Page 19 of Abundant Moon
AFTER ROUNDING THEeastern tip of Lake Schaawe, the group headed north towards the meadow. Stepping through the trees and into the clearing revealed dozens of packmates waiting anxiously for the team and their precious bundles to return. Walking alongside, they escorted the party to the infirmary where Jonah and Ben’s father waited with a relieved Donna and Lou. Embarrassed and overwhelmed, Katrine and Mandy waved to the crowd before being taken inside.
Tired and ravenous, the new mothers scarfed down plates full of holiday leftovers while Donna gave the babies a cursory exam. They were weighed, washed, diapered, and laid to breast for their own meal while Katrine and Mandy thanked the team for bringing them safely home. After determining the approximate time of birth for the records, Donna asked what they intended to name the Beta girls. Katrine smiled, answering for both women.
“We decided to honor Ryan’s memory by giving the girls his last name. This is Noel Joy Winn and that’s Holly Star Winn. I need to call Ryan’s parents to let them know they’ve arrived.”
The announcement caused more than one set of watery eyes, and Ben promised to call Ken and Patty as soon as he got home. Jonah asked if they wanted someone to stay with them overnight, but Mandy declined.
“All we want to do is go home and bond with the girls for a bit. They didn’t exactly arrive as planned, and we’re beat. I promise to callthis timeif we need something.”
The group chuckled, laughing even harder when both women blushed crimson. A soft knock switched their attention to a worried and humbled Nolan. He looked over the beautiful babies and then launched into a rushed apology.
“This was my fault and I feel terrible about what happened. I didn’t know the signs to look for and we all assumed you were behind us. I should have checked your apartment to make sure. Please forgive me.”
Katrine reached out to take his hand, shaking her head.
“No one is to blame but us. We didn’t follow the advice we were given and took unnecessary risks. Now we’ve caused trouble and ruined the holiday. We’re the ones who need to ask for forgiveness.”
Both women began to cry, causing the little ones to whimper and fuss. Ben put a stop to the blame game before it got out of hand.
“It doesn’t matter now why it happened. You’re safe and all is well. This is what pack is all about, and anyone who thinks differently is full of sh.... is mistaken. It’s time to go. Evan and I will walk you home.”
After another round of thanks, the family and their escort bundled up for the short walk to their Eastside apartment. Once inside, Ben and Evan volunteered to put fresh linens on the bed, tidy up the living room, and ask about any special requests for meals. After saying goodnight, they parted ways and headed back to their own family and its interrupted celebration. Since it wasn’t terribly late, Ben took his cell phone out and dialed Ryan’s parents.
“Merry Christmas, Patty. Tell Ken your granddaughters arrived a couple hours ago. We had some excitement, but mothers and babies are doing fine. I’ll let Katrine and Mandy give you the details when you get here. I can honestly say they were the most unexpected gift this year. Congratulations!”
Chapter 11
MID-JANUARY, FAIRBANKSAlaska
Mia woke with a start, though not because she needed to pee again. A little more than halfway through her pregnancy, she was not only showing but experiencing some of the other “joys” of being in the family way. No, Everet’s change in breathing pulled her from a sound sleep. As a True Elder, her mate experienced frequent dreams and visions – sent from Luna to instruct, warn, or guide. When his breathing pattern changed like this, it meant another dream. Considering the alteration in his scent, she was certain it troubled him.
The first time he opened the link and shared one of the dreams with her, it left her disoriented and troubled. How did he manage to make sense of the strange images, shrouded in the ever-present fog? As in everything related to his unique role among their kind, he took the dreams seriously. Having spent the first half of his long life ignoring them, he felt duty-bound to carefully consider each one and what his response should be.
Often, he called Evan or Jack to confer, seeking guidance or to share information. She herself felt totally unqualified to add her two cents worth, most often serving as a sounding board only. Wanting to share all with his mate, Everet sought out her opinions anyway, and she did her best to help him. Her precious mate so rarely asked for anything directly she could not deny him when he did.
When his breathing returned to normal, she turned on her side to lay her head on his furry chest. Instinctively, he lifted a hand to pet her long copper-colored hair – a distinctive feature he treasured. He was not the talkative type, something she’d become accustomed to since they mated last October, leaving her to begin the conversation.
“Another dream? Tell me, love.”
“A human on packlands, learning our secrets and then running away.”
Odd, and not a subject he’d ever mentioned before.
“Here?”
