Page 85 of Forbidden Devotion
Sinclair grinned. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude. Just wanted to check on Nathan.”
Dr. Arleth rose from his stool and greeted him with a handshake. “Sinclair, so glad you’re all right. Your parents were worried sick.”
“No doubt. I was worried myself. Luckily, Nathan came to my rescue.” Sinclair glanced at him fondly.
So did Dr. Arleth.
Sinclair’s grin only widened. “Thank you for taking care of him. We’re in your debt.”
“Nonsense. It was my pleasure. Nathan is an excellent patient. Very brave. Though I’ve never seen a face turn quite that shade of green before.”
Werewolves were immune to most painkillers. Nathan would have been awake and alert while the bullet was removed. Sinclair repressed a shudder. “I hope it was quick.”
“It was over in seconds. Ben must be part wizard.” Nathan beamed at his surgeon, and Dr. Arleth was smiling back.
So they were on a first-name basis already. That was interesting. And lovely. Sinclair sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m glad you’re feeling well. I can’t thank you enough for coming after me. I owe you big-time.”
Nathan waved this off. “Don’t worry about it. Maybe I’ll have a cool scar. Hey, will you thank your mom for me, though? She really saved my ass back there.”
“Consider it done. I’m sure they’ll come to visit. They’ll want to thank you themselves. They’ll be feeling mighty generous, and they’re quite rich.”
“I’ve always wanted a red F-150,” Nathan said. He was joking, but Sinclair had been perfectly serious.
“Done, but I had you pegged as more of a sports car type of guy,” Sinclair said. “Don’t know why. Maybe because you’re a business major?”
They were all laughing when Mitchel walked in, Ramsey in tow.
Nathan’s eyes lit up. “Ramsey! You’re all right. I’m so glad.”
“Likewise,” Ramsey replied. “It’s good to see you doing well. You’ve done us all proud.”
Nathan’s cheeks flushed pink. It was a good look on him.
Sinclair darted his gaze from Nathan to Ramsey, and a ripple of anxiety soured his mood. Ramsey had a stern, disapproving look in his eyes when they settled on Sinclair.
Mitchel handled the introductions, awkward as they were. Small talk between them was stilted, though everyone stayed respectful.
Ramsey didn’t like Sinclair, but he was smart enough to keep that to himself. Sinclair vowed to himself to win him over because it would make Mitchel’s life easier. He’d spent practically a whole semester around werewolves who didn’t like him, and he’d won them over. Surely one more wolf wouldn’t be that difficult.
Before leaving, Ramsey thanked Dr. Arleth for his work, then turned to Nathan. “I’d like to extend an official invitation to you to our next alpha meeting. You’d make a fine addition.”
Nathan beamed. The look on his face said this was a big deal. “It would be my honor to attend.”
“If your doctor will give you leave, you may join us now. We’re about to meet with the others. If not, Mitchel will bring you to our next gathering at Rocky Mount,” Ramsey said.
Nathan spoke up before Dr. Arleth could say one way or another whether Nathan was released. “Thank you. I need to rest now, but I will gladly join Mitchel for the next gathering.”
“Good,” Ramsey said, and it was settled.
Sinclair got the impression Nathan didn’t want to depart from his good doctor’s company just yet. A little private smile curled his lips.
Mitchel took Sinclair’s hand despite Ramsey’s glare. “Nathan, we’ll leave you in Dr. Arleth’s capable hands. We need to go help the others. Take care.”
“Bye, guys. Be careful, and thank you.”
Ramsey nodded to Nathan, and the three of them left to seek updates on the rest of the recovery effort.
* * *
