Page 59 of Luna Trials

“Ranger offered to pay your donation?” Edith perked up. Cindy leaned closer. Even Opal glanced my way. The cameraman turned on his device.

In hindsight, I should have waited for a little more privacy to ask.

Anxiety tightened my chest as I nodded.

Fallon shook her head with an amused smile on her face. “Ranger does what Ranger wants.”

I was dying to ask her more about that ominous statement, but I’d already embarrassed myself enough for one lifetime, thank you very much. The cameraman directed his lens our way, playing with the focus.

“Good to know.” I stared straight at the road ahead as my stomach twisted itself in knots, thinking over what Fallon said. I believed her. Ranger seemed like the kind of guy to take what he wanted. The real question was, what did he want?

*

The vehicle in front of us let out some security guards before we were allowed to open the doors to the van. By their scents, it was a healthy mix of horse and bear shifters who held back the crowd outside the hospital. This time, I tried to focus less on how nervous I was and more on smiling for the cameras.

Someone called my name and I waved.

Another woman held out a notebook and pen. I scribbled my autograph, asking where she was from. The man beside her tried to take a selfie with me. I smiled awkwardly, getting pulled in multiple directions as I moved closer to the ropes.

A security guard groaned as the cameras flashed and he herded me inside. Which wasn’t fair.

Edith and Cindy were allowed to take their time chatting with the reporters that stood a respectful distance away.

I didn’t have time to complain though as we were whisked into the elevators and taken to a conference room. Microphones were adjusted and we were placed standing near the windows. The humans in our party were given masks to wear. Shifters couldn’t carry human diseases and it was only a few nurses who smiled at us without needing protection covering their faces.

The hospital CEO walked in just as the camera crew finished placing us in the right lighting to orchestrate the perfect shot.

“Mr. Stockett.” Edith greeted him first. “On behalf of Tulia Pack, please accept this donation.”

She handed him a check and the old man’s eyes glazed over as he took in the amount. He professed his gratitude and shook her hand again. I clutched the sweaty wad of bills in my pocket.

“On behalf of McCaw Pack, please accept this donation.” Fallon gave him another check, not bothering to raise her sunglasses as Mr. Stockett thanked her. I made the mistake of glancing at the amount and got a little nauseous.

“And this donation is the start of a monthly allotment.” Cindy smiled at the cameras as she shook the CEO’s hand. “Frazier Pack will be in touch to set up funding to extend for the rest of the year.”

Vomit rose up the back of my throat and I swallowed it down as the old man turned his grateful, tear-filled eyes to me.

“Thank you for coming today.” He held out his hand to shake.

“Thank you for having us.” I wiped my palm on the slacks I was wearing and gripped his hand firmly, pulling him close and wishing the cameras weren’t here. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize we were bringing checks.”

I tried to be discreet about handing him the crumpled cash from my pocket. The embarrassingly small amount was an entire month’s paycheck for me. “From Nuva Pack.”

It wasn’t. But we were going to be embarrassed together since Alpha Derek had sent me here.

The CEO surprised me by pulling me in for a hug. “That’s quite alright. Thank you for your support.”

I choked on my emotional reply as he pulled away, turning to Opal who was last in line.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I brought the kids lollipops.” She held up her bag and smiled. “They’re sugar free.”

Mr. Stockett laughed with his whole belly and shook her hand. “I think I know who is going to be the favorite today.”

*

I knew I should have made some giftbags. But I didn’t let it wear on me as I walked beside Opal, helping her hand out lollipops.

Edith and Cindy were naturals at this, posing for photos and answering questions from the line of girls gathered at the nurses’ station. Fallon dropped her normally aloof sneer when a girl in a wheelchair asked to braid her hair, sitting on the floor as her violet and black locks were yanked on by little hands. They were no puppies, but I liked seeing the tentative smiles and even signed a few autographs when requested by name.

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