Forest Pack Community Book One

chapter 5

Joy recalled Wolfie, whom she had left in the SUV during the excitement and ceremony. Lissa retrieved Wolfie from the SUV after Joy mentioned it. The maid finished making the bed as she followed Joy up to their room, where they had set up the cot. While another maid hurried in carrying a little romper, saying, “My daughter is about the same size and age. It’s clean and only worn a few times”

Joy said gratefully, “Thank you so much. I’m afraid we’re not sure how to put it on her. The nurse dressed her at the hospital, and I watched how to do that, but that looks much more difficult.”

“Oh, my lady, I can show you. It’s not much different from a dress.” Meanwhile, Mick was still holding her, just waiting to be told what to do. He, too, was not sure what to do next. The maid again said, “Beta Mick, would you please lay her down here?” He just nodded and gently laid her down, stepping back as he let her go. Joy and the maid stepped up, and the maid started to explain. “First, we take off her clothes and shoes, leaving her in her underwear, of course.” Joy continued to watch and listen. Ben pulled Mick out into the hall and let the ladies do their thing. The maid went step by step, showing Joy exactly how to dress and undress the little girl. They then got her settled in bed, and Lissa put her white Wolfie in her arms, and they all heard a soft sigh escape her lips.

Once Ben and Mick were out in the hall, Ben said, “So where’s this room you’re going to change in?”

“Well, it’s actually down the hall.”

“Mick, may I make a suggestion?” Mick nodded. Ben continued. “Why don’t you turn this room into her room and make the room down there the office? We can put two desks in there if Joy wants one and make that the office. I think it will be better for the time being if she’s closer to you guys.” We can get the major moving done tomorrow. Getting this room emptied. We’ll get a bunch of men to help. We can ask for volunteers. I also know that the ladies plan on letting Felicia have any furniture she wants from her old house, including photos up to her bed if she wants. Then they will buy the rest that is needed. May I ask where you found her asleep?”

“First, thank you, Alpha.” With the look that Ben gave him, Mick corrected himself. “I mean Ben. Thank you, Ben. You are a good friend. We did not think of that, and I agree this room would be better. If it's ok with you, maybe we can start early? All that lifting will be a good warm-up and exercise, so it should be ok if the volunteers miss practice tomorrow. I want her to walk in here and hopefully imagine the possibilities. I want her to know that we want her and are welcoming her into our lives. As far as where I found her…she was in a chair, slumped over. The chair was practically in the corner, out of the way, like she was hiding. She could still see the room and the caskets. But…” Mick trailed off.

Ben, seeing where his friend was going, said, “Mick, it’s ok. We are all here for her. We’ll start early. I’ll go down and get volunteers for tomorrow. I’ll meet you in her new room at six?”

“Can we start at five? Then it’ll be clear, and once they decide what to bring over, we can start that. I’m worried about her.”

“I know my friend. I’ll see you at five am. We can move all the furniture out and start rearranging the office. Try to get some sleep.” Ben said as Lissa walked out of the bedroom and the two of them left. Ben turned to his mate and spoke. You go on up. I’ll be there in a few minutes. I need to get some volunteers to help move furniture tomorrow. Mick wants to start at five am so that when Felicia walks in, she walks into an empty room and hopefully sees possibilities and to show her that they love and do want her in their lives.”

“Oh, my love, that is a wonderful idea. If we decide to leave Forestville, I want to take a couple of female warriors with us. I promised a girls’ day.”

“Ok. You know me well. If you leave, you can take the SUV, warriors in the front, you three in the back so you can do your girly thing.” He said with a smile as he rolled his eyes. Lissa playfully smacked his arm with a smile. They then parted ways.

When Ben got downstairs to the main room, almost everyone had gone home. But there were a good number left. Two warriors stood next to the caskets as if standing guard without being asked. Ben knew these were men that his friend had worked and trained. He tipped his head towards them, acknowledging their service. With their fists over their hearts, they bowed a little to show their respect. He walked over to a group of men that he thought might help, who weren’t on border patrol the next day, and asked, “The Beta needs help to move things to ready the room for Felicia. I need a few volunteers to help us. We will be starting at five am.”

Five men in front of him raised their hands. Another one ran up and said, “Alpha, please let me help. He has been my best friend these last few years. He made me feel welcome in this pack when I joined because I had found my mate here as well. Just like him.”

Ben looked at him in surprise. Of course, Jonah. Meet Beta and me at five am in Beta’s suite. Also, tomorrow you are all excused from training, as we will be moving a lot of furniture and other items. Get a good night’s rest, and I will see you all in the morning. Thank you all for volunteering. We couldn’t do this without you.” At that, Ben turned and went up to his own bed, and so did everyone else. Except the two men who were guarding the bodies in respect and honor.

After that, the rest of the night passed quietly, and 5 am came too quickly for Mick. But he had made a promise to his new little girl. The one he promised to love like his own. He quietly got up, went and put some clothes on, and slipped out of the room. Meeting everyone in the room that was to be Felicia’s new room. The six men had boxes for the small things, which they all packed up carefully and then carried down to the additional office space. The remaining two men dismantled and removed the bed. They propped the bed against the end of the hall, waiting for further instructions. Next came the furniture. By seven, the men had moved most of the furniture, and only a few things remained. They were staging things at the end of the hallway until they knew where things were going in that room. But by breakfast time at eight am the room was empty, and everyone in the Beta suite went down to breakfast. One maid had brought up a new outfit for Felicia to wear. Felicia carried her white wolf with her. Eleven of them sat at the head table, including the volunteers, as they needed to hear what decisions were being made.