The days following the gathering passed quickly. Naomi returned to her usual responsibilities at the healer quarters, while Healer Evelyn worked on the schedule to ensure that everything would run smoothly during her three-day absence.
The next morning, as Naomi reviewed patient records, Healer Evelyn approached her.
"I’ve adjusted the duty roster," she said. "Your responsibilities have been shared among the other healers. You won’t need to worry about anything while you’re away."
Naomi looked over the revised schedule. "Thank you. I appreciate you making the arrangements."
"You’ve earned this opportunity. You should be able to attend without worrying about what’s happening here."
"I’ll make sure I catch up when I return."
"I’m sure you will."
A few minutes later, another healer came over with a patient file.
"Healer Naomi, I wanted to confirm something about the patients you’ve been following. I’ll be taking over their reviews while you’re away."
Naomi turned to her and went through the records, explaining which patients needed closer observation and which were responding well.
"I’ve added my notes to their files," she explained. "But if anything changes, Healer Evelyn will have the full details."
The healer nodded. "That’s fine. We’ll manage things here."
Another colleague joined them briefly to clarify a treatment schedule. Naomi answered her questions and returned to her desk.
It was reassuring to know the work would carry on without her watching every detail.
Naomi set the schedule aside and continued working. She looked forward to the workshop. It would introduce her to other professionals, and she hoped to bring new approaches back to Blackclaw.
Later that afternoon, she returned to the pack house and found Alpha Kaidan in his office. He was reading through documents when she knocked.
"Come in."
Naomi entered. "I wanted to let you know that Healer Evelyn has finalised the schedule for my absence."
Alpha Kaidan looked up. "Everything is settled?"
"Yes. The other healers will cover my duties while I’m away."
"Good. Have you arranged your transportation?"
"I was going to discuss that with you. I haven’t made any arrangements yet."
"I’ll take care of it."
Naomi nodded. "Thank you."
Alpha Kaidan set his pen down. "I’ll accompany you to the venue."
She looked at him, slightly surprised. "You’re coming with me?"
"Yes. I’ll take you there and make sure you arrive safely."
"Alpha Kaidan, you don’t have to do that. I’m sure the driver can take me."
"I know he can. But I want to go with you."
Naomi studied his expression. He wasn’t framing it as an obligation or asking her to change her plans. He had decided he wanted to be there.
"All right," she said. "Thank you."
"Just let me know when you’re ready to leave."
The day of the workshop arrived. Naomi had packed the evening before, checking her bag for her documents, her belongings, and everything she would need for three days. She also kept the association’s confirmation email and registration details readily accessible on her phone.
After breakfast, she carried her bag downstairs.
Grace waited near the entrance and offered to take it.
"Thank you, Grace," Naomi said.
Alpha Kaidan came out of his office a few minutes later, dressed for the journey. He glanced at Naomi’s bag before looking at her. "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Then we can leave."
The driver had already brought the car around. He placed Naomi’s luggage in the boot while Alpha Kaidan opened the rear door for her.
Naomi got in, and Alpha Kaidan settled into the seat beside her.
As the car pulled away from the pack house, she watched the familiar grounds shrink behind them.
"Have you settled in with everything you’ll need for the three days?" Alpha Kaidan asked.
"Yes. I’ve checked my bag twice."
He smiled. "Then I suppose there’s nothing left to worry about."
"I hope so," Naomi replied, looking out of the window.
For the rest of the journey, they spoke occasionally about the workshop and a few matters concerning Blackclaw.
He let her enjoy the anticipation of what she had worked towards.
When they arrived at the venue, the driver pulled up near the main entrance.
Naomi looked outside and saw several people arriving with bags and folders. A banner above the entrance read Regional Healers’ Association.
"This is it," she said.
Alpha Kaidan stepped out first and came around to her side. He opened her door, helped her out, and asked the driver to bring her luggage.
Naomi shifted her handbag strap onto her shoulder.
Naomi glanced towards the entrance. Participants were arriving in small groups, some exchanging greetings while others joined the registration queue. A few carried folders, and several staff members stood near the entrance, directing people to the appropriate registration tables.
She felt a quiet sense of excitement. They had come from different packs and healer quarters, and she looked forward to meeting them and hearing about their work. "This should be interesting," she said.
Alpha Kaidan followed her gaze. "It looks like they’ve made proper arrangements."
"They have," Naomi replied. She turned towards him.
"Do you have your confirmation details?" he asked.
"Yes. Everything is on my phone, and I have a copy of the email."
"Good."
The driver brought her bag, and Alpha Kaidan took it and handed it to Naomi.
She accepted it. "Thank you for bringing me."
"It’s nothing."
He glanced towards the entrance. "You should go and complete your registration. I don’t want you to miss anything."
"All right."
"Call me if you need anything."
"I will."
Naomi adjusted her bag and walked towards the entrance. Before going inside, she turned around once. Alpha Kaidan was still standing beside the car, watching to make sure she got into the building safely.
She raised her hand slightly in acknowledgement.
He returned the gesture.
Only after she disappeared through the entrance did he get back into the car.
"Back to Blackclaw, Alpha?" the driver asked.
"Yes."
As the car pulled away, Alpha Kaidan looked once more towards the venue.
He was glad Naomi had earned the place. He hoped the workshop would give her everything she wanted. He had no intention of interfering with her plans or making her feel indebted to him for supporting her.
For now, he wanted her free to pursue something that belonged entirely to her. When she returned, he hoped they could take another step towards building the home they had never truly shared.