Chapter 96

Mira

My patient was waiting for me when I arrived at the hospital. She had arrived early, and was waiting patiently with her eyes closed when I found her in the waiting room.

“Good morning, Tessa,” I said, a little louder than I needed to. I was expecting an attitude, so I came on my own.

“Doctor, good morning,” Tessa said in an even tone. Her voice sounded immediately different, and I noticed she was just speaking slowly and directly. “How are you?”

I stared at her, but kept up my professionalism.

“I’m well, thank you,” I said nodding, “but more importantly, how are you?”

She was about halfway along, and I noted the shape of her belly still looked normal.

“I’m feeling good, calm,” she said, her speech almost meditative, “I’m finally really aware that I am creating life inside me. And with all that’s happened, all my mistakes, it feels like an opportunity for a new life of my own as well.”

I was stunned. It wasn’t long ago that Tessa was still trying to blame everyone else for things that didn’t go her way. And now, she was like Mother Theresa. I had to remind myself that pregnancy can do crazy things to a person’s hormones and personality.

Even so, I still wasn’t sure I could fully trust her. Maybe she had practiced an act and it would all dissolve when we were alone behind closed doors.

“Let’s get you into the exam room,” I said, gesturing toward the hallway.

As a physician and midwife, I was very pleased to see that Tessa’s baby looked very healthy and mother was too. She had always been fixated on nutrition and fitness, but I could tell she was taking my advice on a more mindful diet that would benefit both her and her baby.

“Those vitamins you recommended, too,” she was saying, “really made a difference. I had no idea I was that anemic.”

“Most women are,” I said with a shrug, “and have no idea.”

“And I’d never heard any other male doctor even mention it!” Raising her voice, a hint of the old Tessa returned. “I’m just grateful that I still have you.”

“I’ll be honest,” I said, “I was surprised. I figured after everything in the family, and with me marrying Dominic…”

“I’m sorry you would think that,” she said sincerely, “but of course I can see why you would. I used to be…difficult, especially towards you.”

I tried to be unaffected. “Plenty of people would respond the same way, I’m sure, given our situation with Ward—“

“No, Mira,” she was firm. “I was horrible to a lot of people. And you didn’t deserve it. All you’ve ever tried to do was help, and I was a bitch because I thought I could get away with it.”

I didn’t respond, but I did agree with her completely.

“And you’re a damn good doctor, so,” she added, lightening the mood.

It was alarming to think that at this moment we might be bonding, and I tried not to question it.

“I saw photos of the wedding,” she said. She wasn’t under lock and key, but she was still being punished and was not allowed to attend. “It looked so beautiful, you both did. I am happy for you, and Dominic. He always tried to be nice to me, even when I was being a brat all the time.”

“Thank you, it was quite the night,” I meant it, in more ways than one. My most beloved memories of my wedding night will always have to include the arrival of Celeste. “I am sorry they wouldn’t let you come, even as a newly minted Luna I couldn't do a thing.”

“It's alright,” she said, “I think it would have been hard.”

I nodded, understanding.

“And Celeste has visited me, so that’s nice,” she said smiling.

“I suppose you two were close?” I asked, fearing I could guess the answer.

“Like sisters.”

There was a breath of silence and her eyes were cold, then they melted into the warmth of her zen-like-state again.

“It’s so good she came back,” I managed to say, dropping my face into the charts in front of me.

“It feels like a miracle, another sign from the gods to be grateful for every day,” Tessa said like a mantra. I was beginning to dislike this version of her. “Celeste is like family, and to have her back after losing some is beyond a gift. If only it could go back to how things were before she left.”

She looked down, and I didn’t know what to say. I could comfort her, but I didn’t see Celeste’s return as being as cosmically charged as she did. Instead I looked away as well.

“Although,” she said, drawing my attention back to her, “I think Dominic needed to end up with you, and maybe that’s why Celeste had to go away. The gods can be crazy.”

My mouth opened and closed. “Right.”

She folded her hands over her belly, coming back to homeostasis.

“I think that’s all we need for today,” I said, standing up. “I’ll order some lab work, so stop there on your way out. But everything looks great, keep doing what you’re doing.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” she said, getting up from the chair. I held out my arm to help her balance, and she took it graciously. “Also, I think my chauffeur might want to talk to you.”

It turns out her driver was her brother, Lucian.

“Lucian, since when are you your sister’s servant?” I asked light-heartedly.

“Probably around the age of five, if I’m honest,” he said, thinking hard. “You should have seen the outfits she made me wear to attend her tea parties.”

“Oh please, you loved being Princess Sylvia of Quite-a-Lot,” Tessa said, giving her brother a poke on the cheek.

“I did have the best manners of anyone my age, to be fair,” Lucian said.

It was nice to see the playfulness between the two siblings. With all the drama and division in the Alpha household, I had not been able to witness the joy between brother and sister before now. Sometimes tragedy calms the rough waters.

“Are you ready to go?” Lucian asked.

“I’ve ordered a quick blood test, just to be safe,” I explained, “but she shouldn’t be in and out of the lab in fifteen minutes.”

“No problem,” Lucian said. “That actually gives some time for me to present the other reason I came today.”

“Oh?” I was curious. “What reason is that?”

“I brought someone,” he began, “and they have a potential opportunity for the community, a health and wellness thing, and I think you should listen to the pitch.”

“Okay, that’s not always something I do here,” I said slowly, “I don’t oversee wellness programming, but I can call someone who does.”

“I still think you’re the right person to speak with her, for reasons you’ll understand.”

He leaned around the front desk and gestured. Tessa practically squealed when she saw her.

“Celeste!”