“Alright Liana, you just misdiagnosed and killed a patient, anyone else wanna try?” Ryan said, stoic.

As his eyes swept over the fidgeting interns, he hesitated for a moment, glaring at Reece who felt his blood rush with adrenaline.

“Doctor Lionel?”

“He has neurocysticercosis.” Reece responded, holding his breath.

“Correct, you get to scrub in with me on his surgery, keep me updated on his test results and ensure he’s prepped for the surgery when it’s time.” Ryan ordered, casually before exiting the room.

Liana and the rest looked at Reece enviously.

Reece headed for Ryan’s office, eager to report the patient’s status, he hesitated at the door as he heard voices-familiar voices.

“You can’t live this way forever Ryan, it’s impossible.”

Ryan scoffed, tilting his head sideways. “I’ve been living just fine until now, thank you Chan.”

“People are going to think-.”

“Since when does what people think matter? As long as I get the job done and save lives the rest is up to them!” Ryan rebuffed, exasperatedly. He found it hard to understand why Chan was bent on having him open up.

Chan sighed, resignedly. “Ryan, just because Owen broke you doesn’t mean you should remain scarred forever.”

Ryan frowned, the memory lingering. Owen broke him badly and he was determined to stay that way, well until he showed up-the wide-eyed man who arose his inner beast.

He sniffed slowly, catching a whiff of a mixed spices and mint scent, his wolf instincts informing him of a familiar presence, one pregnant with looming danger.

“This is my way of healing and moving on Chan and I do not apologize to the world for choosing this method to fix what it broke in me, I loved him dangerously and it consumed me, there’s nothing left but emptiness and pain.” Ryan replied, his voice barely audible.

Chan couldn’t say a word.

Ryan’s gaze shifted as his wolf growled in his subconscious; ‘Mate!’

“Come in Doctor Lionel.” Ryan called out and Reece jumped up in fright, puzzled at how he was discovered, he cleared his throat and pretended to just arrive. “Doctor Alan, the test results are back.” Reece announced .

Ryan nodded in response, for a brief moment, he stared longingly at Reece-the object of his desire. He growled lowly at the reminder of his dreaded future.

“I’ll be right there.”

Chan took this as the cue to leave while Ryan walked side-by-side with Reece to the examination. Reece’s scent invaded his nostrils, making his wolf go berserk with desire, Ryan suppressed his beast as his senses heightened, and when his hands brushed against his, he felt electrifying sweet sensations and his body demanded for more.

Reece couldn’t get out his words out of his own head and as he stared at the deeply engrossed man, he could see the pain and frustration in his eyes, loneliness and bitterness gnashing at his soul. Additionally, he could feel a magnetic pull, drawing him to his mentor, a little voice in his head demanding intimacy

“We’re cancelling the surgery, tell the patient, he has a weak heart, inform cardio, I doubt if he’d make it through.” Ryan said, sternly.

Reece was taken aback by his lack of emotion. “Isn’t there something we can do?”

Ryan looked at Reece with a mixture of caution and intrigue trying to gauge his awareness of the intense attraction but he saw an eager puppy, stricken with pity. It drew him in-begging for a kiss or maybe more? Ryan ignored this and began walking away.

“Doctor Alan!” Reece called out, his voice begging for attention.

He slightly massaged his temples, biting down his lips to suppress his unholy thoughts. “Do as I say.” He ordered.

Reluctantly, Reece did as ordered and wondered if Ryan’s past made him cold, he was paged to the ER as a critical patient was brought in. Blood gushed everywhere, he had no idea what to do or where to start.

As the pressure to seize the situation increase, Reece slowly stepped aside, overwhelmed by the situation and suddenly, someone grasped his wrist, the touch sending a jolt of sensational electricity through him, his nervous system relaxed and he locked gaze with him.

“Doctor Alan?” he muttered.

“You’ve got this.” Ryan assured him, his eyes twinkling with relief and Reece felt peace wash over him.

The patient was wheeled into surgery. Ryan cut open the patient’s chest and began operating while Reece watched, he kissed his teeth and glared at him. “What are you waiting for? A special invitation? Go scrub and join me!” Ryan ordered, calmly.

Reece opened his mouth to protest but Ryan shook his head.

“I believe in you Reece and you’re going to be an excellent surgeon, just breathe and do as I say, you can do this.” Ryan said, encouragingly then winked flirtatiously at him.

The surgery lasted five hours which Reece didn’t want to end because Ryan spoke softly, his anxiety slowly dissipated, and whenever there their hands brushed past the other’s. warmth enveloped him.

“Good job there Doctor Lionel, keep it up and you’ll get to stay by my side for the rest of your life.” Ryan complimented Reece as they left the OR then smiled lovingly at him before walking away.

As Reece watched him go, his chest swell with admiration. “Doctor Alan!” Reece called up and caught up with him,

He grinned widely, then plunged forward. “Have we met before? At a party years ago? You look oddly familiar and-“

“No.” Ryan interjected, dismissively. His smile disappeared and his danger alert went off in his head, thrown off balance by the question.

He felt his wolf howl painfully as Reece’s countenance changed and his smile faltered. Ryan, lifted his chin with his index finger and inched his lips so close that Reece could feel his breathe on his face.

“I’m your mentor and you’re my star.” Ryan whispered huskily and his wolf compelled him to kiss the unsuspecting Reece.

Ryan let go and walked away, fleeing the scene as his heartbeat increased while Reece was left tensed. Ryan left out the breath he didn’t realize he was holding as he crashed into the on call room. He was thankful for the close shave and shocked remembered him.

How could he forget the man whom he instantly felt attracted to at a party and made out with? The only man who could make his wolf go berserk. He had instantly recognized Reece when he saw him, his wolf was excited but Ryan knew it was a fling, no matter the attraction, Reece would be in danger, he had too much of a dark past to dare pursue his desires.