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I heard a few of my nurses call friends or people they knew after that interview came out.

Then there was the one where she finally stepped forward as the head of Amanda’s Hope, explaining who Amanda Hope was. It was a brilliant interview that included Alexis Gomez who was just as amazing on camera.

“Look, we realize that not every hospital is set up or has the backing to handle the legal battles that can come up with the situations of domestic abuse,” Ellie said firmly. “They rely on donations and complications that ASH doesn’t have. I have some of the best attorneys in-house and on speed dial.”

“We simply ask they be strong enough to kick the punt to us,” Alexis took over. “ASH has warlocks on staff 24-7 and permission to open a portal for these exact situations, hospital to hospital. So please do. Please let us take the heat and pressure because we can. Just do what’s right and save your patients suffering domestic violence.”

“She’s good,” Gerald said as he sat down next to me while I was watching the interview at lunch. “She’s really impressive and I rarely say that about other attorneys.”

I was about to snap at him until he clarified he meant Alexis.“She really cares. You can feel it and the drive. It’s inspiring.”

He watched the rest over my shoulder while we ate, and Ellie actually admitted she finally thought it was time to come out as the head of Amanda’s Hope because she’d recently handled her own family situation. Finally. Completely.

“Really?” I hedged. “She’s been so busy—I knew she still had to handle a few things.”

“She said you could be looped in,” he said under his breath, making it clear he wasn’t gossiping. He waited until I nodded. “Kenneth Reed is fairly spineless, and after he realized he couldactually face jail time here, agreed to renounce any family relation to Ellie if he could leave. He’s not allowed back in the US or to contact her again or he goes away for—”

I snorted. “He contacts her again and he won’t ever be found. Fuck being arrested.”

He was quiet a moment as the interview ended and I tucked my phone away. “That’s darker than I thought you’d go, pup.”

I met his curious gaze. “You didn’t see the aftermath or hear her crying in her sleep. You didn’t hear her whimpering in fearin her sleepthat she would have to admit to the world that her father was planning to breed her for a male heir. I want him dead. My wolf wants something worse.”

“Yeah, that’s… Vamps are just as fucked up as we are.”

That was for damn sure. Maybe even worse most days. “I’m asking a favor.”

“Don’t ask me. I won’t tell you and I won’t be involved,” he said, shutting me down hard which pissed me the fuck off.

Until he was done eating and left and I noticed a slip of paper under my tray. It was the details of when and where Kenneth Reed was being sent back to Europe via portal. Apparently, he didn’t know he was being handed over to some law enforcement who had beef with him there, but it gave me what I needed.

Fine, I maybe didn’t hate the lion as long as he stopped lusting after Ellie.

I personally called to reschedule my last two patients so I could sneak out early. I apologized but explained I had a short window to handle something I couldn’t normally because I was at the hospital. Both were understanding and could make it work which was lovely.

So I was there when the officers escorted Kenneth Reed out of the central police station of Atlanta to transfer him via portal.

I nodded to one of the officers I recognized and went for him because I thought he was the highest rank of the group.

“The lion said to expect you,” the officer said as we shook hands. “You’re lucky that was damn good pizza.”

“Appreciate it,” I sighed. “Really.”

“Just take care of Ms. Reed. She does a lot for all of us, and from what I heard, that last fucker should be skinned.”

I decided to give Fitz a solid since I’d heard the genuine worry for Ellie in his voice. “Apparently, his parents fucked him up so good that he didn’t understand what he was doing. Doesn’t make it okay or something to forgive but…”

“Yeah, as long as he gets help and doesn’t fuck someone else over.” The guy let out a harsh breath. “Fucking families do more damage than good most days.”

“Amen, mate.” I had a thought and pulled out my phone and unlocked it. “Are you a poker man? I’m thinking of getting a monthly game together with some of the non-douche attendings. Some officers would be fun—mix it up so there’s always a group or two. My condo has a nice party room we can use.”

“I know a few good guys who would love that,” he accepted and took my phone to put in his number. He snorted. “As long as you guys don’t have bets for doc salaries we can’t keep up with. Or could get us in trouble.”

“Naw, I tend to fifty in for the same chips and they land where they land. Not high stakes or too serious, just easier than beers at the pub. Plus, we can all hear each other.”

“Sounds good.” He handed me back my phone. “You got five minutes until the portal opens.”

“Don’t need even that, but warn your guys I’m gonna flex in power. I swear to you that I won’t touch him.”