Page 62 of Alpha's Rejected Warrior
By now, I could find my way to the infirmary blindfolded. After countless post-training visits, Dr. Olcan and I know each other far better than either of us would like.
When I walk in, I don’t have to look far for him. I catch him walking out of one of the rooms, his white robe splattered with flecks of red. He must have just gotten done treating Holden.
“Ethan, back again?” He adjusts his glasses, scanning me for obvious injuries. “You don’t look hurt. I assumed you’d taken another beating in training.”
“No, not this time.” I grin. “Just came to talk.”
He shakes his head. “This summit is keeping me busier than a swordsmanship tournament. Let me change out of these robes. You can accompany me. We’ll talk in my office.”
I trail behind him as he moves through the curved corridor until we reach a door that seems out of place, like someone forgot to plan for it. No other entrances or exits break up this stretch of hallway. Just this single door leading to his private space.
The door swings open, revealing a compact room that defies easy categorization. It’s not an office or living quarters, but a hybrid of both.
Stepping inside, a sharp, medicinal scent hits my nostrils: bitter and earthy. I know it from somewhere, but the memory hovers just out of reach.
Towering shelves line one wall, crammed with leather-bound volumes that practically scream medical terminology. The spines are worn smooth from frequent handling. A well-used armchair sits nearby, its burgundy leather creased and faded from time. A small side table holds an oil lamp, currently unlit.
A desk sits in the center of the room, cluttered with paper and writing utensils. On the other side of the room, a tall screen blocks my view of whatever’s behind it.
“What is that smell?” I ask as Dr. Olcan walks towards the screen.
Behind it appears to be a tub or some sort of large basin.
“What smell?” Dr. Olcan takes off his robe without looking at me, stripping down to nothing.
My eyes dart away.Nope.Never gonna get used to the blatant nudity around here.
“That bitter, herby smell.”
“Ah, that would be Blackroot,” Dr. Olcan says over the sound of rushing water from behind the screen.
Is he taking a fucking bath right now?I don’t dare look.
“Quite pungent, isn’t it? Holden presented me with a box of it as a gift from the Shaman shortly after they arrived.” Water splashes against his face as he continues talking. “It doesn’t smell great, but it has excellent medicinal properties. Helps with pain relief and healing.”
Holden.That’s where I remember the scent from. “Holden gave it to you?”
“Yes. Apparently it grows abundantly near their village. Very thoughtful of them. If Elder Stasio ever has a moment, I’d love to learn more about how the Shaman use Blackroot. I’m sure there are uses that we Lycans haven’t thought of.”
“Speaking of Holden, how is he?”
“Holden sustained lacerations and puncture wounds along one side of his body, most likely from a Lycan bite.” Dr. Olcan steps out, wiping his face with a towel. Still naked as hell. “Fortunately, his injuries weren’t nearly as bad as Haron’s. Similar to the Commander’s stab wound, I was able to discharge him relatively quickly.”
“That’s good to hear.” I clear my throat, trying to focus on anything besides his persistent nakedness.
“So, what can I do for you?”
“Well, I was hoping to discuss Jayme with you. His medical history, I mean.”
“Jayme?” He pauses, then realization dawns on his face. “For the Commander’s investigation?”
God, why haven’t you put clothes on yet?I keep my eyes fixed on his face.
“Yeah, we’re still trying to figure out what’s going on.” I can’t hold it in any longer. “Hey, Doc, do you mind putting on some pants or another robe? I’m still not used to this whole nudity thing and it’s really distracting me.”
Dr. Olcan chuckles. “You humans are a curious sort. If it will make you comfortable.” With that, he disappears behind the screen again. “So, what questions about Jayme could you have for me, Truth Seer?”
I wince a little.Even the doc is calling me that now?Truth Seer seemed like a fun nickname at first. Now, it’s begun to sound more like a formal title — one that I’m not sure I can live up to.
