Marked at second sight

Cassian: “Get in.” Putting the magazine I was reading back in the drawer, I cleared my throat, strengthened my tie, and leaned in my chair with my gaze fixed at the door. Sarah, a shy girl I had a week ago recruited to be my assistant, walked in with her gaze half on me and half on her toes with a cup of steaming coffee in her hands. “A coffee for you, doc.” She placed it in front of me, accidentally spilling some on the table. “I am sorry. I'll take care of that.” Her irises twitched around as she looked for a tissue or wipes cloth. Pushing my chair backwards to avoid it from spilling on my white coat, I rose and walked to the drawer behind me and grabbed a pack of tissue. When I was done wiping my desk clean, I saw Sarah was still standing there. I cleared my throat to get her attention but realized she had zoned out. “If there is nothing else, you can go back to work.” I said, snapping her out of her world. “Uh, yes.” She blinked thoroughly and started walking out of the office, but she never walked out. When she reached the door, she hurriedly walked back to me, a small blue notebook that she had pulled out from under her coat held in her arms close to her chest. “Yes …” I raised my brow, waiting for her to speak. She cleared her throat and flipped through a couple of pages. “I've got everything set up for our first appointments. How are you feeling today?” I chuckled. “I am good. Sarah, thank you for asking. I am just a bit tired from yesterday's surgeries, but nothing a cup of coffee can't fix. Did you rest well last night?” I asked back. “Yes.” She nodded and then added, “I managed to catch up on some sleep. By the way, we have Mr. Johnson coming in with his Labrador for a check-up at 10 am. Should I prepare the examination room?" “That sounds great. Get everything ready.” I responded with a dismissive tone. Upon remembering something, I called back, “Also, we have some new medication that arrived yesterday. Can you organize the inventory and make sure we have enough supplies for the week?” “Of course, I'll take care of it right away. And don't forget about Mrs. Davis calling in about her cat's diet. She was concerned about the new food we recommended.” “Thanks for reminding me. I'll give her a call after the morning appointments.” I dropped my head back to my cup of coffee, closing my eyes and moaning when its sweet taste bubbled down my throat. Sarah could be clumsy, awkward, and all, but she was a good coffee maker. I've always admired her way with it. After my coffee, I did a couple of stretches and reviewed my schedule again. My lips curled up into a satisfied smile when I read I had no animal to tend to until Mr. Johnson's appointment. Taking my lab coat off, I slid the back door open and walked through my private garden. The sun had risen so high with little to no clouds offering it obstructions. Ever since I was young, I had admired how it always managed to duck through those clouds no matter how heavy they were and serve its purpose. A concerned voice calling from the gate echoed around, jarring me out of my short alone time. I directed my gaze to the gate where the guard opened the metallic doors for a girl who limped in dragging a do... ”hold on! The f**k is that?” I asked myself and ran out through the office to the door. The animal was much bigger than a dog. It had a thick black fur that shone under the sun, reflecting its blinding shine in my eyes. It was heavily wounded, with blood soaking its entire chest, stomach and back legs. “Doctor, please help! I found this injured wolf in the woods. I'm so worried about him." Despite my shock, since it was rare to see wild animals at the clinic, I responded professionally, “Don't worry, you did the right thing by bringing him here. Let's see what we can do for him. How did you come across this poor wolf?" “I was hiking and heard some whimpering. I found him with a hurt leg. Can you save him, doctor?" I signaled the nurses to carry him inside, and then to the girl, I assured her, “We'll do our best. We'll assess his injuries first.” And complimenting her, I added, “You've shown great kindness and courage in helping him. It's not every day we see someone bring in a wild animal for treatment." “I just couldn't leave him there suffering. Thank you for trying to help him, doctor. I hope he'll be okay." “We'll do everything we can. You've already made a big difference by bringing him in. Stay positive; let's see what we can do.” I gently laid my hand on her shoulder and patted her. “Thank you, doctor. I'll keep hoping for the best for my new furry friend.” “You are planning on keeping him?’ I asked and she nodded. I've seen people bringing weird and scary pet animals in for treatment, but never have I ever seen one keeping a wild dog. “Won’t he run away?” I wanted to ask but realized there was no need to scare her. After evaluating the wolf's injuries, I took my mask and gloves off and walked out to talk to the girl. “I have some news about your wolf. He has a serious injury that requires immediate surgery to save his life." "Oh no, is he going to be okay? Please do whatever you can to help him, doctor." She held my hands in hers and shook them repeatedly as she begged. I cleared my throat and looked down at our connected hands then back to her eyes. She quickly released my hand a deep blush crawling on her cheeks followed by a mumbled 'sorry.' “I understand how much he means to you now that you are planning to keep him, but I'll have to tell you that the surgery is risky, but it's our best to give him a fighting chance. Are you willing to proceed with the operation?" "Yes,” she nodded quickly, “please go ahead with the surgery. I want to do everything possible to save him. Can you update me about his progress during the surgery?” She asked. “Yes,” I nodded, admiring how fast she had gotten to fall in love with the wolf. “Stay strong, and let's hope for the best outcome." With her both palms pressed together on the front of her chest, she bowed several times. "Thank you, doctor. I trust you to take care of him. Please let me know as soon as you have any news." “Of course. Your wolf is in good hands.” After the surgery was done, the girl left after I told her we would keep the wolf under observation for a while. The surgery had gone well, and none of us had been much happier than the girl. “Doc, I'll be leaving. Make sure you head home early as soon as possible too.” Sarah's caring voice jarred me out of my thoughts. “I'll do that.” I waved back at her inwardly, wondering how quick the day had come to an end, but before going home, I had to check on the wolf and remind the night nurse about his special care. However, when I walked into the ward, what I saw made my heart skip a beat. I found myself trembling and sweating under such hot weather as my legs lost their strength. I opened my lips wanting to say something but they chapped, running my throat dry rendering me from saying something. “What? Never seen a wolf turning into a human?” The thing, or should I say the ‘human’, sitting on the bed, naked, asked. Oh, god! He is not speaking, is he? I asked myself as I slowly slipped into the darkness of my shock.