Page 97 of Talk About… Dramay
“Cohen told me there’s an event going on. I’m heading home now, but I thought this might just be the perfect addition to the new packhouse. Plus, we can bring it to work with us if we socialize the pup enough.”
“Shut up, I can get him cute little bow ties,” she gushed. “I’ll be ready when you get here, loveyoubye!” She rushed the last part before ending the call.
Between her excitement and Lane asking about the meeting, I was starting to see that my own insecurities were getting in the way.
Laughter burst out of me as I drove up the long driveway. Every one of my pack members was standing on the porch, ready and waiting.
I didn’t even get a chance to fully park before they were piling in. The arguments were already starting over what type of pet to get, though Tate was firmly on team cat.
“Where’s the vet clinic in town?” I asked, realizing I had no idea how to get there.
“Head toward town, I’ll guide you,” Oriana said as she gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before buckling me in. “I missed you today. Tell me how it went as we drive.”
“Really great, actually,” I said, giving them a quick rundown.
“That’s amazing, did he discuss your permanent position there?” Cameron asked.
“No, but it was specifically setting up the center,” I admitted. “Even if he doesn’t, I’ll figure something else out.”
“Or you can just volunteer,” Oriana shrugged. “Our bills are paid.”
I frowned, not liking that idea at all. The last thing I wanted to do was not contribute to the pack finances. It was a team effort.
“Don’t overthink it. If Mayor Adams said he was going to bring you on as staff, he meant it,” Cameron reassured me, reaching out and squeezing my shoulder.
I’d tried to make sure he fit in with us after I realized he wasn’t as shitty as I thought, and it felt like our friendship had grown even more. I was thankful for him since the others were already a unit. His reassurance meant a lot.
Ori guided us through town to the vet clinic. It was fairly busy and the yard was full of people milling around.
“I hope there’s still a puppy to adopt,” Ori said as I snagged a parking spot in front.
“If not, we’ll find another shelter. There’s always a puppy needing a home.”
“True,” she agreed, letting out a relieved breath. She was out and rushing toward the door already, making the rest of us scramble to keep up.
“Welcome to our adoption event. We have plenty of sweet and playful dogs available, and just as many cats,” a sweet and bubbly omega said. Her blonde hair fell in waves around her shoulders and she had a bright magenta shirt that read ‘paws for packs.’ “Our adoption specialists can meet with all or one of you while the others browse. We’re here to help in any way we can!”
“I’ll handle the paperwork,” Tate said, giving Ori a quick kiss before letting the omega usher him to a nearby table.
“Cats or dogs?” another worker asked. He had curly, brown hair and a bright smile, his energy as bright as the first woman we’d met.
“Dogs,” Ori said quickly. “Please.”
“Do you have a preference on size, breed, or age?” he asked as he started walking.
“Take me to the pup who has been here the longest,” she said firmly.
“Pup, as in puppy?” he asked, pausing as if to make sure he heard her right.
“They’re all puppies in my eyes,” she laughed. “Longest resident.”
He brightened even further. “That would be Henry. He’s been here four years and is always overlooked at these events. He’s the sweetest old man.”
“How old?” Lane asked but Ori shot him a glare.
“Old pups need a home just as much, it doesn’t matter,” she said fiercely. I had a feeling she was already in love with this dog.
“He’s six. Not our oldest but… well, you’ll see. He’s not super outgoing but he’s sweet when you give him a chance to adjust.” Now the worker was rambling and I was nervous all over again.