Surrogate for My Brother-in-law - Chapter 20: Chapter 20

“Why are you calling me Dr. Angel?” I asked the nurse who had given me a cup of juice.
“That's what Alpha Ethan said to call you,” the nurse replied. “Why? Is it not correct?”
Well, I could hardly use my real name.
“No, it's fine. I like it,” I replied with a smile that couldn't be seen through the mask.
“Here, please come sit down,” the nurse said, placing one hand under my elbow. “You've exhausted yourself.”
I watched the rest of the staff tend to my patient. I was exhausted, but I thought that healing the wolf had been smoother that time. It had taken less time, too.
One of the doctors approached me after the wolf had been taken to a recovery room.
“That was most impressive, healer,” she said. “I'm Dr. Lee. May I ask where you trained?”
“I, um, well...” I scrambled for an answer, but the doctor only smiled.
“Ah, I understand. Self taught? You came into your power late, perhaps?”
I nodded, glad my mask hid my blush.
“That's often the way of it for the truly powerful ones,” Dr. Lee said. “If you like, I have some literature that could be of use to you.”
“You do?” I asked. “That would be wonderful. I've read everything I can find but it feels like I'm barely scratching the surface.”
Dr. Lee smiled. “Of course. My brother is a healer. I have some texts he left behind when he went to join a pack in the islands.”
“Your brother left his pack?” I asked, stunned.
“He said he felt he was needed there,” Dr. Lee said. “I think the true healers, like you, feel the call of the moon more strongly than their link to their packs.”
True healer? Was that what I was? And I had never heard of anyone but an alpha feeling “the call of the moon.” That was what was supposed to give them the strength and wisdom to lead the packs.
“You look like I hit you in the face with a fish,” Dr. Lee said with a laugh.
I grinned back at her. “I kind of feel like that. I think I'm just really tired.”
“I'll bet you are,” Ethan said. He had been standing quietly against the wall, staying out of everyone's way. “That was quite a show, Dr. Angel.”
“I'll just go grab those books for you,” Dr. Lee said, pausing to bow to Ethan as she left.
Ethan waved me back into my seat before I could stand and bow.
“No formalities, Angel,” he said. “Not when you're swaying in your seat. Just rest a moment, and drink that juice.”
I obediently took a sip. It was the best juice I'd ever drank. Or I was incredibly thirsty.
“Please let me take you to dinner,” Ethan said. “I have to express my gratitude.”
“But you already promised to get me a phone,” I said.
“I made that promise before you saved a wolf I was sure I was going to lose,” Ethan said. Then added, “He's my beta's brother. We grew up together. Let me thank you, please.”
“Well, I am hungry,” I admitted.
“After that I bet you are,” Ethan said.
“All right, I'll accept this once,” I said.
“Great. We'll grab dinner as soon as you feel strong enough to walk to my car,” Ethan said. “Then we'll go get a phone.”
“Um, it's really late,” I said, “Won't all the shops be closed?”
“They'll open for me. They understand these kinds of situations,” Ethan promised. “Anyway, how do you feel about steak? I think you need the protein.”
“That sounds lovely,” I said. “Anything you like, I'm not picky.”
Ethan smiled. “I know just the place.”
I stood up, swayed slightly, and looked down at myself. “Oh. No, I can't go out like this.”
Dr. Lee returned at that moment with an armful of books, which Ethan insisted on carrying for me.
“I keep spare clothes in my office,” she said, “For situations just like this. I think they'll fit you.”
“You don't mind?” I asked.
“Sweetie, it's fine,” Dr. Lee said. She looked over at Ethan. “Alpha, did I hear correctly that you're going to feed this poor girl?”
“I most definitely am,” Ethan promised.
“Good. Let me get her cleaned up and I'll deliver her to your car.”
“Thank you, Dr. Lee,” Ethan said.
I followed the doctor to the nearest restroom. She helped me wash the blood off of my hands and arms. She sent a nurse for the spare clothes and passed them to me. She took my old clothes off with a promise to wash them and send them with Ethan later.
“Now, a word of warning about Alpha Ethan,” Dr. Lee said. “He's got a good heart. He's a great alpha. He'll do right by you. But don't let yourself fall for him.”
“Pardon?” I asked.
“Ethan is, well, he's got a reputation with the ladies,” Dr. Lee said. “If you're just in it for a good time, go for it. He treats his women right. But if you're looking for true love, maybe look somewhere else.”
“That won't be a problem,” I said. “I'm not looking for that. I just promised to help when I could.”
“All right, then,” Dr. Lee said. “He's a good friend to have.”
We reached Ethan's car. He held the door open for me and closed it when I was inside. I waved to Dr. Lee as we drove off.
The restaurant was quiet and expensive. No one said a single word about my mask or the casual clothes I'd borrowed that were just a little too loose.
We were taken to a private table and Ethan ordered for both of us. It felt more like a date than a thank you. Although I'd never been on a date so I wasn't sure.
As I nibbled my way through the salad course, I decided I should trust Ethan just a little. I needed his help.
“I want to keep helping you,” I said. “but I need your help, too.”
“Absolutely anything,” Ethan promised. “Just name it.”
“I need you to help me find a woman,” I said.
Ethan perked up. “Well now that's an interesting request. Who is she?”
I gave him my mother's name and description. He listened intently and even took a few notes in a little book he kept in his jacket pocket.
“One more thing,” I said, “I need you to keep this confidential. Don't share it with anyone, not even your friend Alpha Leo.”
Ethan looked startled for a moment, but nodded. “Very well. I can keep a secret.” He shrugged. “I don't keep many of those from Leo, but if it's that important to you I will.”
“Thank you,” I said. “Her life may depend on that. If you tell anyone, I won't be able to help you anymore.”
Ethan blinked. “Wow. You are serious. That's fine, though. I promise I'll keep your secrets, Angel.”
“Thank you.” I paused. “Why did you tell the hospital staff to call me that?”
“Well, it's because you appeared like an angel from the heavens to save my beta. It's a human belief. I don't know if you've heard of them?”
“I've heard some stories,” I said. My mother used to tell me about angels. They sounded nice. When I was little I thought if I was just good enough, an angel would come to save me from Eva.
After dinner, Ethan took me to a tiny shop to pick out a phone. I didn't know what to ask for, so I let him pick. He bought the latest model and signed a contract for a year's service. He wouldn't let me refuse.
Ethan drove me back after that. He asked me for the address, claiming to have forgotten it. I meant to give him directions to the empty house, but it was late and I was sleepy from all the delicious food. I instinctively gave him the address to the manor.
“I knew you were part of Leo's pack,” he said.
I didn't know what to say, so I stayed quiet until we reached the manor. I stepped out of the car and bumped into Leo.
“Hey, buddy,” Ethan said. “Patrolling your new territory?”
“Yes.” He looked from me to Ethan and back. “Who is this with you?”
I looked around for an escape. If he got a good look, he'd recognize me even with the mask.
“This is my new lover,” Ethan announced, wrapping an arm over my shoulders. “I call her my Angel.”