Chapter 123

Chapter 123 Busy day

CAS SANDRA

The clinic’s first day of opening was far busier than any of us had ever expected. There was a line out the door from the moment opening hours began, and I was shocked. Ours was the first clinic opened by a royal healer, and from what I gathered from conversations in the lobby, some Pack members held my skills in a very high esteem. I was flattered, of course, but surprised that so many wolves

wanted to see me.

felt sorry for Marley. I’d wanted my friend to get some rest and relaxation after her long trip here to Anemond, but she wasn’t accepting of that plan at all. In fact, she insisted on helping us out with our many new patients. After a while, it started feeling as if we were back in Wild Crawler again.

“I’m sorry,” I apologized to her once we had a minute to spare. “I didn’t ask you to come here so you could work-”

“Don’t apologize, Cas sy,” she interrupted me with a wave of her hand. “Besides, I couldn’t relax even if I wanted to. It’s better for me to stay busy, anyway. If I were sitting in my room, all I’d be thinking about is my disgusting ex-husband, not to mention worrying about my kids.”

“Who are the kids staying with?” I wondered.

“Their grandparents,” she answered. “My parents were more than happy to take them. I know they’re perfectly fine, but you know me. Tightly wound as always.”

“Well, try to breathe anyway,” I said, and I reached out and touched her shoulder. There was so much more I wanted to say, but before the words could escape my l*ps, a patient walked into the clinic and Marley rushed over to greet

them.

I smiled as I watched her escort the patient to a room. Sweet Marley. She was always so willing to help those in need that she hardly worried about herself.

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The rest of the day was busy. I treated all kinds of ailments- from poison ivy, to some infected cuts, some allergies, sore throats, and even a sprained ankle.

It was nearly midnight when we finally got to sit down and take a moment to breathe. We’d been so busy that even Erika had to help with patients today. I was immensely grateful for all of the a*sistance.

Finnick had been put to bed earlier by Erika, and I felt a little bad that I hadn’t. been able to give him much attention today. My son was more than happy to entertain himself, but I wished he had more friends around to keep him company

when I was hard at work.

Again, I thought about Kane’s offer to enroll him in the

Kane.

School.

I forced myself to shove away my thoughts of Asher’s older brother. I was far too tired today to sort through the confusing affair of the gifts he’d given me. My entire b*dy ached, and I knew that I probably looked like a complete and total mess after all I’d been through.

My suspicions were confirmed when I took a moment to myself in the bathroom upstairs. After I’d used the lavatory, I went to the mirror to splash some water on my face, and when I caught sight of myself in the mirror, my jaw dropped slightly.

My skin was flushed, and the whites of my deep green eyes were red and tired-looking. My copper hair had sprang loose from the bun at the top of my head, and long, wavy tendrils fell into my face.

I carefully fixed my hair and splashed the cool water on my face. I was visibly exhausted, but this was nothing a good night’s sleep and a hot meal couldn’t fix.

I smiled at my reflection. All in all, this hadn’t been a horrible day.

I took a few minutes to breathe and get myself in order, and once I was in a calmer state, I made my way downstairs and rejoined my friends in the back room.

Hannah prepared us a great meal for dinner, and Marley, Becky, Erika, and I al!

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chatted happily as we scarfed down large bowls of potato and leek soup and loaves. of crusty bread.

“You’re seriously going to need some more healers and a*sistants to help you, Cas sy,” Marley remarked after taking a huge drink of water. She shook her head slowly. “Otherwise, this clinic, and you for that matter, won’t be able to function properly.

She was right. When I had first moved out of the palace to start this clinic, I hadn’t thought through all of the logistics. My main goals had been to stay away from Adalyn and Margaret and to protect Erika and Finnick. I hadn’t expected th. clinic to get busy like this.

Some of our patients today had been introduced to us by the guards who had gotten bitten in the basement by the vipers in the viper pit. Clearly, word of mouth had gotten around Merliscire, and while I wasn’t going to turn anyone away who needed my help, I hadn’t expected so many ailing people to show up today.

“You’re right,” I admitted as I pushed my spoon around in my bowl. “I wasn’t sure how many people we would see today, but it certainly wasn’t this many.”

“Maybe we should limit the number of patients,” Becky suggested as she leaned forward. Like me, her eyes were a little bloodshot behind her gla*ses. “We can’t take all of the people who come here, otherwise we’re going to get burnt out.”

“I don’t think that’s the solution,” Marley replied. “No offense to you, Becky. In Wild Cralwer, we always manage to take all of the patients who come to us for help. There’s only one clinic, so we can’t turn anyone away, of course. But I would be worried that it’d be impossible to decide who to reject and who to take on. A new clinic like this needs to show the people of Anemond that Cas sandra is a capable and caring healer.”

“I think you bothe

good points,” I interjected, and I smiled at both of them. “Those are all ideas that we should take into consideration. But for now, let’s focus of this great food Hannah made for us.”

Marley and Becky shared a smile and then nodded their heads.

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I was glad that despite their differences, my friends could find common ground

and get along.

The subject quickly shifted to the celebration in the palace tomorrow night. It was finally the evening before Silas’ returning party and the whole room was abuzz

with excitement.

“I can’t believe it’s already time for the celebration,” I noted as I shook my head. “I have so much to get done before then. I haven’t even picked out a dress.”

“I don’t think I’m going to go,” Marley mused thoughtfully. “I don’t like celebrations much. The coronation ceremony back in Wild Crawler was more tha enough for me. It was… a little wild to say the least, so I think I’d rather stay in the

clinic with Finnick and Erika.”

I

“Well, I’m certainly excited to go,” Becky said, and her cheeks flushed pink. “I’ve picked out the perfect dress and everything. It’ll be my first big celebration with the Pack, and I’m definitely ready to get dressed up and do some dancing..”

Marley’s face lit up, and she grinned at Becky.

“Well, you know what, I’m very excited for you!” she said genuinely, and then she winked at my a*sistant. “Who knows, Becky, this might be your chance to find Mr. Right!”

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