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 the pavilion. In the winter. the fire pit inside was lit and thick sheepskin flaps were hung to keep everyone warm.

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

| cleaned up and tried my hair putting half up and half down and changing back into my sweater and jeans.

1 | put on sshort lace-up boots and headed to the kitchen to eat lunch. It was around 2:00 so | was a bit late for lunch but | needed something before dinner.

| made a sandwich with salami, ham, turkey, mozzarella, and sherb cream cheese. | was hungrier than | thought because it was gone in minutes.

| went off to the clinic to see if the midwives had anything to do today and if they did | would gladly help them.

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

“I'm so happy you've chosen to join us today,” she gavea genuine smile that warmed me. “My nis Charlotte Dair,” “Charlotte please callLuna Anna, | helped the midwives at my familial pack, | would love to do the shere,” She and | 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 a 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 guidedto 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 | put her to 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.

“| enjoy the development and excitement a new pup brings I'm glad to be here,” | walked over to the ultrasound machine that Charlotte was at.

1/4 “Would you wish to do the exam?” she askedwith raised brows.

“Of course,” | was giddy for this.

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

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

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

“Let's see good heartbeat, very strong,” | began measuring his length and girth. “Do you guys know the gender?” “No, we want to be surprised,” the mom leaned into her husband.

“Cute,” | laughed at their happiness.

“Everything looks great. One healthy baby,” | smiled “good fluid levels, healthy size, movement, strong heartbeat. This one is a champ,” The first laughed and | wiped off her belly and helped her stand up.

Charlotte and | walked into the back office.

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

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

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

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

“I hope you know we are truly blessed to have you and many are happy you're here,” she looked genuinely atto reassure me.

“Luna Anna,” Elizabeth called behind us. “It’s tto prepare dinner,” “Do you help prepare dinner?” | 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 | guess ah beef. And speppers and beans seasoned,” “You'll have to teach us how,” she started.

Charlotte and | went over what vegetables to put in and how to season the beef on the way in with Elizabeth 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 metal wok 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.

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

We took the boiled potatoes and put them into the sauce I'd made. It all ctogether in a delicious mess of food.

People filtered in and sat down at the tables with their friends and family. | took four bowls the most | could carryto the front table for Grayson, Amaria, Matt, and me. | liked to serve my food to those | was close to. | didn’t really have anyone close but these were my people.

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

| looked at the laughter and voices of the people in from of me. The children playing games and refusing to eat just yet. Mothers and fathers joking. Young wolves flirting and showing off. The little pup | 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 wants separation I will just get to know these people who seemed worthy of my affection, attention, and time. *