The Alpha’s Surgeon

17

The SUV rumbled down the dirt road, gravel crunching beneath the tires as they pulled into the clearing by Momma Anna’s Food Shack—a cozy, sun-warmed cabin that doubled as a roadside eatery for locals and travelers alike. Smoke curled from the old smoker out back, and the scent of spiced sausage and frying dough drifted through the air like a warm embrace.

Before the vehicle even came to a full stop, the screen door banged open.

“My babies!” Momma Anna’s voice carried like music over the hum of the forest. She barreled down the steps, apron flapping, arms wide open.

Rae barely got her seatbelt unbuckled before she was pulled into a fierce hug that nearly knocked the breath out of her. “Oh, chère, look at you,” Momma Anna said, cupping her face. “Still all bones and stubbornness. You eatin’ at all, or just living off caffeine again?”

Rae laughed weakly. “Depends on your definition of food.”

Momma Anna narrowed her eyes, then flicked Rae’s ear lightly. “You meanin’ coffee and sarcasm? I told you that don’t count.”

Del giggled from beside her, only to get dragged into the next hug. “Delaney, sweetheart, you look good! You finally sleeping?”

Del gave a mock salute. “Trying, Momma Anna.”

Before anyone else could speak, Aspen bolted from the car like a streak of fur and joy, barking once before charging straight toward the river. The splash echoed across the clearing, followed by Momma Anna’s burst of laughter.

“There he goes!” she chuckled, hands on her hips. “That one’s got more energy than sense.”

Trey, Elijah, and Will climbed out of the SUV, each one trying—and failing—not to grin at the sight of Aspen paddling circles in the water.

Momma Anna turned her attention to them then, her sharp gaze softening but not losing its weight. “So these are the famous boys,” she said, folding her arms. “The ones my girls have been talkin’ about.”

Elijah exchanged a wary glance with Trey. “Famous, huh?”

“Depends who’s tellin’ the story,” Momma Anna said with a grin that was somehow both warm and knowing.

Will chuckled, nodding respectfully. “Ma’am, it’s good to finally meet you.”

“Mm-hmm.” She looked them over once more, like a general inspecting new recruits. “You look polite enough. We’ll see how long that lasts.”

Del elbowed Rae, whispering, “She’s totally sizing them up.”

Rae snorted. “Oh, she’s not sizing them up. She’s already decided who she’d feed and who she’d scold.”

“Rae!” Momma Anna scolded, spinning back around. “And speakin’ of—come here, baby girl.”

Rae froze mid-sip of her coffee as Momma Anna put her hands on her hips. “You’ve been workin’ too hard again. Look at those dark circles. You can’t fool me, cher. When’s the last time you ate something that didn’t come out of a takeout box?”

Rae winced. “Uh… define recent?”

“Mm-hmm,” Momma Anna said with that tone—the one that could humble anyone within a five-mile radius. “You need to slow down. Enjoy life, breathe a little. You can’t solve every problem with code and caffeine.”

Trey bit his lip, clearly holding back a laugh. Elijah elbowed him, whispering, “She’s got her number.”

Will smirked. “She’s got everyone’s number.”

Momma Anna pointed at them without even turning around. “And you three—don’t encourage her. I’ll feed you, but you’re gettin’ vegetables first.”

Elijah blinked. “Vegetables?”

Del grinned. “Oh, yeah. You don’t say no to Momma Anna’s cooking. She’ll guilt you into seconds.”

“Thirds, too, if you blink,” Rae muttered.

Momma Anna gave her a playful swat on the shoulder. “Keep talkin’, girl, and I’ll make you wash dishes before breakfast.”

Aspen came bounding back up from the river, soaking wet and shaking water in every direction—right onto Trey and Elijah.

“Hey!” Elijah yelped, jumping back.

Momma Anna just laughed, clapping her hands. “Now that’s a proper welcome!”

Rae rolled her eyes fondly, bending to towel Aspen off. “You’re lucky she likes you, mon chien.”

Trey crossed his arms, smirking. “He fits right in. Loud, messy, and impossible to stay mad at.”

“Sounds familiar,” Rae said dryly, glancing his way.

Remi chuckled from behind them. “This trip’s off to a strong start.”

Momma Anna smiled at all of them, eyes softening again. “Good. You’re here, you’re safe, and you’re together. That’s all that matters.”

The air smelled like coffee, river mist, and frying dough—a mix that felt like coming home.

“Now,” Momma Anna said, clapping her hands again, “let’s get y’all fed proper before the real fun starts. Breakfast jambalaya’s on, and I made beignets too.”

Rae’s exhaustion melted instantly. “You’re a saint.”

“Don’t butter me up, cher,” Momma Anna said with a wink. “Just eat till you can’t fuss anymore.”

Del linked arms with her, laughing. “Then we might be here all day.”

Rae smiled, following them toward the porch while Aspen bounded ahead—happy, muddy, and entirely in his element.