When we climbed out of the ambulance, a whole team of doctors seemed to be waiting. I smiled at them, a little anxious, as they escorted us into the hospital and began our battery of checks. At my side, Sinclair shifted into Alpha protection mode, warily eyeing everyone, glaring at anyone who approached me or the baby.

I smirked at his stern, dangerous expression, but didn't dissuade him. Honestly, I kind of liked it.

We were quickly escorted to a private room where Hank consulted with a panel of experts, ordering numerous tests. As he worked, I smiled as Cora appeared.

"Cora!" I called, waving. Rafe fussed in my arms. Even Cora received a glare from Sinclair, though her curious look made him check his expression.

"Sorry," he murmured. "I'm feelingprotective."

"Understandable," she said, smiling and reaching for the baby. "Where's my little boy?"

"Heeere," I sang, handing the little bundle, dressed in his cream sleep sack, to his aunt.

"Cutieee," Cora cooed, holding him close. She beamed at him before looking at me. "First night go okay?"

I recounted our first night while Sinclair stood firmly beside me. As I spoke, Hank and his team began preparing the various checks and treatments. Then, he approached us.

"Okay, Ella," he said, smiling. "My team and I will ensure you're perfectly healthy, and Cora and hers will make sure Rafe is in top shape. It'll take a while, but," he glanced at Sinclair and shrugged, "I thought it best to check everything thoroughly."

"Damn right, you'll check everything," Sinclair growled, crossing his arms.

I placed a hand on his arm. "You need to cool it, Dom," I murmured, smiling. He sighed and nodded, making me laugh. I could tell he was on edge, fighting his new-dad instincts to protect his vulnerable mate and child.

"It's all right," Hank said, smiling between us. "You're in good hands." He paused, placing a hand on Cora's back. I blinked, surprised when she flinched slightly.

What's this? I thought, a little happiness building. But then I chided myself for being happy about possible discord in my sister's relationship. You're Team Cora, I reminded myself. Team Cora, whatever that meant.

My inner wolf, however, nudged me, letting me know I was lying. I nudged back, content to see what happened.

A few hours later, I was dozing, waiting for test results. Rafe was in the newborn room next door, allowing me to rest, but I felt restless without him. Still, my exhausted body dozed in and out of sleep.

Sinclair, however, had no such qualms about the baby being out of the room and snored lightly beside me.

I woke instantly when the door opened and Dr. Hank entered. "Sorry," he said, grimacing. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"No," I sighed, tucking my hair behind my ears as Sinclair sat up. "It's all right—I didn't sleep well without the baby anyway. Mom stuff."

"Wolf stuff, too," Hank murmured, approaching the bed. "Studies show wolf mothers sleep better with physical contact with their child." He glanced between us. "You two may want to consider co-sleeping."

I beamed, turning to Sinclair. He blinked blearily. "Ella," he said, "you spent hundreds of dollars on bassinets—now you want to put the baby in the bed with us?"

"In the nest!" I exclaimed, excited. Sinclair murmured about wolves versus birds, but I ignored him, turning back to Hank. "So, am I okay? Can I go home?"

He lifted a clipboard, reading the reports, and nodded. "You're doing beautifully, Ella. Strikingly healthy—perhaps more than expected after a traumatic birth. But perhaps that's due toyour gift?"

I nodded, accepting the mystery.

"If only all mothers had such a gift," Hank said warmly. "That would be a boon, wouldn't it?"

I nodded, but then froze, struck by an idea…

I was interrupted by a nurse entering with the baby. I cried out happily, opening my arms.

"He's hungry," she said, smiling. I thanked her, bringing my child close to feed him. Hank, a little awkward, cleared his throat and turned away.

"So, if Cora gives you the okay," Hank continued, looking up, "you're free to go. I'll see you in a couple of weeks!" He turned to leave, seemingly ignoring the significant role he'd played and his relationship with my sister.

"Hank," I called. He turned, curious. I looked him in the eyes. "Thank you, Hank," I said sincerely.

He placed a hand to his heart and bowed slightly. "It was my pleasure," he murmured warmly. Sinclair and I smiled, and he turned to leave again.

"Hank?"

He paused.

"What, precisely," I asked carefully, "are your intentions with my sister?"