Chapter 91

Ashlynn POV

I paced the hallway outside my Uncle Gabe's office. I shouldn't feel nervous about speaking to him, he was family and he loved me. This felt different though, perhaps because I'm speaking to him as the Alpha and regarding something that was a black mark on this area. Shawna's request had my head realing and I almost felt wrong asking my Uncle if I could do as she had asked. I'd need his permission because we would be basically trespassing. Not only that, the idea of it sort of gave me the creeps. Shawna felt this is what was going to help her move on though, and I couldn't deny the fact that she most definitely might be right. I was not a psychologist, but I could see how this is a form of facing her demons.

Uncle Gabe called out to me from inside. I hadn't even knocked on the door, so I wasn't sure how he knew I was out here. "Ashlynn, stop your pacing and come inside," he hollered. I stopped in my tracks and turned and stared at the door. Well shoot, guess here goes nothing. I pushed his office door open and stepped inside. "I can hear your heart pounding from here. Shut the door and have a seat," he said with a smile.

"I didn't even think you would know I was out there unless I knocked. I'm sorry if I disturbed you," I told him as I took a seat in one of the big comfy parlor chairs in his office.

"I don't know how that could be. My hearing is impeccable, your heart is racing and your foot steps pacing the hallway would be hard for anyone to miss." He folded his hands in front of him on his desk. "So tell me what the problem is? Or did you just want to come hang out with your Uncle?" He gave me a wink, instantly putting me at ease. I felt silly now that I had been nervous to speak with him. My Uncle was a wonderful man and he'd always been kind to me.

"Well Uncle Gabe, I have a favor I to ask. It's not really for me though, it's for Shawna."

"Oh," he said curiously as he leaned back in his chair. He looked relaxed and I felt bad that I might be about to ruin that relaxed good mood he was in. "Why are you here asking me and not her then?"

"It's not that simple I suppose." I started. "She came to me with some concerns and some suggestions about her concerns. As you know, she was planning to run in the Full Moon run with Michael, the Protector. She is hoping they are mates. It seems there could be some other reasons though, for her coming here for this." He nodded at me to continue waited patiently while I sat gathering my thoughts for a moment. "She feels like she needs to face her demons to move on in her life. It seems she feels that those demons are here." I waved my hand to indicate the room, "not here exactly."

"She means the area around here?" he asked. "Or something else?"

"Specifically she means the dungeons she was held in," I told him. My Uncle's brow creased and he thought about what I was saying.

"I'm not really following what you are asking Ashlynn. Her demons are in the dungeons, but what's that supposed to mean?"

I sighed, "She wants to go to the dungeons where she was held. She thinks it's going to help her mentally to move forward. Or maybe emotionally." I watched his expression curiously and then rushed forward. "She wants me to take her there, and she wants Natalie and I to go in with her."

"We blew up the entrance though," he said. "So there isn't a way for her to gain entrance."

"Yes, she knows. She asked if we would take her to the Godsend Pack and allow her to enter from that side," I told him. He stared at me hard and for at least a full minute.

Shaking his head, his answer was as I expected. "That's trespassing. I'd need council permission for that and I don't think they'd agree even if I wanted to ask that of them. It seems like something to trigger anxiety to me, not to help the poor girl to heal."

"I thought that too, but Alpha James is here and he could make the appropriate phone calls. Shawna thinks he would agree to it, but I don't know him at all. You do though and he seems soft on Shawna, so maybe he'd do it?" I said this last part with a questioning lilt to my voice and a raised brow.

"Ashlynn, that's a big ask. I don't mind doing the asking on her behalf but I can't promise they'd agree. Also, I don't like the idea of you going in there. It could be risky."

"Risky in what way? No one lives out there anymore and you guys made sure the tunnels were clear. Isn't it locked up?"

"Yes it is." He sat back in his chair, fingers steepled in front of him. He looked lost in thought and I knew better than to push. I waited patiently for him to come to a decision. Finally he replied, "Okay I will ask Alpha James and I will let you know in a few hours. But no promises," he said as he pointed toward the door. "Now go enjoy your morning. I will call you soon."

"Thank you so much Uncle Gabe," I stood from my seat and walked toward the door.

"Oh and Ashlynn?" I turned back to look at him. "When are you going to start telling people that you're pregnant?" My mouth dropped open in shock. "And don't look so surprised. Your scent has changed and that's the only thing it could be, considering you have gone through your heat a couple of times now." That was the bad thing about the Alpha also being your boss, as well as your mates boss. Someone had to know about why you were missing a long stretch of days of work.

"Right," I told him. I smiled sheepishly. "Soon." I walked out the door without another glance. I should have known he'd figure it out before I told him.