Stronger by Ang Chris
Chapter 20

It was custom in the Northern Ecl*pse pack to eat dinner with everyone. That’s why they had thepavilion. In the winter. the fire pit inside was lit and thick sheepskin flaps were hung to keep everyonewarm.

I headed to my house and went up to the large glass shower that had more showerheads than anyoneneeded but after gardening and working out the fiery water from every direction was blissful.

I cleaned up and tried my hair putting half up and half down and changing back into my sweater andjeans.

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I put on some short lace–up boots and headed to the kitchen to eat lunch. It was around 2:00 so I wasa bit late for lunch but I needed something before dinner.

I made a sandwich with salami, ham, turkey, mozzarella, and some herb cream cheese. I was hungrierthan I thought because it was gone in minutes.

I went off to the clinic to see if the midwives had anything to do today and if they did I would gladly helpthem.

“Luna Annette,” a woman my height with bright blonde hair that curled beautifully and a round facesmiled as I walked in.

“I’m so happy you’ve chosen to join us today,” she gave me a genuine smile that warmed me. “Myname is Charlotte Dair,”

“Charlotte please call me Luna Anna, I helped the midwives at my familial pack, I would love to do thesame here,”

She and I started walking. “I’m sure you’re talented, everyone is so excited you’re here,”

We headed to a pink hallway that had comfy white chairs and baby feet decor on the wall.

“We are a larger pack so we have a good amount of patients. Today we’re seeing Masie and Connor.It’s their first pup,” she guided me to a room at the end of the hall.

Inside was a younger couple but older than me. Her belly wasn’t as swollen as full–term and I put herto be at six months. from my eyes.

“Luna,” They both bowed their heads to me.

“It’s an honor that you are helping us,” the wife blushed a little as she spoke.

“I enjoy the development and excitement a new pup brings I’m glad to be here,” I walked over to theultrasound machine

that Charlotte was at.

“Would you wish to do the exam?” she asked me with raised brows.

“Of course,” I was giddy for this.

Being a part of something so sweet, intimate, and joyful was an honor that I was grateful to have.

“Warm jelly,” I squirted the bottle on her belly.

I spread it out with the wand rolling it all around. Then I centered on the baby. It was clear as daymoving his feet back and forth.

“Let’s see good heartbeat, very strong,” I began measuring his length and girth. “Do you guys know thegender?”

“No, we want to be surprised,” the mom leaned into her husband.

“Cute,” I laughed at their happiness.

“Everything looks great. One healthy baby,” I smiled “good fluid levels, healthy size, movement, strongheartbeat. This one is a champ,”

The first laughed and I wiped off her belly and helped her stand up.

Charlotte and I walked into the back office.

“You seem to really appreciate these moments that is so wonderful to have. I know some people whodo this so they don’t have to do any physical labor for the pack,” she rolled her eyes.

“Always replaceing ways to get out of work I know the type,” I sat down beside her.

“I know we just met but how are you doing I can imagine it’s difficult coming to a whole new placeknowing no one,” she leaned her head on her hand.

“Oh goddess. Yeah, it’s um. I miss my family. A lot is just one moment at a time focusing on getting toknow new people and new ways. I like how everyone eats dinner together,” I nod.

“I hope you know we are truly blessed to have you and many are happy you’re here,” she lookedgenuinely at me to

reassure me.

“Luna Anna,” Elizabeth called behind us. “It’s time to prepare dinner,”

“Do you help prepare dinner?” I looked to Charlotte.

DIA

“Yes,” she nodded and walked beside me.

“What would you like to have tonight Lama?” Elizabeth asked over her shoulder.

“Um I guess ah beef. And some peppers and beans seasoned,”

“You’ll have to teach us how,” she started.

Charlotte and I went over what vegetables to put in and how to season the beef on the way in withElizabeth telling us what Grayson may like.

We boiled potatoes and cut up peppers, onions, and a lot of beef. We stayed them in a gigantic metalwok over the fire pit of the pavilion.

1 seasoned the dish as it cooked using garlic and green onions, beef broth, paprika, salt, pepper,cumin, and garden herbs.

I made sure it was a bounty of flavor and meat. It was a meal I was making for my new people and Iwanted them to enjoy every bite.

We took the boiled potatoes and put them into the sauce I’d made. It all came together in a deliciousmess of food.

People filtered in and sat down at the tables with their friends and family. I took four bowls the most Icould carry io to the front table for Grayson, Amaria, Matt, and me. I liked to serve my food to those I

was close to. I didn’t really have anyone close but these were my people.

“Let’s eat!” Grayson’s voice rang out.

I looked at the laughter and voices of the people in from of me. The children playing games andrefusing to eat just yet. Mothers and fathers joking. Young wolves flirting and showing off. The little pupI had helped yesterday waved cheerfully his parents bowing their heads in thanks and respect.

“I have no problem living my life them. Forget trying to make things work with Grayson he wantsseparation I will just get to know these people who seemed worthy of my affection, attention, and time.*