Chapter 1 Lucy
LUCY
FIVE YEARS LATER…
“How’s Mali doing?”
I grin at Melanie as I continue to stroke the Bengal tiger’s fur. Mali had to have an emergency C-section because she was having trouble delivering her cubs. The large cat is still coming out of anesthesia, and her babies are anxious to meet their mama.
“Good,” I reply. “I’ve got Tim and Carolyn bottle feeding the cubs, and as soon as Mali wakes up, I’ll get the new family situated so she can nurse.”
“Thank the lord,” Melanie says. “As soon as I heard about how the delivery was going, I started praying. I wanted to come see her earlier but was caught up in the final preparations for Dr. Binks’ retirement party.”
My mentor announced his retirement a year ago, and I applied for his position as Chief Veterinarian. Despite having worked here for five years, I still had to interview, competing with several outside candidates for the job. As soon as I received the official offer, I accepted without hesitation.
Tacoma has become my home, and the zoo staff and animals are my family. I’d have been devastated had I not been chosen, and fortunately, I didn’t have to experience that.
“I’m gonna miss the old man,” I say honestly.
“Who are you calling old?”
I turn to see Dr. Binks walking up behind me, and I smile affectionately at him. “No one, Sir.”
He waves a hand dismissively. “How many times do I have to tell you, it’s Samuel? You’ve spent holidays with my family, and we’ve worked side by side for years.”
“As soon as you’re not my boss, I’ll stop calling you sir.”
“On that note, I need to get back to my office,” Melanie states, laughing lightly. She’s no stranger to our banter. “Don’t forget to have Trevor take pictures of Mali and the cubs so I can post them on the website,” she instructs, referring to the staff photographer.
“Already set it up. He’ll be coming in early before the party, and he’s also planning on doing shoots every day for the next week or so.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Melanie disappears, leaving me and Dr. Binks to tend to Mali as she fully comes out of anesthesia. The tiger is used to us both, and she reacts only a little as she lifts her large head and peers at us through tired eyes.
“Hey, mama,” I croon as I tentatively stroke her fur. “We’re gonna get you to your babies in no time.”
“It’s so good to know that these animals are going to be in good hands,” Dr. Binks comments. “Until you came along, I thought I’d never be able to retire.”
“You’re just happy you don’t have to deal with the cranky ones,” I tease, uncomfortable with even a little praise.
“Not going to sugar coat it,” he begins. “I wasn’t too sure about you in the beginning.”
I snort out a laugh. “I’m aware.”
“Your sense of self-preservation was missing back then.” The man smiles fondly.
“I remember the first time I was late after you started. When I walked past the lion’s den and saw you sitting on a rock, petting Leo’s mane like you were on a Sunday picnic, I about had a heart attack right then and there.
That boy is cantankerous as can be, and I’d always had to sedate him, even for a basic health check.
But there you sat, and there he sat… calm as could be… both of you.”
I don’t bother to correct his assessment about my sense of self-preservation because I don’t think he’d understand that it wasn’t that at all.
It was the rush of adrenaline I’d get being close to an animal so powerful that it could kill me in seconds.
Hell, I still crave that adrenaline rush, and I’ve worked hard to bond with all of the animals so I can chase it as much as I want.
Some would call me an adrenaline junkie, and I suppose they’d be right. I’ll do just about anything that makes me feel alive in a way I don’t by simply… living.
“Well, I for one am glad you didn’t stroke out on me,” I state with a grin. “I wouldn’t be half the vet I am today without your guidance and support.”
His cheeks darken with an embarrassed blush. “Sure you would.”
“No, I don’t think you understand,” I insist. “No one has ever believed in me like you do. I can’t thank you enough for all the things you’ve taught me, the patience you’ve shown, and—”
“Oh, save it for tonight,” he comments.
Laughing, I jerk a nod. “Yes, Sir.”