I follow Wes to the main kitchen, my mind racing with thoughts of how to address our dire food situation. The sight of the two refrigerators and three chest freezers does little to ease my concerns.
The refrigerators are practically barren, save for a few sad-looking vegetables and so condints. The first two chest freezers echo the sa emptiness, their cavernous interiors mocking our predicant. It's only when Wes opens the third freezer that I feel a small spark of hope.
"There's so at in here," I say, peering into the frost-covered interior. The packages are wrapped in butcher paper, neatly stacked and labeled. It's not much, but it's sothing.
"Yeah, soone's been bringing in their hunts," Wes confirms.
I turn to him, curiosity piqued. "Do you know who's been stocking these freezers?"
Wes shakes his head, his brow furrowing. "No, Luna. I'm not sure. It just started appearing a few weeks ago."
It's encouraging that at least one person in the pack is thinking ahead, trying to contribute to our collective survival. But the fact that we don't know who it is speaks volus about the lack of communication and organization within the pack. Kellan's been focused on security and making sure everything's running. We need more than one person bearing the burden of everything.
First, we need to identify and mobilize our resources, starting with our most skilled hunters and those who've shown initiative in caring for the pack.
I look at Wes, a small smile forming on my lips. "Wes, I have a favor to ask of you."
He straightens, his eyes alert and eager. "Anything, Luna."
"I need you to go around and get the nas of our best hunters in the pack. And if you can, find out who's been responsible enough to try stocking the public kitchen." I gesture towards the freezer with the at. "We need to know who our assets are if we're going to make it through this."
Wes's face lights up with understanding and determination. "Of course, Luna. I can do that right away."
"Thank you, Wes. This is really important."
He nods emphatically. "I understand. I'll get on it imdiately and report back to you as soon as I have the information."
I watch Wes disappear through the kitchen door, his steps quick and purposeful.
We have shelter. We're working on food. Kellan and Vester are working on security and the supply run. I can ask Vanessa to report on our dical supplies and the state of the hospital. The gnos are working on communications—which reminds , are there walkie talkies anywhere? The wolves don't need it, but I do.
Lisa and the gnos could also benefit.
* * *
The sun is long beneath the horizon when I make it back to my cabin. Lisa's gone, staying with Kellan for the night.
I close the cabin door behind , exhaustion settling deep into my bones. The day's events replay in my mind as I lean against the wooden fra, taking a mont to breathe. My gaze falls on Aurum, curled up on my bed. He has to be miserable, locked up here. No one seems to mind when he goes out for quick potty breaks, but I'm sure there are questions.
"Hey there, big guy," I murmur, crossing the room and sinking onto the mattress beside him.
Aurum shifts, making room for . I run my fingers through his thick fur, marveling at how soft it feels. His warmth seeps into , comforting and familiar, even if the wolf before isn't quite the Lucas I know.
"I hope you don't mind talking to you," I say softly, settling in beside him. "I know you might not understand, or maybe you do. I'm not sure how much of Lucas is in there right now."
Aurum's ears perk up at the sound of his na, and I can't help but smile. It's a small sign, but it gives hope.
"We've had quite a day, you know," I continue, my voice barely above a whisper. "I never thought I'd be organizing hunting parties or discussing food preservation techniques. But here we are."
I stroke Aurum's head, scratching behind his ears the way Lucas always liked. His eyes close in contentnt, and for a mont, I can almost pretend everything is normal.
"I set up teams to stock our freezers," I tell him, recounting the day's accomplishnts. "We're going to need all the food we can get for winter. Did you know we have she-wolves who are experts at preserving at? I didn't, but I'm grateful for them now."
Aurum rumbles low in his chest, almost like he's acknowledging my words. I choose to believe he is.
"Kellan and Vester have been a huge help," I say, my fingers still moving through his fur. "They gave Grimoire a map for setting up security asures. I hope that's okay with you. I know you're not entirely comfortable with Grimoire, but we need all the help we can get right now."
I pause for a response, even though I know there won't be one.
"I wish you could tell if I'm doing the right things," I admit, my voice catching slightly. "There's so much I don't know, Lucas. How did you manage all of this? How did you always seem so sure of yourself?"
Aurum shifts, pressing his large head against my hand. I take it as encouragent and continue.
"I'm trying my best to keep everyone safe," I say, my words barely audible. "To keep the pack thriving until you co back to us. Because you will co back, right?"
The question hangs in the air, unanswered. I swallow hard, pushing back the fear that threatens to overwhelm .
"Selene's been with you all day," I change the subject, forcing a lighter tone. "Not a single fight between our wolves today. That's progress, right?" I chuckle softly, but it sounds hollow even to my own ears. Aurum's eyes open, fixing on with an intensity that takes my breath away. For a mont, I see a flicker of Lucas in those golden depths.
"I miss you," I whisper, the words slipping out before I can stop them. "I miss talking to you, hearing your voice. I miss your smile, your laugh. I miss how safe I feel around you."
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I blink them away. "I'm sorry," I say, shaking my head. "I shouldn't be dumping all of this on you. You've got enough to deal with, trying to find your way back to yourself."
Aurum whines softly, nudging my hand with his nose. I smile despite myself, scratching under his chin.
"You're right," I say, as if he'd spoken. "I should focus on the positive. We're making progress, aren't we? The pack is coming together, working as a unit. We're preparing for winter, thinking long-term. That's good, right?"
I pause, considering my next words carefully. "I know we're not ready to fight back yet. We're not strong enough. But we will be, Lucas. I promise you that. We'll get our pack lands back.
We'll make the Westwood Pack stronger than ever."
Aurum's tail thumps against the bed, and I choose to take it as agreent. I lean back against the headboard, my hand still absently stroking his fur.
"I have so many questions for you," I murmur, my eyes growing heavy. "About the pack, about being a leader. About us. But I guess those will have to wait until you're back."
Aurum shifts, curling his large body around mine protectively. I sink into his warmth, feeling safe and comforted despite everything.
"Goodnight, Lucas," I whisper, my eyes drifting closed. "I'll be here when you're ready to co back to ."
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