Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 123 : I Will Only Ever Love One Man

*Three Months Later®

I walked through the busy town square, grocery bags in my arms. Some of the other pedestrians recognized me. They nodded and smiled in greeting.

I'd been in Marno pack for a while now.

The square was always busy. There was a large trade center and they liked their fairs. Travelers came and went and it was a good place to stay under the radar.

I could easily blend in.

The massive trade center allowed me to have access to many rare herbs I would otherwise have to gather in the wild. It would take months, maybe years, to travel the world collecting those precious ingredients.

“Dr. Way, it is nice to see you," one of the locals said, tipping his hat to me.

Some people called me Heather, some referred to me as Dr. Way. Even those that recognized me only did because they saw me regularly. They didn't know my real name.

“Good morning." I smiled back.

"Did you see the new healing herbs that came in this week? We haven't had those herbs in years. The temperatures haven't been right for their growth in the south.”

"Oh, please show me," I said.

The vendor reached under his table and pulled out bundles of three small plants I had been wanting to get.

“I'll take half of each bundle,” I said. I would take more, but I also need to watch my spending, to a degree. Luckily, the formulas I was studying only require small amounts of those ingredients. "Wonderful. I'll wrap them for you. How are you liking this weather?"

The vendor made small talk as he wrapped up the herbs.

I took my bundles and moved on to another vendor selling fresh fruits and vegetables.

"Ahh, Heather, I have something I know you'll love,” the fruit vendor was a pleasant middle-aged woman. She smiled sweetly and pulled out a crate of fresh fruits I hadn't seen before.

I picked one up and examined it. “What is this?"

“It's called a Prickly Apple. You know, these are very nutritious, especially for expecting mothers.” She winked and motioned to my baby bump.

"Alright, I'll take three.”

I greeted a few more of the vendors. They all knew me as Doctor Heather Way.

Once I was done with my shopping, I headed to Hill's Clinic down the street.

The nurse, Piper, came up to me as I set the bags down.

"Heather, good morning. A patient you helped a few days ago has been waiting for you."

"Oh, is something wrong?" I pulled my jacket off and hung it on the coat rack behind the front desk. Piper was just a year younger than me and we were more friends than coworkers.

“No. Nothing is wrong! In fact... he made a full recovery. I don't know how you did it!" Piper grinned excitedly.

"Magic," I winked.

She rolled her eyes, “Yeah, right! Keep bullshitting me."

I chuckled, wondering what her reaction would be if she knew it was partially true.

"Ahh, Dr. Way, good morning," a tall blond man said, appearing beside Piper. He was in his mid- twenties, a little older than me, with a bright smile and smoky eyes. “Thank you so much for helping me! My allergies... ugh, they were going to kill me. And somehow, you cured me just like that! After years of suffering.”

I smiled professionally at him. “You're welcome, Peter. I'm glad it worked. You know, you paid me far more than the bill asked for. Is there anything else I can help you with, to make up the difference?” Peter grinned, his face flushed a little. “No... no... I'm feeling fine. It's just that...” He scratched the back of his head. “I was wondering if I could ask you out on a date.”

My jaw dropped slightly and I looked at Piper.

She gave me an 'l knew it' look.

I rolled my eyes at her and then smiled at Peter. “I appreciate the offer. However, I'm not looking to date anyone right now."

In order to make it more convincing, I even popped up my belly a bit more. “My baby is demanding all my attention.”

“But... I can wait until you're free... you know, and we can figure it out—"

“I believe Doctor Way has made herself clear,” a deep, masculine voice boomed from the hallway. A brown-haired man walked in. He was as tall as Peter and a few years older. But he was much stronger, his chest broader and more filled out.

“This place is for patients only. If you are feeling better today, I suggest you allow Dr. Way to get back to her work."

Though his words were professional and polite, there was definitely a warning in them.

I let out a sigh of relief. Sometimes, it was nice having someone to step in during an awkward situation

“Good morning, Dr. Hill," I greeted.

Peter cleared his throat quickly. “Well, in that case, I should go. Dr. Way... if you ever change your mind... Please let me know."

He waved and left quickly, seemingly not willing to displease Dr. Hill.

I didn't blame him. Dr. Victor Hill wasn't just the best healer in town. He was also an accomplished warrior.

“Heather, this is the third time this month!" Piper said, nudging me. “You're really popular. And you know, Peter is quite handsome. Maybe a little silly, but a good guy. And, he's rich. Why don't you want to date him?"

“If you like him so much, why don't you date him?" I nudged Piper back, teasing her.

Piper pouted. “Well, he didn't ask me. But even if he did..." she sighed and glanced at Dr. Hill. “My brother would have to approve. Isn't that right BIG BROTHER?" she stuck her tongue out at the back of Victor's head.

Dr. Hill turned to arch an eyebrow at her and cleared his throat. “Piper, you're still too young. Wait until 21 when you can sense your mate."

"See?" Piper shrugged, and we giggled.

Victor turned to me. “Heather, didn't I tell you to leave those male patients to me so you could save yourself the hassle?”

“I have been. But you went to a patient's house last Wednesday and Peter was suffering. I couldn't tell him to wait. Anyway, I'm ready for my checkup.”

“Follow me."

Victor led me to his desk. Piper followed along. She got me hooked up with the different monitors and wrapped my arm with the cuff of the blood pressure gauge.

Victor checked my vitals and drew some blood.

After spending time with Charles in Norwind and Pomeni, I'd honed my healing skills enough to get a job at the Hill's Clinic of Marno. Between that and the spell book, I'd been able to handle patients. It was a good way to make a living for the past few months, but I still preferred having an experienced doctor check on my baby.

Victor made notes in my chart and looked over his previous notations about my pregnancy and vitals.

“The baby is growing at a strong, healthy rate. There's nothing to worry about. Your vitals are normal and your blood looks good. You've got nothing to worry about.”

He set my chart aside and grinned at me.

"Keep doing what you're doing. But since your due date is about three months away... I'd recommend getting in touch with a midwife.”

“Thank you, Victor. Do you have anyone you can refer me to?"

He nodded. “Sure. Mrs. Martin is the best in town.”

Piper ripped the blood pressure cuff off my arm, the velcro screaming.

"Heather, I can get you in touch with Mrs. Martin. She's been a family friend for a long time. I'll be right back!" Piper danced off.

“Thank you, both of you.” I nodded to Piper as she exited the room.

“You know, my offer still stands,” Victor said casually, turning to his other patient charts. “Piper and I have plenty of space in the apartment above the clinic. You could move in and we could look after you."

“I appreciate that but..."

“You know being a single mom isn't exactly easy. And at the rate, you turn down dates..."

He smirked and winked at me.

"Victor, I appreciate your thoughtfulness and all the help you've given me. But you and Piper have already done too much."

“You know we don't mind.” He leaned back in his chair and gazed at me with half-lidded eyes. His warm gaze fixed on me, and I didn't need telepathy to know what he was implying. This was not at all what I expected to happen this morning.

"Heather, since the first day I saw you, I wanted to tell yo—"

“I've got to get these groceries home," I interrupted.

Having Victor confess to me was the last thing I needed. I appreciated the job and how he had been keeping a professional distance between us in addition to helping keep the other he-wolves away from me.

It didn't make any sense, either. He had all the young women in town head over heels for him. Why would he want to be with a pregnant woman over any of them?

I grabbed my grocery bags and smiled at Victor.

“You and Piper have helped me so much. I am very grateful. I didn't realize I'd been causing unnecessary trouble for you... and I apologize. But I won't let it continue. This will be my last day working here."

“Heather... you don't need to do that! I didn't mean any harm.”

“I know," I nodded. “You and Piper are like family, but because of that, I can't watch you get hurt by me. I'm sorry."

“I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have said anything. Please, come back to work tomorrow. I won't bring it up ever again. Your patients adore you and the clinic is far too busy for just Piper and me to handle."

I arched an eyebrow at him. From the beginning, he'd been respectful and kind. He'd always kept things professional.

"Why don't you take the rest of today off? Come back tomorrow or the day after, whenever you're comfortable, okay?"

I sighed and nodded slowly. I did need a job and I felt like I could trust Victor to keep things professional like before.

He sighed with relief, obviously happy I was staying.

“I think I will take a few days off, though."

"Of course.”

Victor walked me to the clinic door. Just as I stepped out, he called after me.

“Heather!”

"Hmm?" I asked, stopping in my tracks.

“Can I ask... why?"

I froze in place for a moment. Finally, I spoke. “Because I have loved, and will only love one man, whether he's alive or dead.”

“Then where is he now?"

I didn't answer and walked out of the door.