Chapter 29 #2
“I know, but…it wasn’t fair to you.” I blink away tears. “It was too much for a kid.”
“It was too much for both of us, but we’re still here, aren’t we?” he asks gently. “Not without our scars, though.”
I nod. “Do racing thoughts, irrational fears and obsessions count as scars?”
He quirks his lip. “I would say so. I’m proud of you, though, for facing them, instead of running away. I think you’re going to help a lot of people with this group.”
“We also have a stress ball on the way. A white and teal one in the shape of a cat.”
“I heard. I already have dibs on the first one that arrives.”
I bark out a laugh. “Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah. Now I won’t have to keep stealing Piper’s.” His eyes soften. “I mean it, kiddo. I’m proud of you. It’s hard to watch you grow up…but I know it’s a privilege to see you do it.”
I turn my attention to the salmon bowl before my brother can see the tears that fill my eyes.
“Okay,” Blair says to the group of people in the reception area. “I’ve never done this before, but here we go.”
Thankfully, the front of the building is spacious, because more people showed up for our first meeting than we thought would.
I sit in between Logan and Ivan, with Fang on my left. Piper sits alongside her Alphas Poe, Maddox, and Avery, while Travis, Ryland, and Rowan keep their eyes fixed on Blair.
Taylor is there as well, along with a few of Mari’s friends, including an older gentleman with silver hair that she sits next to.
Doctor Jolie is there to offer her support, along with Ramona.
Thankfully, Blair’s pack brought along extra folding chairs, so everyone has a place to sit.
“We definitely are going to need to find a different place to do this,” Blair laughs.
“But, for tonight, let’s figure out exactly what we want this group to be.
Animal lovers support group? A place to discuss hardships that come as pet owners?
” She nods at me. “This was your creation, Maeve. I’m just trying to figure out what we’re doing here. ”
I shrug and look around the room. “Caring for animals is hard,” I say simply. “And I know I’m not the only one that feels that way.”
Taylor smiles at me. “No, you’re not.”
And from there, the conversation starts.
I don’t speak; I just observe all the stories and advice that is given.
There are talks of grief, talks of hope, and every other challenge and victory that a pet parent faces.
Logan keeps my hand in his, squeezing gently when I start to tear up at Taylor’s stories about Butter and Noodle.
“See?” Fang says quietly in my ear. “You’re not alone.”
Maybe I’m the only one in this room with the ruminating thoughts that don’t let go.
Perhaps I’m the one that cries the hardest at the thought of potential harm coming to an animal, no matter how irrational it may be.
But with this group, with this set of cat owners, I’m seen.
Half the room is tearing up by the time everyone has shared, and Avery shoots me a small, proud smile.
“Wow,” Blair says. “I’m not sure exactly what this was—but I like it?” she looks to me. “Maybe we could consider this a pet lover support group?”
I nod. “As long as everyone else is okay with it?”
Mari nods enthusiastically. “I love it,” she sniffles. “This would be helpful to anyone that is dealing with a sick pet, grieving, or just wants to share resources.”
I turn to Logan. “What do you think?” I ask.
He nods slowly. “I think…if there had been something like this at my old clinic, it would have been very helpful for a lot of people.”
“I agree,” Ivan adds. “This is a great idea.”
I beam.
“So…should we all try this in two weeks?” Piper adds, looking around the room. “What do you all think? If you would like to invite anyone, feel free.”
I glance at the door to the playroom, realizing I’ve forgotten something vital to this group.
“Oh!” I exclaim. “Kitten therapy!”
And soon, plenty of kittens are hugged and cuddled.
It’s the perfect way to end the group session.
Logan, Fang, and Ivan help clean up afterwards, and I can’t stop smiling.
“So? Final thoughts?” I ask excitedly.
“I think this is something the community needs,” Ivan says, grinning. He pulls me into his arms, and I rest my head against his chest. His apple scent swirls around me deliciously, and I sigh contentedly.
“I think you’re going to help more people than you realize,” Logan adds.
“Also, I think we’re going to have another family member,” Fang adds, and I step out of Ivan’s arms and turn to him.
“Huh?”
A smirk forms on Fang’s face. “I’ve seen the way Bean looks at you,” he teases. “And the way you look at him.”
I open my mouth to argue, but Fang nods his head behind me. When I turn, Bean is pressed against the glass door, looking directly at me and meowing.
“He’s the best cat,” Ivan adds. “He would love the packhouse.”
“I…well…what about—”
“Stella and Trooper could use a younger cat in the house,” Logan interrupts me. “Also…I mean…I’m literally a veterinarian.”
Fang cackles while Ivan smirks.
“I know that,” I hiss. “Besides, who says I even like Bean?” I demand.
“One, because you love cats,” Fang says easily. “Two, because you have a bunch of different nicknames for him when you talk about him.”
“No, I don’t—”
“Beans, Beanie Weenie, Beanie Baby, String Bean, Itty Bitty Beanie Weenie,” Ivan names off, counting on his fingers. “I could keep going, babe.”
“Also, Piper and Blair may have clued us in,” Logan says kindly, his brown eyes gentle. “If you want, Bean has a home with us.”
My throat goes dry.
“I want to say yes,” I croak. “But what if it gets bad again? What if I panic again, what if I shut down—”
“Then we’ll be there,” Ivan says. “And your friends will be there, and so will this support group. Remember? You’re not alone.”
I have my pack’s support, and the mating bond reminds me that I’m stronger than I realize.
My family has grown. It’s not just Avery anymore, it’s also a pack of three Alphas that see me for me, and love me because of who I am, not in spite of it.
So maybe, sweet little Bean deserves a family like that, too.
With one last look back at the tiny cream boy, I nod.
“Let’s get Stella and Trooper a little brother.”