Accidental Surrogate

“Well,” Hank says, sighing contentedly as he wraps an arm around Sarah’s shoulders. “With Ella here in the city able to patch up anyone pretty much instantly and cure a variety of diseases just by holding people’s hands, there’s not as much use for me here.” “Oh!” Ella squeaks, and I laugh because I can tell that she feels guilty for making Hank feel a little redundant.

“No, Ella,” Hank says, grinning at her. “Sarah and I just talked about it and I think we can be of more use up in the Northern provinces. There’s a great deal of people there – both humans and wolves – who are without healthcare, and especially without a surgeon.” He shrugs. “I think we can do some good.” “I think that’s really cool, Hank,” I say, grinning at him.

“I think it’s right,” he says, smiling at me. “But still, I’m glad we got to be here for this, and to meet Jesse.” “I’m glad too,” I say softly, smiling at my friend. Because as much as my life is full now, and I have less and less time to spend at the clinic…I will certainly miss him.

Hank leans forward to give me a kiss on the cheek, his own quiet farewell, and then Ella walks he and Sarah from the room, murmuring something about Sinclair wanting to say goodbye.

When he leaves, Roger walks quietly over to me, his hands in his pockets, his eyes on the door. “What was that all about?” “Well,” I say, smiling up at him, ” you’ll be glad to know that Hank is moving away – up to the northern provinces, actually.” I don’t know much about the kingdom’s territories up there, but I do know that it’s a lot of wild land and a lot of rough living. I wonder, privately, if it will suit Hank and Sarah, who don’t exactly strike me as country folk.

“Oh,” Roger says as he purses his lips and looks towards the door, nodding slowly.

I click my tongue, my face bursting into a grin.

“What?” Roger asks, turning to me.

“I can’t believe you’re not crowing with victorious joy,” I say, laughing and shaking my head at him.

“My mother told me that if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” I roll my eyes. “Words you’ve never lived by.” “Yeah well,” he says, sinking onto the bed and smiling as he looks at the baby and me. “I’m a role model now. I’ve got to reform my ways.” “Hear that, Jesse?” I whisper to my sleeping boy. “He’s going to reform for you.” “Yup,” Roger says, leaning close to peer at the

one week,” I whisper

me laugh harder. Jesse’s eyes flutter open a little and he gives a sad little

I murmur, holding him closer and rocking him

fun,” Roger sighs, stroking a

a lot less sleep,” I say, lifting my head to grin at my mate. “Because we laugh a lot

tucked still sleeping in his arm, and frowns up

leaving, going to work in the northern provinces! I say to my

for a second, and then he smiles. And how on earth would

reply, scowling. Some

shakes his head at me and then turns

used to that.” “You might have to,” Sinclair says, raising his eyebrows. “I’ve heard the packs in the northern provinces are very tight-knit and have…strange magics.” “I’ve heard that too,” Hank says, nodding. “Their healing practices are said to be quite unique. I’m very interested to learn from them.” “Well, I hope you’ll share with

says, turning to smile at her now and making her blush, “well, we’re very happy.” “I’m so pleased to hear that,” I say, tucking my clasped hands under my chin and beaming at them. “And you’ll keep in touch?” “I promise we will,” Sarah says, reaching out to put a hand on my shoulder. “I owe you everything, Ella – keeping in touch is the

is your own. Though I hope you’ll let us support your work financially, if that’s appropriate.” “I will let you do that,” Hank says, raising his eyebrows at Sinclair, his face serious. “There’s a great deal of poverty up there, which is part of why we want to go. A little bit of well- financed medical care could go a long way.” “It’s done,” Sinclair says, his eyebrows going up as he reaches out a hand, which Hank shakes heartily. ” You’ll send me the particulars?” “I will,” Hank promises,