The Pack's Nemesis (Quirin's Story) novel Chapter 23

Kennedy

Today when I go to the hospital, I begin going over what supplies I would like to have for the hospital versus what I feel is critical or at least necessary. Some things, like a new x–ray machine, are necessary, but based on the cost, I set it aside for now. Hopefully, I can get Quirin to talk to me about the cost of these things and what the pack can afford at some point in the near future.

I’m pleasantly surprised when Deborah comes in with a laptop that she said Quirin sent over for me. Since I’d forgotten to ask about one, this is perfect.

I log in, finding the information on the medical supply store that we use for ordering. When I look back on previous orders, I see that Deborah was right. They only ever order the basics and most of that is in smaller sizes for pups.

I put in my order, taking a deep breath when I see the cost, and push send. I guess I’ll find out later if Quirin freaks out over the cost.

Christy brings me lunch again today, letting me know that Quirin once again requested that someone bring me food.

“Perhaps I should just put in a standing order to have a sandwich ready for me in the morning. That way Quirin won’t have to worry about it. I’m sure he’s got plenty of other things on his mind,” I say.

“I don’t get the impression that he minds, Luna,” she says.

“Everything going okay with you?” I ask her.

“Yes, Luna. I haven’t seen Arlo. He’s apparently pretty busy.”

“Good. Thank you for bringing this by,” I say.

“You’re welcome. Oh, and Susie said that Samuel is doing well. She wanted me to let you know.”

“Great news, thank you.”

I’m just finished eating when I hear the doors to the front of the hospital slide open. Since hardly anyone ever comes in, I listen.

“Is Luna here?” a woman asks.

“Yeah, what’s going on?” Deborah asks her.

“I’d like to speak to Luna,” she says as I come walking out.

“Hi there. What can I do for you?” I ask, seeing one of Quirin’s warriors carrying her son. This one is older than yesterday but still under ten, so he doesn’t have his wolf.

“Hi, Luna. I was talking to Kelvin during training this morning and he said that you really helped Samuel with the stick he got in his foot. I was wondering if you would take a look at Tommy’s knee for me?”

“Sure, follow me, what’s your name?”

“I’m Emily, Luna.

“Hi Emily. Hi, Tommy,” I say, holding a door open for them. I can’t use the bed until they arrive, but I can put him on the

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Chaparr 124

couter whale i crouch in front of him like I did with Serv

“How old are you, Tommy?”

“Wow! Getting to big so, what’s wrong 1 koring, or any to put on the over

“You don’t want him on the bed die aks

“I don’t trust thone beds, but I’ve ordered some new ones, so if you have to come back in a couple of days, hopefully you’ll have a more comfortable place to st 1 sey, smiling, Tommy is done react, but sinor be’s bere for something to do with him. I’m not surprised

“Well, he injured his knee several days ago, maybe a week wyp now, but it’s not being, she says.

1 pull up a chair and sit down in front of him looking at his knee, 1 en bus don’t sell any infection. It’s not a terrible injury but 1 can see that it’s seeping and bleeding a late and notbeding

“Any fever?” I ask as 1 look over the injury,

“How did you get this?” I ask him.

“I was playing, and I fell,” he says, shrugging,

“There’s a pup play area on the right side of the packhouse, Luna I don’t know if you’ve seen it yet”

“I think I passed it on the way to the woods,” I say, “I see it’s seeping, but I don’t see or smell any pussy discharge. Have you seen any signs of infection?”

“No, Luna. And it hasn’t gotten any worse, it just isn’t getting any better. And when I try to scrub it, Tommy says it hurts too much”

The area around the scrape is red and slightly swollen, but not terribly angry looking. I begin gently pressing around the injury. “Does it hurt if I touch it here?” I ask him.

“No,” he says, watching me.

“Okay, I’m going to swab the area and also scrape some of the skin and a bit of tissue off your knee, Tommy,” I say, looking up at Emily, “I won’t get my microscope until tomorrow, possibly the next day. But I’ll check to see if it’s some sort of bacteria that’s keeping him from healing.”

“Will it hurt?” Tommy asks me.

“It shouldn’t. But I’m guessing that you’re the son of two strong warriors, am I right?” I ask him.

“Yes, Luna,” he says proudly.

“Then, I don’t think it will hurt at all,” I tell him, standing. “I’ll be right back,” I tell Emily.

When I step out, I look for Deborah. “Do we have any test tubes, or microscope slides, or anything that is sterile that I can put this skin sample in until my equipment arrives?” I ask her.

“No, Luna, but I can boil some glasses for you,” she says.

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Chapter 124

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“That will have to do I say, thankful now that I decided to add test tubes to the order. The slides come with the microscope, but I’ll need to order some more.

“Here you go, Luna”

“Thank you,” I say, putting my supplies on the tray and taking it from her.

“That hurt?” I ask him and he nods.

1 look at his knee more closely, not seeing anything that looks like a splinter, but it may be hard to see.

“Did it feel like a sharp pain, like there’s something in your knee, or a burning pain?” I ask him.

“This might sting a little, but I need you to hold as still as possible for me. Can you do that?” I ask him.

“Good. How’s your pup training coming along?” I ask him to distract him from what I’m doing. Since he’s the son of two warriors, I’m positive that he’s in warrior training for pups.