The helicopter ride to Sutherland pack had been shorter than Tessa had expected. Unlike car rides she had enjoyed the flight and spent time getting to know the pilot.
She was greeted by the beta and shown to the clinic building which had accommodation attached for visiting medical personnel. The room was basic, but clean and comfortable. The beta informed her that Alpha Sutherland would meet with her at 8 am in his office. Someone would be there to escort her in the morning.
She took a shower and got ready for bed. It was too early to sleep so she caught up on her friends lives on social media. She saw her ex boyfriend had got engaged to his new love. She felt happy for him a bit saddened as well. Feeling a bit blue she started up her laptop and skyped with her mentor Priscilla. They spoke a little about her first patient. Priscilla noticed her new favourite human what was wrong.
“Nothing really. I just saw my ex has got engaged and felt a bit sad” Tessa confided.
“Thats a perfectly normal reaction Tessa. He was your first real relationship outside the bounds of your pack. Even Though things didn't work out between you both, he’ll hold a special place in your heart. If he was the right one for you the moon goddess would of shown you a sign” Priscilla advised.
“Do you think she looks out for humans too? Tessa wondered allowed.
“I believe she looks after all pack members regardless of species” Priscilla affirmed.
They went on to chat about the online database they hoped to create with unidentified patient information, similar to the one that had just been launched for doctors of the were communities world wide. Tessa asked Priscilla to pass on her regards to the friends she had made during her stay before ending the call.
After shutting down the computer she made a quick call to her parents before heading to bed.
The next morning she woke to her her alarm. Dressing quickly in jeans and a plain t-shirt, she threw black blazer on to dress it up for her meeting with the Alpha. She packed a few things in her bag and headed outside pleased to find her escort already waiting for her. He introduced himself as Aidyn and assured her that she would have time to get a coffee and breakfast in the pack house kitchen before her meeting
Aidyn was a great host and soon had her laughing as they swapped stories of growing up in their respective packs. They continued chatting through her breakfast with a few more pack members joining the conversation. Before long they were interrupted by cough. Looking up she saw the beta Tom looking amused. He tapped his watch causing Tessa to check the time on her phone. She was relieved to see she wasn't late but it was definitely time to head up to the meeting.
Tom walked her through a glass walkway to a separate wing. “This is the Alpha house, if you follow me, the office is just around the corner.” He led her down a second hall before stopping at a double door and knocking.
Alpha Sutherland opened the door. “Ahhh if it isn’t the beautiful Ms Torrent, please come in” he greeted directing her towards two chairs in front of a large hardwood desk.
“Thank you Alpha Sutherland, it's a pleasure to see you again” she replied taking the right hand seat.
“I’m sorry I didn't get time to speak at the Alpha conference, I had wanted to congratulate you on your graduation and acceptance on to the medical team. Your father told me you were in Europe last week?”
“Yes I have only been back two days. I went over to intern with another pack psychologist”.
“Good, good. I understand you’ve looked over young Daggers files, do you think you will be able to help him?”
“I can’t honestly give you answer based of medical files sir. I will have a much clear idea after I have had time to do a proper assessment.” Tessa replied.
“Do we need to set up an office for you?” he asked.
“To be honest Alpha, with children of Dagger’s aged it's often better to spend time with them in less formal environments they they are familiar with. Does he attend daycare?”
“No not at this stage. His father Blade and I have adjusted our schedules so he is with us most of the time. Occasionally we have no choice but to leave him but we always make sure it's with Alice our house keeper. Doc Evans suggested she try establish a strong sense of family bond.”
“That's definitely good advice. Would you both be comfortable with me spending time with dagger in your private area? I’ll try not to intrude too much”.
“We just want what is best for Dagger”. He affirmed. “Why don’t you come with me now? Blade needs has just had to leave to attend some business.”
Tessa followed Alpha Sutherland to the end of the hall which ended in another set of double doors. “Ahh there you are young man” he called out spotting Dagger laying on the couch holding a teddy bear. “Should I introduce you?” he asked Tessa.
“No that's fine. If it's okay with you I would like to try connect with him using some play based therapy?” Alpha Sutherland nodded then looked on amused as Tessa took off her shoes and blazer revealing a brightly coloured t-shirt and pulled her hair up in a messy bun.
She pulled an iPad out of her bag and sat down on the floor in front Dagger on the floor. “Hi, I’m Tessa. I’m going to sit here and watch some videos. Is that ok?” She asked the silent little boy. Taking his lack of action as an affirmative, Tessa opened up youtube and began to play some common pre-school music. After about 5 minutes she felt dagger squirm behind her trying to get a better view of the screen. She turned her body so her back rested against the couch and held the iPad higher for him. After another two videos, she asked if he wanted to pick the next one. A little hand reached over her shoulder and picked a popular preschool music band video.
They took turns back and forth till she spotted one about a teddy bears picnic. When it was finished she turned and looked at Dagger’s teddy bear. “I love teddy bear picnics. Do you think your teddy bear would like to have a picnic?” Dagger gave a single nod.
She quickly stretched out and grabbed her bag. She pulled out a little square of fabric and laid it out on the carpet. Next she reached in and pulled out some small containers all containing a few pieces of different sliced fruit and one with cubes of cheese. Finally she pulled out 3 pop top bottles of juice. As she finished she sae Dagger slip down off the couch and sit at the corner of her ‘picnic blanket’. She placed two little plastic plates in front of him and two bottles of juice.”
“Thank you for coming teddy” she said looking at the bear. “A picnic is always better with a bear” She put one slice of each offering on all three plates. She picked up her phone, opened the camera and pressed record quietly then sat it on bag.
She picked up her piece of cheese “Mmm I like cheese, do you like cheese teddy?” and popped it in her mouth. Next she picked up a grape. She continued till she had eaten each piece on her plate was gone. She finished with a few sips of juice. “Oh wow I am full. I better go wash my hands. Alpha can you show me the bathroom please?” she asked giving the alpha a nod.
“Ofcourse Tessa this way” he agreed.
They stopped outside the door. “We just want to give him a couple of minutes to interact on his own with the food” she advised.
A couple minutes later they walked back in. Dagger was back on the couch with his teddy. She sat down and packed it all back in her bag. She stopped in front of the couch and shook the teddy bears paw. “Thank you for sharing my picnic teddy bear. Please tell Dagger thank you from me too. I have to go now. But I’ll be back tomorrow. Do you think Dagger would look after my Ipad for me?” Dagger nodded his teddies head yes. “Thank you. I’ll give the charger to your pop okay?” This time Dagger nodded his own head.
Waving goodbye she asked Alpha Sutherland to walk her out.
“If possible I would like to see both you and his father before I see Dagger again tomorrow.”
“I can see you later today if that suits but Blade is away till tomorrow night”
“Would it be possible to call him? I would at least need verbal permission before I go any further.” Tessa insisted feeling something was off.
“I’m sure we can arrange that this afternoon” the alpha conceded easing Tessa’s mind.
