Chapter 6 #5
“I need this, Claire,” Heather said firmly.
“Actions have consequences. I can’t move on until I’ve accepted mine.
You needed to know that I was alright.” She smiled as she held out her arms. “Clearly, I’m fine.
I’ll return to the village when they decide that my debt has been paid.
Stop worrying about me. That’s an order. ”
Without warning, Patrick stepped up to the table and ended the transmission. Heather automatically reached for his hand, but it was too late.
“That was perfect,” Patrick told her. “How much of it did you mean?”
“All of it,” she insisted. “It wasn’t true in the beginning, but it is now. I’m here because I want to be.”
Patrick framed her face with his hands and kissed her tenderly. “In that case, let’s go home. Your penance has officially ended.”
Struggling to believe that her captivity was over, Heather spent the next two days in and around the cabin she shared with Gabriel and Patrick.
She visited the bunkhouse and enjoyed a lively conversation with the females still living there.
But the person she really wanted to see was Claire.
Everyone knew Claire was newly mated, but no one was certain where she was spending her time.
Heather had been back in Eagle Village four days when Patrick and Gabriel returned to the cabin earlier than usual.
“We’ve arranged another surprise for you,” Gabriel told her, a secretive grin bowing his lips.
“It took longer than expected,” Patrick added. “But it’s finally ready.”
Warmth mixed with curiosity and Heather felt her cheeks flush. “You know how much I love surprises, but you two are spoiling me.”
“That’s the idea,” Patrick admitted as he bent down and kissed her mouth.
Gabriel helped her into her coat and they left the cabin.
The late afternoon sun bathed the village in golden light.
The air was brisk rather than cold for a change and the entire village seemed to bustle with activity.
Birds trilled in the surrounding trees and the appetizing aromas of someone cooking dinner floated on the air all around them.
People offered greetings or friendly waves as the trio walked past.
A male Heather didn’t recognize approached, but Gabriel halted him with a warning look. “Can this wait? As you can see, I’m occupied right now.”
“It can wait,” the male admitted and offered Heather an apologetic nod.
It felt wonderful to be a priority. Heather slipped one of her hands into Gabriel’s hand and then offered the other to Patrick. He smiled and interlaced their fingers. She wasn’t sure where they were taking her, but the walk itself was wonderful.
The building to which they led her was larger than a cabin, but much smaller than the bunkhouse. She looked around curiously, unfamiliar with this area of the village. They were near the center of the compound, yet adjacent to the other communal buildings.
“What is this place?” she asked, feeling a little unsure.
Gabriel wrapped his arm around her shoulders and gave her a little hug. “This is a good surprise. I promise.”
Three stairs led to the front door. Patrick went first then opened the door and motioned Heather inside.
Still slightly unnerved by the situation, Heather entered the building cautiously.
The building’s purpose became immediately apparent as she crossed the threshold.
Six cots had been arranged in mirrored rows, three on either side of the compact room.
Two doors had been set in the wall across from her, one at either end of a long counter.
There was a neat row of cabinets above and below the counter.
“Raphael found out that you’re a PA and he’s anxious to work with you,” Gabriel told her.
“The cats have a medic named Malik. We’ve always been envious,” Patrick looked at her and smiled, “until now. We think you and Raphael will make a powerful team.”
“This is wonderful.” Emotion clogged her throat, making it hard to speak.
“I hope my skills are never needed, but I’d be honored to help.
” They had no idea how much this meant to her, how important it was to feel useful and needed.
She looked at them through tear-blurred eyes and reconsidered.
They were staring back with warmth and affection. Clearly, they knew.
They led her down the aisle separating the cots.
“This is the part that took so long,” Patrick explained as he pushed open one of the two doors.
A treatment room, complete with an adjustable bed and boom-style lighting was situated beyond the door.
There were even cupboards and drawers for storage and organization.
Heather felt a smile spread across her face.
“This is amazing. There are a lot of things that are easier to treat without an audience.” The wooden walls looked as if they had just been milled and Patrick’s comment echoed back to her. “Did you guys just build this?”
“We had help, but both of the exam rooms are new,” Gabriel explained.
She went to the other side of the clinic and found an identical room.
Gabriel followed but allowed her to explore. “The second room was probably overkill, but we decided to complete both while we were at it.”
She opened the cupboards and pulled out the drawers. “This is unbelievable. I’ve always dreamed of having my own practice.”
Patrick chuckled from the doorway. “This was a hell of a way to get one.”
Overwhelmed with joy, Heather threw her arms around Gabriel and hugged him as hard as she could. “This is your best surprise ever.”
He laughed and kissed her.
She turned to Patrick then and hugged him just as hard. “Thank you for doing this. You can’t imagine what it means to me.”
He pushed affection into her mind as he assured her, “I don’t have to imagine, and the expression on your face is all the thanks we need.”