Chapter nine

By noon Ann had gone through all the other messages that had been left for the doctor. As well as counted what need to be restocked in the inventory from what her and the Doc had used in their last trip. She had also called to conduct a basic follow up interview with not only the pearl night clan but a few private patients the doc would see on occasion. Luckily everyone seemed to be happy and heathy. Though a few where in rather poor moods.

After a while Ann stood up to stretch the sore muscle in her back from hunching at the phones for so long. The next task on the list was to work out some of the billing for the trip last trip and then set up the budget for them to spend on the next trip. She already knew that this pack had offered to let them stay in the Clan house most packs and prides did. So there was no lodging expense to factor in but there was still travel, food, spending and other things to think of. If there was one thing Ann hated more then anything it was to be unprepared.

Well that, and people lying or tricking her like a certain large handsome- no she would not think about him.

Though all that could all wait until after a good hearty meal because if her stomach's griping was any indication, it was lunchtime.

The young assistant walked to the doctor's office door and knocked before waiting for the signal to come in. Weres were private people not matter the type so was careful to not accidentally overhear something she was not supposed to. It was something that she was good at and had to her more times than she could count. Though is odd skill did come in handy at times as in the case of the fake mates.

She had learned two facts from those instances: one, don't trust male Weres except for the doc and two always wait to be invited into a room.

It took a moment more before the Doctor invited her in. Which meant he had been on an important call so Ann reassured herself that she was right to wait. Once she entered the room, she looked at her mentor with a smile on her face. "Lunchtime doc. I was going to go get something and bring it back. I was also hoping to take about the expense on this upcoming trip during our meal."

The old man waved his hand telling her to come in. "Yes, sit we do need to talk about the trip though I am one step ahead of you on lunch. I ordered Madam Oh My's it should be here shortly."

Ann's smile widened as she came in and state down across from her elder pride filling her head. "I told you that it was the best vegetarian food you would ever find."

"Yes. Yes, I know. I really should stop doubting you when it comes to food." He agreed nodding his head with a playful tone.

"Agreed. I'm still surprised that as predator Were you became a vegetarian" She shot back before that both fell into slight chuckles.

Once the laughter had died down Ann took a pad of paper from Ohwell's desk as well as a pen from one of the cups sitting within her reach. "Now about those Expenses?" She questioned.

Her mentor waved his hand in the air as if he was shooing away her question like a pesky fly. "Oh, there is no need to worry about that this time around. This clan and I are good friends so I never really charge them not how much they offer. In return they simply just take care of all the expenses and I show them gratitude by being on call for them anytime they need me."

"But I have never seen you called away by any singular clan before," Ann blinked lowering the pad to her lap a little confused. She had never heard of the doc having any such arrangement with anyone. Not had he ever rushed off any where at a moments notice.

It was hard to imagine such an arrangement if in the few years she had been working with the doctor it had never come up.

"Like I said, my dear." Ohwell continued leaning back in his own chair putting his fingers together on the desk in front of him. "This Clan is very old and well respected; they have many of their own health care professionals on the territory. This year is a special case however, the mating call for them has been especially strong lately. In the past two or so years there have been more and more feeling the call. So, I going in as more of a favor and support than as professionals. Plus, I just happen to have one of the best Midwife trainees in my employment. So I offered to bring you along" He teased the young woman causing Ann to flush slightly.

"Don't worry I will make sure you still get your regular pay rate, but everything else has been taken care of."

"Don't worry about that." Ann reassured her elderly friend. "This is a golden opportunity for me to take a fully paid for trip and a chance to learn about more of what I love to do. It's a win-win. Though I hope I can live up to the expectation. So, when are we supposed to be there?" Ann asked putting the notepad bag on his desk.

"They would like us to be there by this Friday. I was on the call with Maria and her son, the alpha, for about an hour planning it all out." Ohwell continued not looking at Ann which was a bit strange as he usually looked her right in the eye when they spoke about these trips to make sure that she understood everything he said.

However, Ann was distracted by something else at that instant notice. "Maria's son is the Alpha? But I thought you said she was their Luna?" Relaying the information he had simple glanced over

Ohwell nodded at her turning his large eyes back on the curious young woman. "She is."

Ann blinked for a moment taking in what the doc had said. "But I thought Luna was just another name for a pack's Gia." Ohwell shook his head a surprised look taking over his face. "I have never told you before? Packs prides and herds all have a name for a pasted leader's mate. This female aids and helps in the running of the Clan. Not all clan's have one just as not all clans have a Gai but many due. A Luna is a pack's former Alpha's mate."

Ann suddenly took up the notepad again ready to take notes like the diligent student she was. She was always excited when there was new information about were's lifestyles to learn. Ohwell could not help but laugh good heartedly at Ann's enthusiasm. "Another time Dear Ann. We still need to discuss the trip"

Ann set down the notepad mumbling a faint fine. "So what are the travel plans?" She asked unable to hide her disappointment. Ohwell cleared his throat before answering.

"They will send a car to come and pick us up on Friday morning then we will take a flight to their territory. Then another car will meet us at the port and drive us to the clan house. We will arrive Friday evening. We, that is I and the alpha and luna, think that we should arrive just in time for dinner."

"We have to go through the airport security again?" Ann groaned leaning her head back. That was never fun, it was long and tedious even for some as patient as Ann. "How long is this flight?"

"About five hours," the doctor responded completely ignoring the other question. "We will be there a bit longer than normal. So, I would make sure to transfer any prescriptions temporally to a pharmacy nearby the clan house. As well as move any appointments and arrange house sitters or anything as such. We should be there for about four to five months if not longer this time around."

"What!" Ann asked snapping back to full attention her back becoming rim-rod straight. "That is longer than we have ever stayed at one location! Is there a reason?" She asked suddenly a little nervous about what might be happening on this trip. Was there something else she was not aware of? Where they going to be testing her midwife skills? Where any of there patients hire risk then normal? Did dear old Doc have a secret lover at this pack? He had said that he and this clan were old friends there was chance that he was once romantic with one of the females.

"No. No, don't worry" He spoke again breaking Ann's whirling thoughts. She only returned a look of confusion back at him. Inviting her mentor to elaborate further. "The Alpha just said he would like us to stay around as long as possible..." The doc continued suddenly not able to look at Ann as well as acting a little odd. From his twitchy finger to his extra deep breath. Ann could not put her finger on it.

She then concluded that he must have been lying and that he did want to see an old lover that lived in this pack. Well, that was fine by her. Maybe hidden away in this mountainous territory would help hide her from her own thoughts, memories, failed love life and most recently her own imagination.

"Alright then." She shrugged the old man's smile relaxing for a moment as a strange look filled his eyes. Ann pondered for a moment but waved it away. This whole trip was turning out to be a little strange. "Are they going to be paying for baggage as well? Five months luggage is not going to be cheap."

"It will be taken care of don't worry just pack as light as you can." Ohwell smiled again before standing up. "Now I believe lunch is due any second then we must finish our workday and prepare for this trip. Are you ready?"

Ann stood up as well nodding her head. "Yes. I believe this will be a life-changing trip." She beamed. "I can't wait." The doc nodded his head.

"I believe so child. I believe so."