The Lake is like plass tramqul, motionless, with steam rising up like fingered tendrils. Mother Nature gives me a ple
choods hane songsendish in the sky, big and putty, the early day hints at the warmth the sons will bring. Fish splashing above the water trying in catch the buzzing boys is that liver pist above the surface cause tiny ripples in the water, I need to get a hammock out front imderneath the porch cam picture i already, book in hand, one leg out swinging slowly while natuer sings her song around me.
E will peort pet covoich of this view Thy to make myself a preenise to never let this be something I take for granted. I’m lucky, all force to do is open the sloot and look outside, nature’s beding sight,
A prickle of nerve endings, so powerfully pleasing, makes me still instantly. He is not an linjester, he is my moon’s gift. I know exactly where to look
Stasting solitary on the opposite side of the lake, his woll’s eyes absorbe us solely, entranced. It’s hauntingly beautiful, his Wild surrounded by vapor, apparition that appeals to my senses. With one blink of my eyes, he retreats back into the trees, into the shadows, until I’m alone again.
Me beartbeat sounds like a drum, pousding against the loside of my chest. I can’t do anything but stand and stare at the spot where he’d stood. Maybe just imagined this, the steam causing a mirage.
11 I don’t move now, I’ll be late for my first day at the clinic, and I don’t think old The Peters would be thrilled with that. He’s a stickler, very old school
It’s about a fifteen minute walk to the clinic. I don’t mind walling; it calms my nerves for the big day, my skills on display for the doc to see. I have faith In averything I have leamed. l’imelinically competent. With that thought I stand a little taller. I’m confident in that, at least.
Ilnock on the door, and the beadler greets me with a hay; of welcome.
“Rya.” A giant smálé squeals on Arena’s face. The sixty–plus–year–old wolf’s face dances in happiness. Her eyes are the color of suger snap peas that remunds the of spring–fresh, new, alive.
“Look at you Look how absolutely beautiful you turned out to be! I knew you would grow out of that gangly, all knees and elbows body.” That is something I have never heard before. I’m not sure whether to be offended on how I used to look as a young juvenile or proud that I have finally grown
into mature form.
“Thank you.” I’m unsure of how to respond to that
“You smell very…holtby, ya Hands squeeze my shoulders, and a sad smileums down her face as her eyes reach mine, searching me
“How are you?” She’s not looking away after she says it. She really wants to know.
“I’m good. “I give her the voice I have practiced for hours with
The palm of her hand goes to my check, cupping it. Eyes that can see things others can’t look softly into mine. All I can think is: don’t cry, don’t cry. Not on my first day, not within the first few minutes of my first real job. Don’t cry, I can do this, I can breathe…just one breath in, one breath
The door to the clinic starts to open. Removing her hand, she stays close
to me.
The male entering, eyes to the floor, has a shaved head. He looks up, and our eyes meet, always the same, an intake of breath as he takes in mine Completely open mouthed, he stares before he slightly shakes his head and whispers an apology.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to stare. They are unusual.” He looks away with a slight pink to his cheeks.
“Dr. Valentine, this is the new midwife, Rya.” Now it’s my turn to be confused
nice to meet you.” He sticks his hand out to welcome me the home way,
“De Valentine, nice to meet you. Clasping his hand, I give it a quick shake before pulling away. I’m not in the habit of touching male wolves.
“Please, Rya, call me Dallas. We aren’t very formal here.” He looks at Aurora with a smile.
“Gans I just ask, where is Dr. Peters?”
“Once I came and settled in, he decided it was time for him to retire. He’s been gone maybe a year. Is that a problem?”
His voice is quiet, but I can lavar film well. A day’s growth on his Lace makes me think he might have had a late night, not wanting to shave this morning.
“No, I just wasn’t told that we had a new doctor in the pack.” It’s a little uncomfortable between us, I’m not sure why.
His eyes avoid mine, looking anywhere but my face. Putting on his white lab coat, he looks the doctor part except he’s young, only a few years o
colder than
“Well, let’s get you started I’ll show you to your office, to the birthing rooms.” He shows me around this small clinic. You everything in here is top at the line, the best rooney can buy Everything is available that one might need to keep the wolves alive.
Opening the doct to the birthing noons, I’m left speechless. Everything show and new, a big plant is in the corner of each of the three rooms, Jonncy balls, bosh that turn into birthing chairs,
“This is amazing” bean’t hide my excitement.
“The Alpha and Luna are very good with money, and they put a lot back into the pack. ” He seems to be impressed with those two wolves.
