Chapter 412 – The Writer Ella

"Nah," I said, leaning in to stroke Benny's hair. "I can't leave right now. I have to help some other kids."

Still suspicious, the boy pulled his hand away and crossed his arms. "Tell me your name. When my mom comes back, I'll ask her to look you up online. Then we'll know if you're a wolf."

Laughing, I told him my name, then looked around the tent. "Where is your mom, anyway?" I asked. "I'd like to meet her."

The little boy was quiet for a moment, then shrugged. "She'll be back any minute."

"Oh," I said, my heart aching, though I kept my voice cheerful. "Did she just step away? When's the last time you saw her?"

"Coupla days," Benny murmured, looking down at his blankets. I glanced at Isabel, who had approached and was listening. She grimaced and nodded, confirming my suspicions. This little boy hadn't seen his mother in a very long time.

"Okay," I said, stroking his hair. "I'm going to work, okay? But I'll come back and visit you in a bit, all right, kiddo?"

"Okay!" he replied, instantly cheerful and smiling. "Will you turn into your wolf then?"

"We'll see," I replied, laughing and winking. He waved as I stood and went to Conner, immediately taking Rafe into my arms, hugging my baby close and showering him with love.

I honestly felt as if I could spend the rest of the day crying if I allowed myself to think too hard about Benny, quietly suffocating in his bed while waiting for his mother.

Hank caught my eye and approached, glancing at Benny.

"Will he survive?" I murmured, keeping my voice low enough for the boy not to hear.

"After what you just did, Ella?" Hank asked. "Yeah. He's going to make it. But he needs more than just medical help," he continued. "You know that."

"I do know that, Hank," I replied, then looked sharply at Theo. "I need you to text Sinclair," I said, my voice taking on more of Sinclair's commanding tone than I'd ever heard before. "Tell him we need to triple everything. Or more, if we can. All the medical aid being sent to these people, the social workers, and everything. Tell him I said immediately."

Theo's eyebrows rose, but he obeyed. My eyes returned to Hank, who, to my surprise, was smiling.

"Well," he said, putting his hands in his pockets. "Look who's just become a Queen."

I laughed in surprise, then rolled my eyes. "Not yet," I sighed, straightening my shoulders and looking around the room. "When I'm a Queen, you'll know—because I'll be wearing my tiara 24/7. It's the only perk of the job."

"Nah," Hank said, putting a warm hand on my back and guiding me to the next patient. "The perk is being able to do this. And to order your mate to send thousands of dollars of supplies at the drop of a hat."

"Yeah," I said, smiling at Hank as I handed Rafe to Conner. I returned to work, sitting next to a little girl with cuts and bruises all over her arms and face. "Hi, sweetheart," I said, smiling warmly. "What's your name?"

The rest of the day and early evening passed predictably. Cora and Hank consulted with the doctors and nurses to determine my tasks. I healed, Conner guarded Rafe, and Theo and Anthony guarded Cora and me.

By nightfall, I was pleased with the day's work—we'd helped dozens of children, even rescuing some from a very dark place. I looked around the room, exhaling contentedly, but blinked at a noticeable change in the people's demeanor.

When I'd arrived that morning, the people—especially the adults—had shrunk away from my team, barely noticing me. I was, after all, the smallest person there with a baby strapped to my chest. They'd watched our every move with narrow, suspicious eyes, always expecting us to hurt them or take something from them.

But now, after a long day of helping?

The suspicion was gone, replaced by wide-eyed wonder as they watched me move through the tent. I blushed and ducked my head, tucking my hair behind my ear as I held sleeping Rafe close.

"What?" Cora asked, noticing my change in attitude.

"They're all just looking at me," I murmured, feeling awkward. Cora looked around and laughed. "What, did you not expect all the hero worship and awe when you decided to use your demigoddess powers on a bunch of unsuspecting mortals?"

"Demigoddess powers," I scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous, Cora—"

"Well, that's what they are, Ella," she said, laughing. "I mean, do you need me to make it rain to prove my point?"

"I'd prefer you didn't," I said loftily, laughing. "But still," I said, lowering my voice and stepping closer. "I mean I'm just a girl. I'm just helping the best way I can, like anyone else would—"

"Not anymore you're not, Ells," Cora said, patting my cheek. "You're a part-goddess wolf Queen."

"Yeah," I sighed, twisting my lips, then glared. "Well, you're a weird hybrid soon-to-be wolf mom who's probably a duchess or something once Sinclair gets all the titles figured out."

"And a doctor," Cora said, winking and moving on to the next case. "Don't forget that!"

"I won't!" I sighed. "Because you sure as hell won't let me!"

We were still laughing as I kissed Rafe—cuddled in Conner's arms—and sat in the chair beside my last patient of the day—an eight-year-old girl and a woman who I assumed was her mother, though she looked young. Their similar dark brown hair and pale skin confirmed their familial connection. "Hi," I said brightly. "My name is Ella. I've heard you're not feeling well."

"No," the little girl murmured, touching her stomach. "I am sick."

I glanced at Cora, who nodded. They'd briefed me—the girl had a bacterial infection threatening her organs. Still, I liked connecting with my patients first.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I said, offering my hand. The girl hesitated, but I kept my hand open. "I'm going to try to make you feel better, if you'll let me. Will that be all right?"

The girl looked at the woman, who nodded, though her stare was intense. The girl nodded as well.

"What's your name?" I asked, smiling.

"Jessica," she whispered.

"Jessica," I repeated, smiling wider. "Well, let's see what we can do. Just relax." I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and entered my meditative state.

It was trickier than a simple wound, as the bacteria had spread throughout her gastrointestinal system. But after the gift had done its work, it returned to me, and I opened my eyes. About twenty minutes had passed.

I smiled at Jessica. Her face looked better—less wan, less pained and worried.

"How are you feeling?" I asked quietly. To my pleasure, she took my hand. "Much better. And" she hesitated, looking at the woman, "hungry. Can I have something to eat?"

"Of course," I said, grinning and looking at Cora, who gave a thumbs-up and asked a nurse about food. "Is there anything else you want?" I asked. Jessica shook her head, smiling, but the woman cleared her throat. I turned to her.

"Thank you, Luna," she said, surprisingly using a wolf title, unlike the other humans. "Thank you so much for helping my sister," she said, her voice choked. I took her hand, smiling as tears fell.

"Of course," I said, squeezing her hand. "I'm just glad I could help. What's your name?"

"I'm Sarah," she said quietly, smiling shyly. "But actually, Luna, we're already connected, in a strange way. I—I know all about you. I've been hearing about you my whole life."

"Really?" I asked, eyes widening.

"Yes," she said, laughing and nodding eagerly. "And actually, um," she hesitated, glancing around before leaning close to whisper. "A few weeks ago, I actually left a letter on your doorstep."

My eyes widened in shock. I clutched her hand tightly, suddenly knowing precisely who she was. Or, if not precisely who she was, what she'd done to save my son's life.