Page 9 of Ellie 1

“Dr. Sean James, head of Shifter Health and Wellness,” Dr. Clark finished for me, extending his hand to the man. “I came to your lecture in Paris last year about the importance of working through the warning signs pre-teens can have, especially in shifters with larger animals. It was a compelling lecture and it’s an honor to meet you again, sir.”

“Well, he plays nice if the board is going to push him on us,” Dr. James chuckled as he shook Dr. Clark’s hand. His eyes were still on me. “Are you okay? Did they—”

“Have you ever known the board to get to me, much less win?” I asked with a chuckle of my own. “This might be their move, but if it’s the cookie they want for playing nice with me, then it’s at least a good cookie and he’s more than qualified.”

“Yes, I fully agree given he was at the top of my list of possible candidates,” Dr. James replied easily, smiling when Dr. Clark couldn’t hide his shock. “You are impressive as well, Dr. Clark, and I remember you from the lecture. You asked engaging questions and were an eager pup to learn more even after everyone politely kissed my ass.”

I could almost see the large Alpha wolf blush which was a bit too adorable and something I shouldn’t notice in a professional setting.

“It is my field of focus as well,” Dr. Clark replied, clearing his throat and dropping Dr. James’s hand. “I apologize that the board pushed me on everyone. I simply wanted the chance to be a part of ASH and prove myself.”

“You were at the top of Dr. James’s list and that’s why I introduced you to him first,” I told Dr. Clark. “But all of the department heads have to agree before I put through the official offer. All of the ones you will answer to.”

“If you have no objections, the rest of us won’t,” Dr. James assured me. “Head of surgery didn’t have him simply because he didn’t have any surgical experience, and they always need more hands.”

“That’s not accurate actually,” Dr. Clark hedged. “I did a two-year trauma surgeon fellowship, but my previous hospital didn’t like to list it on my credentials since they looked down on where I did it.”

“How pretentious,” Dr. James drawled, hating that kind of shit as much as I did. “If it’s accredited, it’s accredited. You could help the program by saying you were a graduate of it.”

“I agree, but I find I’m not the boss of everything,” Dr. Clark chuckled awkwardly.

“No, but I’m glad to hear you’re an Alpha who doesn’t flex or push too hard. That bodes well for this to work.” Dr. James nodded to me. “I know your day is overflowing, so I’ll get Dr. Clark squared away and introduced to everyone.”

I raised an eyebrow at him. “And your day is just light and empty?”

“No, but I head one department and have an army of support. You run the whole hospital that’s basically Atlantaandhave to deal with all of the idiots. One of us has more to do than the other.”

And that was why Dr. James and I always got along so well. He was genuine in his opinion and feelings.

“I appreciate you tagging in.” I went to turn away but stopped. “Don’t let anyone take this hit if they’re not comfortable. I’ll handle the board if we want another candidate. Whatever is best for the hospital and our people.”

Dr. James leaned in and lowered his voice. “We’ve got your back too, Ellie. I think he’s the right guy, but I’ll make sure. Now go be fabulous and let us do what we should.”

“Thanks, Sean,” I said just as quietly before nodding to Dr. Clark.

I wasn’t sure if I was glad or disappointed when all of the heads were completely sure about Clark by the end of the day. It meant I didn’t have to go to war with the board, but I would have to see the very,veryhandsome man who got under my skin in a way that I wasn’t fond of.

And my hormones.

I kept my end of the deal and printed out his full offer package including the benefits and salary I was willing to offer. He would probably want more given the posh position he’d had at his last place, but none of that mattered. We paid well for the job.

Not his notoriety.

I went to talk to my best friend, Dr. Joyce Tai, and get the gossip of what people were already saying about Dr. Clark. That and I just needed a friend after the day I had.

I found her in her office dictating notes… Among other things.

I sighed. Heavily. “Dr. Tai, is that apatientyou’re scratching like a pet? Again?”

She jumped, clearly not having heard me even though I’d knocked before entering. She blinked at me a moment before looking down at her hand.

The hand that was scratching a cougar’s butt.

And not a wild, natural cougar.

A shapeshifter.

She winced as she looked back at me.

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