Page 81 of Ascendant Moon
“We’ll tell security to watch for her then, all right?”
Lincoln didn’t want to spell out “thank you”, so he licked Evan’s hand instead. Thick fingers lightly stroked the top of his head, pausing at each ear for some scratches. Lincoln released a pleased growl and leaned into it. He’d been touch-starved for fartoo long and relished the comfort this simple gesture brought. Cody interrupted the moment with a welcome announcement.
“Food’s ready! Is anyone hungry?”
Though it was too late for lunch and too early for supper, Cody made something for everyone. At Evan’s encouragement, Lincoln jumped up on a dining room chair, flanked by Evie and Jonah. While Ben, Evan, and Evie all received normal portions, both pregnant Omegas were given platters stacked with cheeseburgers. Lincoln savored every delicious bite, wondering how Cody managed to make a simple burger taste like filet mignon. Of course, nearly anything would be more pleasing than eating raw meat from the floor of Bruce’s kitchen. That wasn’t the end of their mid-afternoon snack, however, as Cody then brought out dessert.
“This is a new recipe that I’ve been wanting to try. Let me know what you think.”
Lincoln and Jonah both received extra-large portions of a still-warm peach cobbler, doused with creamy caramel sauce and topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream. Lincoln dug right in, giving his taste buds a treat and satisfying his ever-present need to feed. When the dish was empty, he lapped up all the stray crumbs from the tabletop until nothing was left. When he opened his mouth to yip in appreciation, a rumbling belch popped up to say hello instead.
The table erupted in laughter and chuffing, drawing Cody out of the kitchen to see what was going on. Evan snitched.
“I think Lincoln really enjoyed dessert.”
Cody smiled at their guest and stroked the thick fur of his neck.
“Is that right? Well, I’m glad you liked it.”
Once they left the dining room, Ben returned to his office, Evie went to her room to shift and dress, and Evan texted Donna to see if she was free.
>Ready for us? I think our guest could use a bath!
>No problem. Give me ten minutes.
When Evie returned in human form, Lincoln couldn’t help but notice how much the pretty little blond looked like Evan. He didn’t understand how that could be, since the man was a Delta wolf, but he didn’t have any way to ask the question. Evan had one for him instead.
“One of our pack members, Donna, is a doctor, and we have an infirmary where she sees those who need treatment. She also monitors pregnancies, and I’d like her to give you a quick exam. Is that all right?”
Lincoln nodded his head and Evan smiled at him.
“Good. Do you want Jonah and Evie to come with us?”
Lincoln yipped, wagging his tail.
“Okay everybody, let’s not keep the good doctor waiting.”
On their way to the infirmary, Evan pointed out the packhouse, guest accommodations, some of the housing options, and other features of the central compound. The infirmary building now boasted a brand new addition that housed the entryway and waiting room. The old space had been remodeled into a full human bathroom, and a lupine facility that included an adjustable grooming table and a stainless steel wash station. Lincoln would be the first one to use it, though no one had informed the Omega of that fact.
Donna awaited them inside, eager to meet their visitor. She knew almost nothing about him, but her primary concern was his overall health and that of the pup or pups he carried. Evan made the introductions.
“Lincoln, this is Donna Follett, our pack doctor. You’re in good hands.”
Donna got right down to business.
“Hello, Lincoln. Has anyone been caring for you and your pup?”
He shook his head, which answered the question, but didn’t provide the details Donna really wanted to know.
“I see. I take it you were in a pack until recently, but how long have you been traveling?”
Lincoln looked up at Evan, who began throwing out guesses. A week? No. Longer? No again. Evan counted down from seven and stopped when Lincoln nodded at four days.
“Mmm… I think we’ll combine the exam with a nice warm bath. I want to make sure your coat isn’t hiding any injuries or pests. Come with me, please.”
Lincoln followed her around the corner to a well-lit room that looked something like a dog grooming station. Donna pointed to a ramp leading to a stainless steel washing platform, and Lincoln reluctantly climbed up and inside. The others were shooed out into the hallway with the door left open—mostly for Lincoln’s benefit, and Donna slipped on a waterproof apron. She waited until the water was warm enough and then thoroughly rinsed his matted coat, followed by a soapy scrub. Her hands were gentle, yet confident, as she checked his joints and abdomen along the way.
“Assuming you’re carrying only one pup, I’d say you’re right around six weeks. Did you conceive during the August full moon?”
