Chapter 9
NINE
HOLLY
My heart rate spikes with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
This is exactly what I need for my wilderness medicine certification—actual trauma experience.
I’ve been stuck doing routine checkups and minor ailments for days, with Dr. Klinkhart hovering over my shoulder like I might accidentally amputate someone’s arm while taking their blood pressure.
And find an alpha with a surfer-boy haircut and a flirtatious smile lounging on the examination table.
“Hey, Doc!” he greets me with a brilliant smile. “Glad they called in the expert for my life-threatening condition.”
My gaze shifts to the corner where a tall figure stands with arms crossed—a masked man with only piercing gray eyes visible above a skull-patterned bandana covering the lower half of his face.
I blink. My initial adrenaline rush fades when I realize no one is dying, but that doesn’t do much to slow my racing heart. To give myself a second to recover, I briefly look at the chart. “Kai Trujillo? You’re my traumatic injury?”
Kai nods solemnly, then points dramatically to his foot. “Canned corn. Crushed toes. Possible amputation scenario.”
I glance at his foot—completely unmarked, no swelling, no discoloration—then back to his face with its mock-serious expression. “I see. And how exactly did this traumatic corn can incident occur, Mr. Trujillo?”
“Please call me Kai. Mr. Trujillo was my father, and he’d be deeply disappointed that his only son turned out to be such an incredible klutz.
” He sits up straighter, expression earnest despite the slight quirk of his lip.
“As for my injury, I was innocently browsing the general store’s paint selection when gravity betrayed me. Isn’t that right, Ghost?”
The larger and much quieter alpha’s eyes narrow slightly above his mask. He doesn’t respond.
“Ghost?” I ask, moving to the sink to wash my hands.
“Ghost, my emotional support mountain man. That’s what everyone calls Grayson here,” Kai explains. “On account of how he appears and disappears without warning. Very spooky. Halloween is his favorite holiday.”
Grayson makes a low sound that might be a growl.
“Sorry, he also really enjoys digging into stockings for candy at Christmas,” Kai adds with a wide grin.
I dry my hands and approach the examination table. “Well, let’s take a look at this catastrophic injury, shall we? Can you lie back for me?”
Kai complies with exaggerated care, wincing dramatically as he swings his legs onto the table. “Be gentle with me, Doc. I’m delicate.”
I place my stethoscope against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Strong, steady rhythm. No tachycardia that would indicate actual pain.
“Deep breath in,” I instruct, moving the stethoscope.
“So,” Kai says after inhaling, “you’re new in town. How are you finding our little mountain paradise? Noah get around to giving you the grand tour yet?”
I raise an eyebrow, though I shouldn’t be surprised. A town this small must mean that all the residents know each other. “I wasn’t aware Dr. Klinkhart offered tour guide services.”
“Oh, he doesn’t,” Kai grins. “Though maybe Grayson would be willing. He has always been very concerned that visitors to town settle in well. You might say that he is always watching out for everyone around here.”
Grayson shifts his weight, the leather of his jacket creaking slightly.
“Breathe out,” I say. Clear and healthy. “And again.”
“You know,” Kai continues between breaths, “as the town’s newest permanent resident—I only moved here fifteen years ago—I feel I should get special treatment here. Maybe a tongue depressor as a souvenir.”
I try—and probably fail—to hide my amusement. “You always have this much to say?”
“Not as much as my friend here. Grayson is the most talkative alpha in town. He’s said at least three full sentences today. A new record.”
I can’t help the small laugh that escapes me as I remove my stethoscope. “If you’ll give just one second of silence to listen here, I’d appreciate it. As much as I’m enjoying this, the medical assessment part is what I actually get paid to do, Mr. Trujillo.”
“Kai,” he corrects again, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Kai,” I concede.
As I gently manipulate his foot, I’m struck by how comfortable I feel in this room with both men.
It’s strange—I usually maintain a strict professional distance with patients, especially alphas.
But something about Kai’s easy humor and even Grayson’s silent watchfulness feels.
..safe. Even though there is absolutely no reason that should be the case.
I glance up at Grayson, whose intense gaze hasn’t left me since I entered the room. There’s too much about him that should be threatening—his height, his silence, that skull mask—but I get the impression that he is just the poor foil to Kai’s antics and is both patiently amused and annoyed by him.
“Any pain here?”
“Excruciating,” Kai claims, though his face shows no discomfort. “I might need extensive rehabilitation. Perhaps you could recommend some physical activities to help me recover? Hiking? Dinner? Dancing?”
I roll my eyes, but can’t help smiling. “Your foot is perfectly fine. Feel free to dance the night away.”
“Only if that’s an offer.” His grin widens. “Are you sure, though? Maybe you should check again. Very thoroughly and higher up.”
Grayson makes another low sound, and Kai shoots him a grin. “Ghost thinks I’m being too subtle.”
My phone suddenly buzzes in my pocket, vibrating insistently against my thigh. I ignore it, continuing my examination, but it immediately starts buzzing again. And again. And again.
I sigh, recognizing the pattern. “Sorry, just one second.”
Normally, I would never pull out my phone during a patient encounter, but Kai doesn’t seem like the type to be offended by a slight deviation from professional protocol.
My mother’s face lights up the lock screen. Again. This is the fifth call today. Frustration washes over me as I silence my phone and set it on the counter.
“Parental issues?” Kai asks as he catches sight of the screen, his grin softening slightly. “Those are pretty common around here.”
“She really likes to check in,” I admit, mildly surprised that I feel compelled to tell him the truth. “You think she’d realize that her anxiety about me doing well at my job gets in the way of me actually doing it.”
“Moms, right?” Kai’s smile turns a shade wistful. “Mine’s been gone fifteen years now. Car accident. Dad, too.”
The casual way he drops this information catches me off guard. His eyes still hold their humor, but I see something else there now—a solemn depth that he hides behind all the over the top antic.
“I’m sorry,” I say softly.
He shrugs. “It was a long time ago. My uncle took me in for a while, but I was mostly on my own after I turned eighteen. Got a nice inheritance though, which funds my illustrious career as a professional destroyer of businesses.”
I continue wrapping his ankle with an elastic bandage, more for show than necessity. “I’m sure your parents would be happy to know that you’re trying.”
Something passes between us—a moment of understanding that cuts through his carefully maintained facade of carelessness.
“Well, Mr. Trujillo,” I say, securing the bandage, “you have a very mild sprain at worst. Ice, elevation, and try to avoid dropping any cans of corn on yourself.”
“And what about my prescription?” he asks innocently.
“Rest and ibuprofen if needed.”
“I was thinking more along the lines of you writing up that I need dinner and a movie. Accompanied by a pretty doctor. For medicinal purposes, of course.”
I shake my head, amused despite myself. “I don’t date patients.”
“I could transfer to Dr. Klinkhart’s care. Problem solved.”
“I’m not sure Dr. Klinkhart would appreciate that.”
“Probably not,” Kai agrees cheerfully. “Noah has been extra grumpy lately. Even by his normal standards.”
As I finish writing notes in Kai’s chart, I realize I feel more relaxed than I have in days.
Between Grayson’s steadfast presence and Kai’s lighthearted banter, the constant tension I carry in my shoulders has eased slightly.
It’s strange—back home, I avoid alphas at all costs, knowing how easily my carefully constructed facade could crumble around them.
Yet here I am, comfortable enough to joke with one and relax into the other’s silence. Maybe it’s because I’m thinking too much about my omega side lately, with my suppressants running low. Like I’ve given it permission to rear its ugly head by acknowledging it exists.
I send a silent prayer into the universe that I can get through this rotation without making a fool of myself in front of all the alphas in town.
“So, what does Dr. Chang do when she’s not saving lives and diagnosing fake injuries?” Kai asks, hopping off the examination table with no signs of being injured.
I should be upset at having my time so outrageously wasted, but Kai is charming in spite of himself. Enough that I know I’m hesitating to leave the room even though I have other patients to see.
“I’m a medical resident. That doesn’t give me a lot of free time.”
“Come on,” he persists, leaning against the counter.
“Everyone has something. I like to barrel down snow-covered mountains with enough speed that you would genuinely be surprised to know I’ve never actually broken a bone before.
Noah likes to meditate, not that it actually works to calm him down.
Grayson has his...” He glances at the silent man in the corner.
“Well, whatever Ghost does when he disappears into the woods for weeks. What’s your thing? ”
I hesitate, my default response being to deflect. But I realize I’ll be living here for almost two months, and any of these people could end up as my patients. Professional distance doesn’t have to mean complete isolation, especially in a community this small.
“Rock climbing,” I admit. “Whenever I can squeeze it in. Something about being on the wall—having to be completely present in your body, focused only on the next move—it’s the one place my mind actually shuts up.”
Kai’s face lights up. “No way! What a coincidence. Ghost here went big-wall climbing in the Dolomites last year.”
I turn toward the silent man, genuinely impressed. “The Dolomites? That’s incredible. I’ve only seen pictures, but those limestone formations look unreal. I’d love the chance to get out there myself.“
Grayson doesn’t respond verbally, but something shifts in his posture. His eyes, previously watchful but detached, now lock onto mine with an intensity that makes my skin prickle. The weight of his attention feels almost physical.
“I’ve mostly climbed in California and Nevada,” I continue, oddly compelled to fill his silence. “Red Rock Canyon was my favorite—something about that Aztec sandstone just feels right under your hands. I lead up to 5.11a on sport routes, though I’m better at technical face climbing than cracks.”
I’m babbling now, using climber jargon I’m not sure they understand, but Grayson’s gaze hasn’t wavered. There’s something in those gray eyes that recognizes the language I’m speaking—not just the words, but the underlying passion.
“I haven’t been on a wall in months,” I confess, suddenly aware of how much I miss it. “Between residency rotations and moving here, there hasn’t been time.”
“Heat Mountain has some decent limestone crags on the north face,” Kai offers. “Nothing like the Dolomites, but enough to scratch the itch.”
Grayson shifts slightly, and though his facial expression remains mostly hidden behind his bandana, I swear I can feel his interest radiating across the room. It’s unnerving how clearly I can sense his reaction without seeing his face or hearing his voice.
“Maybe I’ll check them out,” I say, trying to sound casual despite the strange awareness humming between us. “I think even Dr. Klinkhart will give me some time off from the clinic eventually.”
His smile is still flirtatious, but Kai appears genuine. “If you ever want advice on good spots to check out nearby, all you have to do is ask.”
“Thanks, you’re all done,” I announce, stepping back. “Feel free to go traumatize the next unsuspecting doctor.”
“But you’re my favorite already,” Kai protests. “Isn’t she great, Ghost?”
Grayson’s eyes meet mine for a long moment. He gives a single, almost imperceptible nod before turning toward the door.
“High praise,” Kai stage-whispers to me. “He usually just glares.”
As they leave—Kai walking perfectly normally while keeping up a stream of chatter, Grayson a silent shadow behind him—I find myself smiling.
The alphas here aren’t anything like the ones I’ve met back home.
I blink, startled by the warmth spreading through me. What is wrong with me? I’ve been around plenty of alphas before without this...this flutter in my stomach. It must be the stress of my dwindling suppressants making me hypersensitive to their presence.
That’s it. Just biology. Nothing more.
I straighten the exam room with quick, clinical movements, mentally scolding myself. This is exactly what I was afraid of—spending too much time around those heat products at Caro’s must have planted suggestions in my subconscious. Now my omega side thinks it has permission to react.
“Keep it together, Chang,” I mutter. “Professional. Competent. Beta. Beta. Beta!”
My phone buzzes again. My mother. Always wanting updates, always worrying that I’ll reveal myself.
I take a deep breath, pushing down the warmth, the awareness, the omega part of me that noticed how Grayson’s eyes crinkled slightly at the corners when I mentioned climbing.
I can’t afford to make a fool of myself. Not when my entire future depends on maintaining the charade.
No matter how comfortable I might have felt with Grayson and Kai, providing medical treatment is the closest to any local alphas I can allow myself to get.