Page 4 of Ascendant Moon
“We’ve named her Kaylee. What do you think?”
Evie patted her hands together, bouncing on Jonah’s knees.
“I like it, and no one else in the pack has that name. What happens now?”
While Erin and Micah laughed, Donna answered the curious child’s question.
“It’s time to cut the umbilical cord. After that, Erin will pass the placenta and do a double shift. Then she’ll be ready to nurse Kaylee.”
Evie didn’t know exactly what all of that meant, but her curiosity urged her to find out. She turned to look up at Jonah.
“Can I watch, Uncle Jonah?”
He kissed the top of her head.
“Well, it’s all part of having babies, so if it’s okay with Erin, you can stay.”
With that settled, Donna guided Micah in clamping and cutting the cord. Jonah and Lou then retreated to the waiting area for the next steps that required a bit of privacy. Evie remained at Donna’s side so she could observe and ask questions. The experience would serve her well in the future when she attended births on her own. And, when Donna’s turn came in September, she’d also learn about delivering in wolf form.
About fifteen minutes later, Evie opened the treatment room door with a wide smile.
“Doctor Donna’s all done. You can come in now.”
Little Kaylee was nursing, covered in a faded violet blanket—the same one given to her mama as a newborn. Erin looked only slightly rumpled and a little tired, while Micah sat on the edge of the bed, watching everyone and everything like a hawk. New shifter fathers were hyper protective by default, and no one was bothered by his occasional growls or flashing amber eyes. Micah startled when Evie climbed onto his lap for a hug and another dose of her calming scent. She and Jonah left shortly afterward, followed by Donna and Lou—giving the family a few moments alone.
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Late afternoon, that same day
Perdy finished loading the heavy food basket, removed her spattered apron, and exited the packhouse. New arrivals were one of her favorite things, and every good pack made a reasonable fuss over the addition of pups. They were, after all, a sign of growth and the biggest blessing in shifter life aside from matings. Perdy gladly collected well wishes from everyone who spotted her on the way to the Posts’ apartment at Eastside. For their sake, she hoped they could move into a home of their own soon. Little shifters didn’t stay that way for long, and the family would need a lot more space.
She carefully scented the air outside the door before knocking, unwilling to disturb their sleep or other activities. Micah opened it with a growl, though the smell of food quickly soothed his new-father defenses. Perdy spoke as he reached out to take the laden basket.
“That should hold you until breakfast tomorrow, but call if you need anything. I come bearing congratulations from nearly everybody who’s heard the news, including me! Ben says you have the rest of the week off, and Royce will take your place until then. I’ll send him over when he gets home so you can compare notes.”
Micah thanked her and ducked back inside while Perdy returned to the packhouse to finish supper preparations. While she’d hoped to get a glimpse of Kaylee, it would have to wait a day or two. If the Posts didn’t resurface by then, there’d be a mob of eager packmates beating down their door.
Chapter 3
Wednesday evening, Gladstone conference room
Nolan Sweet was the last one to arrive for the security meeting, moderately disheveled and smelling like someone who’d been recently knotted in the woods. Scooter blushed, and Ash, Caleb, and Doogie simply laughed at their horn-dog packmate. Ben growled, slapping the back of Nolan’s head.
“Sweet, next time have the decency tobathebefore a meeting. We don’t need the scent of your al fresco hi-jinks clogging up the air in here. I swear, I’m going to have a talk with your mother the next time she visits.”
After another round of laughter, they settled down for the meeting. There was just enough time to cover the agenda before everyone showed up to welcome their newest member to the pack. Ben motioned for Caleb to get started.
“Security has a lot going on, so I want to make sure we’re on the same page. First, the annual meeting is next month, and nearly all the True Elders will be attending. Ben, who’ll be guarding Evan?”
Ben would prefer to do it himself, but he’d be unable to keep a constant eye on his mate with their duties taking them in opposite directions.
“Nolan will be with me most of the time, so Ash and two men from my dad’s security team will protect Evan during the conference. You’re coming along this year, Caleb, so you’ll be our backup if needed.”
As the Assistant Security Chief for Gladstone, Doogie Hinson had been tasked with taking notes—hurriedly tapping away at his tablet while Caleb responded.
“Perfect! Jack’s travel plans are a little more complicated, and I’ve assigned Shane and Milo to protect him. Before the conference, they’ll be stopping in Arizona to visit Walter Denali, and afterward is a trip to Mexico for a special mission. Until Scooter gets hired in as a deputy sheriff, I’ve assigned him to the Calhoun’s security team on an as-needed basis—basically anytime the triplets leave packlands. I believe that covers all our True Elders, and Doogie will be in charge of security while we’re in Montana. Ben, have you decided who’s overseeing the pack while we’re gone?”
As expected, the efficient Alpha had a plan in place.
