Chapter One

I sniffled as I curled up tightly to encase my warmth, I could feel the chill biting at my toes while I tried to shield myself away from the cold but the bundle of grass and dirt just wasn’t helping anymore. It was once warm from the sun but now everything was cold from the chilled night, I had to get a move on and find better protection or I would lose my fingers and toes by the morning. It was past midnight and it was a crescent moon in the middle of the starry sky, I couldn’t help but pause to admire it’s cratered beauty. However, it was important that I found warmth because the youngling inside of me needed protection and warmth at all cost, and I was giving it neither one. I was only a scrawny creature and while I was supposed to be the most feared creature known to mankind, I was the exact opposite of scary and gigantic with sharp teeth. I was completely useless to my previous homophobic pack and my childrearing abilities were useless from the amount of available women in the area. 

It seemed like parenting was failing as the centuries came and went, considering my parents had threw me into the night cold without any food and just the clothes on my back, guess I should be thankful. Family was supposed to be everything to werewolves, but my family had proved that as a myth and that was why I was in the middle of unknown territory in the dead of the night. I pulled myself up with a little bit of struggle before progressing onward, I had to find warmth soon or I was going to freeze to death. I yawned as I stumbled forward and leaned against a tree,

I was pitiful

, completely useless to anyone that found me because all I could do was produce offspring . I could not hunt to save my life, and I sure as hell couldn’t kill anyone if my life was on the line, completely useless. 

I slid to my butt at the bottom of the tree trunk and released another yawn, it was longer than the previous one and I leaned my head back against the tree as I felt the breeze swift through my long hair. The dirt on my face made me feel so disgusting and it was only day three in this unknown wilderness, scrawny rabbits were the only thing dumb enough to let me get close, so those were tiny meals. At first I was enjoying the chill but my lips were growing numb, I sighed as my heart clenched in sadness because I had no choice what happened to me or this child if things turned for the worst.  I did what I had done and that was the end of it, I didn’t want to be reminded of my flaws because I knew I’d only hurt me more than it should, I was a disappointment .

“Lost, omega?” A hoarse voice asked.

I lurched to my feet in alert as I stared at the person with their arms crossed in front of them, it was a burly man standing around six-three compared to my much smaller five foot body. He had to be no older than thirty with an olive complexion, his muscles bulged at his simplest movements like uncrossing his arms and positioning his hands on his hips curiously. His eyes were a crystal blue with bangs of jet black falling in their vision momentarily before he pushed them out of his way. His eyes squinted at me as he sniffed the air once before he took a step closer to me and sniffed the air once more curiously while I glanced him over quickly. His entire body was mostly blemish-free except for the gruesome bite on the side of his stomach, as if someone tried to attack him. I gulped as he cocked his head at me suddenly, and I realized I hadn’t answered the mysterious Alpha. 

“N-No, Sir.” I whispered, backing away slowly.

“You’re a terrible liar, little one.” He replied, crossing his arms over his chest again.

“W-Well… I am but… I think I can get back home. I’m sorry, Sir.” I whispered very quietly, hoping he would only hear the first part of my sentence.

“You smell familiar, it made me stop and scent you out.” The man spoke, making me cut him a confused look before dropping my eyes to the ground. “You know what I speak of, young one. You weren’t born yesterday.”

“I-I don’t underst-” I attempted.

“I smell my son.” He announced curtly, giving me a squinted stare with curiosity.

“I…” So I was heading in the correct direction, good to know. 

“Follow me.” He replied, before swiftly turning on his feet and walking away.

This was what I wanted, to find the father of this child so it could be well taken care of but now that this was happening, I was nervous about following the Alpha because what if things went wrong? I could try to escape but it would have been a futile fight because an Omega stood no chance against an Alpha. Yet, I still wanted to see his son, considering he was the one I was seeking at the moment. I took a deep breath and I moved closer to the man as he started to disappear into the very thick forest. I quickly rushed to catch up to him by walking faster and quickly fell a few steps behind the man as he easily graced the terrain. Perhaps I was walking into a trap and I was going to be ambushed right when I stepped to his camp, I just hope they spare me because of the child inside me.

I quickly speed up my pace to catch back up with the man as he slowed his speed while coming closer to a large clearing, it was mostly calm and quiet because everyone was asleep, and I felt it was only something that happened at night. I stopped beside him in awe of a werewolf clearing, it covered so much terrain and I was completely amazed by everything I saw. I wasn’t used to anything like it, and what made it even more amazing was that it was so peaceful and quiet at night. Even in the darkness, I was able to make out a large pond that I was sure people used for swimming and even fishing whenever they got the chance, there was also an area of skinned and picked carcasses that had nothing left but bones and uneaten things that no one wanted. 

While I expected a large cave that branched to many different homes, I was actually surprised at the sight of huts made of Earth materials, I loved that it was dead quiet at night and I made me want to stay here forever. I followed the man to a hut that had something illuminating light inside it, I was able to see the flashing light through the small cracks and crannies of the hut. I stood back unsurely as the man knocked and the door immediately swung open, there stood a woman that was no taller than five-two. 

Her richly brown hair was pulled into a bun with a tied fabric holding it out of her face, she had deep green eyes that were pointed to the ground while she respectfully nodded her head to the man. The woman wore a pair sandals with a small gown, it stopped toward her thighs because of the extended belly she had as well. Her body was slightly curvy with wide hips but a mostly flat chest, she looked at me curiously before turning her attention back to the man before her.

“Alpha, how may I assist you at such a late hour, Sir?” She asked, glancing to me then dropping her eyes away once more.

“I need you to give this boy a thorough check-up, and then let him get some rest.” The man ordered, I felt her gaze on me once more before it fell.

“Yes, Alpha.” She said, quickly moving aside and inviting me in with a warming smile.

I stepped in cautiously, glancing around the hut to find a table of elixirs present, as well as a examination table that was unoccupied. I slowly walked up to it and climbed up while continuing to take in the surroundings around me in awe, I immediately knew she was the caregiver of the pack and always helped anyone who needed it. I turned my attention to the woman as she closed the door and leaned her forehead against it with a sigh, I dropped my gaze to the ground as I realized I was being selfish, I should had just left and not be self-centered. If I had decided to move on and not follow that man, I wouldn’t be here and she would had been able to sleep tonight.

“It’s not you,” The woman spoke, making me look at her with a cocked head, “ you’re the calmest person I could ask for, my last patient got stabbed with an antler by his daughter.“

I dropped my mouth in shock as the woman released a chuckle and shook her head, she moved closer to me and examined my face before stepping back and walking to her table of elixirs to look them over.

“My name is Stephanie but I go by Steph sometimes.” She said, picking up a jar and reading the label quickly. “… provides dizziness, blah-blah-blah.”

“Avery…” I whispered, reaching up and pushing a long strand of hair that fell just below my chest out of my way.

I had long hair that I never got around to cutting, and I guess I never will get to now, not unless Stephanie allow me to borrow a scalpel to use. Stephanie moved closer to me with the jar in her hands, she had removed the lid and grabbed an oral medication syringe to use, I took a deep breath as I stared at the contents in the jar. It was a purple-colored liquid with the consistency of nectar, it was very runny and I prayed it tasted decent and wouldn’t harm my child in any way.

“Open up.” She said, taking a decent amount of the liquid into the oral syringe.

I took a deep breath and unwillingly pulled my mouth open while squinting my eyes closed, I still wasn’t to sure about her but I knew I had to trust her if I wanted to see another day, not unless she gave me a reason not to trust her, and she hadn’t just yet. The liquid hit my tongue and I was surprised that it was actually cold, it had a tangy taste to it and I licked my lips while still debating if I liked the taste, even when it was completely gone within my mouth. I sniffed and reached up to wipe my nose while glancing at Stephanie’s stomach, she was rather small but you could still see her stomach was large.

“How far along are you?” She asked, setting the jar aside.

“Six months.”

“Wow, you’re rather large for six months.” She muttered, walking closer and gently touching my stomach as I sat my hands in my lap to hide my privates from her being so close.

“I know.” I whispered, biting my lip nervously. “I’m not sure why I’m so big though.”

“I think you’ll be just fine, maybe you’re just housing a very dominate cub at the moment.” She said, trying to calm my nerves but I was too tired to get worried. “Alright, get some sleep, I know you’re exhausted.”

“Very.” I whispered, sighing as I laid back against the examination table.

I released another yawn and turned my head into a more comfortable positon while letting my eyes droop a little, I actually didn’t want to go to sleep but I knew I couldn’t fight it forever, plus, sleep was good for the baby. I had to make sure everything was okay with my child, I worried that something was wrong every day and now I had the held, I had to use it to my advantage.

Chapter Two

I pulled my crusted eyes open slowly, feeling an aching pain in my lower region as I turned on my side and released a heavy sigh that didn’t help the aching at all. I reached up and wiped my eyes before reopening them and yawning loudly, I stared at the walls in uncertainty before I remembered what happened last night… or this morning. I looked up as I heard the door open and someone come slouching inside, luckily, someone was helping the person that was stumbling everywhere.

“We get fucked up allll the time.” The person chuckled, making me stare at him unsurely because I knew he was drunk.

“Yeah, you got fucked up already… your head is gushing blood, and it’s not healing on it’s own.” Now that Dr. Stephanie had pointed it out, I was able now see the blood soaking the man’s white clothing.

“Haha, I have no clue what you’re talking about.” The man replied as Dr. Stephanie tried to carefully lay the large man down.

“I’m sure you don’t, but we need to get you patched up fella.” Dr. Stephanie replied, I slowly sat up and glanced around me to see many elixirs spaced around the small hut in an unfashionable way. “Thank God you’re up.”

I looked at Dr. Stephanie unsurely as I reached up and grabbed my throbbing head with a small moan, I struggled to not collapse back on the cot while releasing a heavy yawn and leaning forward a little while sitting. I squinted my eyes in the hope it’ll help me with the dizziness but it only seemed to make it worse, I reached up and scrubbed the side of my hands into my eyes viciously, also hoping it’ll help but I guess I wasn’t that lucky. I needed to get out of here and fast, or I’ll probably pass up and not be able to make the escape I need to. 

I had only hoped to stay a night then be on my way, there was no way I could raise a child here, not with drunks walking around and hurting themselves to cause blood to gush out of their head similar to a nearly empty flushing hydrant. He was completely cloaked in blood and I was a little worried that he lost an abundance of it before he made it to the hut, what if I’m forced to watch a man die because I’m to dizzy to even make it out the cot. I felt my stomach protest the thoughts of someone dying in the cot beside me, I had to think of easier things or I’ll pass out before even knowing what happens to the poor guy. 

“Hey!” I nearly jumped off the cot in alert as I cut my eyes to Dr. Stephanie swiftly. “I’m talking to you.”

The man had now went limp and that only made me worry more as I nervously glanced from her to the man then back at her, I was terrified of what to do because I was never put in this predicament before, never in my life. I slowly braced a foot on the floor before sliding off the tall cot and looking at Dr. Stephanie while she laid the man and put a heavy cloth over the gaping cut above the man’s eyebrow.

“Grab that brown stuff-”

“T-This?” I asked, pointing a shaky finger as it laid by my cot.

“Yup, take a swig, sweet-cheeks.” She said, I cut my eyes to her in alert as she looked at me impatiently. “Hurry, I’m going to need your help.”

I sighed before grabbing the bottle of sloshing brown liquid, I took a heavy breath and wiggled the cork screw out, I had no clue what this stuff was but I had to trust this doctor if I wanted to get better. I had to think smart and this had to be smart… right? I sighed and swigged a mouth full, swallowing the liquid before pausing to get a taste. I felt the tension release from my shoulders as I heard Dr. Stephanie squeak in shock as I recoiled from the sudden aftertaste.

“Not that much!” She squealed, hurrying to me and yanking the elixir bottle away from me.

“It’s disgusting!” I cried, reaching up while sticking my tongue out to wipe away the disgusting mush that now rested there.

“I bet, damn… you’re an alcoholic too or something?” I quickly shook my head while looking at her with shock.

“I’m pregnant!” I cried, I didn’t seize my expression of disbelief as she shrugged before reapplying the cork screw and setting it down.

Dr. Stephanie then grabbed my arm and pulled me to where the resting patient was, I couldn’t believe I was going to help her make sure this man survive. As I got closer, I noticed how pale he appeared before growing very sick once more.

“I can’t, I can-”

“Look at me,” I obeyed Dr. Stephanie as she whirled me around to look at her, “you’re just fine, he’s going to be fine.”

I nodded, taking a large gulp in disbelief, she was serious about me helping her take care of a patient, I couldn’t take care of myself at this moment but she was making me help her! I reached up and pushed the long strands of hair out of my face before sighing heavily, I couldn’t believe my luck… or bad luck , I never performed anything on anyone and now I was going to have to help some stranger take care of another stranger…

honest bad luck . I bit my lip nervously before taking a heavy breath to relax my nerves, I was freaking out but I held it together by placing my hand over my chest and closing my eyes, I had to focus on relaxing or I’ll just freak out more.

“Okay… okay…” I whispered, biting my lip nervously as I stared down at the man once more.

I was able to see the rising and falling of his chest as he laid sleeping, at least I knew he was asleep and not… dead . This was pure bad luck, I was only here one day and was

already

being put to work. I had no idea what to do, what elixir to give this person, and what medical equipment to use on him, how did I know if everything was sanitized or not? How did I know if he’d

survive

or not, I quickly beckoned the thoughts away as I got realized I was starting to panic again. I felt dizziness settle upon me once more but I pushed it away while blinking to get rid of the wetness blocking my vision, I was ready for this, I had to be ready for this.

‘I can do this… this is possible.’ I thought as I walked forward, watching as Dr. Stephanie grabbed a syringe while removing the heavy cloth that was soaking up the flowing blood. ‘I can do this… who produce so much… blooo -.’ I released a loud heave before quickly turning away. “I can do this.”

“You can do this, I know you can.” Dr. Stephanie said, continuing to remove the cloth slowly.

With the cloth aside, she quickly started to clean the wound and get most of the blood out of the way so she could see the wound better.

“Get me a scalpel quickly, and some medical thread.” Dr. Stephanie said in an authoritative voice, I quickly whirled around in circles while looking for the items.

I spotted a scalpel and quickly grabbed it and handed it to her before looking around for the thread, I found that next and quickly passed that o her as well before falling back against my cot and taking a heavy breath… I need to sleep, I need to get this to wear off of me.

“Thanks, Avery, get some sleep.” Dr. Stephanie said before glancing my way with eyes that said she was grateful for the little help I provided.

‘This isn’t good for the baby…’ I thought as I closed my eyes.

Sparkling blue eyes stared vividly into my soul as I smiled kindly at the man across the room. He was handsome for sure, and I knew that everyone in the party had probably told him, everyone except me. His rich, black hair was pulled from his face in the popular faux hawk fades that looked fantastic on him, it made him look irresistible and dangerous at the same time. I wasn’t able to make out much of his face, but I could still tell he was rather handsome from his sculpted cheekbones and nice aquiline nose. I sighed and toyed with the straw in my mouth while averting my eyes to where my brother was standing, he was surrounded by women that were touching his sculpted muscles, I rolled my eyes.

They were always crowding around him like he was actually something to see, I continued to toy with the straw in my mouth before glancing to where the guy was earlier. I watched as the sexy, mysterious guy flicked his tongue across his delicious lips and smirked the most sexiest smirk in the world. The room was packed with millions of people, and half of them were wolves, but that didn’t stop anyone else form enjoying themselves because by their third heavy alcoholic beverage, they didn’t know what was normal anymore. 

I cut my eyes to the DJ booth as the record scratched before cutting completely out, next thing I know, I was shoved and pushed toward the back of the house as people rushed to get away. I spotted a bright red light flash against the wall before recognition hit me, the police was here to break up the party and we were all underage. I quickly turned and started for the forest before I realized I was leaving my brother behind, including the sexy, blue-eyed guy. However, I had to think for myself and I had to get away or I’d never hear the end of it when I was bailed out. I turned just as I heard a loud, warning yell before something collided into me, forcing me to slam heavily into a nearby tree and see nothing but darkness.

I jerked awake while gasping in shock, Dr. Stephanie quickly recoiled her hand in shock as well before she stared at me with a face of concern, which involved her raising an eyebrow in question.

“Bad dream?” She asked, I slowly nodded, not to sure what to call it anymore.

It wasn’t a nightmare, it as reality . A reminder that bonded me to the child growing in side my stomach, I didn’t have a choice but if I did, I wouldn’t of made this choice just yet. I would of played it safe and did the best I could to avoid all of this madness that I was facing right now. I was homeless and had no where to go, and nothing to eat, I felt like I could eat an entire buck with no shame because the hunger was tearing me apart. I was a little surprised that Dr. Stephanie was worried about my health, or at least she was really good at pretending to care, but either way, I was very grateful.

“Here,” I looked to her as she held a bowl of stew, “you need to get something in your stomach before you face the big bad Alpha.”

“Face?” I asked, staring at her in shock.

“Not fighting wise, but yes, he called for a meeting with you and his

representatives

, as I like to call them.“

“Representatives?” I asked, cocking my head a little as I slowly sat up.

She nodded enthusiastically before smiling and setting the bowl of steaming stew beside me, I had lost all appetite until she sat the bowl beside me and the aroma of meat hit my nostrils. Any longer and I would of been drooling for something delicious to eat, fresh or not fresh.

“It’s just him, Beta Michael, Future Beta Ryan, Future Alpha Barry, um… who else. He usually invite Darnell, and his Beta, and Future Beta for extra minds that are working with them but they had to head back to their own territory and see what’s happening there.” Dr. Stephanie informed, making me frown deeply.

I picked the steaming stew up and munched on it while taking heavy breaths in between before eating some more, I didn’t want to grub out right now because I didn’t want to appear like a pig to her. I then noticed that I cared about what she thought, I knew I should because she was in the pack and I needed to make a good first impression, because the last time was horrible. I frowned at the situation that happened before I took a very needed nap, I hope that never happens again. The freaking out part, is what I meant. I was completely comfortable with helping people, I just didn’t expect such a duty to happen so suddenly to me, I wasn’t used to doing these things. I was used to putting bandages on people and cleaning up a small cut of the sort because of my younger brothers and sisters, not stopping gushing blood from someone’s head, definitely when the cut wasn’t healing on it’s own.

“Why wasn’t his cut healing?” I asked.

“He drink was laced with Hyphamine.” Dr. Stephanie replied quicker than I expected, making me glance at her. “It’s a drug that slows werewolf abilities, found in certain hunting arrows… someone’s trying to kill us off, again .”

“So I’m guessing that’s deadly huh?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“Very… used on a pregnant man or woman, it can be very fatal to the fetus and mother… or father.” Dr. Stephanie whispered, sighing sadly. “You should hurry, the Alpha really hates waiting.” She reminded me.

I felt my stomach turn at the reminder that I had to go see the Alpha, and his Representatives, I was in for it and I knew that it wasn’t going to be good for me, I was probably going to be pounded with many questions. Some very broad and some very personal, but I knew one thing, I had to get liked if I wanted my child to be accepted into the pack so it’ll be protected with love and hope, but definitely by an army. I could dot my child with tons of love and hope but I couldn’t give it the protection it needed, I was bearing an important child, not that anyone else’s child isn’t, but I knew I had to do what was right, and that was have this child.

“Okay, I’m ready to get this over with.” I whispered, licking my dry lips before taking a deep breath. “It can’t be all that bad… I hope.”

“Good, I like your optimistic thoughts.” Dr. Stephanie said, obviously impressed as she got to her feet and gestured for me to follow her.

I quickly did as she said, I bit my lip as I walked into the gloomy, misty fog that had fallen over the group of huts, it was speaking very many of my feelings, I was terrified to be meeting face to face with the Alpha and the ones that helped him. There was an occasional habitant that passed by me, they’d either stare or stop and stare, but I always got their stares no matter which one. A child with peach-colored hair stared at me with big brown eyes, she was very cute with a small smudge of dirt on her chin from her playing in a puddle of mud that she had her feet resting in. I turned my gaze from her while glancing around the layout, the largest hut was in the middle and I assumed it was the Alpha’s sleeping quarters. 

Smaller huts housed loving families that were packed with children that a man and a woman, a woman and a woman, or a man and a man came together to create. The entrance was actually a bead door that led to an actual thatch door that looked quite appealing with drawings of the pack’s symbol, which was a jagged red blade shape through the middle of a blood red circle. I nervously bit the corner of my bottom lip before cutting my eyes to Dr. Stephanie, this was were she left me in the journey.

“I like you,” She said, giving me a reassuring smile, “so come out alive.”

I flashed her a very tiny smile before nodding, I was scared to go inside and part of me wanted to turn and run away from these problems, but I knew they’d only follow me because I had something the Alpha… and probably the father of my child wanted. I glanced at Dr. Stephanie once more before pushing the thatch door open and stepping inside, thick smoke immediately clouted me in the face. I quickly fanned the air and squinted to see as I braced my hands in front of me, the smoke was making it hard to see but I managed as I stepped onto something very silky smooth and followed the trial. I heard a sudden, abrupt laughter that was immediately followed by others as I touched a corner and looked inside to see the smoke mostly gone, a furnace was blasting smoke while giving the desirable heat to help evaporate the air’s moist in the room. I felt my breath hitch as everyone’s head snapped to face me, seven people sat at a large round table with bowls of different, delicious-looking foods before them. I glanced around to see a scrawny woman standing in the far corner of the room with her head bowed, but even then, I could see the peach-colored bun that she tired to hide with a black cloth.

“And he’s finally here.” A rumbling voice spoke, making me nervously snap my eyes away from the scrawny, cowering woman and to the person that spoke.

The man was slightly brawny with a oval-shaped head, his eyes were a deep, forestry green that seemed to be outlined with eyeliner. His lips were thin with a slightly upturned nose, the brawny man’s arms were crossed over his large chest as he sat back in his chair while wearing an airy shirt that had similar shirt sleeves. But even with the shirt airy, it still appeared to be pulled tautly over his sculpted upper chest. He was in need of a immediate shave with a unattractive beard that had grown heavily on his chin.

“I was almost worried,” The Alpha said, making me look at him with large, confused eyes, “ almost . Sit.“

I looked at the only chair left in the room before unsurely stalking to it, I was terrified because I felt like they were already judging me as the enemy trying to pin someone with a child, but the truth was I wasn’t pinning someone with a child. I was just wanting help, I had to make sure that was cleared today because I needed all the help I could get before I left today, I needed them to know I wanted their help. I pulled the chair out cautiously before slowly easing into the seat as the person beside me shifted uncomfortably, luckily, when they did so, they drew everyone’s attention for a split second.

I stared at the Alpha while occasionally looking at the goodies on the table, it was the best I had ever saw and it made me want to eat all over again. I wondered why Dr. Stephanie didn’t have all this to offer me, all she must of had was some stew that was reheated, but then again, I wasn’t pat of this pack so I couldn’t indulge in their luxuries. Apples, peaches, oranges, pistachios, cashews, and even what looked like baked chips sat on the table for them all to have their own ease at.

“I’m sure Stephanie took very good care you,” The Alpha started, making me cut my eyes to him then back to the food that was calling for me to eat it, “I ensure you enjoyed yourself.”

“Yes, thank you for the help.” I quickly added. “Alpha.”

“Indeed you are welcome, we want that child inside of you to be nice and strong.” Alpha replied, making me bit my lip and quickly nod. “Moving onward, do you know why you are here.”

“No.” I whispered, glancing at the many people at the table while they stared back at me.

“You have no need to worry about them yet, but you will after you answer a couple of questions for me, young child. Starting with, where are you from exactly and how did you get here?”

“I ca-”

“He came from Riverbed Rock, three acres away from here.” Someone suddenly spoke, cutting me off.

I felt my heart leap up my throat as I looked at the person, the only thing that caught my attention at that moment were the electric blue eyes that stared back at me with such life and prosperity.

“He’s the one I told you about.” The man finished, making me look to the ground as he never broke his gaze from me. “From the party.”

“Ah.” The Alpha replied, squinting his eyes at me as he looked me up and down. “Interesting.”

Interesting it was for him, but not for me because I didn’t know what to feel. I should of been angry but the only thing I could think of was that night, how he threw me against the tree and knocked me out. I had managed to gain consciousness somewhere in-between his overpowered, lusted actions to see who he was, blood caked the side of my head and ear but that meant nothing to him. I looked down at my stomach as I felt it turn very badly, this wasn’t good, I can’t be here right now.

Chapter Three

I felt the smoke from the furnace clogging my throat and making it incredibly dry, I reached up and scratched the outside of my neck with irritation as I felt myself going insane the longer I stayed with these people staring at me. They looked at me in silence, their eyes boring into me while waiting for the questions to start, their minds diving into their judgmental pool and them picking out certain characteristics they thought I was. 

Bold.  Timid.  Poised.  Smart.  Dishonest.  Deceitful.  Childish. 

Unintelligent, while I wanted to know their opinions about me, I knew that it wasn’t a good idea to appear selfish and self-conscious to them. If I had decided to show them that side of me, they would take advantage of it and use it to become very ambitious over me, they would know they had the power to overcome me and make me incredibly vulnerable. And that was something I couldn’t let them do to me. I gulped as I looked at the person sitting directly across from me with eyes of ember staring at me with an unreadable expression that I found incredibly hard to decipher.

Standing, the person that interrupted me might of been six feet exactly with shaggy dark brown hair messily placed all over his head and some pieces falling around his masculine face. He had a handsome, roman nose with electric gray eyes and thick dark brown eyebrows hanging over them. His lips were on the borderline of thin but the little plumpness they had was very desirable, almost making me eager to lean across the table and give him a small peck, or rather kissable. 

For his age, which I’m sure was nineteen, he had a forming five o’clock shadow that I assumed he cut every once a month to keep it short and tamed, the stubbiness of his face made him more appealing and appear well-aged. He was made of solid muscles, skin cling to each cord of strength as he sat in a relaxed state and his eyes boring into me, his stare made me feel uncomfortable but also predictable at the same time. The young man sat with his large, beefy hands entwined with one another as he leaned against the back of the chair he was occupying, I should of felt comfortable that he wasn’t tensed or ready to pounce but him being relaxed only made me want to keep my guard up.

“How old are you?” The Alpha asked next, knocking me out of my trace as I cut my eyes to him then quickly to the ground.

“I’m eighteen.” I whispered.

“Young.” Someone commented, making me glance at them.

It was a tall, lanky woman with dark green eyes that stared at me judgmentally, she had an oval shape face with long auburn hair that reached past her shoulders and fell in straight but uneven waves along her back. She used a flower band to hold her left side-swept bang in place so it wouldn’t block her vision, the woman’s nose was rather pointy and a little uneven from probably being broken previously. 

Rather than a slightly crooked nose, her beauty was astonishing, her cheeks were hollow and dashed a little bronze that made her look only younger. I was completely amazed by her appearance as she wore a black blouse under a blue suit jacket and because I couldn’t see her bottom half, I wasn’t sure what she wore below the table. Her lips were coated in a thin layer of bright red lipstick, she aimlessly tapped a colorful pen along her bottom lip as she eyed me closely before the corner of her lips suddenly perked up, making me avert my eyes for staring at her.

“What is your name?” The woman asked, squinting her eyes at me suspiciously.

“Avery.” I whispered. “Avery Luna.”

“Luna… I’ve heard that surname before.” A man spoke abruptly, making us all turn to look at him.

He was powerful in size, his voice boomed as he talked and to top it off, he was so brawny that he put everyone in the room to shame. His deep chocolate eyes glittered from the small spark of the furnace as he sat by it, his muscles were abnormally large and well-packed, making me believe he worked out more than twenty minutes or so a day. His black hair was cut in a crew cut hairstyle, his lips were thick and very kissable, to even make it worse, his pink tongue flicked out to wet them at the perfect moment. 

I easily sensed it on him, he was another Alpha and I assumed he was who Stephanie was talking about, the Alpha from a different territory. The bulky man wore a skintight, grey turtleneck that clutched every piece of his body and showed the elegant curve of each muscle, a howling wolf pendent glittered as he sat back and his chair and sized me up very quickly then looked at the ones, representatives, staring at him.

“What?” His voice boomed threateningly, causing them all to quickly look away.

“What makes you think we should believe you?” Another person asked suddenly, I looked at them briefly.

It was a younger guy, about the age of the one across from me, he had beach blonde hair pulled back into a small ponytail in the back of his head, the jagged edges pointed straight as he turned away from me. His eyes were a sea blue, glowing in the small fire’s light as it twinkled close to him, he wasn’t as rugged looking as the one close to his age but he was rather close with a lean body and calming posture. He sat with his hands buried in his lap, his eyes pointed everywhere but at me as he sat in a timid position, and to think he would be the Beta of the back one day.

“Because, this is something that shouldn’t be lied about.” I whispered, hoping it was a good enough reason. “I wouldn’t like about something like this.”

“How do we know that?” The Alpha asked, walking closer to the table and placing his palms flat against it.

“I can prove it, when the baby is born, it’ll be his.” I replied. “I promise.”

“Then I hope you don’t let me down.” The Alpha replied, fixing his posture so he was standing up and staring down at me.

“And… how did you… become pregnant?” The woman spoke up, the last three in the room remained incredibly quiet.

“I was…,” I cut my eyes to the slowly aging across from me, “ forcefully taken.“

The room fell very quiet and I almost felt like my words rung in the air for the world to hear, a loud snicker was heard before more laughter joined and very soon the entire room as laughing at me. Shaking their heads or making banter at one another like it was joke, everyone except the guy across from me, and even the younger guy his age tried to fit in by laughing with a mustered smile on his face. 

I felt my heart sink in my chest as they laughed at a crude memory, and to think that they found what I went through funny, it hurt a lot but I knew it was something I should of expected. I stared at the table in shame, feeling my eyes well up in tears as they continued to laugh and banter with one another, making me feel smaller and smaller with each painful joke. Slowly, the laughing died down as the room got quiet and the Alpha wiped his eyes clear, his smile slowly fading as he shook his head at the large burly man close to him.

“Well, Barry, is it true?” Alpha asked, a wicked smirk on his face as he walked to his son and placed his hand on his shoulder with a very hard squeeze.

Barry’s eyes cut to me and he stared, making me quickly drop my eyes back to the table as I sniffed and reached up to wipe a tear that managed to fall past my barrier, I quickly wiped another before dropping my hands in my lap. I was very embarrassed, to think they would joke about something so serious, it wasn’t my fault Barry found me attractive that night and used his muscles to his advantage. I was also unconscious half of the time, so it’s not like I could put up a very good fight against him, I never decided to lay down so he could do this to me, I never asked for him to impregnate me. 

I never asked for any of this. I just wanted a father for my child so I wouldn’t have to go through it alone, but I saw that even now, I was all alone with a baby growing in my belly. I placed my hands over my belly in a sincere manner, I had so many hopes for my child, to be around a loving family that wouldn’t be shamed that it was born out of a male with two fathers. I had dreams that I would get accepted and be able to raise my child the right way, around his other father so he could say he had parents that truly loved him without a doubt, but again, I was wrong.

“Yes.” I snapped my head up to Barry as he spat the word, his eyes staying locked one. “I did it.”

I felt a little joy feel me, he didn’t lie and try to make it seem like I was using him, because I wasn’t. I wanted to have a happy family around my children, and while looks could of been deceiving, I knew he was safe here than wondering around the forest with me. The occupants in the room now stared at Barry in shock, even Alpha stared at the back of his head blankly, as if he was still trying process his son’s acknowledgement. My heart didn’t feel so heavy, neither my shoulders, as I stared at Barry with disbelief, I was happy he didn’t lie but I was still a little suspicious to why he didn’t. 

I didn’t know what his father would do but I knew it’d be a severe punishment because if it got out that an Alpha’s son was running around and raping people, it wouldn’t look good for the wolf pack. Barry dropped his eyes to the table before me, I also thought he was staring at my protruding belly as I sat across from him, I dropped my hand from my stomach as I cut my eyes to him, feeling the same spark that always lingered when I saw his electric blue eyes. I hope our baby has his pretty blue eyes, it would be amazing to see our child looking more like Barry but coming out of me. I saw no intention of lying about the child’s father, I knew deep down it was Barry’s and he knew it as well.

“I could of killed it.” I whispered, hearing a voice hitch as I cut my eyes to the woman before dropping them back down to my stomach. “I would of killed it just so I wouldn’t have to go through with all of this .”

“Why didn’t you?” The burly Alpha asked, leaning forward as his skintight turtleneck seemed to only shrink on him.

“Because… because I didn’t have the strength,” I whispered, “ I knew that if I did it, I would never be able to live with myself because it wasn’t my baby’s fault. It was mine. I went to that party, I was the one that got drunk knowing that I was underage, and I was the one that decided to stay behind a little longer then take a shortcut through the woods, even when my father warned me not to ever go that way. I didn’t kill my baby because I knew it’d be something one day, and the ones that would follow after this one, I want them to not be like me and I was going to let this be a lesson learned.“ I whispered.

“A smart one you are.” The woman spoke up, leaning forward and putting her elbows on the table as she stared at me with astonishment. “How far along are you?”

“I’m six months.” I said, reaching down and touching my belly once more.

“And you’ve been by yourself?” The burly Alpha pushed on, he sat back in his seat with an impressed expression on his face. “Tragic.” He muttered in a monotone voice to hide his sudden emotion.

I had five more months before I was ready to deliver my child, part of me wanted to rush these five months so I could see what my baby looked like and I could hold it in my arms instead of my stomach, but I also wanted to delay the months because of my situation. I wanted this family to be prepared, ready to help me raise a newborn, but I was scared to be around them in the sake that they wouldn’t care about my child. I had many questions but I knew right now wasn’t the time, I was my interrogation, not theirs. I gulped as I waited for the next question, but it seemed like they all stopped and I was very thankful because I was ready to take a very needed nap as my child laid sleeping in my stomach. I barely stifled a yawn.

“That’s enough questions,” Barry suddenly cut in, “I’m going to take him back to my hut so he can get some rest, grab something and let’s go.”

I was very thankful that Barry took my health into consideration, I was past exhausted and I felt like I could sleep for three days straight if I really wanted to. I gladly pulled myself to my swollen feet and took a heavy breath before moving to walk away, I stared at the bowl of oranges and resisted the urge to lick my lips before quickly moving to snag one. I grabbed the orange and quickly hurried around the corner as Barry stood waiting for me, he quickly fell in line and even decided to hold the hide for me as I passed by, at least he’s a gentleman, if that’s a plus in these circumstances.

Chapter Four

Barry’s hut was slight crowded for my liking but I guess when you were living alone, it was all the space you needed. It had a simple kitchenette that was attached to the bedroom with half a wall separating them, I stood by the bed with uncertainty as Barry walked to start the fire in the middle of his hut. A small hole was at the top of his roof, it was the direction for the smoke to escape and not cloud up the hut and make it difficult to see. I was a little worried about this little arrangement, I wasn’t sure if I was safe with Barry near me right now and after what he had put me through, I didn’t know if I wanted to stay in the territory just yet. 

However, I had five months to get Barry into protective father mode before his child was here, ready to conquer the world and I was going to support our baby through all its decisions because it was my job and I just hoped Barry saw our baby as his priority as well. I stared at his large, muscular back as he slowly made the fire while I awkwardly stood by the bed, I wasn’t sure what to do exactly because I didn’t now what Barry was thinking or what vibe he was going off.

“I never…” I quickly cut my eyes to Barry’s head as he stared into the slowly growing fire. “I never got to apologize.” He said sternly, not turning to look at me.

I stared at the back of his head for a second longer in the hopes that he’d turn to look at me and see what he caused me, but instead, he continued to stare into the fire and I dropped my eyes to the dirt ground below my small, swollen feet. They ached terribly and I wanted to ask Barry if I could lay down but I didn’t know if I could trust him just yet, was it safe for me to push that limit and take half of this man’s bed since we just… met. I turned to glance around the hut, it was mostly clean with the exception of a few thrown clothes and misplaced items that were meant to be knick-knacks and such. His bed look so comfortable and I was dying to bury myself under the soft fur skins that he was using as covers but I fought the urge as I reached down and felt the fur of the first skin, I gently caressed it as I waited for Barry to continue.

“I wanted to make sure you were okay but I guess you can say that I was embarrassed.” Barry shrugged after a long period of silence. “Or… at least my father was.”

“I thought you’d at least…” I paused as I tired to think ways of finishing my sentence, but I couldn’t find the correct words.

I was hurt because of what he did to me, I never thought the person that I was suppose to love and spend the rest of my life would ever do something like this to me. And that night, as I laid in the dirt by the tree with the wound on my head slowly healing, I was hoping he’d come back and at least help me after what he did, after what he put me through. And he never did . I was a cry baby, I reached up and wiped at the unfallen tears as I squeezed my eyes tightly and willed the rest of the unfallen ones away as my finger caught one or two of my tears that threatened to pour down my cheeks.

“I can’t say I’m sorry because… I’m not.” I looked up at Barry with shock as he stared at me before dropping his eyes to the ground. “I’m not sorry about what I did to you, I just wish I didn’t let my wolf take control, it wanted to be with your wolf forever… I, at least, would of made sure you enjoyed it.”

I turned my attention away from him as I allowed realization to hit me once more, he didn’t regret raping me, he had only wished that I hadn’t saw it as rape. I shook my head in disbelief as I felt more tears well up in my eyes and threaten to roll down my cheeks, I took a heavy breath and calmed myself as I stared at the dirt pile just in front of my bare feet. I moved my foot and gently pressed it back into the dirt as I tried to ignore Barry’s presence as he passed me every once in a while to put something away. I wanted to tell him thank you but I wasn’t sure which way he would take it, would he think I’m thanking him for raping me?

“Are you hungry?” Barry asked, making me quickly turn to glance at him before shaking my head as I remembered the orange I had took from the Alpha’s hut. “You sure? I can go hunt a small buck right quick and bring it back.”

I quickly shook my head and turned away from him once more, I bit my lip nervously as I thought about eating meat, I had went so long without deer meat that I didn’t remember what it tasted like. I usually hunted rabbits or ate berries to stay replenished on nutrients but even then, those started to not become enough as the baby inside of me started to grow and grow bigger everyday. I placed my hand on my stomach at the thought of my baby, it was the reason I kept moving everyday on the search for Barry because I knew without someone here with me, I would die. Yes, I had spent six months on my own but even then, it wasn’t safe with rouges constantly out and on the prowl for timid, little werewolves like me to pass by and pounce on me.

“Alright,” Barry said, reaching up and nervously scratching at his head, “you can have a seat, I’m sure your back hurts.”

I glanced at him unsurely before slowly taking a seat, or attempting to, I turned around and reached behind me before allowing myself to plop down carefully onto the bed and I immediately felt my relief in my feet as I went even farther and fell onto my back, feeling my neck and back no longer protesting as I laid with my eyes closed. I cherished the peace I felt as I laid on the bed, I wasn’t always alert through the day and night and taking catnaps in between hours because I was completely exhausted. Instead, I was able to stretch out and not worry about a rouge or something harmful sneaking up on me, including wolf hunters that came out around the area of my old home occasionally. 

I felt myself slowly drifting to sleep until a big, warm hand touched my stomach, causing me to flinch and quickly open my eyes while looking around with alarm. I started to sit up but struggled because of my large belly, I felt myself halt as I stared at the tanned hand, which was connected to a tanned arm, which was connected to Barry himself. His hand laid over my stomach as he stared at it with awe, I stared at him in confusion before looking at his hand as he gently rubbed my stomach, making the baby inside of me slowly sink a little and I wasn’t sure if that wasn’t out of pleasure or the attempt to get away. 

I almost immediately realized why our baby responded that way as I felt Barry’s strong aura and scent incase me, it was such a masculine smell with his attempt to mix it with AXE spray on, and I’m sure it was thrown in the hut somewhere anyway. I felt my once tense muscles relax into a pudding state, I felt so warm and satisfied that I didn’t want to move a muscle or have Barry move away from me either. I laid with my eyes closed, almost being lullabied by the gentle rubbing of his hand until he reached my outie and brushed it, the sensation ticked and I pulled away while stifling a small giggle before opening my eyes and looking at Barry.

“Six months…” Barry whispered, leaning forward to my stomach and I watched him closely with a little curiosity. “I’ve missed six months.”

His eyes moved up to me as I stared at him, he dropped his eyes back to my stomach before going back to gently caressing it, I closed my eyes and savored the feeling before opening them and watching as he gently smiled at my stomach. I felt a small smile lingering at my lips before I felt a small powerful force hit the inside of my womb, I gasped as I looked at my large belly in shock because it was the first time it had ever happened. I looked at Barry with wide eyes as he looked at me with a shocked but gaped smile on his face, I chuckled so slightly that it was almost unnoticeable because of my shock.

“Wow, it’s gonna be a strong one, huh?” Barry whispered, staring down at me with glee.

“I guess so.” I whispered, putting my hand on my stomach as well as another powerful kick made me smile. “Nice and strong.”

“Like us.” Barry replied, making me cut my eyes to him before slowly nodding in agreement.

Barry moved closer to my stomach and I shivered at the feeling of his lips pressing gently against my stomach, I couldn’t fight the large smile over my face as he whispered something inaudible to my stomach for the babies before pulling away and gently rubbing his kiss. I felt disappointed as he moved his hand away before getting to his feet and stretching, I felt a yawn coming on as he yawned as well. I put my hand over my mouth and slumped on the bed once more as I closed my eyes and listened to what Barry was doing, I listened closely as he walked around the dirt barefooted before he stopped moving suddenly. 

I opened my eyes and turned my head to see him talking to someone, the person stood at least five feet tall with glimmering blue eyes as they stared up at Barry longingly, soft rosy cheeks and plump full lips added to the person’s sexual appeal as she stood with her golden blonde hair pulled into a tall ponytail. Even in a high ponytail, her hair fell flowingly along her back as she squeezing the biceps of her arms against her approximately c-cup bosoms while flirtingly smiling up at him with a hit of lust in her eyes.

The very short sundress she wore stopped mid-thigh with a very low scoop that showed some of the swell of her breast, and even as a gay male, I could easily say her breast looked amazing and very soft. Her stomach was flat and she looked gorgeous with a set of nice round hips and I was sure she had a perky butt that came with her hips, the pink sundress grasped her frame nicely and I knew she was one of the wolves that men couldn’t resist. I turned my attention away from the beautiful, flirtatious girl as her and Barry spoke with one another in the doorway, I fought the urge to eavesdrop as I closed my eyes and nervously bit my lip. 

What could they be talking about? Are they dating? I sighed as I put my hand on my forehead, I was stupid to think that Barry and I would get together, of course he’s moved on and found someone to be with, because I wasn’t his real mate. It was the only way he could of moved on so easily, because he didn’t love me, his wolf did. I finally opened my eyes as she giggled loudly before pushing herself up against Barry, he smiled down at her and reached up to do something but I quickly turned my head before I could see what he did exactly. 

I immediately regretted my decision to look away as I wondered what he did exactly, I looked at them again as the girl turned and walked away, Barry analyzed her body as she strutted off elsewhere and he finally closed the door. I stared at him with curiosity as he groaned and reached up to grab his head before leaning against the door and sighing with frustration, he turned and looked at me to see me staring at him with confusion.

“Sorry…” He drawled, embarrassingly scratching the back of his head.

“Everything okay?” I asked, staring at him with uncertainty now.

“Yeah. Yeah! It’s just my wolf… ya know .” I shook my head, not having a clue what he was talking about. “Never mind, we’re having a bonfire to welcome you and some others to the pack tonight.”

Wow, fun. I thought as I slowly nodded before cutting my eyes to the closed door then back at Barry.

“Who’s she?” I decided to ask as my voice almost cracked while I tried hard to hide my jealousy.

“Her? Oh, uh. A friend .” Barry said, slowly nodding before cutting his eyes away from me and releasing another frustrated groan before rubbing his temples. “Future… girlfriend, actually.”

“Oh, really?” I asked, trying hard to play like I didn’t care as I felt my heart crack inside.

I felt like my world shattered to unrecognizable pieces, my heart tore in half as I stared at him like I was amazed and I could feel the tears and words of disbelief against my tongue as I waited for him to confirm what he just said. I wanted to say I had heard wrong but I feared that it was true, I had lost Barry to someone else and to make it worst, it was a beautiful

woman

. I mustered a smile as I stared at him and he stared at me, so much for having a family in five more months with the perfect

future husband

. 

I bit my tongue hard to keep the tears at bay as I looked away from him and toward the ceiling, I was incredibly hurt beyond before because his thoughts were rational about him not apologizing for the lust of his wolf wanting to mate

permanently

with mine.

“Yeah, I think she’ll be a good mother to my children and… yeah.” He said, nodding before cutting his eyes away with a small smile on his face.

Just the thought of him having sex with her made me want to puke, I closed my eyes and willed the sensation away before reopening them and mustering another smile in Barry’s direction as he walked to his pile of clothes and started to fan through them. I stared at his back as the smile on my face slowly fell with disappointment and anguish, I wanted to be angry at him for choosing her because of his preference instead of me because of his wolf’s preference. However, I couldn’t bring myself to be mad at him but instead, I wanted to pull her pretty, blonde hair out of her scalp and burn it. 

I gulped and sighed as I stared at the ceiling, willing the angry thoughts away because I knew it wasn’t me, I wasn’t someone who was always out on a vengeance to get blood. I had no choice but to allow Barry to do what he wanted with this woman and if he was going to marry her… than I had no choice but to accept it, even when it hurt like hell. He would one day see his mistake and hopefully, I won’t have moved on to someone I didn’t love either.

                          

                            

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

The soft crackling of the flames slowly ate at the tree sticks from the forest that a couple of more docile werewolves picked up on their walk through it, I had come to notice that there weren’t actually omegas in the area but submissive dominates that fell submissive to stronger dominates. I stared into the fire as I felt a soft chill course through the air, causing a shiver to escape from deep within me and make me tighten the small skin around me even tighter but it was useless. The fire was very beneficial to my front but my back and sides were exposed to the chilled wind as it blew through the air, the soft hoot of an owl had spooked a couple of us at first but we were now expecting it every so often. 

The bonfire was surrounded with people, almost fifteen others that included a couple of the representatives from my meeting earlier and a lot of new faces that I had never seen before. Barry sat to my left with a oddly submissive stranger to my right, someone who I had gotten to know as Jacob. Jacob was almost five feet it not a little shorter at my height, he had long, jet-black, shiny hair pulled into a ponytail that was pulled along the front of his shoulder and fell to his abdomen. The fire made it glisten, and I was sure he took better care of his hair than his own home considering his romantic other constantly complained about how nasty the house was getting to everyone else. 

Jacob was handsome with soft, feminine features and pretty, soft lips that were a dark pink and his aquiline nose had a crystal-glittering septum piercing from the hot bonfire as well. His body was nice and lean with a swimmer’s build, his arms and legs weren’t packed with muscles but it was easy to tell he tried to maintain his fitness constantly, which was a good thing for people like him because he couldn’t seem to shut up about the wish to be able to bare children. I felt a little proud considering I could, no one would of cared if I was short or chubby or skinny or tall because I could bare children and it was what they wanted the most out of any submissive wolf.

“That’s what I said: You’ve got to be kidding me.” I smiled at the bulky man as he looked at all of us to see if we were still listening to his story. “Then

I

tackled

him

, and we fought for a long time, at least until Alpha came and broke us up-“

“Babe, a correction. I tackled you but you didn’t fall down.” Someone spoke, making us all turn our head to the person that spoke up as they stood by the opening of the bonfire area that everyone walked through.

A large grin came over the bulky man’s face as he got to his feet and walked to the flamboyant man as he stood with his hand on his hip and his head cocked to the side, a small smile lingered on his lips as he moved toward the bulky man approaching him. The man was at least five-tree with shoulder-length, luscious brown hair that fell along his shoulders in ropes, his eyes were a brown-hazel color with a glitter from the bonfire as he smiled at a couple of us. I kindly smiled as I dropped my eyes to the ground, I didn’t know who this person was but I knew they were a submissive dominate that could easily put my soul to rest if they wanted to. 

I heard the sound of a soft chuckle and glanced to see it was the girl from before and she was wearing the skimpiest clothes I ever saw in my life, she wore a skin-tight, flimsy romper that had a square neckline. The neckline stopped just above her nipples that had hardened from the chilled temperature in the air, I could see the goosebumps on her skin as she sat not to far away from Barry, her hair was still in the same ponytail as she giggled with someone while staring at the couple arguing over the fight they had previously. I felt a bad feeling sick into my gut as I stared at her, her blue eyes fell onto me and I stared at her as a large smirk came over her face as she leaned back to the person she was sitting beside. 

I looked at the person she was whispering with to see it was another female, she would of stood five-two if she was standing with flowing back hair that she had cut in a choppy fashion at her shoulder blades. Her eyes were bright green and her lips were slightly uneven but the pinkest shade of pink you’d ever find, her roman nose also had a similar septum piercing but instead of having the bridge of the piercing, you only saw the end of the balls hanging at her nostrils, and a funny sight it should of been. Her face was more oval than round and her cheeks were slightly sunken in, her neck was long and connected her head to a lanky body that had the size of c-cups on her chest as well, her stomach was also flat like the girl that was flirting with Barry if not thinner but she had the body of a goddess in a man’s eyes. 

She wore a strapless, yellow dress that stopped just above mid-thigh, her feet were occupying a pair of black sandals as she sat with her left knee crossed over her right knee. I dropped my eyes to the ground as I tightened the animal skin around me once more, the fur rubbed along my skin smoothly as I turned my attention back to the couple while the submissive dominate made small conversation with a couple of the others sitting around the bonfire.

“And this is… Avery? Right?” I looked to the two men before me with sudden shock because I didn’t hear them get so close.

“Oh, yes.” I said, giving a timid smile with embarrassment considering I was gawking at them for a second or so.

“You’re just adorable.” The smaller guy said, reaching forward and touching my long hair as it fell to my lower back in silky black waves. “How old are you?”

“Eighteen.” I replied, staring at him curiously.

“Wow, and you’re pregnant ! Oh my gosh, I’m so in love with you right now.” The male said, reaching forward and placing his hand on my stomach, making me smile a little with uncertainty.

“Honey, you’re making him uncomfortable.” The bulky man thankfully said, making me bit my lip as I cut my eyes.

“Aww, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” The smaller male said before backing away with a small smile on his face. “Oh, you’re so adorable, and I’m Fran by the way but Frances if you wanna get all literal, ya know .” I couldn’t hold the giggle that slipped as my lips. “Awww!”

I quickly placed my hand over my mouth as I glanced at the others watching us in embarrassment, causing them to laugh as well while I felt my cheeks heat up, I glanced at Barry to see that even he released a chuckle as he watched me with amusement. A few others and I heard a snort and we all turned look at the two girls that were sitting not to far away while both ogling Barry at the same time.

“Problem?” Fran asked curtly, staring at the girls with eyes of ember.

“No, Sir.” The skinner one squeaked.

“I didn’t think so, Megan, I’m sure your mother wouldn’t be happy to see what you’re wearing… would she?” Fran asked, raising an eyebrow as a smirk came over his face.

“N-No, Sir. I’m sorry.” Megan said as she wore a face of white, she looked shocked at the way she was put on the spot and it made me smile a little.

“Good, now. How about you introduce your little friend that doesn’t seem to know the rules just yet.” Frances continued, turning to look at the girl that Barry as talking to earlier. “And you are?”

“A-Abbigail.” She said, staring at Frances with her mouth slightly gapped.

“And why were you allowed in the pack, Abbigail ?” Frances continued, raising an eyebrow.

“B-Because…” She whispered, making me look at her with a raised eyebrow as she dropped hers to the ground in embarrassment.

“Hm, that’s what I thought.” Fran said, turning away form her as Barry awkwardly cleared his throat. “Anyway, it’s time to put up you all. Put the fire out and head to bed.”

“Goodnight, Beta Alexander and Frances.” We all spoke in unison as they waved by to us while heading to their hut.

I slowly rose to my feet as a bucket of water was grabbed from beside one of the log that we all were sitting on while listening to the stories that the bulky man told, they were rather interesting and I really enjoyed myself tonight, and the ending of this bonfire party was very nice also. I yawned with a small stretch before turning toward the hut to head to bed while Barry seemed to stay behind, everyone was slowly making their ways to bed and I paused as I turned to wait for Barry to come to bed as well. I pulled the skin tighter and stared on as he turned to the girl named Abbigail while a couple of guys lingered behind, they started to playfully shove Barry as he chuckled and shook his head. 

Abbigail was talking to Megan while her friend fixed her hair and checked out her clothes, I watched on from a distance as Barry and his friends joked with one another while they secretly pushed Abbigail and him together. I felt my heart squeeze into a knot as I watched on, the two smiled as Abbigail flirtingly placed a hand on his bicep and felt the muscle there. I tired to will myself to walk away but I felt glued to the ground as I watch Barry interact so calmly with her while she pushed her breast against him and batted her eyelashes. His friends egged them on as Barry gestured to the forest with a smirk on his face, I couldn’t believe this was happening but here it was right in front of me and my wolf was starting to whimper from the sight before us. 

Barry grabbed her hands and held them as he pulled her close before wrapping his arms around her and starting to walk her toward the forest trail that they always took to go hunting. I watched on as Abbigail walked with Barry leading the way, she was facing him as he slowly walked her into the forest while the two exchanged conversation. With each step they took into the forest, the ache in my heart only grew as I waited to see if he’d change his mind and come to where his heart really belonged, with me , my mindful pleas were unheard as Barry glanced back at his friends and caught me standing behind them, watching him walk into the forest with… her. 

His smile seemed to fade before he quickly looked back down at Abbigail because she said something before I wasn’t able to see them anymore because of the darkness of the sky and the trees of the dense forest. I could only do one thing, and that was turn and enter the hut alone as I walked to the bed and slowly sat down on it, warmth caressed my cheek and I reached up to find wetness as I quickly wiped it away before clearing the lump in my throat. However, it didn’t help as more tears started to roll down my cheek and the lump returned. I took a deep breath as I now allowed to the tears to flow freely, no longer hiding my emotions as they dripped from my eyelashes and onto my hands as I sat with them buried in my lap.

Chapter Five

“Hey! Come on!” I yelled as something pushed me aside, I turned to see it was a small toddler as it ran quickly into the house.

I quickly managed to balance the tray of meat and took a calming breath before something bombarded past me, knocking into my leg and causing it to buckle but I quickly managed to catch myself against the wall as I furiously turned to look at the children as one chased the other. The second child that pushed past me was covered in mud, it encased the toddler’s body as it giggled while running after the first child that was crying and whining while tightly clutching a white stuff bunny in the hopes of not getting it dirty.

“ Halt !“ I yelled, causing them both to come to an abrupt stop as I sat the tray down on the table and took a deep breath to calm myself. “Outside.” I said sternly.

I sighed exhaustingly as I placed my hand on my slightly budding stomach, it was growing larger at a faster rate and I was curious to know if it was just a pregnancy thing or if my body had gotten used to accommodating children already. Large, beefy arms circled around my waist and a smile came over my face as I turned to look at the large man behind me, he had electric gray eyes that stared down at me with love as he wore a large smile on his face. His five o’clock shadow was so handsome and his heavenly scent only made me want to bury my face in his chest, something I happily did as he held me close to him.

“You’re getting stressed love, it’s not good for the baby.” I sighed as I laid against his chest, smiling at his concern.

“I know it’s not, that’s why I’m taking the day off and you’re watching the kids tomorrow, think you can handle that?” I asked, looking up at him as he smirked.

“I’m an Alpha, I can handle anything.” Barry said, making me smile as he gently pecked my forehead before back-walking me toward the bed. “In the mean time…” He trialed as he waggled his eyebrows as a laugh irrupted from my throat.

“No, Barry. The babies could bust in at any time, and they’ll have all the questions…

all

the questions to why we’re

connected

, babe. Do you not remember what happened last time?“

“I remember,

but

, I’ll be sneakier and actually use the cover this time.“ I rolled my eyes.

“Barry, go check on the babies, I hear some yelling.”

“Alright, alright.” He playfully huffed before pouting and stomping off with the cute, adorable but fake pout.

I shook my head as I walked to the bed and slowly laid down-

“Avery… Avery!” I flinched as I confusingly looked around myself.

It immediately dawned on me where I was as I relaxed a little with a small yawn before turning to see what was going on, I looked at Barry in confusion before dropping my eyes to see that I had took the center of the bed and made myself comfortable there. I slowly scooted closer to one side and felt the bed sink as I plugged my nose with the pillow to get away from the terrible stench of girl perfume, I closed my eyes in the attempt to go back to my dream when I felt Barry moving some more. I opened my eyes and waited for him to settle as I felt his heat radiating off of him, meaning he was rather close and then a gust of air against my scalp only confirmed that he was directly behind me. 

I slowly turned to look at him with a face of slight annoyance as he scooted only closer to me and cleared his throat, his eyes stared into mine as I waited for him to get comfortable before he cut his eyes away and rolled onto his back, jarring the bed once more. I laid my head back down and closed my eyes with the thought of sleep once more on my mind, a soft silence fell over us and the only sound I could hear was the sound of the same owl that was still up and the soft hushes of voices that were slowly retiring home. 

I peeked out my eye to see it was still nighttime, meaning he had arrived maybe half an hour or a full hour later after I went to sleep. I closed my eyes and willed myself to go back to sleep as I yawned and waited for sleep to overcome me, but with Barry constantly thrashing on the other side of me, I was finding it difficult. I remained silent, knowing he had the right to flip and flop all he wanted because it was his hut and it was

his

bed.

“I’m sorry if I’m keeping you awake.” Barry said suddenly, making me open my eyes and glance in his direction. “It’s just…” He trialed, signing.

“You should get some rest, maybe it’ll help you.” I whispered as I laid my head down and closed my eyes, not really wanting to find out what was going through his head.

“I can’t.” He whispered, I bit my lip as I fought to not interact with him in any sort of way. “My wolf won’t stop howling.” He finished.

“I’m sorry.” I whispered, not sure how to really help him.

“It’s not your fault,” Barry sighed,“ it’s mine, I know what I did.“

Don’t ask! Don’t ask! “What… did you do?” I asked, staring at the wall.

I felt him shift on the bed and I glanced in his direction before laying my head back down in the pillow, the stench of perfume was still lingering in the air and I could tell it wasn’t going to fade anytime soon, was that normal? Silence fell over us, and I was very sure that Barry wasn’t going to answer my question as I waited patiently for an answer, one that I probably wasn’t going to get because it wasn’t my business.

“It’s okay, it’s none of my b-”

“Nothing.” He whispered, making me go silent as I waited for him to clarify. “We did nothing but kiss and touch, that’s it… no penetration.”

I believed him, I was still upset at the thought of her touching him but I knew it was better than them actually having sex. I felt a heavy weight being lifted off my shoulder, I felt my muscles relax as I waited for Barry to finish what he had to say, I was jumping for joy on the inside while trying to look completely calm on the outside. I pulled my legs up into my body as a small smile came over my face, I wasn’t sure if this was pure luck or not but I was very happy to know they didn’t have sex. That meant there was still a chance, because his wolf was howling to irritate him purposely. But, if his wolf was docile, would he had went along and had sex with her in the forest, possibly impregnating her like he impregnated me.

“Did you want to?” I asked quietly.

“I’d like to think I wouldn’t,” A large smile came over my face and I didn’t try to hide it because I felt so much joy that he was starting to see me again,“ she deserves better than that.“

I felt my heart crumble at what he said, I couldn’t believe he thought she deserved anything from the way she acted around the others at the bonfire, she was so antisocial and it was obvious she was making fun of people. I felt my anger boil as it dawned on me, and my realization only made me angrier as I thought about it.

“And I didn’t?” I pressed onward, balling my fist up as I stared at the wall of the hut I was facing.

His silence amazed me, I could only snort and close my eyes while willing my anger to subside so I could go to sleep, but my hopes were unheard as I laid wide awake now, my anger was only growing the longer I laid at his side, feeling his heat. I couldn’t believe him right now, he thought she deserved better, what about me?

His mate

! Did I deserve to be thrown against a tree and raped against my will? Did I deserve to be humiliated when I told my entire family about it the day afterward? Did I deserve to be thrown out of my own home and forced to come find him? No, I didn’t! I didn’t deserve any of these, I didn’t drag him into a forest and had sex with him! So why did I deserve to have this happen to me… because of

HIM

!

“You didn’t.” He whispered, I licked my lips as I kept my eyes closed tight shut and took a deep breath to calm myself, I wanted to think rationally. “I told you, my wolf couldn’t resist yours.”

“So it’s your wolf’s fault? You don’t have to be liable when it’s your body doing it?” I asked.

He remained quiet as I waited for an answer, one that I knew I wasn’t going to get because it was what he did all the time, he’d leave me out to think on my own without a clue what he was thinking. Every night, I sat in someone’s fields, against a tree, or behind a bush and cried myself to sleep without a doubt that he was sleeping peacefully. He didn’t know what he did but it still wasn’t fair for him to blame his wolf and think that everything would be okay, I wasn’t okay! I was only eighteen and had no clue about raising a child, but I was going to try my hardest, with or

without

him.

“That’s like me raping a person and saying: My wolf liked him and took over. Oh well, hopefully it won’t happen again but sorry not sorry, ya know . But! Oh wait, that

did

happen.“ I huffed, feeling tears pull at the edge of my eyes and I wanted to physically beat myself for crying, again!

“I know it’s hard for yo-”

“Hard?” I asked, turning to look at him with the tears still in my eyes. “You don’t have a

clue

what I’ve been through.“

“No, I don’t. And I’m hoping that I can make it up to you one day, I’m going to try my hardest to raise our child with you, even if it means we’re not on good terms.”

“Even when that means they’re calling someone else

Daddy

?“ I asked, watching as his expression immediately darkened and he turned to look at me with hard gray eyes.

“ No one will ever be calling my child their son or daughter,

no one

.“ Barry said, staring at me as he got to his knees and pulled up short as we came face to face. “I’m not playing with you, Avery. I put that child inside of you and I can easily take it out, that’s my baby too and we’re going to have to learn to co-parent, even if it drives one of us insane.”

“You don’t have a clue what you’re talking a-”

“I might not but I do know one thing, I’m not going to sit back and let my child call another man his or her Dad, I won’t .” Barry vowed, staring at me with a stern expression to let me know he was serious.

“And I won’t sit back and let my baby call someone else Mommy.” I whispered, turning my head away from him as I curled up on my side.

“So that’s what this is about… you’re jealous …” Barry said, I could hear the laughter in his voice as he sat up and stared down at me from his side of the bed.

“Goodnight, Barry.” I said as sternly as I could, closing my eyes as I reached up and wiped the tears that fell from my eyes with a small sniff.

“Oh, no you don’t.” He grabbed my arm gently and pulled me to look at him with a little force but more than I expected. “You’re jealous of me and her… you love me.”

“Of course I love you, you idiot! We’re

mates

.“ I sobbed, reaching up and hiding my face with my hands as I cried.

I couldn’t fight the tears that continuously poured down my cheeks, making my palms blurry as I closed my eyes and cried, I heard Barry sigh as he sat while watching me cry, I dropped my hands and wiped my tears with a big sniff as a few stray tears feel from my eyelashes. I’m such a crybaby, why don’t I just grow up already and move on with life? It was obvious that Barry had moved on, he had gotten him a girlfriend and was already talking about marital statuses, I’d just crumble if they did end up marrying one another, Barry didn’t love her, he loved me! 

I just wished I could show him how much I cared and he finally see that I’m here and I’ve came this way to make sure we end up as a family with one another and our baby. I didn’t know what made Abbigail so perfect, I could have babies and she could too, I had nice hair and she did too but she was beautiful… maybe that’s why he couldn’t see me because she was so beautiful and I was ugly with a large beach ball-sized belly. I wiped my stray tears as I buried my face in the pillow with my eyes closed, I listened to the silence as I felt Barry’s blue eyes boring a hole into me while he waited for me to make my next move but I wasn’t to sure what to do next myself.

“Avery.” Barry whispered, putting his big warm hand on my elbow. “If it makes you feel any better… I’m sorry.”

Shockingly, it did make me feel a little better as I relaxed a little because I knew he was probably freaked out over my outburst, I slowly sat up and when he saw that I was struggling, he even helped me sit up. I stared at Barry as he looked at me with a pitied expression, I wasn’t upset about his expression but one thing that did catch my attention was his pursed lips that he had tightly pushed against one another. I wanted to know what they felt like, were they soft and warm or where they chapped and cold? I slowly got to my knees and inched toward him as he looked at me in confusion, I felt my hair brushing against the back of my arms as I crawled to him carefully. 

Now closer to him, I stared into his confused blue eyes before leaning closer while dropping my eyes to his delicious, pink, kissable lips that made me excited to no end as I moved closer. I placed my hand on his chest as I paused only an inch away from his lips, wanting him to press his lips against mine, I knew exactly what I was doing and I wanted to see if he wanted to kiss me. I could imagine the gears in his head turning as he debated his choice, growing a little impatient, I started to pull away until his lips pressed against mine and he put his arm around my waist. I moaned at the pressure of his lips against mine as I ran my hands along his pecs, feeling the hardness of his muscles as he laid his hands on my hips and slowly pulled away, I followed him for a second before pulling away as I looked at him for a second, wanting his reaction. 

Barry only stared at me for a second, his eyes searching mine as I smiled very lightly before pulling away because I knew that he wasn’t hooked just yet, I slowly crawled back to my side of the bed and got under the animal skins of warm fur before closing my eyes to go back to sleep until I heard the sound of a loud yell that was meant to wake everyone in the yelling person’s vicinity! My heart suddenly raced in my chest as I realized I had kissed Barry, the feeling of his soft lips against mine only made me want to curl up and sleep for eternity because of how loved and warm I felt inside.

Chapter Six

It was completely quiet except the sound of an occasional whale’s call when I woke up the next morning, no birds were chirping and the soft pitter-patter of rain was the reason why, the sound of it pecking against the ground was deadly enough to lure me back to sleep. I could hear the soft steps of people along the mud as the skies growled and rumbled the hut walls, making me quickly open my eyes with a little fear, I hadn’t heard thunder in a while and I suddenly felt like I was unsafe in this flimsy wall hut that could easily collapse. 

My senses were slowly coming to me, I easily heard the small but loud chatting going on outside the hut as people passed by, my tongue felt heavy and there was a small build of mucus at the back of my throat, lastly, a warm arm encased me close to a warm body as it pressed against my back. I listened to the softness of the world but the loud whale calls returned and I turned to look at Barry as he laid on his side turned to me, his snoring was ruthlessly loud and made me frown. Slowly, my frown turned into a small smile as he snored into the air, almost mimicking a whale as his mouth hung open and I was able to see his shiny, pearly white teeth and pink tongue.

I shook my head with a slight chuckle before falling back onto my side and closing my eyes to go back to sleep, I sighed as I waited for myself to fall back asleep but it seemed like it wasn’t happening. Finally, I pulled myself upright and rolled my neck with a small yawn before putting my hands in my lap and staring into the open space in front of Barry’s large bed. The kiss we shared yesterday, it felt so right but I knew it was so wrong, he had a girlfriend or he at least planned on dating her but I still didn’t like the idea of it, and I knew I would never like the idea of Barry being with someone else. He was suppose to be mine, we were suppose to be together as a couple and raise our family with our combined love, I had so many hopes every time I woke up in a forest or against a tree. 

I’d hoped I’d find him, I’d hoped he’d still love me, and I’d hope he’d accept his new lifestyle with open arms. Considering the fact I was in this predicament because of him, I hated the thought of him leaving me with a child to raise on my own, I didn’t make this baby on my own so why would I have to raise it on my own? I glanced at Barry as he shifted on the bed a little before his snores continued, he rolled onto his back and I could only shake my head as his snoring became louder, God, he could wake up the dead if he really needed to. I pushed the hides back and slowly climbed out of bed in the search for a bathroom, I tiptoed quietly along the hut’s dirt floor until I found what I was looking for. 

I entered the small bathroom and wondered how Barry used this thing before assuming he didn’t and he’d only go outside to use the bathroom, which saved him time and the clean up. I stepped out the bathroom and walked to the door of the hut, I grabbed for the wooden handle when an abrupt knock caused the door to shake. I jumped as my heart thumped in my chest from the sudden action, I put a hand protectively over my stomach as I took a deep breath to calm myself while putting my hand over my racing heart. I blinked a couple of times before grabbing the handle and opening the door swiftly, I looked up to see who it was and I was sure every little inch of my face contoured into distaste at the person at the door. 

It was Abbigail and today, she looked very nice and ready to impress a man, someone who happened to be sleeping in the bed at the moment. She wore a black, see-through bralette with a black and white checkered mini-skirt, her stomach was very flat and well-toned while she sprouted a belly-button piercing, and it seemed like it wasn’t the only piercing she had. Her bralette was pointy at the nipples and I was easily able to outline the rings of her nipple piercings, I could only wonder who she was going to for the piercings because I knew Alpha wouldn’t of allowed someone to do such a thing in his pack. 

Abbigail’s black and white checkered micro skirt stopped three inches or so down her thigh, threatening to show a little to much if the wind happened to brush by and raise it only the slightest, I stared at her in disgust that she had come dressed in such a way to see Barry, and it irked me to no end.

“Is Barry here?” She asked, staring at me with a look of distaste as well.

“Yes.” I said, standing in the doorway so she couldn’t come in. “You’re going to have to come back later because he’s sleeping.”

“Well wake him up.” She said, giving me an annoyed look as I shook my head.

“No, you’re just going to have to come back later.” I replied, glaring at her now.

“I’m not going anywhere, I want to see him right now.”

“Too bad, he’s sleepi-” I started to raise my voice with irritation.

“Avery, it’s alright. I’m up.” I turned and looked at Barry as he slowly pulled himself to an upright position and cleared his throat.

I only stared at him for a second longer before hesitantly moving aside so Abbigail could enter, she moved past me with her head raised high and a smug smile on her face, I wanted to trip her and make her fall so she could be embarrassed but I held my composure as I closed the door and took a deep breath to calm myself. Her horrible perfume left a trail as she walked to Barry while he laid on the bed, she hugged him with her breast pushed in his face and a cheeky grin on her face as she glanced my way. 

I shook my head as I turned and walked to the kitchen as Barry wrapped his arms around her waist and they shared a disgusting kiss, I wasn’t hungry and I wanted to hear what they were going to talk about but I knew it wasn’t my business. I heard them share another kiss before Abbigail chuckled and Barry muttered something inaudible in a husky voice, it made me shiver at how low his voice got and I could only wished he had directed whatever he said to me instead of her. I pushed my jealously aside and exited the kitchen before walking back to the bed, I sat down slowly and kicked my first sandal closer to me as Abbigail giggled again.

“… some privacy.” I heard her whisper as I slowly slid my sandal on. “But you have to take me out first.”

“Where?” He asked, and I glanced back behind me to see him opening groping her now.

His large, masculine hands traveled up her stomach and to her breast before going back down to her hips, where he bypassed though and I was sure he grabbed her butt, I turned away in disgust as I moved to kick my second shoe to me.

“I wanna go to another house party.” She said, making me halt as I realized she might of been there when this all happened.

“You know I can’t go out, my Father will notice a-”

“Who gives a fuck what he thinks, Barry. I want you to enjoy yourself and I enjoy myself, please?” She begged. “I’ll give you a little something if it all goes well, I know you want me and you know I want you.”

I desperately tried to ignore their conversation as I moved to tie my sandal laces, who would give a pregnant person laces to tie on their shoe? I released a sigh of frustration as I put my foot on the bed and struggled to reach for my laces again, catching their attention, which I ignored as I managed to finally grab onto my laces. Barry decided to be a gentleman and help me by actually tying my sandal, I ignored him as he moved Abbigail aside and climbed across the bed to get to my other foot, which Abbigail snorted and shook her head at before stomping off.

 Barry and I watched her stomp out of the hut and off elsewhere before he shook his head and turned back to lacing my sandal, I stared at his fingers as he tied my laces together skillfully, I couldn’t believe he had turned Abbigail down, considering he really liked her. But, I was also amazed at the fact that he had helped me while she stood on the other side of the bed, it was obvious that she hated my guts and I was positive she knew I hated hers but some people are very naïve…

or just stupid

. Barry’s stupid , I couldn’t help but think so as he sat back on the bed and stared into the open space of nothingness, I reached over and grabbed his hand to show him I was here for him no matter what he decided to do. If he decided to go out and party with Abbigail, than he could do so and I could only hope he wouldn’t get caught and punished by his Father.

“You can go with her, I won’t tell.” I spoke, knowing he was going to go anyway, wither I wanted him to or not because he liked Abbigail.

Barry looked at me unsurely for a second and I forced a mustered smile before slowly getting to my feet and walking out the hut to go explore the pack’s little village area, I would of expected them to be living in a cave like other territories but I liked the hut idea better. A large campfire sat in the middle of the small village with many huts surrounding it, I stepped outside and felt the crispy air whiffing through the air at full speed as the thunder continued to roar above but rain no longer fall. Many thoughts rushed through my head as I debated my choices now that I did find Barry, he had obviously grown, mentally and physically, but that didn’t mean he still wouldn’t be ready to be a father. 

I had liked his protective vow yesterday night, when he said that he wouldn’t allow someone else to raise his child, but even then, I still debated if I wanted to stay and raise our child with him. However, now that I was in Barry’s grip, I didn’t really have much of a choice other than sneaking away when he wasn’t home, which would be tonight because he’d run to a house party in the city and have a good time while I lay cuddled with a pillow, wishing it was him. I pulled my arms around myself and walked slowly throughout the small little homes, I spotted a couple of people socializing with Fran, who had noticed me and immediately beckoned me toward them. I walked slowly, unsure as the small group of three people smiled kindly at me, I returned a nervous smile as I remembered one of the people that Fran was taking to.

“Hey, Avery. How are you, man?” Jacob asked, putting his arm around my shoulders.

He had his long, glistening hair hanging freely over his shoulders, he was completely shirtless and his skin was very cold but he didn’t seem to mind as he smiled at me, flashing his sparkly white teeth and a pair of fangs. Jacob’s childhood was rather tragic, he grew up not knowing who his parents were after they sold him to a pack of werewolves at the age of five that were planning on killing him but he had managed to escape by accident, not knowing it saved his life at the time. 

He stumbled over Alpha’s back at the age of sixteen, he struggled to survive in between that time after he escaped and told of his previous boyfriend, who used to beat him bloody when he was thirteen, until he had managed to get away. Jacob then met Stan, a dominate wolf that fell head over heels in love with him and used to meet him in the forest with small bucks as gifts, and very soon, Alpha found out and put a stop to it. Even with Jacob locked in Alpha’s room, Stan still snuck to visit him and bring him small bucks to feast on and then it came the time when Jacob was going to be executed, and Stan went furious.

“Making it, you?” I asked, noticing their faces of concern almost immediately.

“Good, you okay?” He asked, looking at me with a little worry before pulling his arm away and turning to look at me directly. “You’re a little hot, man.”

He put his cold hand on my forehead, which I smacked away with a small smile because I didn’t feel feverish at all, I felt just fine and it was weird that a vampire was able to tell when someone was sick by their temperature, considering they were cold-blooded creatures. I turned back to Fran as he moved closer and pulled me into a small hug, he held tightly to me and I was a little confused on what he was doing before he took a big step back, making me watch him unsurely while he held his finger up and hummed softly. Okaaay, I need to leave this pack as soon as possible . I thought as I took a step back and stared at Fran, what was he, a baby whisperer? I rose an eyebrow at him as he shook his head at me with a look of worry, making me lower my eyebrow in confusion because I didn’t know what he was talking about or what he meant.

“We need to get you to Steph immediately.” He said, making me look at him in confusion before he gestured for Jacob to grab me.

I looked at Jacob in confusion before taking a step back in alarm and that was when my legs suddenly felt like Jell-O and couldn’t hold me up, my legs buckled and the ground started to slowly grow closer as I put my hands out to brace myself. Luckily, Fran was beside me and grabbed me as Jacob grabbed the other side of me, I felt fear course through me as my belly started to bulge in certain areas, meaning my child was kicking and moving around a lit. The kicks were no longer powerful, but weak and almost undetectable until I realized exactly what Fran meant, something was wrong with the baby.

Chapter Seven

I looked at Fran in shock as he walked on one side of me with Jacob on the other, I couldn’t help my expression of bewilderment as the two helped me walk toward Steph’s medical hut. Another person trailed behind me to make sure I wouldn’t fall as Jacob abruptly slammed his fist against the door with enough force to almost knock it off the wall, the door immediately swung open and Stephanie glared at him. She opened her mouth to say something to him when she noticed the rest of us, she looked at us in confusion before her eyes fell on me and it was if she knew exactly what was happening, she moved aside and allowed Fran and Jacob to help me inside while quickly slamming the door shut. 

Steph’s medical hut was completely empty of personages, thank God for that, but it was still very cluttered like the first time I entered, I took a deep gulp as worry filled me, something was actually wrong with the baby and I didn’t detect it at all. The tables were cluttered, elixir bottles were tossed everywhere with a couple overturned and completely empty, the hut was tragically a mess but I knew it was because Stephanie was also going through a tough time with her pregnancy and didn’t have time to worry about cleanliness. Stephanie moved a cot closer to her workstation and cleared off a couple of papers that she had thrown over it.

“What happened?” She asked, looking at all of us for an answer as Fran helped me onto the first cot.  

“I don’t know, I was just fine.” I said, looking at Fran and Jacob in confusion as the kicking became weaker and weaker, making me frown down at my stomach. “Something’s wrong, you

have

to get them out!“

“I can’t without knowing what’s going on, Avery, you have to give me a min-”

“It can’t be a minute Steph, it has to be the umbilical cord.” Fran reasoned, giving Stephanie a stern expression to show he wasn’t taking no for an answer and he also wasn’t going to wait. “They need to come out,  now . I’ll get some extra towels and pillows, Jacob, you go get Alpha and Barry.”

“Okay, okay.” Stephanie calmed herself as Jacob quickly nodded and rushed off to do so.

I felt my heart thumping heavily in my chest but it sounded like it was in my ears as sweat started to form along my forehead, I reached up and wiped at it as more sweat only poured, I never sweated so excessively before. I looked down at my stomach as another weak kick caught my attention, I couldn’t help the fear that encased me as I put my hand on my stomach and my bottom lip quivered, making me forcefully bite onto it. I looked at Stephanie with worry as she grabbed a clipboard and a pen, she passed them to me and I stared at it with confusion before accepting the items and staring at the patient information sheet before me. I filled in my name just as I felt another weak kick in a lower area, making me put my hand over that spot as something moved inside of my stomach and made pain sear up my spine suddenly. 

I groaned and dug my nails into the clipboard with a large frown on my face while waiting for the pain to subside, it was no way in hell I was having complications, it just wasn’t possible at the this time of the pregnancy. I wasn’t ready, Barry wasn’t ready and I was going mentally insane with the thought of having to share Barry with a woman. I laid my head back and squeezed my eyes shut as the baby did the same thing again and pain rushed through me again, it was blistering pain that made me thing someone cut my back open and let me to lay in my own blood. 

I cried out at the second blistering pain that went up my spine, dropping the clipboard and grabbing onto my stomach as the baby inside of me shifted around again and I screamed at the pain. My vision blurred and I was sure that I saw two Stephanies for a second before my vision returned and she was talking to me but I could barely hear whatever she was saying from the loud ringing in my ears.

“Avery! Avery, look at me!” I tried hard to focus on her voice, my eyes became blurry as I found it hard to hold my head up. “

Fuck

!“ I heard her yell with frustration before my eyelids got to heavy and I couldn’t hold them open any longer.

                                                                   

                          

The sound of soft beeping resonated in my ears as I laid with my head almost buried in many pillows, my body felt like it was floating but my right hand felt extremely cold while there rest of my body felt like it was seconds from melting. I could feel the wetness of my sweat caked along my forehead and a couple of beads rolling down my face before they were wiped away by something nice and cold, I frowned as I tried to pull my eyes open but couldn’t from how heavy my eyelids felt. The soft beeping continued as I heard someone’s voice gently whispering to me, it sounded like a female’s voice but it wasn’t Stephanie’s, I turned toward the voice and heard it more clearly to know exactly who it belonged to. 

It was dulcet with every word that was spoken and while it wasn’t audible, I still enjoyed the harmonious feeling it gave me as I listened to the soft voice whispering angelically a mile a minute. The feeling of floating was slowly fading as more sweat poured down my face before being wiped away with a cold, wet object that I assumed was a wet towel and it was so wonderful against my burning, feverish skin. I tried once more to open my eyes but it was useless as I went to grab for the person with the harmonious voice that was whispering in my ear, but all I could do was twitch my finger as laid as stiff as a brick. I tried to move my leg but nothing happened as I willed myself to do something other than twitch a finger, I willed my eyes to open, I willed my leg to move, I willed my arm to reach out so my hand could grab onto the woman and never let her go like I did the first time. 

My pleas to move were unheard as her voice started to fade and my body started to feel heavier, I wanted to scream for her to come back but I couldn’t open my mouth as more sweat ran down my face but it was quickly wiped away. The soft, monotone beeping continued as my hearing suddenly became intense and I was able to hear the person wiping away my sweat heavy breathing, their breath came and went with each heave they took. I could sense their wariness in their breathing as they released a slightly frustrated sigh before they’re chair quietly creaked from them moving to wipe another bead of sweat that rolled down my face. 

As the seconds pass, I was now able to feel my hair on the top of my head growing heavy as it was pulled into a taut bun that made my scalp scream in a little pain but I ignored the pain as I waited for the strength to come back to me so I could open my eyes. I still couldn’t move my arms or legs but the twitching of my finger seemed to catch someone’s attention as I heard some shuffling and someone coming to stand beside me on the bed I was laying on.

“… waking up!” I heard, immediately recognizing the lilting voice to be Jacob’s. “Damn, he’s so pale…” He trailed, and I felt his cold hand touch my left wrist before drawing back with a hiss.

“What’s wrong?” A velvety voice asked, might of been Stephanie’s but I wasn’t to sure. “Is he hot again? Maybe I should go get Stephanie…” The person said unsurely, and I knew it wasn’t Stephanie.

“I will, just make sure his IV doesn’t run out again, that was a scare.” Jacob said and I felt his presence leave my side as his feet softly patted against the ground of the hut.

I suddenly felt something strange about myself, I felt unexcitingly lightweight and my stomach didn’t feel so heavy as I laid on my back and an IV stuck into my arm, and now noticing the IV, I felt the needle lunged into back of my right wrist. Another thing I noticed was the emptiness I felt along my midsection, alarm rushed through me as I realized my baby was no longer inside of me and since I couldn’t move a muscle or utter a sound, I could only panic inside of my head. I listened around the room, hoping to hear a baby’s cry or even it snoring but I heard nothing as I felt suddenly weak, I wanted to cry but couldn’t. I wanted to scream but couldn’t. I wanted to die… but couldn’t. 

I tried to move my arm again but I could only muster the twitch of a finger and frustration and anger rushed through my veins, I wanted to see if my baby was okay, I had to make sure it was still safe. Why was this happening to me? Why couldn’t I move? Why couldn’t I go check on my baby? I finally managed to make a noise and it was a low sob in the bottom of my throat but I knew to any of the ones around, it would of sounded like groan. I sobbed as my face started to become unstiffen and express my emotions, I felt my mouth finally open and my face contour into the pain I was feeling coursing through my veins at my lost.

“Shhh, everything’s okay.” The same velvety voice whispered. “You’re going to be okay.”

I didn’t listen as I sobbed loudly, finally being able to put enough strength into my eyelids to open them so I could see the surroundings around me, I was only able to look at the face of the person before they unwillingly dripped shut again. The person had brown hair that fell along their shoulders as they sat hunched over me, her eyes were a soft emerald and her dark pink lips were plump and full, she had an round shaped head with a familiar aquiline nose. She was beautiful and her voice was very pleasant to hear but I couldn’t believe a wonder she said because she didn’t understand, she didn’t know I knew what happened to my baby, or at least what I assumed happened to my baby. 

It was gone and I was destroyed on the inside, what would I do now, I had no reason to stay here so the first thing that would happen was for me to pack up and leave and make my way back home with the hopes that my Father would forgive me. Another sob ripped from my throat as I tried to find more strength to open my eyes but I couldn’t, I could feel the injection of liquid through my IV as I laid on the hundred and one pillows supporting my neck. What was going to happen to my baby now? 

I was at a road block, I had so many hopes that I’d be able to watch my baby grow and prosper in the world, it’d go to school and learn the many things that life would one day teach it. Not only that, I’d be able to dress up my baby and hold him or her tightly when it came to me crying over a wound, but I couldn’t know, I couldn’t do any of that because my baby was gone and now I had no one.

Chapter Eight

“Avery, please wake up.” A voice whispered, it had deep bass to it that caused me to shiver.

I awoke to the same monotone beeping as the day before, it was rather irritating to hear and when the IV blared because my liquid was low, it made me want to yank the needle out, grab the IV, and chuck across the room as heard as I could. I had only been hooked up yesterday and today but even then, I was growing easily frustrated with everything and I knew the main reason it was because I had lost my baby. The loud blaring made me want to grown and suffocate myself with one of the pillows that I was propped against as I slept, I laid with my eyes sealed shut while waiting for someone to come and turn the IV off so I could lay back to sleep. I tired to open my eyes and found the strength for once, the light of the hut was very low and I assumed it was dark outside considering that nothing shined through the holes of the hut walls.

I turned my head as someone wiped sweat from my forehead with a cold, wet towel, I fought the urge to roll my eyes in the back of my head before I noticed the people hanging around. I stared onward past them while wondering why they were here, there was no baby to see and I didn’t have a thing to say to any of them. The loud blaring of the IV only irked me more as I waited for it to be turned off but no one made a move as I turned my head to look at my IV, it shockingly wasn’t the first time I opened my eyes since yesterday but this was the longest I had them open. I was completely blown away to notice my IV was perfectly fine and my liquid bag was a completely new one, just opened with my name scribbled in marker over it, I frowned as the blaring of an IV continued before turning to look around me. 

My breath hitched and I felt like something had lodged itself in my throat as I noticed a glass cart, I looked harder with my eyes squint as I noticed something small moving inside glass cart with wheels attached to the bottom of it. Disbelief filled me as I pushed my body up and stared at the cart with shock at the baby inside, it was hooked to multiple IVs while laying in only a diaper and a clipped secured to the end of it’s umbilical cord. It had a bush of black hair on the top of its head and it’s cap that it was once wearing had been pulled off and laid beside it’s head in the corner of it’s bed, its’ hands were so small and occasionally flaring around as it breathed with the help of a nasal cannula. One of the baby’s tiny hands had a grasp on the nasal cannula and it was trying to pull it out with it’s eyes still closed, I stared on in shock as Stephanie suddenly appeared to get the baby’s hand off the nasal cannula and plug it back inside.

“Avery…” The same velvety whispered, catching my attention once more but I refused to turn my eyes away from the baby. “See, they’re all fine.” They’re?

I turned my head slowly, not wanting to become dizzy as I turned to see what the mysterious woman was talking about and just as I went to look at her, I noticed two more of the same glass carts with wheels attached to them. Frances was standing beside one of the glass carts as I stared at both of the wheeled carts in awe, I looked at the cart that Fran was standing by to see him waving at the baby inside. The baby’s skin was wrinkly and the diaper was three sizes too big as it laid also attached to multiple IVs, it’s nasal cannula was secured it place by a large wad of tape as it laid with his tiny feet occasionally kicking through the air. Beautiful, soft gray eyes stared around the hut in admiration as the baby took in everything around it, including Fran as he made funny faces at the baby. 

Even though Fran was trying to get a reaction from it, the baby remained emotionless while staring at the many places around it and almost trying to avoid Fran’s funny faces purposely, I didn’t fight my smile as I stared at the baby while it put its foot up in the air before dropping it. I looked at the last baby as my eyelids started to become heavy once more, the last baby was asleep in it’s glass cart with it’s nasal cannula also secured in place with a large wad of tape. The baby opened it’s eyes as mine became blurry and I was able to see it’s dazzling brown eyes as it started to mewl at the sound of my IV blaring, also causing me annoyance as I dossed off to sleep with one realization, I had triplets and they were okay.  

I was now going to be able to spoil them with everything they could possibly want, with them, I was no longer going to be along and forced to face this world on my own. Happiness coursed through my veins as I relaxed for the first time since my surgery, joyful things rung through my head as I waited for sleep to overtake me, which I knew was coming very soon. I had my babies and they would soon be ready to conquer the world and we would be okay, which or without Barry by our side because I could already tell that people were going to love the triplets like they had them. I also knew Frances would force Barry to be in my babies lives because he seemed always have the motherly instinct about him.

Chapter Nine

“Avery, be still.” Stephanie said, making me roll my eyes as I impatiently waited for her to take the IV out of my arm.

I felt more than refreshed, I felt very complete and fulfilled with the fact that I was now going to be able to hold my babies for the first time, Frances stood on the right of my bed with his hand on my shoulder while I sat with my back straight and every horrible thought going through my head. Stephanie grabbed my right hand once more and worked on carefully pulling off the wad of tape she applied over my IV to keep me from ripping out, she released my hand after gently removing the needle and putting a piece of gauze and a bandage over it. 

I smiled as I balled my hand before releasing it and look at my babies as they all laid lined up side by side, the first one was awake with gentle brown eyes lurking at everything in it’s sight, a blue beanie laid on it’s head as it stared onward into the dull light above its head. The second baby wore a pink crocheted beanie, a gift from Frances, as she eagerly kicked her feet with the nasal cannula still up her nose, her big gray eyes excitingly took in the surroundings of the hut as I smiled at my babies. The last baby was also awake, he had deep gray eyes that were darker than his sisters and was once wearing a white beanie that almost blended in with the bush of white hair on it’s head but he had pulled it off on his own with his constantly squirming.

Alpha was leaning against the wall beside the door with his body blocking anyone from entering, Barry was across the room and eagerly sitting on the end of his chair as he sat close to my cot, Stephanie walked to the baby wearing with bushes of white covering his head and gently rubbed his belly before carefully moving him from the tiny bed he was laying in. I didn’t know if Barry was here whenever my surgery was taken place but I didn’t care, I had my babies and all of them were perfectly fine, other than being premature but I loved them to no end and I would always love them no matter what. 

I prepared myself with a heavy deep breath before putting my arms out and waiting for Stephanie to pass the first baby over, I heard a chair creak and looked over as Barry got up and moved closer to see the babies as well. I turned my attention away from him as Stephanie carefully laid the white-haired child in my arms first, I bit my tongue very hard and willed my tears of joy to stay away but they didn’t as I smiled and ignored the tears quickly streaming down my face. He was so fragile and warm, I held him tightly to my chest as I stared into the soft dark gray eyes stared into mine and I hiccupped as I no longer fought my sobs while holding him tightly. I felt Frances’ warm hand rubbing my back as he stared at the baby as well, I took a deep breath and calmed myself as I gently pecked my baby on the head and smiled down at him once more.

“What are you going to name him?” Jacob asked.

“Admire.” I whispered, smiling down at him as I admired his dark gray eyes.

“Perfect.” Someone whispered to my left, I glanced to see Barry looking at Admire with tears in his eyes as well. “Admire.” Barry repeated, his eyes shining with unfallen tears.

He reached forward and touched Admire’s tiny fingers, who immediately took the chance to try and grasp onto Barry’s large finger, making me smile at his attempt as more tears threatened to fall. My joy was unheard of, and I couldn’t explain the blessing I knew I received as I gave Admire another kiss on the forehead before Barry got enough courage to take Admire and hold his fragile body. I watched as Barry held Admire carefully in the hopes of not breaking him, he stared down at his son with unfallen tears as his eyes glistened with amusement at Admire’s gray eyes that were close to his shade of gray. I knew Barry wasn’t ready, there was no way he was going to be able to raise one child and I knew it was going to almost impossible for him to help me raise three but I was ready to face his problems with him. 

Stephanie moved to grab the baby with the pink hat next, I smiled as she passed me my little girl and I was able to look into her gray eyes as well, she stared at me before her eyes closed and she released a very adorable sneeze, making me laugh lightly as she opened her eyes and stared at me then past me at Frances. Frances smiled at her and waved before making another face, which she only stared at him blankly, I was already getting the vibe that this premature of mine wasn’t going to be so friendly to Fran as she got older. I smiled as I gently rocked her before lightly pecking her forehead, she released yet another adorable sneeze and I only laughed more as I smiled down at her, my eyes shining with unfallen tears.

“Sundai.” I whispered, immediately liking the name as Sundai kicked her feet and looked at Fran once more.

I glanced at Barry as he carefully passed Admire to his Father, Alpha held onto Admire carefully and stared at him with astonishment as Admire tried to do something with his face, I wasn’t sure what he was doing exactly, but it was adorable none the less. 

“Oh my God.” Alpha muttered, staring at Admire in shock as Admire’s face contoured in a funny way.

Seconds later, a ever so terrible stench filled the air and I looked at Admire before a laugh slipped from me as Alpha shook his head in disbelief and started to try and pass Admire back to Barry, who shook his head as well. I passed Sundai to Frances and held my hands out for Admire as his stench seemed to stank up the entire hut, I shook my head with a large grin on my face as Stephanie hurried to retrieve a diaper so she could change him. I was very happy that I wasn’t going to have to change his diaper as she took him from me and walked back to the glass cart that belonged to him, I took Sundai from Barry as he passed her back after giving her a small kiss on the forehead.

“Hello, little girl.” I whispered to her as she stared at me with her feet still kicking. “I’m your Dada and I’m going to take good care of you.” I continued.

I glanced up as the stench of poop got worse because Stephanie had pulled Admire’s diaper off and cleaned up very well, I even made an attempt to cover my nose as Jacob heaved and turned to walk out the hut. Frances followed right behind him to where only Barry, Alpha, Stephanie, and I were left with the babies, I smiled down at Sundai even longer as Barry put his arm over my shoulder and used his other hand to gently tickle her belly. I looked up as Stephanie left a sleeping Admire in his cart while leaving the hut to dispose of the soiled diaper, something I was very thankful for as the stench slowly aired out through the holes in the walls of the hut. 

I looked up at Barry to see him staring at me, he immediately averted his eyes to Sundai before cutting his eyes to his Father, I turned my attention away as well and looked down at Sundai in my arms. I glanced behind him to see that the baby with the blue hat was asleep once more, his hands grasped onto his nasal cannula and I reached over to get them off but Barry beat me as he carefully made use of himself by gently prying the tiny fingers off the breathing tube. I watched as he worked and used his fingers as substitutes as the baby opened his eyes to see what was happening around him, his eyes then closed once more as I smiled at the two interacting so slightly.

“What should we name him?” I asked Barry, I wanted to give him a chance to name one of the children.

“We can name him Barry the Third.” Barry shrugged, smiling lightly. “That’d make me a senior.”

“I’d rather not.” I whispered, chuckling lightly as he smiled once more and nodded his head. “He can be special, you can name him.”

“Bar-”

“Anything but Barry.” I quickly said, making me chuckle and nod again.

“Quincy.” He said, making me smile and nod in agreement of the name. “I like Quincy.”

“I like Quincy too.” I said, staring at Barry with a small smile as he glanced back at me and I quickly averted my eyes with a blush as I thought about how handsome he was.

Alpha cleared his throat, catching our attention as I looked at Alpha with confusion, this was suppose to be a happy moment for Barry and I but he didn’t seem to be so overjoyed about any of it, including him being a grandfather. I heard Barry sigh and turned to look at him as he prepared himself to say something, his mouth opened and closed for a second before he licked his lips nervously and dropped his eyes down to Sundai, who was now asleep in my arms. 

I looked down at her as well and gently rocked her as she slept, I glanced at Barry expectantly as I waited for him to say what he needed to say. I wouldn’t be surprised if he said he was leaving and not coming back, I just hoped he would notice what he left behind one day and hurry back to my side to help raise our children together. I turned to look at Alpha as he stepped to the end of my cot and put his arms behind his back in his business stance, I knew this was something farther than what I was anticipating it to be, maybe he wasn’t leaving on his own circumstances.

“Would you rather me tell him, Barry?” Alpha asked, not turning his eyes away from mine as he spoke to Barry.

“I can…” Barry trailed, sitting on the cot beside me and gently fixing Sundai’s beanie before looking up at me nervously.

He dropped his eyes to the ground and took a heavy breath, I could see the gears turning in his head as he gulped before biting his lip and clearing his throat, I wasn’t sure what was about to come out of his mouth but the anticipation was killing me on the inside.

“Avery, do you…” He paused, cutting his eyes to Alpha before looking back at me. “Do you remember Abbigail, the one from the bonfire party?”

I thought back as I nodded my head slowly, unsure exactly what he was getting at, of course I remembered the bonfire party, it was very fun and I really enjoyed myself with the people around. I had gotten to meet so many new people and I really enjoyed listening to Beta Michael’s stories, I looked at Barry in curiosity as I did remember one thing that I had hoped to forget, it was when he went into the forest with Abbigail and they kissed and touched one another, and he said that was all they did. 

And of course I remembered Abbigail snickering about people with her bullnose friend, the two were laughing and most people thought they were laughing with them but instead, they were laughing at them. I rose an eyebrow at Barry as I pushed my anxiety down, I never had such terrible nerves before and I guess everything was just piling up over one another, making me feel like I was slowly going insane.

“We’ve been together for a minute but just as… friends… with benefits , and she came to Stephanie the other day saying she felt very sick, and it’s a possibility…” Barry trailed off and I could only stare at him.

“She could be pregnant.” I finished for him, staring at him without really knowing what other to say.

“Yeah.” He whispered, looking at Sundai as she slept, he fixed her pink beanie once more as I continued to stare at him.

“They’ll be getting married tonight.” Alpha continued, making me look at him then slowly turn my attention to something else in the medical hut. “I can see that you might not be able to attend but possibly sit on the porch of the hut.”

I felt like it was the nail in the coffin and I could no longer breath, it was very true that I was losing Barry to someone else, he was having a child with another person,

a woman

, and they were going to be getting married before we even knew if it was his. It was so unfair, if that was the case, Barry and I should of been the ones getting married considering I was pregnant with his children first. Why weren’t we able to get married when Alpha found me and realized I was carrying Barry’s children, instead he decided to make an arrangement so that Barry and I lived together but that wasn’t enough for me. I felt so angry about it all but when I looked down at Sundai as she slept in my arms, I knew I had no choice but to allow this to happen because I needed someone to help me with my children. Barry wanted to be in the children’s lives, I knew he did and I wanted him to be here too but I wasn’t sure if I still wanted to deal with what was going to follow his footsteps, he was going to have to take care of four children now and that was going to drive him insane because I could tell he wanted to faint right at this moment as he looked between the triplets.

“Where will I be staying?” I asked, knowing I’d have to move out of the hut he was staying in.

“I’m giving you a hut right beside Barry’s so he can have free will to see the triplets, I had some folk inside the pack help move a couple of belongings in there for you so it’s ready whenever Steph releases you. I know it’ll be hard but Barry and the rest of the pack will be here to help you every step of the way.” Alpha said, looking down at Sundai as well as I felt unfallen tears surrounding the edge of my eyes, threatening to fall at any minute.

I turned to Barry. “Is this what you want? Do you wanna marry her?” I asked, staring at him with a pleading look, hoping he’d follow what his wolf wanted.

Barry stared at me for a second before he cut his eyes to the ground and slowly nodded, I could see his reluctance from a mile a way but I didn’t push his decision as a tear slid down my cheek and I used my shoulder to wipe it away as fast as I could. I nodded and sniffed before looking down at Sundai, he was a hypocrite. I didn’t want our children running around and calling someone else Mommy just like he didn’t want our children running around and calling someone else Daddy but I saw that I had no choice because this wedding was going to happen either I wanted it or not. 

It was what Barry wanted so I had no choice but to sit here and wait for him to notice me one day and just like I had said earlier, I could only hope he would notice me and realize how much we were meant to be. I felt so cold and alone until I remembered my triplets, at least they wouldn’t ever leave my side and betray me like Barry had just done, he didn’t love her, he was only with her because Alpha wanted him to be and I already knew that.

“I’m sorry, Avery.” Barry whispered, reaching up and wiping one of my tears away with the pad of his thumb. “I’m so sorry I’m hurting you like this.”

“I-Its okay.” I stammered, holding Sundai tightly to my chest as she shifted in my arms while noticing my change of emotions. “My babies and I are going to be okay.” I was reassuring myself more than I was reassuring him.

“I’ll be here for you, you know I’d risk it all for our babies and you. I might not have feelings toward you but my wolf does and I’ll protect you with all I have.”

And I felt the same, I would keep my eye on Abbigail, I didn’t like the fact that she was just suddenly barging in to takeover what life I had planned to have as my own. I was going to find out whatever she was planning because I really loved Barry and I would do anything for him, I was going to see that Abbigail was put to shame and hopefully removed from the pack. I was going to risk it all to make sure my babies were safe in this pack with their father, and it was a large risk I was willing to take. 

Complete: What are Abbigail’s true intentions or does she really love Barry?

Book Two- The Many Wicked Ways