Chapter 23 - Decision-Making

*Lucas* It has been two and a half weeks since Natalie allowed me to read the first three entries in her dream journal. I feel as though there has been a change in her. Her eyes are brighter, has more color, and seems happier. Like this morning when we got up for the day, Natalie wanted to sit in the gazebo behind the pack house. At first I was surprised due to the fact that this was the first time she went outside since she has been here. Right now I am in my office working on paperwork, and wondering if she would be ready to start training. I know she is going to have to get started on that, but I do not want to start her too soon. Dom: Hey, since it has been two and a half weeks since we read the first three entries in Natalie's journal, have you noticed how she is looking healthier and happier? Me: Yeah, I did notice that. Do you think it is too soon to start basic training sessions for her? Dom: I do not know, but I would talk with her to see if she is okay with it. And I will talk with Midnight to see if she thinks they are ready for that. Me: Alright, that sounds good. I will go find her when I get these last papers done. Once they are completed I will officially be caught up, which is going to be such a relief. *Natalie* Today I actually feel really good. It is like I am finally feeling well rested and I am happy. Being happy is something that I have not felt in quite awhile. I am so grateful that I have Lucas here with me. Slowly I have been learning that I can go to him when I am depressed. I have been sitting outside in the gazebo located in the garden outside of the pack house. I was surprised that I even wanted to sit out here. So far no one has come up to me, and though I liked it at first, now I wish I had a "girl" friend to talk to. However, I probably would not open up at first, but I know I eventually would. Plus, it would make transitioning into this pack easier. Midnight: Hey, you will find friends soon. Do not worry about not fitting in. Me: I know, but it would make getting to know people easier if I did have a friend here. Midnight: If anything, see if Lucas's mom can show you around and introduce you to people. She would be the one that I would want to show me around if I was in your shoes. Me: True. I will try to find her later. I am enjoying sitting out here. Midnight: That is fine because I am too. My view of the garden is stunning. Looking out the gazebo, I saw oak and maple trees in the distance. In front of the trees, there is a maze walkway that starts from the gazebo. While I can see the maze walkway, I can also see roses, lilies, orchids, and freesia flowers in the spaces separating each path. What makes this sight the best is being able to see all the hummingbirds and butterflies flying around the flowers. Then closer to the pack house, there is a playground for all the pups in the pack. However, right now, there are no pups playing due to the fact that they are currently in school or daycare. Midnight: Hey, just wanted to let you know that our mate is going to be joining us soon. I guess he has something he wants to ask us. Me: Okay, hopefully, it is nothing too serious. Midnight: I do not think that it is something serious, but something that will help you get ready for our shift. Me: Oh, well if that is the case, I will do anything to make sure that I am ready for the shift. Midnight: I know, that is what I told Dom when he told me that they will be joining us soon. I am seriously wondering what Lucas wants to ask. I know that I will do just about anything to make sure that I am ready for my shift. I do not want to let anyone down, especially Lucas. He was able to take me out of the hell that I was living in, and shows me every day that he is there for me. "Natalie, baby, are you okay?" Lucas asked with concern and worry lacing his voice. "Oh, umm, yeah I am okay. I'm sorry, I guess I was so lost in my thought that I did not hear you come up." I told him with a small chuckle and lowered my head. "Sweetheart, it is okay. I was just getting worried when you did not answer me after a few minutes. You really enjoy it out here huh?" He asked me. "Yeah, it is really peaceful out here. It will more than likely get louder out here when the pups come home from school, but even then I would not mind." I said thoughtfully. "It does get a little louder, but the pups are really good at not bugging people. Now, I need to ask you something." He said, getting a little serious. "Yeah, Midnight warned me that you were coming to ask me something." I informed Lucas. "Well, I have noticed that you are getting more sleep than almost three weeks ago. Plus, you have been in a happier mood, so I was wondering if you would like to start training. That way, when you start to shift you will be stronger physically and also be able to defend yourself if needed." He said a little doubtfully. "Lucas, I am willing to do just about anything to make sure I can make it through my shift. If training is going to help me with that, then that is what I am going to do." I told him with determination