Dan and the Neko's

Chapter 30 - We are going to Mina's ship for a party

Pack helps Dan

Dan excused himself and headed back to the ship. That talk with the male had made him really think. He needed some more time alone to try and sort out his feelings and thoughts. When he had talked to the male he had said more than he had expected. What he had said was true. He had to keep going. It was going to be a long hard struggle but he would take back what he could. Nothing would keep him down.

When he walked into the Pens he looked around and found Nang working at one of the VR terminals she used. He walked over and rested his nose in her hair and inhaled. Even if he didn't have the bonds he had the communicator. It wasn't the same in anyway but it was something, *Love you Nang. I'm sorry about last night. I have fears I never have had before. I need to work on them but with the support of my mates I know we will get some of our bonds back.*

Nang closed her eyes and wanted to cry in happiness. That was the first time he had sounded somewhat like who he had been, *Just don't push us away Dan. You are ours as we are yours. It is going to be a long hard road for all of us but even more for you. Let us help you my love.* She leaned back against him and relaxed, *There is going to be a feast tonight. The First Mistress is bringing her mate up to visit with Tigger.* She didn't want to surprise him, *Mari is helping with the cooking and I think it will be good for her.*

Dan felt her lean back against him and he almost felt something from the bond. It was barely there but he could almost feel her love for him, *Thank you.* There wasn't much else to say.

By the time Buddy came back over along with everyone who had gone over most of the prep was done. Nang had more specialty items pulled from the 'special' crates she had brought along with. It was going to be a buffet affair since it was impossible to seat almost 150 or so people. The pups had been put to work making sure the connecting rooms in the pens were clean. Others were ensuring they had enough plates and utensils for everyone. They were used to feeding this many three or four times a day but for this they were going the extra mile.

Dan had stepped up and was helping in the kitchen. In his case since he was still limping and not moving all that well he was knifing up veggies and meats. That much he could do and he was damned if he was going to sit while everyone else was working. Even when he had been Alpha he hadn't been one to sit around and let everyone else work. Normally he wouldn't be doing this type of stuff but it was what he could do currently. After cutting up the most recent batch of food he moved it to the large bowls and handed it to the next in line.

He took a few minutes to clean the station up and wash his hands. About the time he was ready for the next batch of stuff to be cut up Mari walked past. Dan reached over and gently pulled her towards him and held her. She was looking somewhat better but he could smell and feel the strain she was still dealing with. He didn't hold her for very long before he gave her a kiss and let her go. The next batch of food to be cut up was next to the cutting board. After stropping his knife to ensure it was sharp, he went back to what he had been doing.

Eventually he had to stop since he was starting to feel a bit on the light-headed side. He let someone know to take over for a while and carefully limped out of the area designated as the kitchen. When he walked out one of the junior wolves came over and gave him a good hug before helping him over to a chair. Dan returned the hug and accepted the help. He hated having to but it was better than refusing and then falling on his face. It would make the poor wolf feel horrible and as out of sorts Dan was, he wouldn't do that to anyone, "Thanks, if you wouldn't mind getting me some water I would appreciate it."

The young man hurried away to a water cooler and quickly came back with a bottle of chilled water, "Here you go Dan. If you need anything else just ask." He turned and hurried away since he needed to get back to work.