Gabriel nodded. “Teneisha’s making me—I mean, I’m calling my mom after I leave today. I’m pretty sure he’s going to want to come up. So he can bring me.” 

“Perfect. Okay, that’s my spiel, but I think Dr. Caris still wants to go over a few things with you. Do you have any other questions for me?” 

Gabriel shook his head. “No, thank you. I think that’s everything I wanted to know.” The enormous cloud of unknown-ness surrounding everything that was happening to him, and that was going to happen to him, was starting to dissipate. He could feel a sense of control returning, a definite improvement. Gabriel did not do well with the unknown.

“Alright, then, if you think of anything you want to ask me later, just email me-—Teneisha will give you a card—or call the office and let them know, and I’ll get in touch. If not, I’ll see you for your first surgery.” Dr. Anderson wheeled himself backwards a couple more feet before rising smoothly and casually, clearly not wanting to make his patient uneasy again now that his knuckles were no longer white where he gripped the exam table. 

“Good luck with Stoffel,” Gabriel said, following him with his eyes as Alex crossed the room. 

“I’ll need it.” 

With a wave, the Alpha closed the exam room door and was gone.