Page 15 of Ellie 1

“No, no, I couldn’t, so as much as I hate how I got my foot in here and upset Ms. Reed, I needed to get out of there for my own mental health,” I finally confessed.

She studied me several moments. “Ellie’s a forgiving woman. If you’re really on our team and want to help the hospital, she won’t hold that against you or your career.” She let out a huff. “Just don’t be another stupid man with too big of an ego that gives her more fucking problems. I can’t take walking in on another lunatic screaming at her like your predecessor did.”

“I’m not one to scream, and I genuinely don’t have an ego unless someone pokes it or my family,” I admitted, curious to learn more about the guy I was replacing now.

I left it alone though, seeing that whatever had happened truly shook Dr. Tai to witness. I couldn’t even imagine how much it had upset Ms. Reed to experience.

The rest of the day was just as amazing. The efficiency and patient care were unreal. I heard the staff calling people to follow up from appointments the week before. They followed a checklist depending on what their diagnosis had been along with a section for any notes the doctor might need.

Mum was waiting for me when I was done. I smiled, genuinely happy to see her even if she was waiting out front like a mother picking up her child from his first day of school.

She let out a cute yelp when I picked her up and spun us instead of simply hugging her. “Ha-joon, put me down before I spank you.”

I laughed and did as she said, kissing both her cheeks. “Mum, this place—it’s everything I’ve wanted.”

Tears filled her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. “I am glad, my youngest. You deserve a place where you can thrive.” She patted my cheek. “Come, I have three condos for youto look at. We will see my favorite first so you can have a home and settle.”

“Thanks, Mum,” I whispered, knowing she’d dropped everything to spend her entire day helping me. “Really.”

She waited until we were in the car and the driver was pulling off the curb before replying. “Your father and I weren’t there for you enough when you were young. We know this. Parents are not perfect, but we regret we were not better to you. This is your dream and we support it. Let us be better parents now and help you shine as you should.”

I reached over and took her hand. “I never blamed either of you.” I smiled when she snorted. “I wanted to kick my older siblings a lot for always being such handfuls and taking all of your attention, but there are only so many hours in the day, Mum. I felt loved.”

“You were neglected and practically raised by nannies. I will never forgive myself,” she whispered, regret thick in her voice.

“The pack and family were under threat. I’m not stupid. I’ve heard the whispers. It was all serious and real. I’m not angry, and I know you wish things were different.” I raised our hands to my lips and kissed hers. “I love you both a lot, Mum. We’re okay.” It wasn’t enough and I could smell the regret on her still. “Helping me now is all I need. I want this more than anything.”

“Good, good. Then I will handle it all,” she promised.

I relaxed when the regret faded and she was relieved. I truly didn’t harbor any ill will towards my parents. I’d been an oops baby when too much had been going on and I hadsevenolder siblings. One who was training to be Alpha one day and all of us powerful.

Then I was born with an Alpha aura stronger than all of them and… The problem was my siblings. They were jealous and scared of me. They started all of the trouble and never wanted me around.

It was why I didn’t have much of a relationship with any of them. I didn’t go to the family functions or holidays, choosing to see my parents on the side and spend actual time just with them instead.

Family was complicated. What else was there really to say?

I loved the first place. It was completely out of my price range even as an attending doctor since I was under a hundred.

Maybe even then.

“Mum, how much is this place?” I whispered as the agent listed all the amenities.

“More than you would want us to spend,” she admitted. “But the security here is the best. This was the place the local Alpha Mate recommended to me.” She gave me an imploring look. “Please, let us, my youngest. If you don’t like it, we will find what you do, but the security…”

I kissed her hair. “Let’s finish the tour, Mum.”

The place was great, and I let out a whistle when I saw the four-and-half-million-dollar price tag. I had no concept of the real estate market in America, much less downtown Atlanta, but for a four thousand square foot condo in such a posh place with armed guards even… I maybe wasn’t surprised.

“It is too much when everything has to be refinished and redone,” Mum complained.

“Everything is of the highest quality, Mrs. Clark,” the agent argued. “And of the finest—”

“Yes, they bought everything that was most expensive, but it allclashes,” Mum drawled. “Fancy red marble countertops with dark wood clashes. The condo is lovely but like a clown lived here. So many differentdeepwood colors and—it’s a mess.” She patted my arm. “We can have a team sand and refinish in a flash and the rest as time allows.”

And give her an excuse to visit and spend more time involved in my life. I kissed her hair yet again. “Thanks, Mum. I wouldlove that. I completely agree, but the condo’s great. Close to the hospital and the gym here is perfect. The pool for when my wolf needs to relax. You’ve thought of everything. It’s perfect.”

The relief that came off of her filled my nose… Which was why I snuck off and called my father to tell him the truth.

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