Page 18 of Abundant Moon
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BEN’S SIGNAL REACHEDtheir cocked ears, bringing a blessed but temporary relief. Both girls rose on shaky legs, driven by an urge to push, and within moments squatted to pass the mucus plugs. Birth was imminent now, and help hadn’t arrived yet. Katrine yipped in distress, rubbing her body against Mandy’s as they continued their agitated pacing. Natural wolves only gave birth in the spring, and with good reason, for their vulnerable pups could not survive the biting cold of winter. If only they’d stayed at home, none of this would have happened!
Their pacing stopped when they heard the scrabble of paws on stone. Through the swirling curtain of white emerged three wolves - Ben, Evan, and a female they didn’t recognize - carrying packs in their teeth. Excited and relieved, the girls yipped and sang while the three dropped their burdens to scent them thoroughly. Ben licked their faces and returned to the cave entrance to howl into the wind. Whoever else might be out there now knew exactly where they were.
Ignoring the cold, Ben shifted to human and immediately set about pulling things from the baggage. Soon, a crude nest appeared made of soft blankets and the girls found themselves being gently dried off with bath towels. Already warmer, they curled up together to await the inevitable. Shaking with cold, Ben quickly built a small fire with the bundle of kindling they’d brought along. Next, he dried off both Evan and Anita before kneeling at the edge of the nest to talk to the girls.
“You’re going to be fine, I promise. Others are coming with more supplies. My mother is here to help or keep you warm – whatever you need. She is not a threat to you or your pups – understand?”
The girls both gave him a human nod, still panting heavily.
“Good. The plugs are out, so it won’t be long now. You don’t have to face this alone, and Evan and I will keep you safe. After the pups arrive, I’ll command the four of you to shift and we’ll carry you home. OK?”
More nods and appreciative yips followed.
Ben took one more look around the small space and shifted before his junk became a dicksicle and snowballs. He and Evan kept watch for the security team while Anita curled up behind the girls to provide extra warmth and acquaint them with her scent. After the pups were born, they would become naturally aggressive with anyone except their mate. Since he wasn’t available, a mated female would suffice. In the original plan it would have been Doctor Follet, but none of that mattered now.
In due time, the security team arrived, dogsled style, with Caleb holding the ropes of the commandeered toboggan. Dragged across the frozen lakebed, they arrived at the base of the grotto with a multitude of supplies and gear. Caleb unhooked the men from the lines, freeing them to shift, and stifled his laughter while they attempted to dress in the freezing wind. With everyone back in human form, they began the treacherous upward climb laden with goods.
At the summit, the men started by sweeping the top layer of fresh snow off the flat rock ledge outside the cave entrance. Next, they erected a sturdy tent - protecting the cave from most of the wind – brought in the supplies, and settled down to wait. Caleb quietly slipped inside the cave, adding several small logs to the fire and a stack of additional wood just inside the entrance. Ben and Evan each gave him a low growl of greeting before he retreated to the tent to wait with his men. From what Caleb understood, pups arrived when they were ready, and not only when convenient. Since the circumstances were already far less than optimal, he could put up with a bit of personal discomfort for the sake of his packmates.
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THIRTY MINUTES LATER, distressed whines cut through the frosty air. Gripped by contractions, the girls delivered their pups simultaneously without difficulty. Instinct took over as each new mother thoroughly cleaned their little ones with wet tongues. Anita got up and repositioned her body to block cold air drafts from reaching the vulnerable newborns. They couldn’t remain this way for long, but she wanted the pups to receive some warm milk before facing a shift and the bumpy trek home.
Ben and Evan gave a full-throated victory concert, alerting Gladstone to the arrival of their newest pack members. Despite the difficult circumstances, it remained a time of rejoicing. Besides, how often did pups arrive on Christmas day? Caleb brought in the clothing, coats, and baby blankets, laying them out near the fire to warm.
As Alpha, Ben approached slowly to scent the little ones and received throaty growls from protective mamas. The women knew he wouldn’t harm their babes, but their wolves were wary of an Alpha within striking distance, and the squirming pups were hideously vulnerable in this form. He remembered how it was with his own mate and newborns, and backed away to observe from a distance. Evan joined him, opening the mind-link.
“Both girls! Ryan would have been so happy for them. It breaks my heart he never got to see this.”
Ben growled unhappily, sharing his mate’s grief.
“He’d have made a wonderful father. I wonder if either of them will look like him.”
“I love the idea of honor mates, but even if Ryan were still with us these babies belong to the pack. We have to make sure they have plenty of support and encouragement as they grow.”
Ben chuffed at his mate.
“Are you kidding? Those little girls will have every male in the pack wrapped around their little fingers. Wait and see!”
Ben waited as long as possible, but the time soon came to get this family back home to warmth and safety. He, Evan, and Anita shifted and dressed quickly, complete with winter gear and boots. Ben squatted down to speak with Katrine and Mandy.
“After all of you shift, Evan and my mother will wrap the babies while you get dressed. As soon as you’re ready, we’re going to wrap each of you in a heavy blanket and carry you back to the compound. Doctor Follett will check you over and then we’ll take you home. Time to go.”
Katrine and Mandy both yipped in assent and stood slightly behind their pups. With a wave of Alpha power, Ben gave the command.
“SHIFT!”
Frightened by the sudden change, the little ones squalled as they were swaddled and their mothers dressed. A heavy blanket was spread out on the empty nest and Mandy lay down on it, babe in arms. Wrapped in a cocoon of softness, Evan stooped to lift the precious bundle to his chest, waiting patiently for Ben to do the same with Katrine and her daughter. Refusing to ride back with the security team, Anita chose to walk alongside in case they needed her help en route.
Once outside the cave they noticed a clear sky, revealing Luna’s energizing beams. Evan paused to look up and smile at their benefactor with a grateful heart.
“Thank you.”
The others nodded their agreement and after a careful decent on the slippery stones, the rescue party got underway.
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