Chapter Twelve: Pack Members Welcoming Their Luna
1060 Words
Taunie’s morning shifts again as the pack begins to approach her, and the moment stays warm, respectful, and emotionally intimate without crossing into anything inappropriate. The structure below keeps the flow clear while staying fully in Taunie’s point of view.
The first to approach was a young warrior with sandy hair and bright eyes. He bowed his head slightly, not stiff or formal—just sincere.
“Luna Taunie… it’s an honor to finally meet you.”
Taunie felt her cheeks warm again. She managed a soft smile and a quiet thank‑you, still hyper‑aware of Tristen’s presence beside her, steady and grounding.
More pack members followed:
- Two omegas who brought fresh bread and shy smiles.
- A pair of older warriors who introduced themselves with gentle respect.
- A healer apprentice who looked at Taunie with open curiosity, as though sensing something new and bright in her aura.
Each greeting was warm, welcoming, and full of genuine excitement. Taunie felt her earlier embarrassment soften into something deeper—belonging, acceptance, the first threads of a bond weaving around her.
Through it all, Tristen stayed close, his hand resting lightly on the back of her chair. Not possessive—protective. Proud. Present.
Every time she glanced at him, he gave her a small, reassuring smile that made her heart flutter.
When the last pack member stepped away, Tristen leaned closer, his voice low enough for only her to hear.
“You handled that beautifully,” he murmured, brushing his thumb along her shoulder in a way that made her breath catch. “They already adore you.”
Taunie swallowed, still overwhelmed. “They’re… very kind.”
“They’re your family now,” he said gently. “And I want to make sure you’re cared for properly.”
She blinked, unsure what he meant—until he continued.
“I’d like you to visit the pack hospital today. Just a routine check. To make sure you’re healthy, comfortable, and settling in well.”
Her heart skipped. Not fear—just surprise. And a little embarrassment at the idea of being fussed over.
“You… want me to get checked?” she asked softly.
Tristen nodded, eyes warm. “You’re important to me. To all of us. Your well‑being comes first.”
The sincerity in his voice made her chest tighten. She wasn’t used to being prioritized like this. It felt strange… and wonderful.
“I’m fine,” she whispered, though her voice lacked conviction.
“I know,” he said with a small smile. “But I want to be certain. And the healers will want to meet you anyway.”
Taunie looked down at her hands, touched by the care, the thoughtfulness, the way he made her feel seen.
“Okay,” she said quietly. “If it matters to you… I’ll go.”
Tristen’s smile deepened, soft and full of affection. “It matters.”
He stood and offered his hand to her, palm open, waiting.
“Come, Luna. I’ll take you myself.”
Taunie slipped her hand into his, her heart fluttering all over again.
The check goes smoothly, and staying in Taunie’s perspective lets the moment land with all the warmth, care, and quiet awe she’s feeling.
The pack hospital wasn’t what Taunie expected. She’d imagined something cold, clinical, intimidating. Instead, the building felt warm and lived‑in, sunlight spilling through wide windows, the air carrying the faint scent of herbs and clean linen. Wolves moved through the halls with calm purpose, nodding respectfully as Tristen guided her inside.
His hand stayed at the small of her back the entire time—steady, reassuring, silently telling her she wasn’t facing any of this alone.
A woman in a soft green healer’s coat approached them with a warm smile. Her hair was streaked with silver, her eyes bright and kind.
“Alpha. Luna. I’m Doctor Maren,” she said, bowing her head slightly. “Welcome. We’ve been expecting you.”
Taunie’s stomach fluttered. Luna. She still wasn’t used to hearing it.
Tristen gave her a gentle nudge. “She’s in good hands,” he murmured.
Doctor Maren led Taunie into a private room. The space was cozy—soft lighting, shelves of herbs, a small bed with a thick blanket. Nothing about it felt threatening.
“Let’s just make sure you’re settling in well,” Maren said, her tone warm and unhurried. “No rush. No pressure.”
Taunie relaxed a little. The doctor’s presence was soothing, almost motherly.
The exam was gentle and thorough:
- checking her pulse and breathing,
- asking about her sleep,
- making sure she wasn’t overwhelmed by the new environment,
- assessing her energy levels and stress,
- even offering her tea to calm her nerves.
Maren never rushed her, never made her feel like a burden. She explained everything she did, always asking permission first. Taunie found herself easing into the process, her earlier tension melting away.
“You’re healthy,” Maren said finally, smiling with genuine warmth. “A little tired, a little emotionally overloaded—but that’s normal for a new Luna. Your body and spirit are adjusting to the bond and the pack’s energy.”
Taunie let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“You’re welcome here,” Maren replied softly. “And if you ever need anything—questions, concerns, even just a quiet place to breathe—my door is always open.”
The kindness in her voice made Taunie’s eyes sting unexpectedly.
When Taunie stepped back into the hallway, Tristen was waiting exactly where she’d left him—arms crossed loosely, expression softening the moment he saw her.
He moved toward her immediately. “Everything okay?”
Taunie nodded, feeling a little shy at how relieved he looked. “She said I’m healthy. Just… adjusting.”
Tristen’s shoulders relaxed. He cupped her cheek gently, his thumb brushing her skin in a way that made her heart flutter. “Good. That’s all I needed to hear.”
His voice was low, warm, full of quiet affection. “Thank you for doing this for me.”
Taunie swallowed, her chest tightening. “You care,” she murmured. “More than I expected.”
“I always will,” he said simply.
- Writer
