Shadow Moon: Secrets

Decisions

Harry POV

                I found Lucille in her office, curled up on the couch reading a book. “Hello my love… “ I said with a smile as I slid down onto the couch next to her. Pulling her close to me and hugging her tightly. She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me back before pulling away suddenly.

                “Why do you smell like blood? And why are you back so soon? Aren’t you supposed to still be on patrol? Those attacks were horrific! There’s no way… “She trailed off as I placed a firm kiss against her lips to shut her up.

                I pulled away from the kiss. “Shh. I’ll explain if you’d let me speak! First, I’m done with the patrols for the day. Nolan called in additional warriors. Second, I smell like blood because I discovered a survivor out there. A five-year-old girl, whom we suspect is now orphaned.” I finished with a heavy sigh hanging my head low.

                Lucille’s hand shot to cover her mouth. “Five? Orphaned?” I could see her heart breaking in her eyes as she took in what I said. Not having pups of our own was painful enough for me. I wanted an heir desperately. A son to take over as Gamma one day. It was even worse on my mate. She doted on all children, but it wasn’t the same.

                “There were no records of the wolves. But outside of Scarlett, there were no survivors found.” I explained.

                “Scarlett? Such a pretty name.” Lucille mused. Then looking me over she seemed to realize there was more. How would I broach the subject of taking this pup in without making her feel even more broken or damaged that she already did? I took a deep breath as she spoke again. “What else is there? You’re not telling me something.”

                “Dr. Grace suggested to Alpha Nolan and I, that Scarlett stay with us. Essentially that we would take her in, either until we find a relative, or even permanently.” I just spit it out. I hoped my words didn’t damage my mate. I hoped she understood the thought was mostly for the safety of this pup.

                Lucille was silent for a moment. Her brown eyes wide. After what felt like eternity she spoke again. “And what did you tell them?”

                I took a deep breath, holding her hands in my own. “I told them I would discuss it with you and with Scarlett. I would like to discuss it and take you down to meet the pup.” I looked at her with hopeful eyes. I couldn’t explain it. I’d only known the pup a couple hours, but I was already attached.

                “Let’s go meet her! Now. Get up!” Lucille spoke rapidly jumping up off the couch. This wasn’t the reaction I had expected. Not even close. She almost seemed crazed. Her golden blonde hair flying as she moved. “Let’s go!!” She pressed again pulling my hand to get me off the couch.

                “We should talk first! Then I will take you to meet her. “I reiterated standing and ultimately towering over my five foot, three-inch-tall wife. I was nearly six foot four. “We need a decision, before we talk to Scarlett.”

                Lucille wrapped her arms across her chest and stared up at me with stern eyes. “We will go meet this pup. She needs us right now. There’s nothing further to discuss. She will stay with us until we either find her family, or she becomes ours. I don’t need to discuss it further; I need to meet her.”

                I hadn’t seen that coming. Lucille was strong willed, but I had expected more hesitance from her. I nodded and led the way to the pack hospital. Once Lucille made up her mind there was no changing it. She was right though. Scarlett was an orphan as far as we knew now. She needed to feel safe. And we could do that for now. I should have known Lucille wouldn’t want to have a long discussion. Her love for children was immeasurable.

                We walked in silence until I got to the right room in the packhouse hospital. “Okay, she’s very scared still, and skittish. We need to be careful not to come on too strongly, Luce. “I warned.

                “Seriously Harrison Blake! Quit speaking to me like I don’t know how to behave around a child. Get out of my way and let me meet her.” She scolded shaking her finger at me as she pushed past and gently opened the door.

                As we walked into the room, we found her curled up with her wolf plush under the blanket. Her chest rising and falling gently. The nurses must have bathed her because now her hair shined a pale blonde reminiscent of the moons glow. She was no longer covered in mud and had been changed into a pink night gown.

                Lucille sat soft next the bed as if being careful not to wake her. Gently she reached out and brushed the blonde hair away from Scarlett’s face. “She’s beautiful Harry…” She whispered softly watching Scarlett’s eyelids flutter carefully. “We can’t let her go to an orphanage. She’s so small.”

                It was as though Lucille wasn’t even really talking to me. She hummed softly gently stroking the pup’s hand. It had been decided. We wanted to keep her with us. There was no changing Lucille’s mind. I sat next to my mate, watching Scarlett myself, as I wrapped an arm around Lucille.