I cleared my throat. "Anyway, let's get down to business," I said, interjecting my awkward self into their moment and sliding the packets over for their perusal.

"Based on the call that our intake team had with you, Alpha Roger and Luna Laura, we are recommending a two-pronged approach. We suggest involving the protocol team for Luna Laura. They will help fill in those gaps of nuanced etiquette, inter-pack expectations, and support you in stepping into the best version of yourself."

"For Alpha Roger, we recommend our Strategic Planning Unit. They focus on leadership structure, alliance logistics, and long-term planning—essential support to make sure the Pack's growth is stable, intentional, and aligned with your goals."

"The Strategic Planning Unit feels a little outside of typical Luna duties," replied Roger hesitantly, and Laura had a raised eyebrow.

"On the surface, I agree. It seems further in the weeds than a Luna is expected to go. However, a Luna is in charge of the overall well being of the pack. To my thought process, that includes strengthening existing plans and alliances for long-term stability." Roger's expression turned thoughtful.

"This all sounds wonderful," Laura said, her brow creasing. "But what will this cost in the end?"

I took a deep breath. "Before I have you turn to page five in the packet, I'm going to ask you to take a few deep, measured breaths."

"Uh-oh," smiled Roger. Laura chuckled, but both did as asked before turning the pages. Both of their eyes widened to the size of basketballs and they shared an uneasy look.

"That's... a hefty amount," said Laura carefully. "More than we expected initially."

I nodded in understanding. "I am going to be honest with you, your reaction is pretty typical. It is a significant investment, and can be very daunting. What we offer though, are interest free payment plans. It'll be broken down into manageable monthly payments for a period of time that you agree to. During that time, should something happen that is unsatisfactory, we do encourage you to reach out to us before payment. This way you are free to withhold payment until we correct the issue."

"Is that amount deferred?" asked Roger.

"Typically," I nodded, "but there have been some instances where we have waived the payments. It's not very often, but if we feel," I touched my chest with my hands, "that we were very in the wrong or we took far too long to correct the issue then we will own it. There's no value in compounding a mistake—we'd rather make it right."

Laura and Roger shared a look and I could see Roger's eyes slightly unfocus. Mindspeech, I thought. Useful negotiation tool to make plans without the other party knowing what's being discussed.

"If it makes the decision easier," I added, "I do not need an answer today. In fact this quote is good for thirty days, and we are happy to provide references that you may contact at your leisure."

"That does take some pressure off," sighed Laura with a smile. "It is a lot to think about and consider."

"I completely understand. And if you have any questions or want to spitball ideas, I'm all ears," I added, mirroring her smile.

"I have a question, and it's not exactly kosher," asked Roger, earning matching raised eyebrows from both me and his mate. "How much of this goes to you directly?"

I'm pretty sure he wasn't expecting me to laugh, based on his startled reaction. "Far less than you imagine," I admitted. "The bulk of the contract goes to those doing the work. A good portion of what's left covers our support staff—those not in the field. What's left over usually goes into a savings bond or is reinvested."

"So how do you get paid?" asked Laura, surprise clear on her face.

"I'm no different than my staff," I admitted with a shrug. "I get paid for negotiations, and small kickbacks for referrals that all employees are entitled to. For the day to day, I draw the same hourly rate as our lowest-paid employee. If I find I need a boost then I ask to be part of an implementation team."

Roger and Laura gaped at me as if I had spoken in a foreign language.

"I'm not in this for the money," I added. "Never have been. Not when I started this five years ago, alone and rebuilding. Not now, with a team depending on me. It's always about helping others and making us stronger as a nation."

The couple shared another look and I could see them slip into mindspeech again. After a moment, they returned back to the here and smiled warmly.

"So," said Roger, grinning from ear to ear, "where do we sign?"

~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's Note:

Allison: I am a professional. I am competent. I am emotionally stable.

The Moon Goddess: lol.

Show of hands, who screamed that they called it? Who just screamed like a feral opossum?

Expect new chapters to be released Tuesdays and Fridays at noon Pacific time!