thomasina was in labor,” Roman supplies, his hands flexing on mine. “I needed to know if help was required beyond what I could give.”

“Oh,” relief washes through me because that makes sense. “Right.”

“Kitten doing all right?” Alex asks, clearing his throat.

“Hopefully,” I answer, still feeling some of the tension that I don’t quite understand. “Speaking of, this little one needs to get back to Thomasina. I don’t want to open the carrier until we’re all contained in the car.”

“Right,” Roman is already moving us down the hall. “Thanks again, Alex. I’ll call you later.”

I stroke the kitten in my hand, as Roman opens the door to the clinic and leads us out to the car. He helps me in and then places the kitten in the carrier with Thomasina. Thankfully, she doesn’t bolt, content to be with her kittens. “You think the kitten will be all right on the way home?”

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