Page 72 of The Night Wolf
“Thank you, Dr. Frank.” The man had an awesome bedside manner. “You don’t know how much I appreciate you.”
Dr. Frank patted him on the shoulder. “I’m the one who should be thanking you. You’ve injected something this town sorely needed. I’ve never seen Dani or Gareth so happy. I’m willing to bet that when the town finds out you’re pregnant, they’re going to be over the moon.”
“Oh, they’re going to find out soon enough, honest.”
Dr. Frank gave him the most curious look. “Why does it seem to me like you know something and the rest of us are ten steps behind?”
Sean’s answer was what he hoped to be an enigmatic smile. Soon everyone in the pack would know exactly who—and what—Sean was. He no longer feared it. In fact, he was looking forward to the big reveal.
“Okay, you can get dressed. Things are looking good.”
Sean got off the table and slipped into his sweatpants and oversized sweatshirt. “Thank you for everything, Dr. Frank.”
“Anytime, Sean. I have to admit, I’m just as anxious as you to see the twins being born. I’m fascinated by how your body is handling being pregnant.” He gave Sean a warm smile. “Plus, I’m looking forward to me and the missus spoiling them.”
This, Sean decided, was family. He’d once heard it took a village to raise a kid, and they were right. Every person in Lydon was pack—family—and they all looked out for one another. Gareth had been working on getting things in order, should the people from Ryker’s pack want to join them. Of course, they’d have to be careful not to bring in any of the people who’d abused others, but beyond that, they’d be welcome.
It was hard for Sean to believe that ten years of being on the run were coming to an end. It was only a matter of time before Gareth—and everyone else—knew the whole truth about who and what Sean was, but he was willing to bet that the news would be met with awe and amazement.
He touched his fingers to his stomach. The little ones were antsy today, squirming around. Like they were holding their breath and waiting for the whole world to change before they stepped into it.
Well, Sean was ready. He just hoped the world was.
“ARE YOUnervous, Alpha?”
Gareth knew he should be. In a few scant hours, he would be leaving Lydon to fight Ryker to the death, but he wasn’t nervous in the least. He’d slept well last night, with Sean curled up beside him. He hadn’t fretted over the upcoming fight at all, and that bolstered his confidence.
“No, I’m not. I’m doing this for all the people Ryker’s hurt, and I know I’m going to win.” Because there was no other choice. “And I hope you’re ready for Lydon to grow, because we’re going to be having a lot of new people.”
Lyram grinned. “I’m ready. Deke has a crew doing work on building new cabins for temporary use, until we can get enough housing done. It’s a good thing Lydon is so big, because we’re going to need a lot of room.”
They were, and it filled Gareth with hope that he’d be following his father’s dream of united packs.
“What about the rest of it?”
“Dr. Frank has reached out to some colleagues who will be standing by in case we have children or adults who need to talk about what’s happened to them. We’ve stocked up on extra food and blankets, and I’ve got about two hundred rollaways coming in. The people of the town are also offering up spare rooms, couches, and whatever else we’ll need.”
Gareth was beside himself with joy. His pack—his people—were amazing. Even if Ryker’s people didn’t want to come to Lydon, they still needed help. He’d witnessed how bad off the other pack was, and he’d made a promise to a little girl that he would make things better.
“Excellent. Tell Deke that he has to get these houses done ASAP. I don’t care who he has to call in or how much it’ll cost.”
“Of course, Alpha. He’s spreading them out, so people can have room instead of being pressed together. That means it’s going to take a little longer.”
“Then double the crew. Triple it. Have them work additional shifts if they’re willing. This is a priority.”
Sean came into the room, his belly round and soft. He didn’t look pregnant, just very well fed. “Are you ready?”
“I am.” He put a hand on Sean’s shoulder. “You don’t have to come.”
“No, I really do. Dr. Frank says I’m good for another week or so, and it’ll be fine.”
“Is there anything else we need to discuss, Lyram?”
“No, Alpha. I’ve got it all under control.”
“Then I need a bit of time with Sean, if that’s okay.”
He grinned. “Of course. Enjoy yourselves.” He winked at Sean, then left.
