Chapter 93

Ashlynn POV

I wasn't surprised when Uncle Gabe called me to his office to ask me some additional questions about this request of Shawna's. I was surprised to find Alpha James and Michael waiting with him as well. I had passed Shawna on my way here. She said she wanted to talk, but I told her it would have to wait. I didn't tell her why, only that I had some business to attend to but it would be done shortly. I told her that I'd send my Aunt a text to have one of the warriors escort her if she needed, but she had refused and said to just let her know when I was free.

"Please be seated," my Uncle Gabe was sounding formal, and I wondered if this was official business since Alpha James sat in the room.

" Alpha," I nodded to my Uncle and took my seat. "How can I be of service?"

"You are obviously aware of Shawna's request," he cut right to the heart of the matter. "Do you feel comfortable entering those dungeons without warriors?"

"I'd say that we would have a warrior with us, wouldn't we? I mean Natalie? It is my understanding that she is to accompany us as well, correct?" I asked.

"Yes," my Uncle looked over to Alpha James. "How much of a warrior is she exactly? It seems my niece is more informed of her capabilities than I am."

"She's one of the best. She trains others. In fact, she has been training Shawna from what I'm told. Once we return home, Shawna was going to try out for one of the squads." Alpha James said with confidence. "I trust Nat completely."

I watched as my uncle raised his eyes to Michael, who stood silently by the door. When I turned to stare at Michael, I saw a tick in his jaw but aside from that, he was as still as a stone. "Michael, I feel compelled to draw you in to this conversation," Alpha Gabe stated. "Tell me how you are doing with all of this?"

Michael glanced at Alpha James, who gave him a nod. "I am concerned for the welfare of Shawna. Regardless, my sister is a fierce warrior and I know she can protect her. I don't love this whole thing, but I will support Shawna's choice in the matter. Thank you for inquiring Alpha."

I sat bewildered. Did Shawna know how lucky she was to find such a man as this? This man clearly cared for her and I would be very surprised if they weren't mates, but the Goddess willing, they would be. It took a strong man to accept what had happened to Shawna, love her all the same and give her the space she needed to deal with her pain. He was a good man for sure and I was so happy for her. "Thank you, Michael," my Uncle replied.

"It seems this is all but settled then," Uncle Gabe tapped the tabletop with his pointer finger. "I will get a report from my warriors and we will make sure it is secure. You can travel with Shawna and Natalie once I give you the all clear. I assume that Dawson will want to accompany you to the property, even though he won't be going inside that dungeon. You need to handle whatever needs to be done before we head out then," he looked at me with a raised brow.

"We head out?" I asked.

"Yes of course, don't think I am going to let my niece go to that place without me. Your mother would have my hide, so I will accompany you to the packland, but once we let you into the dungeons, you get two hours and no more than that. I'd hope she doesn't want to be down there very long to begin with. The stench of that place is horrific," my Uncle admitted. "And in your condition, I doubt you will be able to stomach the smell for to long."

My eyes widened and I looked over at Alpha James. He gave no indication that he understood what my uncle was referring too, but he must have felt my stare because he turned his head and looked at me and smiled. "Congratulations, but your secret is safe with me."

I sighed, closed my eyes briefly and then looked at my uncle. He shrugged. "I don't actually have to tell people, Ashlynn, your scent has changed. You may as well get the word out on your own before the whispers start."

"Oh for goodness sales," I slapped my palms on my thighs. "Why must everyone be in my business? Fine then, I will tell those who matter today and take care of my duties with the clinic before we leave. I technically am off today, but I had Garrett aware that I was around if needed. I will have to let him know I will gone for a few hours and he and the other techs can manage any emergencies that might come up."

"Excellent. We will see you shortly then." I stood, and my Uncle went around his desk and gave me a hug. He whispered in my ear just for my ears, "Congratulations, I'm very happy for you and Dawson."

I excused myself and made my way out of my Uncle's office and down to the parlor. It was the nice part about him having his own house and his office not being inside the pack house. I didn't have to traipse through and have every pack member know my business. When I got to the parlor, I found my Aunt sitting down reading a book. She looked up and smiled. "How are you dear?" she asked.

"Wonderful. I thought I should tell you that I'm pregnant before the rumors started flying," I said as I sat across from her.

"Oh that," she said with a smile. "I already figured that one out the other day. How do you feel?"

"I'm happy, but getting more tired as the days turn into weeks," I admitted. "At any rate, can you let Shawna know that I've gone to my apartment? She can find me there when she's ready to talk."

"Of course dear, I will send her your way shortly." My Aunt and Luna as it were, stood and hugged me before I turned to go. "You will be a wonderful mother," she said smiling.

"Thank you Luna Jenna." I sure hoped she was right, I was so nervous to inherit some awful parenting skills from my father. Thank the Goddess, I had my mother as my main source of inspiration.