Surrogate for My Brother-in-law - Chapter 79: Chapter 79

The next night, Ethan took me on a romantic date. He picked the same restaurant he'd taken me to before. Partway through the night, I asked why.
“I know we've gone out to fancy dinners and such,” Ethan said, “but those were part of the whole “Dr. Angel” charade.”
“Yeah,” I said. Then I admitted, “I liked being Dr. Angel. Everyone respected me. It was nice.”
“You deserve to be respected as yourself,” Ethan said. “But you can keep calling yourself Dr. Angel at the hospital, or use your real name, whichever you feel is best.”
“I'm not sure,” I said. “If I change it, won't we have to explain why?”
“Nope. You don't owe anyone answers. You want to be Angel, you're Angel. You want to be Tessa, you're Tessa.”
“I could be Tessa Angel? My Mom has two names, because she's human. I could do like her.”
“Tessa Angel, hm? I like it. I'll have it put on your office door before your next shift,” Ethan said.
“Thank you, Ethan,” I said. “I'm sorry I haven't been at the hospital much lately.”
“You have been very busy,” Ethan said. “Also, you had a baby recently. You should by rights be on maternity leave.” He frowned. “You really should, actually, why didn't I think of that?”
“But what if someone needs me? What if there's another Rogue attack?”
Ethan took my hand in his. “If there is an attack, or if something happens that requires a healer, I'll make sure you're contacted. But you should take time to bond with Sable, and to rest. I'll file the paperwork with Dr. Lee first thing tomorrow.”
“How long?” I asked, nervous. I'd never taken a vacation, and rarely took a day off. What would I do with myself?
“Well, in the employee handbook it says you're owed six months of maternity leave. Or paternity, for the record. And some folks take longer, we make arrangements.”
“I can't do that!” I gasped. “Six months? What would I do with myself?”
“Rest,” Ethan said. He sighed. “Would you take two months, and half shifts for the rest of the year?”
“I... I guess that sounds fair,” I said.
“Good. Because Lee will crimp my tail if I don't convince you to take some time off.”
I giggled. Lee probably would, at that.
“I'm sorry to be discussing business when we're supposed to be starting our date,” Ethan said.
“It's all right. You're still my boss,” I shrugged. “And I really like working for you, at the hospital. It's been amazing.”
“I'm glad. Also, you do fully understand that your place at the hospital has nothing to do with whether you pick me or Leo or neither of us?”
I nodded.
“Good, good. Don't want to think I'm taking advantage of my pretty employee.”
“You could... take a little advantage,” I said shyly.
Ethan smiled, and leaned forward to press a tiny kiss against my cheek. “I think I might enjoy that.”
He drew me into a long, lingering kiss. And wow, but Ethan knew how to kiss. It was warm, and wet, and sweet.
But it didn't feel right somehow. I pulled back.
“Everything okay?” Ethan asked.
“Yes. No.” I huffed. “I don't know.”
“Can you tell me, or is it something you need to mull over for a while?”
“It's frustrating,” I said. “Nothing is wrong. But nothing is right, either. I just want to enjoy a kiss!”
“Okay,” Ethan said cautiously. “Was I moving too fast?”
I shook my head. “No. No, you're perfect. You're kind, and generous. You're my friend.”
“And that's all,” Ethan said after a moment.
I looked away. I wanted to be in love with Ethan. I should be in love with Ethan!
He was the one who was there for me. He took me in when Leo rejected me, would have banished me. He helped me find my mother.
But my feelings didn't care what I wanted, apparently. Kissing him felt nothing like kissing Leo. My heart never sped up when he smiled.
“We’re partners. Teammates. You’re my boss, and one of my best friends. But I don’t feel that kind of love for you. I want to. I tried to.”
“No, it's okay,” Ethan said. “I think I get it. Your wolf, she doesn't howl for me. Does she?”
“No,” I whispered. “I've tried to convince her.”
Ethan chuckled, although his eyes were sad. “You can't convince your wolf, Tess. It just doesn't work that way.”
“Yeah.” I paused. “What about your wolf?”
“Well, he's quiet, yeah,” Ethan shrugged. “He's never spoken for any woman, no matter how many I date. I don't think I have a fated mate, and if I do she's likely on the other end of the world.”
“Oh,” I said. “So you believe in it? Fated mates?”
“I want to,” Ethan said. He sighed. “She sings for Leo, doesn't she?”
I nodded sadly. “I hope you find someone who makes your wolf sing and howl. You deserve that kind of love. I wish it was me.”
“I do, too,” Ethan said. “I do love you, Tessa. I think some part of me always will.”
“I'm sorry,” I whispered.
“Don't be! Hey, I get it. The heart wants what it wants, and our wolves know the truth. And, well, if I have to lose you to anyone, I'm glad it's Leo.”
“Really?” I asked. “You're not... this won't mess things up between you?”
“No, no I won't let it,” Ethan declared. “Leo's been my friend since we were both in diapers. I'm going to be the bigger man, and be happy for him.”
“Okay. And, um. Are we still friends? You and me? I understand if you don't want that.”
“Hey, what? No!” Ethan shook his head. “You are my friend! And I meant it, about you still having a place at the hospital. And you still have a place at my manor. I don't think you're ready to go back, yet.”
I blinked, and thought about moving back into my old room. I shuddered. I didn't think I could do it. But was it fair to Ethan and his siblings?
Ethan shrugged when I asked that. “Life isn't fair, Tess. You are still a part of my pack, at least until you become Leo's mate. And even afterwards, well, I'm proud to have been your alpha and would like to stay that on the records.”
“I'd like that,” I said. I'd definitely rather have Ethan on my papers than Arthur.
“Anyway. Promise me one thing,” Ethan said.
“Anything.”
“Make Leo work for it,” Ethan said with a grin. “You are an amazing woman, and Leo needs to earn that second chance.”
I laughed and nodded. “Maybe I won't tell him I rejected your courtship right away,” I said.
“Hey, we can keep dating for a while. Pretend dating you is more fun than real dating like, any other woman except maybe Lee,” Ethan said.
“Sure,” I said. “We could go to that art museum your brother mentioned, maybe?”
“Oh, that sounds fun,” Ethan said. “Have you ever been to an art museum?”
I shook my head.
“Well. Then you go with me, to enjoy looking at the art. Then, I mention to Leo how much you love museums. And you go again, and enjoy looking at him.”
“That sounds like a plan,” I said. “You're really okay with this?”
“I'm just a little sad, but I'll get over it,” Ethan said. “And I get to play wing-man for my two best friends at the same time.” He rubbed his hands together. “And prank Leo, make him think he's competing with me when I'm really setting him up! It's gonna be epic.”
I smiled, and Ethan's phone rang.
“What idiot is calling me mid date?” he wondered, answering when I nodded.
His face paled as he listened.
“We have to go home. Now,” he said.
“What's happened?” I asked.
“The Rogues attacked, in force.” He took a deep breath, and met my eyes. “They took Sable.”