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I manage a polite nod in his direction, and he mirrors the gesture. Ronan and Lucien have been attached at the hip from the moment Ronan started feeling better.He asks about him all the time, follows him to the pack house on a few occasions, and insists he comes around every day. Lucien is also really great with him. I can see the tenderness in his eyes whenever Ronan is yapping endlessly about a new interest or telling him about his toys at home. He looks like he doesn't want to be anywhere else, and whatever Ronan has to say is the most important thing, even if it's mostly gibberish.I've watched them play catch and seen Lucien take him around the pack to show him around. On one occasion, I walked into the living room to find them napping. Lucien was strewn across the sofa while Ronan lay on top of him, his weight supported by Lucien's arms while Guardians of the Galaxy rolled by on the TV screen.The sight brought a strange feeling with it, and if the situation was different, I would've taken a picture and treasured it for life, but I knew better. I wasn't going to start making permanent memories with a temporary man. So, I threw the covers over them and walked away.They continued in a similar fashion, spending the days playing around and evenings watching movies till Ronan slept. I've made it a point to stay out of their way and limit my contact with Lucien.

The nature of the bond and how quickly Ronan grew attached to him had me shaken at first. I was worried about how he'd cope when we leave. But I am not going to rob him of a father's love, no matter how short the duration might be.I force my fears to the corner, allowing myself to enjoy this almost intimate family moment. My son is healthy and has been bonding with his father over the last week. That is more than enough for me. I do not need or want more than this. I hate how often I have to remind myself of this.

A familiar car pulls into the driveway, interrupting their game as they make their way, hand in hand, toward the pack healer."Hey!" She says cheerfully, waving at me.

I put a hand over my forehead, squint, and then lean closer to make out what she is holding before I return her wave.It's a small bag, and the contents are not obvious in any way.Lucien and Ronan catch up with her, and the three of them are deep in a conversation. I wonder what they're talking about, but I fight the urge to walk up to them.When they begin walking toward me, I'm nervous, my smile faltering slightly."Welcome," I say, letting her pull me into her embrace. She smells of lavender and lime, an odd mix that seems to suit her perfectly.

She nods, leaning back to speak, "I stopped to drop these off for Lucien."

My brow shoots up, a question dancing in my eyes, but I stay quiet. He reaches out to accept the bag, holding it firmly at his side as they exchange pleasantries before he excuses himself, with Ronan hot on his tail.She turns to me just then, "Also," she begins, "I was hoping to speak with you."

My heartbeat intensifies as I let my mind go through a number of reasons she'd be looking to speak with me. I think about Ronan, wondering if there are any lingering complications for him health-wise.

Nothing comes to mind, so I walk with her back to her car, "Okay, go on," I urge, eager to get this over with as soon as possible.

She sighs, taking her time, "Have you considered staying here longer?"Without thinking, I shake my head. "I haven't. Why?"

She pauses, turning to face me, her expression a lot more serious now, "He's better. You can see that. Staying here is good for him right now, just until he's old enough to decide what's best for him and his wolf is strong enough to exist without community."

I blink rapidly, struggling to understand where all of this is coming from, "Did he put you up to this?" I ask, my tone accusatory. This sounds like a ploy to get us to stay here and live here if possible. I'm not going to fall into these twisted mind games.She laughs, a soothing sound that seems to echo around me, "No, not at all. Your son is my patient. I'm just concerned about him." Her gaze straightens just then, the smile fading as a frown takes its place, "Taking him away from here can cause another episode."

"Is that the only way it has to be? There's no way for him to feel better elsewhere, even if he has the best care?" I ask, worrying my bottom lips between my teeth. I need Ronan to be at his best. Watching him slowly come back to the boy I used to know and seeing him grow stronger in Lucien's presence has been the best experience. But we can't stay here. It's only a matter of time till tongues start wagging, and I can't risk the trouble.

The healer looks at me, her eyes heavy with concern. "He has to be kept close to his kin."

"I'll think about it," I say, not wanting to drag on with the topic any further.

She nods, "Please, do."

She turns to unlock her car, and I signal her to wait, "Can I ask a question of my own?"

"Sure," her confusion is almost palpable as she ticks loose strands of hair behind her ears, her eyes on me, watching expectantly.

"You brought medications for Lucien?" I ask, trying not to sound like a creep.

"Oh, that. They're for his injury. I give him a weekly dose," she says casually as if we've had a conversation on this before, and I'm familiar with the topic already.

"Injuries?" I echo, instantly regretting it when she looks at me, the surprise on her face hinting that I might be the only one in the dark on this subject.

"Yes, injury. He sustained a nasty one during the last attack. He lost so much blood he almost died in the process because instead of seeking treatment, he was hell-bent on rushing to save someone he insisted was in danger. It was the most reckless thing I've ever witnessed."

I feel my heart dip slightly, a wave of guilt washing over me. He was hurt in a battle when I was attacked, and he still came for me? Why didn't he say anything to me? And wasn't this weeks ago? How is he still injured? Question after question filters into my head, and I blink a few times to clear the fog.