Page 51 of Magic and Medicine

The knock on the door and rattling handle startled me.

‘Sara? Why are you locked in your room? Have I said something wrong? I promise Rostov will never approach you again. Sara, please, talk to me, darling.’ Leszek’s voice was strained, and I heard him pacing outside.

‘We will talk, but not now, please; I’m tired.’ Whatever he heard in my voice made him break into my room, the door bursting inwards, and before I knew it, I was in his arms, trying to blink my tears away. It was clearly the wrong day to reject the big bad wolf.

‘Please, my love. What can I do to make it better? What… Sara, what have I done to make you cry?’ He said, looking so lost as his thumb wiped my tears away.

‘You made me fall in love with you, and I don’t even know if you really care.’

Chapter twenty-seven

Sara was crying, and although I didn’t know why, I knew it was my fault. It helps no one to self-flagellate, but I saw her flinch in fear each time my emotions overwhelmed me. I am supposed to protect her, make her feel happy and safe, not run away, too scared to face me.

I was still on the edge after she collapsed in front of me. Much to my shame, I didn’t even catch her, unable to move as a surge of magic and panic caused my transformation, not into the stag, but into my wolf. I didn’t hesitate once I had changed, dragging the healers to care for Sara, my form less of a hindrance than expected as everyone’s concern for my Firefly cut through any misunderstandings.

Once Sara was safely inside and cared for, I’d finally calmed down enough to change back and call Veronica, meeting her at the manor a few hours later. That’s when everything truly went to shit. After examining Sara and performing several spells, the witch had grown angrier with each passing word. She finished her work and turned on me in a furious outburst, accusing me of the most heinous crimes. To say I didn’t react well is an understatement, and my Firefly had walked in during our stand-off, witnessing my disgusting behaviour.

I understood why she ran away to her bedroom but was unable to stop myself from following, only to discover I had no idea what Sara was thinking, her confession of love flooring me. The next thing I knew, I was holding my lover tenderly against my chest.

As I looked down, her shoulders shaking as she cried, I knew leaving my feelings unsaid would destroy this fledgling relationship, so I gathered my courage and spoke. ‘Why do you think my feelings aren’t real? I can’t live without you or think straight if we’re apart, and that was all before anything happened with my magic. I was in love with you from the moment you tried to kick me out of the ER; I just didn’t know it, but when I realised? I was worried my feelings would scare you away. I love you, my Firefly.’ I stroked her hair to reassure her about my affection, but Sara stiffened at my words and pulled away. She cupped my face, and although she smiled, it didn’t reach her eyes. My woman radiated sadness and resignation, yet she tried to make me feel better.

‘I know, Wolfie. I understand now you couldn’t help it, and I’m fine. It’s not that I mind being the beacon of power for a Guardian god, but it was a lot to take in, and I’ll need time to come to terms with everything, so don’t worry; nothing’s changed between us. I just need a moment.’ She kissed me gently, and I let it slide despite knowing she was lying.

‘So you bought me a military mobile med unit then? No one’s ever given me such a thoughtful gift. I promise I will put it to good use.’ She said, and while there was amusement in her voice, she pulled away again. I reached up, holding the hand resting on my cheek, and leaned into it, but Sara avoided my eyes. I felt claws piercing the fabric of my trousers and glanced down. Her familiar looked distressed, and even I flinched under the cat’s unblinking stare.

‘I like the nickname you used.’ I said, hoping that some cheerfulness and intimacy would help her relax. Even if this forever ruined my standing among the shifters, it didn’t matter as Sara smiled, leaning toward me.

‘It fits you. Even when I saw you with antlers, you looked predatory, and while you may be a big bad wolf for the rest of the world, for me, you are my Wolfie.’ She said, placing her head on my shoulder. Fuck, it felt so good to hold her like this that I wouldn’t object if she called me Puppy and insisted on playing fetch. Whatever her objections were, the moment I saw her falling was my undoing and whatever doubts were gnawing at her heart, I would discover and dispel them before Sara decided I wasn’t good enough for her.

‘It is still unfinished, the unit, but I hope you like the concept of this hospital. I wanted you to feel free to practice medicine without worrying about inadequate equipment. You won’t have to quit your job, as I know you love it. I wanted to give you freedom from worry while creating something to help my people.’

‘I know. Well, now I have a team that I can work with, so we can help set everything up, and this healer, Jora, I want her to work there. She is impressive, and I like how quickly she makes decisions.’ Sara patted my forearm before pointing toward the door. ‘Let me sleep now. We can go through the details later. I have a shift tomorrow, and I’m still tired.’

Sara made a shooing gesture, dismissing me, but I couldn’t let it happen. ‘It will be as you wish. I will ask Tomasz if Jora want to work with you. After all, she is his mate. If you need anything else, just tell me.’ I said, lifting her up despite her protests and returning to my bedroom.

‘You are sleeping in my bed. With me, every night.’ I said, looking at her expecting her to challenge me.

‘I know.’ That was not the answer I expected, and her submission worried me more than her silent tears.

I still had to make phone calls and organise security around the Gates. I had my amber enterprise to run, but it all felt less important than her, and I felt torn between the need to protect my people and worry over Sara. She must have noticed my struggle because she kissed my cheek.

‘Go. I promise I will still be sleeping in your bed when you return. Although I don’t promise I will be alone.’ She said, pointing to the cat who had followed and now stared at me, ready to take my place as soon as I vacated it.

‘Our bed, and I don’t mind sharing with Scarface, as long as he knows when to defer to the master of the house.’

Sara looked at the cat before she burst out laughing, and knowing how she communicated with her familiar, I had a suspicion his comments had been less than complimentary, but as long as she smiled, I was happy to be the butt of their jokes, and in the spirit of the moment reached down to scratch the cat’s chin.

‘Look after her, my friend.’ I said, and he blinked at me before trotting over to Sara and curling beside her. It took all of my willpower to leave, and as soon as I was out of earshot, Michal appeared, giving me a questioning look.

‘Why did you break her doors, Sir?’ His overly formal tone didn’t bode well for me. He cared for Sara and was ready to give me a hard time.

‘She was crying, and I was at a loss for what to do. This evening has been difficult for her, and Veronica wasn’t helpful.’

Michal nodded before walking to the kitchen, and I heard him muttering. ‘Were you also at a loss for what to do here as well?’ The mess from my food preparation must have bothered him, but feeding Sara satisfied my wolf, and I regretted nothing.

I went to my office, noticing a few unanswered phone calls, one from Tomasz and three others from Adam. After a quick debate, I decided my favourite bloodsucker could wait and scrolled to find Tomasz’s number. The whole pack dynamic shifted when I turned into an auburn beast of a wolf and howled my distress in front of them.

The wolves had answered, unthinking, and I was soon surrounded by shifters in their animal form, all pressing closer to ease my suffering. If Sara’s friends hadn’t been there to take charge, I don’t know what might have happened, their no-nonsense attitude turning a disaster into a minor difficulty.

---