Page 58 of Ascendant Moon
Erin and Robert sat side by side on the couch, each with a pup in their arms while their mates looked on fondly. Robert had teared up at the sight of them and wasn’t able to verbalize his feelings just yet. Erin had no trouble speaking for all present.
“Wow. I’ve seen a lot of babies, but these boys are beautiful! Do you suppose Luna made them look like the two of you on purpose?”
Since Lou could only manage an amber-eyed scowl at the moment, Donna did all the talking.
“I wondered the same thing, and wouldn’t be surprised. Maybe Jack could answer that question.”
Robert finally tore his watery eyes away from the babe in his arms and looked over at Ash.
“I hope our turn comes soon. I want to have a dozen pups with you!”
Everyone, except Lou, laughed at the endearment. The pair were eager to find a Triad Mate and start their family—both hoping to meet someone at the Mingle & Mate event in the spring. Ash leaned over to kiss his cheek.
“I know, love. In the meantime, we’ll keep practicing.”
Eventually, Erin and Robert were forced to share, and passed the sleeping infants to their mates. Kaylee seemed perfectly content to remain in Donna’s arms, eyes wide as she tried to figure out where the two new scents were coming from. Micah asked the question that no one had yet voiced.
“Have you decided on names?”
Though Lou was calmer now, Donna answered for them, motioning to their firstborn Beta pup.
“Allow me to introduce you to Marcel, which means “little warrior,” and his slightly younger brother Alain or Alan, which means “little rock.”
While Erin liked the names, she couldn’t help teasing her mother.
“Hey! Why didn’t I get a cool French name?”
Donna shook a finger at her impudent daughter.
“I’ll have you know that I wanted to name you Lissette, and your father wouldn’t allow it!”
Erin’s eyes nearly popped out of her head while Micah started laughing.
“Way to go, Steven! I like Erin much better.”
The conversation abruptly ended when Lou’s phone began to ring. More growling ensued as he fished it out of his pocket to answer. It was Jonah.
“What?”
Jonah wondered who’d spit in the man’s cornflakes, but he had important matters to discuss.
“Sorry to disturb you, Lou, but I was checking your campaign website and there’s like three dozen messages asking about your wife and baby. A couple are from the local press, and another from Sheriff Tucker. If you can, give me a statement and maybe a photo I can post. It would be a great way to connect with voters and show them the family man angle.”
Lou hadn’t expected anyone to be so interested in his personal life, but running for public office came with certain compromises.
“Okay, Jonah. I’ll get something to you after lunch. Thanks for letting me know.”
Erin stood up and motioned to her mother.
“Come on. I’ll help you pick outfits for the boys and take a few family shots you can use. Just think how jealous all those regular housewives will be when they see your hot husband and beautiful babies!”
Lou’s growls returned with a vengeance.
Chapter 30
Supper at the packhouse
Ray Dunlap’s arrival at Gladstone confirmed what he’d already been told to expect by Robyn, Jonah, and President Sheppard: beautiful packlands, friendly people, top-of-the-line food, and a sharp Alpha who cared deeply for his people. Ray’s position at Duluth’s LRC office had provided a front-row seat for all the major events at Gladstone, but that knowledge wasn’t the same as experiencing the place in person.
