“No,” I retaliate angrily. “What’s unethical is the atmosphere of this facility. We all know the unsaid repercussions for someone like Noah. Never mind the fact that he’s the most qualified physician who any of you have ever employed, probably.”
“Now, Dr. Carter, that isn’t—”
“If you’re so tolerant, why ask for one’s designation at all during the hiring process?” I cross my arms. “How does that affect a person’s skill set?”
The first elder board member clicks his tongue. “Now, see here, it’s the responsibility of this board to ensure the safety of our staff, even if that means asking uncomfortable questions.”
“And has Noah ever once given this hospital any indication that he was dangerous in any way? Hasn’t he performed his duties with exemplary expertise?”
A few of the board members share a look. “That’s . . . true,” the older woman says. “Dr. Taylor has never given us any indication that he was in need of supervision.”
“Because he’s a damned good doctor,” I seethe.
“Mackenzie,” Noah warns gently, reaching for my hand.
I glance at him with my chest full of indignance, and he squeezes my hand, offering me a smile before he turns to the board. “The blame for omitting my status when I was hired falls entirely on me. As does the idea of presenting Dr. Carter as my mate to protect my job.”
“Noah, don’t—”
He cuts me another warning glance before continuing. “But nevertheless, I have fulfilled all the requirements of my position ten times over during my time here, and if given the opportunity, I would like to continue.”
“Well,” one man says, “you did already put in your resignation . . .”
“About that,” Noah answers. “I’ve been informed that the person who reported me to the board was a fellow cardiologist, and I’ve since learned that he obtained this information by riffling through my office and violating my HIPAA rights by going through my personal medical records. Since then, Dr. Martin has threatened me, blackmailed me with not only my job, but Dr. Carter’s, and I think both of these instances warrant a lawsuit, should I choose to pursue it.”
“Not to mention the discrimination suit we’re going after if you choose to permanently let Noah go just because of what he is,” I say.
The board members all share a glance, looking nervous. “Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We haven’t officially decided on any punishments here. Maybe we all just take a breather, huh?”
“I don’t think I’ll feel comfortable returning with Dr. Martin so willing to break the law just to take my position,” Noah says. “Had he not interfered, there would never have been any issues to begin with.” Noah looks the head of the board right in the eye. “Besides, since you never officially took a stance against alphas during your hiring procedures, there aren’t officially grounds to let me go over it, are there?”
“But your resignation—”
“I believe I was offered a significant pay increase should I choose to stay,” Noah says cheerfully. “I haven’t given my official answer on that, have I? I’d like to accept the terms.”
All four board members look shocked, their mouths hanging open as they realize we’ve backed them into a corner.
“We’d also like to officially disclose our relationship,” I add.
The woman looks confused. “But you said—”
“Oh, we aren’t mated,” I assure her.
Noah clears his throat. “Not yet.”
My mouth falls open as I look at him, a giddy sensation bubbling in my chest. His eyes are warm, too warm for the situation, and I have to bite back a grin as I return my attention to the board. “And we would also like to officially call for Dr. Martin’s termination. That is, if you want to avoid us taking legal measures for the multiple offenses he’s committed.”
The oldest board member leans into the woman sitting next to him, both of them looking nervous as they whisper rapidly to each other before turning to repeat the same song and dance with the other members seated around the table. As they deliberate quietly, Noah doesn’t let go of my hand, keeping a tight hold on it to remind me that he’s here—that no matter what happens, we’re in this together.
It’s a new feeling for me, but one I find I don’t dislike.
“Dr. Taylor,” the old board member finally calls, sounding weary. “In light of these new findings, I think it’s safe to say that you can resume work starting next week. We would like to officially apologize for making you feel as if you would be unwelcome on our staff because of your designation. It is not in this board’s interest to dally in exclusion of any kind. Especially not with someone as gifted as yourself.”