The Alpha’s Surgeon

16

Remi wiped her hands on a paper towel and looked over at the girls. “Alright, you three—don’t forget to pack tonight. We’re leaving early in the morning for the cabin.”

Rae groaned dramatically, “Pack? Please. We’ve got clothes there already. Momma Anna’s been stocking that place for years.”

Del nodded, tossing napkins into a trash bag. “She even keeps the snacks replenished. I think last time we went, the pantry looked better than our kitchen here.”

Rae smirked. “Told you. Momma Anna’s got the system down—she restocks the cabin every few weeks like clockwork.”

Will looked up from where he was wiping down the table, an amused glint in his eye. “You’re telling me you basically have a vacation home already set up and ready at all times?”

Rae shrugged with a grin. “Preparedness is key, Alpha. Besides, it’s tradition. Every year, we end up there after something big happens—either to recover or to reset.”

Trey chuckled, leaning against the counter. “So, like a retreat. With snacks.”

“Exactly,” Del said. “And less responsibility.”

Elijah lifted an eyebrow, smirking. “That depends. If Aspen’s going, I feel like chaos counts as responsibility.”

As if summoned, Aspen perked up from under the table at the sound of his name, tail thumping the floor.

Rae laughed. “Oh, he’s definitely coming. I think he has more fun there than we do. Momma Anna keeps toys for him too—tennis balls, ropes, the works.”

Del nodded fondly. “Last time, he buried half of them and dug them back up like treasure. He treats that yard like his personal kingdom.”

Trey grinned, tossing the last of the takeout boxes into the bin. “So basically, it’s a resort for all of you—complete with snacks, toys, and no responsibilities.”

Rae flashed a smug smile. “Pretty much. You’re catching on.”

Remi shook her head with a small laugh, grabbing her water bottle. “Just make sure you’re actually ready in the morning. I don’t want to hear excuses when we’re supposed to be on the road by seven.”

Rae waved a hand dismissively. “We’ll be ready. Right, Del?”

Del offered a sheepish grin. “Define ‘ready.’”

Will chuckled. “You two sound like trouble waiting to happen.”

Elijah crossed his arms, smiling faintly. “You mean more trouble waiting to happen.”

Remi sighed playfully. “You boys have no idea what you’re in for.”

Aspen barked once, as if in agreement, tail sweeping the floor.

Rae looked down at him, grinning. “See? Even Aspen knows it’s gonna be good.”

Trey shook his head, laughter under his breath. “Remind me to bring extra patience.”

Will gave him a look that was half warning, half amusement. “You’ll need it.”

The group laughed as they finished cleaning up, the easy rhythm between them lingering in the air. The war room lights dimmed, replaced by the softer glow from the kitchen, and the space felt warmer—like the calm before a well-earned break.

Rae tossed the last napkin into the trash and clapped her hands together. “Alright. Operation cleanup complete.”

——-

The morning light spilled over the packhouse, casting soft shadows across the war room. Rae trudged in first, dark circles under her eyes, hair a wild mess, and a scowl firmly planted on her face.

“Ugh,” she groaned, flopping into a chair. “I hate everyone right now.”

Del raised an eyebrow, smirking despite the early hour. “Do tell. Who’s the culprit this time?”

Rae’s glare swept to the floor where Aspen wagged happily, tail thumping. “That little chaos machine. 4 a.m. wake-up call because apparently squirrels don’t respect my beauty sleep.”

Remi chuckled, rubbing her eyes. “You’re grumpy, but you look like a raccoon that lost a fight with the sun.”

“Ha ha,” Rae muttered, reaching for her coffee like it was a lifeline. “I don’t care how cute he is. Aspen’s trying to kill me softly with his adorable little paws.”

Will, Trey, and Elijah appeared from the kitchen, coffee in hand, watching the scene unfold with quiet amusement.

Trey leaned against the counter, smirk in place. “Looks like someone’s cranky.”

“Someone’s understating it,” Rae muttered, dragging her hoodie tighter around her.

Elijah raised a brow, sipping his coffee. “Aspen doesn’t look sorry at all.”

Rae shot him a glare. “No. He’s plotting his next move. He’s already calculating what else he can destroy before breakfast.”

Remi laughed. “You really love that dog, don’t you?”

“I do. But I also want to sleep. He’s testing my limits.” Rae muttered, rubbing her temples.

Del, ever the early riser, nudged Rae. “Come on, sleepyhead. Cabin awaits. Snacks, chaos, water. You might even survive kayaking… maybe.”

Rae groaned again, but a small, resigned grin tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Fine. But if I die kayaking, everyone knows it’s Aspen’s fault.”

Will chuckled, passing her a travel mug of coffee. “Then you’re in good company.”

Trey winked. “And I’ll be watching. Not for kayaking safety—just to make sure you don’t hurt yourself.”

Rae rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath in Cajun. “I’ll live… probably.”

As they finished gathering supplies, Aspen danced around their feet, clearly ready for the adventure ahead, tail wagging like a banner of impending chaos.

Remi shook her head, smiling. “This is going to be… interesting.”

Del laughed softly. “Every trip with Rae is. Buckle up, everyone.”

Rae groaned again but secretly allowed a small smile. Coffee in hand, leash in the other, she felt ready—or as ready as she’d ever be—for another chaotic cabin adventure.