Surrogate for My Brother-in-law - Chapter 38: Chapter 38

I returned from a “date” with Ethan late one evening. Actually, I was healing one of his wolves. For a change, this one wasn't attacked. He'd fallen off a roof while repairing it and landed badly.
It was interesting healing injuries that didn't come from a fight. There was just as much trauma, but it was mostly broken bones and bruises, not gashes and bites. Healing snapped bone was harder than sealing together rent flesh. However, stabilizing the wolf was easier.
The main thing I had to contend with was shock. The poor wolf that had fallen was nauseous, trembling, and cold. It took me a minute to remember what the books said to do for shock. Once I had the wolf warmed up and settled, the rest was easier.
Dr. Lee had to set the bones in place before they could heal in the wrong position. So instead of speeding healing like I usually did, I had to slow the wolf's own healing in order to buy the medical staff more time to work.
I was exhausted after healing the wolf, but also satisfied with my progress as a healer. Dr. Lee had assured me the wolf would heal well and that my intervention had been crucial for the good outcome. She had praised my dedicated studying.
I was in such a good mood that I wasn't as careful to hide my movements through the manor as I usually was. I turned a corner and found Zane standing there. I yelped and backed away as he grabbed my arm.
“Tessa, right?” Zane said.
I'd taken off my mask in the car, so that no one would see “Dr. Angel” enter the manor.
“I, yes, that's me,” I muttered, trying to bow without tugging too hard on my arm.
If I tried to fight his grip, he'd just hold on tighter. Zane wasn't an alpha, but he had a lot of the same domineering character traits. He was used to being obeyed.
“I think we need to talk, you and me,” Zane said. “Would you be willing to take a walk in the garden with me?”
I froze. Why did he want to talk to me? And what would Eva think if she saw us together?
“It's late,” I said, “and I have work early in the morning. Maybe another time.”
“You always have work, don't you?” Zane said. His voice was soft and sympathetic.
I shrugged. I didn't really have anything to say to that.
“I have days off now,” I said.
“Now. So you didn't, before?” Zane asked.
“I mean, there's a lot of work to do,” I said.
I did appreciate that Ethan had arranged to give me time off. Of course, I spent those days off in his hospital healing injured wolves. But when there wasn't an emergency, I got to spend the time studying with Dr. Lee if she wasn't too busy. And hanging out with the nursing staff when she was.
“I'm just trying to get to know the wolves in my new Luna's pack,” Zane said. “All of this has been really sudden, I've barely gotten a chance to know anyone.”
Oh, well, that was reasonable. I still barely knew any of Leo's wolves. And if Leo did intend to make the pack joining permanent, which seemed to be the case, we probably should get to know one another.
“Won't Eva be upset you're paying attention to me?” I asked.
“Nah, she understands. It's just a friendly conversation, I promise,” Zane replied.
'Understanding' wasn't a word I'd ever use to describe Eva. But Zane hadn't let go of my arm and I couldn't get free without causing a commotion. And a short walk and a conversation wasn't too much to ask.
“All right,” I said, “Just a short walk. I can't be up too late.”
“Don't worry, I know how hard you work,” Zane said. “I'll get you to bed in plenty of time. You need your rest, don't you?”
Was he being patronizing, or was he hinting that he was in on the secret of my pregnancy? I didn't dare ask so I just nodded.
Zane held out his arm and I rested my hand in the crook of his elbow. It was a little old fashioned, but the garden was in deep shade and the sun was going down. My vision was mostly human, so I needed the help to avoid tripping over anything.
“I've been watching you,” Zane admitted as we walked between the rose bushes some long ago Luna had planted.
“Why?” I asked. “It must've been boring, all I do is clean and help organize the books, really.”
Zane chuckled. “I don't think you're boring at all.” His face sobered. “I do think you're overworked. Even with the occasional day off.”
I wanted to point out that it was his lover and his brother who were primarily responsible for my workload. Although Leo was genuinely trying to do better. I didn't say it, though. None of it was Zane's fault.
“I know it's hard,” Zane said. “You're smart, all the archivists agree. They'd take you in their ranks in a second, but they can't.”
“Because I'm a half-blood,” I said. It was true. The only position I could legally hold in any pack was that of a servant. Unless I had a full wolf mate, that is.
“And that's stupid, and unfair,” Zane said. “You know it is. Just because you have a human parent doesn't make you any less a part of this pack.”
I nodded. That was true. The pack was the only life I'd ever known. I was a wolf, just like them.
“You're not alone, you know,” Zane said. “There are other half bloods like you, younger siblings like me, wolves who could be great but the packs won't ever give us the chance.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“The alphas keep us in our place,” Zane said, “and the rest of the pack goes along because the structure of the pack makes them feel safe. But it's not safe. It's stifling. Don't you wish you could do more? Be more?”
“I... I don' t know,” I hesitated.
“I've seen you studying,” Zane said. “I don't know what you're trying to learn, your archivists are loyal and they don't snitch on you. But I can tell how hard you're working.”
“It's just to pass the time,” I said. I didn't dare hint that I was learning to be a healer.
“It's not, and we both know it. You want more. You deserve more.”
I looked away. Why did he make so much sense? He was wrong. Wasn't he?
“There are people who are trying to change things,” Zane said. “I think you'd be a huge help, if you're willing.”
“How can I possibly help change anything?” I asked. “I'm just a maid.”
“Your an alpha's personal maid. And you're dating another alpha. Which, congratulations, Ethan's a catch. I hope he picks you over that healer girl.”
“I, uh, thanks,” I said, not sure how to take that. “What does me being a personal maid matter?”
“Well, it's complicated,” Zane admitted. “My friends would explain it better. Would you come meet them with me?”
“I can't, it's late,” I protested. “And I can't leave the manor without permission.”
“I understand. It's scary, going against the alphas. But my friends can protect you. They're just as strong as the alphas. They've beaten them before.”
It hit me, then, in a cold rush. His 'friends' were the Rogues. They had to be. Who else was trying to destabilize the structure of the packs? Who else would claim to be as strong as the alphas?
But Leo had told me the Rogues had killed his parents, his and Zane's. How could Zane work with the banished wolves who had murdered his own family?
“I... I need time to think,” I said. “And I don't have another day off for a week, I can't go until then.”
“Okay,” Zane said, patting my shoulder. “Let's get you inside so you don't get in trouble. You're right. You need to maintain your position. Just give us a chance, okay? That's all I'm asking.”
Somehow I managed to smile and nod and act like I was curious, not horrified. Work with the Rogues? I could never do that. They had nearly killed my mother. They would have killed me if they found me where she hid me.
I had to find a way to warn Leo.