Page 107 of Ascendant Moon
Scooter wasn’t entirely convinced.
“Do you think that’s enough?
Lincoln nodded, and then spelled out one additional word.
P-A-C-K.
Scooter had to chuckle at that, and wrapped his arms around Lincoln when he returned to the couch.
“It sounds too simple, sweetheart, but it’s a good place to start. And, yeah, we have a great pack who will help us, that’s for sure. Plus, we have each other. Even if we do everything else wrong, our pups are gonna know we love them, right?”
Lincoln yipped his agreement, licked Scooter’s cheek, and lay down again across his mate’s meaty thighs.
Scooter picked up the book again and began to read.
“Chapter One—A Refused Suitor.Hmm…she sounds like trouble already. Sorta like Melva!”
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Election Day, November 2nd
When Lou began his quest for office, Ben encouraged every adult pack member to register to vote. In the past, shifters had eschewed human government as part of hiding in plain sight. Given all the recent changes, and the need to incorporate themselves into society, shifters were now being urged to take part. The majority of the pack had willingly responded, eager to support one of their own in his run for Sheriff.
So as not to draw undue attention, pack members voted in ones and twos throughout the day. The sudden uptick in local voters would no doubt be noticed, though it probably wouldn’t be an issue in future elections. Authorities would find that every new voter was properly registered and eligible to vote, so no one could legitimately claim that the election had been rigged. Hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that, even if the fellow opposing Lou was a rather slimy politico.
Though Scooter was working a regular shift today, Lou was holed up with his campaign coordinator and a bunch of volunteers. They’d rented an old empty storefront for the last few months as a headquarters and were now making last-minute calls and monitoring the polling sites. Sheriff Tucker reported for duty as usual, encouraging people to vote while packing up his office. Whatever happened, he would retain his position through the end of the year, but he was convinced that Lou would be elected. It would be late this evening or even tomorrow before the results were in, and then everyone would know for sure.
############
Campaign headquarters, 10 p.m.
With Erin watching the twins, Donna had joined her mate after supper while the polling sites reported in. Most of the volunteers had already gone home, leaving a small group to wait for the call. Everyone jumped when Lou’s cell phone finally rang, and he saw that it was Sheriff Tucker.
“Hello, Sir. What can you tell us?”
“Good evening, Lou. I called as soon as we got a definitive answer. All the precincts have reported in, and I’m happy to report that you’ve been elected the new Sheriff. As I predicted,you won by a landslide, son. Congratulations. Now go on home and get some sleep—you’re on duty tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Sir, I’ll see you in the morning.”
The weary volunteers waited expectantly as Lou grasped Donna’s hand before making the announcement.
“We won, and I have you and many others to thank. I would stay to celebrate, but it’s past my bedtime.”
There were handshakes, chuckles, and smiles all around as they closed up shop and headed out. Donna had remained mostly quiet until they, too, were on their way home.
“I’m incredibly proud. You accomplished something important, my love, and not just for our people. I’d like to think all of Delta County will be a safer place with you in charge.”
Lou wasn’t used to hearing such praise, and it meant much more to him coming from his mate. He reached over to brush fingertips down her cheek.
“Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without your support and encouragement. When we get home, I’d like to show my appreciation in a more tangible way.”
Donna growled as pheromones filled the car, and Lou gripped the wheel just a bit tighter than necessary, as they anticipated a private and well-deserved celebration.
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The next morning
Those arriving for breakfast saw an announcement on the packhouse doors.
