Page 9 of Abundant Moon
Scooter looked back at a solemn-faced Caleb.
“Under most circumstances you probably could have outrun them, but what if they were armed? For all we know they were poachers or on a drunken joy ride. If you’d been rammed by one of those machines, it might have killed you. Your wolf has good instincts, and I don’t doubt your bravery or desire to protect your packmates - but, youmustthink about your response before you act. You know better, Scoot. Rely on your training and only fall back on your wolf instincts if someone’s life is at risk or there’s no other way.”
Caleb stopped talking, allowing the youngster to consider his words; words which unheeded might result in serious injury, death, or exposure to humans. Scooter’s face fell, scent souring in defeat and shame. This wasn’t what Caleb meant to do, and he started laughing before the well-meaning young man became discouraged.
“I can imagine the looks on their faces when you showed up to challenge them! If they ever share the story, no one will believe it. One thing is certain – those guys won’t be crossing our borders again anytime soon!”
Caleb reached over to smack Scooter’s meaty shoulder and the irrepressible grin he usually wore thankfully reappeared.
“No, I don’t think they’ll be back either! I’m sorry. I have to remember my wolf doesn’t always have the best ideas around humans. I’ll do better, promise.”
Caleb’s smile returned with a bit of added warmth.
“I know you will. You’re doing great, son, and Ben thinks so too. Keep in mind a lot of the things you’re learning here will apply when you put on that deputy uniform one day. If we can work on your weaknesses here where it’s safe, you won’t make dangerous mistakes in front of humans on the job. Right?”
Scooter nodded, relieved the lesson was over.
“Yes, Sir, I understand. Uhm, may I have the last cookie?”
####
DOCTOR FOLLETT’S CLINIC, downtown Gladstone
It seemed everyone and their mother tried to cram in their appointments before the holiday. Donna looked forlornly at the stack of patient files on her desk, wishing she could skip all the dictation and go help Erin with end-of-day chores instead. On the other hand, no amount of work here wouldevercome close to her patient load back in Petosky, and frankly, she didn’t miss it one bit. With her own practice, she controlled the schedule, number of appointments, and clinic hours – among other things. It made all the difference in the world, enabling her to enjoy the practice of medicine; something sorely missing from her last post at McClaren hospital.
To top it off, she got to work hand-in-glove with her own daughter; watching her learn and grow as she finished up the first phase of her formal education. With her nursing certificate now in hand, the next step was a bachelor’s degree. Though Erincouldbegin next fall, she and Micah were eager to start their family, fitting in her schooling around pregnancies. They hadn’t made a final decision, and Donna hoped they might wait another year, giving them more time to settle in as a couple.
She’d said nothing about her own plans for a baby with Lou, but when next year’s heats came around they weren’t going to use any protection. Both Lou and Micah mated later in life and were more than eager to reproduce. With strong-willed professional women as mates, however, the men alone did not make the final decision. Whatever happened, she trusted Luna to bless them with children at some point in the near future.
Donna shook off the pleasant thoughts, took a deep breath, and began dictating patient notes. Between the fourth and fifth file her cell phone went off with a distinctive ringtone reserved for her big brother Robert. No amount of work would prevent her from acceptingthiscall, rare as they were, and she hit the answer key before leaning back in the comfortable leather chair.
“If you called to ask what I got you for Christmas this year, I’m not telling.”
His pleasant tenor chuckle put a wide smile on Donna’s face.
“Hey! Can’t a man call his favorite baby sister now and then? Although, if you want to drop a few hints about what’s in the box I received yesterday, I’d be happy to listen.”
She let loose an aggrieved harrumph and he laughed at her again.
“Not happening, and you can’t open it until the twenty-fifth – we have a deal, remember? Now what may I do for you at this busy time of year?”
“If you’re going to bethatway about it, I’ll get right to the point. My next assignment is for Travel Time magazine. They want me to write a series for their Great Places to Eat feature in the smaller communities of the upper Midwest – including Michigan. I’ll be in and around Gladstone in late January and wanted to know if I can stop and see you. It’s been a while, and I haven’t even met Lou - or Micah either!”
Donna’s smile faltered as she considered the ramifications of a visit from her gay older brother. She definitely wanted to see him, but she lived with a large and growing pack. With Robert’s issues, he’d never be comfortable here - surrounded by shifters the entire time. This visit might not be the best idea, yet she didn’t want to discourage him. He’d made the offer without any pressure from her, so he must know what he’d be getting himself into.
“You know you’re welcome to come see us anytime, but my life is in a moretraditionalsetting now, and I don’t want you to struggle. Are you sure?”
She heard him sigh, hesitating for a moment before answering.
“I can handle it for a couple days, and no one else knows me. With you there, I’ll be fine, so don’t worry! And before you say it, I promise to be on my best behavior – for whatever it’s worth.”
“Deal! I’m, going to hold you to that, big brother. These people are my family now and they won’t understand your way of thinking. I can stick to your side like glue if you want, but remember they aren’t to blame for your past, and I won’t stand silently by if you choose to put your oar in.”
“Good grief, Sis, I haven’t even arrived and you’re bossing me around already! Have you gotten worse in your old age?”
An undignified snort set him to laughing while she regathered her thoughts. She’d missed their sibling repartee, full of teasing and private jokes. Maybe he’d changed enough so she needn’t worry, but there was little point in hoping for the impossible.
“As long as we understand each other, Robert, I think we can enjoy a nice visit. Besides, wait until you see the man flesh around here! They’re going to be all over you like flies at a picnic.”
