Accidental Surrogate, Chapter 382: Future Plans
It took days to heal the men—long days spent with Cora and Hank at my side, explaining the intricate details of their wounds. I discovered that knowing the specifics helped me focus my gift, allowing me to mend the flesh neatly instead of simply throwing power at it and hoping for the best.
My gift itself didn't deplete; I felt no lessening of its power even after hours of continuous use, day after day. However, my own body felt the strain. It was fulfilling work, but healing men, caring for a newborn, and being the mate of a soon-to-be king in our war-torn country was…a lot.
Sinclair initially tried to help, standing beside me, but I eventually sent him and the baby away. His energy was better spent elsewhere; he could focus on Rafe more effectively than I could while I was in a meditative state. I also knew that simply watching me work was driving him a little crazy.
Finally, as I smoothed the last patch of burned skin on the final soldier, I stood, smiling, brushing my hands against my leggings and wondering where Sinclair was.
"Thank you, Luna," the soldier said, and I beamed down at him.
"Glad to do it. Hopefully, you'll get some lighter duty," I said, cocking my head. "Fancy being a secretary?"
He laughed, shaking his head and marveling at his freshly healed skin. "Not a chance, Luna. I'm a fighter, through and through. I'll go back to the field for you and the Alpha any day."
"Well, hopefully not anytime soon," I sighed, patting his shoulder and turning to find my mate.
A wave of lightness washed over me; it was finally done. Hank waved from across the room, consulting with men who needed physical therapy—healing does wonders, but it doesn't do everything. I waved back and left the room, heading to the back of the clinic where Roger and Sinclair usually met.
Sighing, I looked around the makeshift barracks we'd created. We hadn't left for days, and while I was grateful for the clinic's role in healing, I longed to go home. I yearned for my big bed, my baby's bassinet, and a normal night's sleep.
Then I remembered the corpses in our bedroom. Had Sinclair sent someone to clean it? Or was it…rotting?
I stuck out my tongue, dismissing the thought as I reached the back door. Still, the longing persisted. I missed my normal life. But what was my normal life anymore? Did it even exist, or had Xander obliterated it when he attacked my son?
I knocked and opened the door. Four dark heads looked up, smiling. I laughed at the sight of my tiny baby strapped to Sinclair's broad chest. He looked so small against Sinclair’s size.
"There he is," I said, nodding to everyone before focusing on my son. "And how's my baby doing?"
"I'm great," Sinclair said, taking my hand and pulling me to his side, feigning jealousy that made me laugh.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that," I said, kissing his cheek before unstrapping Rafe, eager to hold him.
"Are you all finished, Ella?" Henry asked. Roger stood, hands in his pockets, listening intently.
"Yes!" I exclaimed, bouncing Rafe. "Everyone's finally patched up."
"Incredible," Henry said, his smile warming me. He'd been so somber lately. "That kind of turnaround after those wounds—it's miraculous."
"Powerful," Roger added. "Imagine what you could do on a battlefield…"
I frowned. "I'm not sure I want to think of my mother's gift as a weapon," I said thoughtfully.
"True," he conceded. "That does seem…a little anti-goddess, doesn't it?"
"What are you all up to?" I asked, looking at the papers scattered on the table. "And where's Cora?"
"We're making plans," Sinclair said, placing a hand on my back. "For our next steps. We'll want your input."
"Cora's with a lady doctor she called," Roger shrugged. "Though I don't see why that's necessary. Considering she is a lady doctor."
"You can say OB/GYN, Roger," I laughed.
"He's just mad," Sinclair whispered loudly, "because the doctor wouldn't let him in for the checkup."
"It's ridiculous," Roger grumbled, pretending to study the papers. "My baby too—don't see why I can't be there."
I laughed at my sister's protective mate and stepped closer to my own. I understood the feeling.
"So, what are the new plans?" I asked, nudging Sinclair. "What's next?"
"We have…options," Sinclair said, staring thoughtfully. "Much depends on what you and Cora think is best." Before he could elaborate, the door opened and Cora's bright face appeared. "Did I hear my name?"
Roger rushed to her, examining her as if the doctor had harmed her. Cora laughed, swatting his hands and closing the door.
"I'm fine!" she said before he pulled her close.
"What did she say?" he asked.
"I'll tell you later," she said, grinning. While I was curious, I understood Cora's desire for privacy. "Everything's fine. Nothing to worry about."
"Good," he breathed, relief evident.
"But I heard my name?" Cora said, turning to us.
"Apparently, we have decisions to make," I said, kissing Rafe's head. He was getting fussy—hungry.
"Yes," Henry said. "We've had news of Xander's whereabouts," he continued, surprising me. "And in light of that, we have…big decisions to make."
"Yes," Sinclair added, his gaze fixed on Cora. "Much of what we do next depends…well, Cora, it depends on what you want to do."
"Me?" she asked, bewildered.
The same question echoed in my mind. Why Cora? Not that I minded; I was happy to let her take the lead. But as the only human involved in wolf affairs…
What did they want her to decide?