Dawn of Hope - Folician Chronicles 7

Chapter 16 - Ray comforts pack member

Ray had been informed by Dancer what she had told Hands and her orders for Hands. He had thanked her for that since it was hard enough for him to sit through. Ray should have considered it but he had been as stressed out in his own way. Thankfully from what he and the rest of the adults were told the trials weren't expected to last very long. It was going to take time to present the evidence collected from the implants and what was left from the property.

At the moment, Ray was taking some time in the new room Gerdal had designed. It also was a true Pack Father room much like Hands' was. It had the heavier furniture, a wide fireplace, stone and wooden walls. There was low lighting as well as a rather nicely stocked bar as well. Ray felt somewhat silly with the large stein of beer but it seemed to be the favorite drink of the Pack Lord. In his lap was one of the very quiet females in the pack. Silent Wind was, as Ray had finally decided, just a quiet retiring female. She was somewhat older but younger than Vyra. She had been one of the communication officers aboard the ship.

She had quietly approached him earlier and requested to spend some time with him. When she had he could tell that she needed some attention. Since the man cave was only for the males of the pack or the Pack Mother they had some privacy. Once they had gotten something to drink and settled down he finally asked what was wrong, "Silent Wind what is wrong? I can tell you are upset and you felt fine yesterday."

Silent Wind, she had never chosen a usename, tucked her head into his neck, *I received a message that one of my Aunt's passed away earlier. She was old and it was her time but it is still upsetting.* She hadn't seen the woman in a number of years and they weren't very close but she was still family.

Ray closed his eyes and rested his head on hers and started stroking her ears, *I am sorry to hear that Silent Wind. Is there anything I can do other than comfort you? Do you need to go home for a few days? Gentle and I can bring you to our bed and comfort you as well.* Even if she did want to go home it wouldn't be until early morning.

She shook her head, *You need me here Ray. The pack needs to be together. I just needed some comfort for a while.* The offer to spend the night meant a great deal to her. Relationships were never something she had been good at. With heat, it was different since that didn't require much interaction in the Harem. With Ray, it had been so different. He had taken the time to talk to her and relax with her. He hadn't been driven to just screw and move on, *I would appreciate that Ray.* When Gentle settled down next to them she relaxed even more.

Gentle had been called by Ray and when he had told her what was going on she had informed Vyra. They would send something nice to Silent Wind's old pack in sympathy. They had done much the same when Flitter had passed. Many of the packs which the females had come from had done much the same. It was to be expected, "Vyra is taking care of sending a small gift and sympathy card for us. We will also comfort you this evening. Maybe a warm bath and massage will help you relax as well." They continued comforting her even as a low croon started through the pack.

When it was time for bed Ray and Gentle brought her to their room. Zantha already had the tub filled and ready for them. He settled down and drew Silent Wing against his chest and held her as they relaxed, "Whatever you need Silent Wind, let us know and we'll take care of you." He nuzzled an ear and lightly nipped it. It wasn't sexual but for comfort.

Silent Wind shifted her head as he was nuzzling her and sighed, "We weren't close but she was family. Thank you Ray." She leaned back against him and let the water and jets do their thing to help her relax. A few tears slipped out but not many. Having the attention of her pack father helped a great deal.