“I suppose I can’t choose to have my memory of the last few months erased?”
“No. Once you sign the contract, it’s binding.”
“Lev is really good at mind erasing.” At least, that’s what he told her.
“He is, but an expert hypnotist might be able to retrieve your erased memories.”
“Lev says he can replace them with false memories.”
“True, Lev might be capable of such a long-term erase, but we are not entirely sure.”
“At first, I was ticked off you never told me the truth, but I totally get it.” Who would ever want to turn their children’s life upside down?
“When I joined the pack, I promised to break contact with my family and friends.” His eyes moistened. “I loved you so much.”
“But wanted to keep me safe from lycans.”
He sighed. “Yes, of course, but I agreed to join for selfish reasons.”
“You fell in love with Selene.”
“Yes, but after I joined.”
Okay, this better be damn good. “Then why?”
“A friend of mine, Dr. Ken Tyler was working on animal hybridization, which I found fascinating.”
“A werewolf?”
“No, my predecessor was human. He told me of a need for someone like me as a combat doctor and research scientist, but in order to join I had to give up everything and everyone I loved. Not to mention sign a blood contract to keep the secret.”
Rachel’s heart saddened. He admitted choosing his career over her. She kept her tone neutral, to not come off as hurt, but detached. “So you fell for some pack recruitment head hunter?”
“I’m sorry. Even before I left your mom, I was a workaholic. I admit, your mother, may she rest in peace, and I were not well suited.”
“I know you married because of me.” Her mom got pregnant with the young doctor and they did the right thing. Which later proved to be the wrong thing.
“No. It wasn’t like that. We really thought having a baby would make our marriage work.”
Of course, she understood ending a bad marriage, but never giving up on a child. Even if it meant learning about the greatest scientific discovery. She never thought of herself as having children, but if she did, no way would she give them up for science and or a man. She put on a brave face. “It’s cool. I get it. Honesty is all I ever wanted.”
“Rachel, after you almost died from Ebola, I realized you mattered more than anything.”
Better late than never, but tell that to a little girl who wanted her daddy. “And took a bullet to protect me.”
“Not that it helped because the mole got into my files successfully and passed on the information before I stopped her.”
“I’m here.” She smiled. “Doctor Mark says you can leave in a few days and rest at home. That means no work.”
“Don’t worry. Selene will see to it I don’t do too much.”
“Your partner or mate or is she your boss?”
“All three.”
“You mean boss at the hospital?”
“No. I’m head of the clinic.” He reddened, bringing color to his pale face. “It’s complicated.”