Training a Wife

by Trinity Blacio

  “Movie pictures in my head. This is all for me?” Teddy asked as Lancelot put a plate of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with no crust, a chocolate pudding, and a pealed orange.

  “Yes and if you want more, just ask. Let me get you some milk.” Lancelot ruffled Teddy’s hair, turning around. “I have some roast beef for you, my Queen. You need more protein. You are getting too skinny.” He winked at her, hearing Dred snarl behind him.

  “I swear you two are like two children. Maybe we should have Teddy show you how to behave?” Beth smiled at Teddy who just nodded trying to stuff half the sandwich in his mouth.

  “Bites, Teddy. Your sandwich isn’t going anywhere, sweetie,” Beth said reaching over and breaking the sandwich up further for him.

  “He does not need to be looking at your body,” Dred grumbled.

  “Please, plus he needs his eyes checked. I could lose a few pounds not gain them,” Beth popped a section of an orange in her mouth before turning to glance at Edward and Lucas. “When were you going to tell me about Claire? You know it’s going to be hard here with no one around.” She turned and glared at Dred. “And you shouldn’t have suggested it.”

  Strong arms wrapped around her and brought her back against his body, Rock. “Just because we have little ones around now, doesn’t mean we won’t spank your butt. Show some respect, baby. We trusted my sister and her husbands. They can help us, but most importantly, you’ll have someone to talk to. With us going back and forth between meetings and trying to find Lucas’ brother, you’ll need the company to keep you sane.” Rock smacked her ass before reaching over her and grabbing an orange slice.

  Teddy’s eyes got big. “You get spanked?” his voice squeaked, but before Beth could say anything, Edward leaned over the table.

  “What did your daddy do when you or your mommy was bad?” he asked the boy whose chubby cheeks turned a little pink and looked down at his food.

  “I only got spanked once, when I went across the street by myself,” he peeked at her. “But Mommy was bad a few times. She used to laugh at Daddy when he said he was going to spank her.” Teddy leaned over to her and whispered. “But I saw Daddy spank her once on the butt. She was crying and kicking. He said she had put herself in danger and he was mad. But he hugged her afterward and Mommy forgave him. You’ll just have to be good.”

  “In our world with so many people fighting, it’s important that you and Beth listen to us when there is danger. Never go anywhere by yourselves. We need to know where you’ll be at all times. Did your father explain about the darkness in each of us?” Edward asked as he popped a grape in his mouth.

  “No, what darkness?” Edward glanced at Lucas.

  “He understands enough for him to be told,” Lucas stated.

  “He just got here. Can’t this wait? He’s just a child Lucas, and he needs time to rest. He’s been through enough for now.” Beth looked at Edward, then at Lucas.

  “Okay we’ll wait, but it will have to be explained to him eventually,” Edward reached over and cupped her cheek. “Already you are protecting him. I knew you would be a wonderful mother, Little Witch. Now, if you will excuse me, I must contact my father and make sure Samuel is replaced before anything else happens.” Edward glanced at Teddy. “Welcome to our family, Teddy. I promise you and your sister will be safe here.”

  Edward, Lucas and Rock left while Dred sat down at the table with them. “So what are you two going to do after you eat?” Dred nodded at Lancelot as he placed a plate in front of him at the same time he put hers down.

  “Teddy hasn’t seen his room and I thought we could explore the house together since I haven’t seen much of it yet either. If he gets too tired we can take a nap.” Beth took a bite of her sandwich.

  “You’re like us, but different, a wolf. Do you think I’ll be able to shift into a wolf? Maybe we can give back seeing things so I can shift too?” Teddy asked all serious.

  “Sweetie, you don’t like the visions?” she asked, brushing his red hair back.

  “No, they’re scary,” Teddy actually pouted and looked down. “They wouldn’t listen to me. I saw them die, but they still wouldn’t listen. I don’t want them.” For the first time since meeting Teddy, Beth saw the scared little four year old.

  “Oh baby, come here,” Beth leaned over and scooped him up, hugging him. His little arms wrapped around her neck tight. “Can you make them go away?” he asked again, breaking her heart.

  She looked at Dred and he shook his head. “Maybe Lucas can help,” Dred said, just as he and Edward came back into the kitchen.

  “What’s wrong?” They looked at her and Teddy.

  “He doesn’t like the visions and he wants them to stop. Can you help him?” Beth asked Lucas.

  “May I?” Lucas held out his hands, waiting.

  “This isn’t going to hurt, is it?” Beth asked.

  “Do you really think I would hurt our child? And he is our child now, Beth. Once you started talking to him, the bond started to form,” Lucas stated and waited.

  “I’m sorry. It’s just they have been through so much and I know what it’s like to lose your parents. Even though I was older, it still hurt. Go to Lucas, Teddy. Let him see if he can help you.” Beth pried his arms from her neck and handed the little boy to him. “Trust us, Teddy.” Beth asked knowing it would be hard for him.

  * * *

  Edward smiled as he sat back in his office chair and remembered as Lucas worked with Teddy. Of course there was no real way to stop a gift, but Lucas had been able to corral the gift till he was old enough to handle it. The exact words Lucas had used to inform the four year old. Of course that to led to Beth asking if Lucas had ever been to a rodeo. When he shook his head, the sparkle in Beth’s gaze had them all laughing.

  “What are you grinning at? Wait I know. Beth, you do know she’s up to something right?” Rock said, leaning back with his feet up on his desk in front of it.

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s been months since she has felt safe enough to do things. Let her enjoy it. Plus I have a feeling whatever she has planned for us will be well worth any mischief our Little Witch will get into,” Edward stated. “Maybe tonight we need to put that nice table into use after the children are sleeping?” Edward looked up at Lucas who came into the room wrapped in rope.

  “Oh that table will be used alright. Look at what the Little Witch did. She was showing Teddy how to rope a bucking bull, namely me,” Lucas grumbled and shook off the rope.

  “Hey, we weren’t done,” Beth came into the room with a cowboy hat on, short jean skirt, and a blouse with an illustration of roping cowgirl on it. “I haven’t shown Teddy how to bind the front and back legs together,” Beth said, trying to act all serious without cracking up, while behind him Dred was laughing like a loon with Teddy in his arms laughing too.

  “This is not funny, Dred. Let her tie you up. And, My Heart, we will see how much you enjoy being roped up later tonight,” Lucas grumbled, but there was a small smile on his lips as he bent to gaze at Teddy. “And you, sir, were supposed to help me escape. What happened?”

  “Cookies, chocolate chip!” The little boy squealed. “She promised me lots of cookies.”

  “Well then I guess that is a good excuse.” Lucas winked at the boy. “But you still need to see how a proper calf is tied up…”

  Edward laughed so hard as Lucas jumped. Lucas had Beth down on the ground in two minutes flat. Even with her screaming and laughing, kicking and wiggling all around, Lucas managed to have her legs and arms roped like that of a calf.

  “Now you see, Teddy, this is how you rope a calf, and if this was a real calf, we would put our marking or our brand on her rump right here.” Lucas slapped the side of her thigh and she jumped, but they all noticed how Lucas’ words had sexually aroused her.

  He leaned forward. “You know I never did think of branding. I forgot about that. Many ranchers have special markings for their calves,” Edward stated and watched as Beth gasped,
turning her head to stare at him.

  “If you are done joking around, I’m meeting Claire and her new charge. We’re going exploring today. I even have a carrier for Betsy and it’s bug proof.” Beth squirmed on the floor, changing the subject. “Lucas, untie me please…I’ll make an extra batch of cookies for you later if you’re a good boy.” Beth teased.

  The ropes fell away and he helped her up, smiling. “I expect at least a dozen cookies,” Lucas leaned in buffering his words so the child wouldn’t hear him. “And I’ll just show you how much of a man I really am tonight, My Heart.” Lucas squeezed both of her ass cheeks, bringing her up against his body. “I’d prefer you three stay inside for now. The animals still need some time to get used to you and I don’t want you guys roaming around yet.”

  “But Dred said he’d come with us?” Beth said frowning and looking up at Lucas. “We’ve already explored the house. Now we want to explore outside. Every child should play outside during the day.”

  “And does that child include you, My Heart?” Lucas asked, leaning down and nipping her nose.

  “Of course. There is a child in all of us, but sometimes it’s harder for us to let go enough to enjoy that side of us. Why don’t all of you come? You’ve been huddled up here for the last four hours. Can’t you take a break?” she asked and looked at him.

  “I have no other meetings for another hour, Lucas” Edward stood and stretched moving around the desk as Rock rose.

  “No, nothing right now. Dred how about the pack? Is everything okay with them?” Lucas glanced over at Dred, who nodded.

  “Since we gave the pack the South wing of the castle, most of the families with children have moved into there for now. Men have taken up the outside cabins. We’re alright now, but I will have to check in later with my betas.”

  “See? It’s perfect timing, plus we need to explore where we’re going to put the other housing units. I don’t want to mess up the animal life here too much if we don’t have to, but I also don’t want to put others in danger,” Beth stated dragging Lucas out the door. “Come on, we need to grab Betsy. You can carry the pack, Rock.” Beth glanced back at Rock and winked.

  “She needs to get used to all of you just as Teddy has.” Beth stated almost running right into Claire and her little boy. Her three men stood behind her, laughing.

  That’s when Edward smelled it, bug spray. “Sorry about the stench, but Claire demanded that we all be sprayed since we were going traipsing through the woods,” Bryce laughed.

  “Hey, maybe the bugs don’t bother blood suckers, but I know for a fact I got a few mosquito bites on my butt the night we had that camp fire and God knows what kind of bugs are on this place.” Claire shivered. “I hate bugs. I even brought over enough for you guys.” She nodded to the bag Ivan, the alpha wolf, held in his hand.

  “This stuff stinks,” Ricky, the little boy in Claire’s arms said. He wrinkled his nose up.

  Everyone laughed as Ricky squirmed out of Claire’s arms and looked at Teddy. “Hi, I’m Ricky,” The little boy stared at Teddy who Dred lowered to the ground.

  At first Teddy was shy and didn’t say a word, and just glanced up at Beth. She nodded, reassuring the child. “I’m Teddy Snagger,” Teddy frowned and looked at him. “Will my last name change, like yours?”

  So smart and worried about everything. Edward knelt down before the boys. “We have plenty of time to decide about that later. Both of you boys have been through some rough times, but for now let’s have some fun and get your sister.” Edward stood and glanced to see Rock coming down the hallway with Betsy attached to the pack.

  “And there is no need to spray anyone with that stuff,” Lucas stated pointing at the offending bag. “I will make sure you will not have a bite on you, except those your husband’s put on you.” Lucas looked over his shoulder at Beth.

  Her cheeks turned a little pink and she laughed. “I’m counting on that, because if I get one mosquito bite, you are in trouble, plus the little ones don’t need that. Now let’s go! Lead the way, oh old one,” Beth teased earning her a swat to her ass when she passed him.

  “Show respect. We’re all older than you, except for the children.” Edward nodded for her to move.

  “What? I can’t be the youngest. Claire, how old are you?” Beth asked as she caught up with her and the boys.

  Claire laughed. “I’m afraid Edward is right, sweetie. I’m about 30 years older than you.” she looked at Dred who nodded.

  “You are right, Beth is only 60, a baby really in our world,” Dred said winking at her.

  “Well then that would make you,” Beth’s words were cut off by Dred, putting his hand over her mouth.

  “There is no reason to get nasty. I was only teasing. We all know how grown up you really are.” He kissed the side of her neck before stepping away so they could go out the door.

  A cool breeze greeted them all. The sound of strange animals filled the air as Edward looked around. “Maybe we should have a backyard for the children to play in?” Edward asked. Beth and Claire nodded.

  “I was thinking the same thing. Swing set, tree house, sand box, that type of stuff? Lucas?” Beth question.

  “I see no problem in putting those things in. We can put up a fence around there.” As soon as he said the words, a large wooden fence appeared. “I have put about a quarter of an acre in the fencing. Would you like a pool, My Heart?” Lucas asked as the jungle disappeared from their new backyard and all the equipment Beth had mentioned appeared. The boys clapped their hands, laughing as they ran for the swings.

  “I’d love an in-ground pool, but it would have to have a separate entrance, Lucas. I don’t want to have to worry about the boys falling in it if we are not around,” she said, pushing Teddy on the swing while Claire gave Ricky a little push.

  But it was the forest around them that had Edward yelling, “In the house now!” A hot breeze fell over him and the others as Lucas sent the women and children inside.

  “What is it?” Something was scanning them.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Beth paced back and forth as Teddy and Ricky colored at the kitchen table. Claire sat at the table with them staring at her. “You know it’s not going to help you pacing back and forth. They’ll be in here and explain when it’s safe,” her friend/sister-in-law said.

  “I know, but I want to help. What’s the sense of me having my gifts if I can’t help my men when problems arise?” Beth sat down at the table as Lancelot put a plate of cut up fruit in front of them.

  “You are helping them. You being safe is their first priority, Beth. If they are worried about your safety, then they can’t concentrate on other things,” Lancelot said handing her Betsy’s bottle.

  “I know you’re right, but it still feels wrong to just sit here and wait while they could be in danger,” she reached over and scooped a wide awake little girl out of the jumperoo. “Come, sweetie, time to eat.” Beth kissed the top of her head. At the age of six months, Betsy had a full head of red hair, but it was fine and curly. She also has a full appetite grabbing at the bottle as soon as she saw it.

  Claire laughed. “She is so alert and focused. Do you think she’ll be like her brother?” Claire asked, popping a grape into her mouth.

  “The way the two of them connect, I wouldn’t doubt it for a minute, but it wouldn’t matter either way. They’re both great kids. I can’t wait for Edward’s parents to see them. Faith has been hinting about grandchildren for the past months.” Beth kissed the top of Betsy’s head as a few stray tears rolled down her cheeks. “I just wish…”

  As if sensing her sadness, Teddy came over trying to give her a hug. “Don’t be sad, everything will be okay,” his little voice reassured her and she smiled.

  “I know they will. It’s just me being silly. Now go on and finish your coloring. Maybe when I’m done feeding Betsy here, Claire and Ricky would like to make cookies with us?” Ricky smiled from ear to ear and glanced at Claire.

  “Hey, who
can turn down cookies? I know I can’t.” Claire ruffled Ricky’s hair. “Plus, who knows how long all of them are going to be busy. Do you have any idea what happened out there? One minute we were pushing the boys, the next we’re in here.” Claire pushed the box of crayons closer to the boys.

  “I have no clue. Even Deception didn’t sense anything whatsoever. Usually I can sense things, but there was nothing, but then again both Lucas and Edward have stronger abilities than I. Hell, even Dred has his own gifts that I didn’t know about. That’s one of the reasons I was looking forward to this reprieve away from all the duties of a queen, if you know what I mean.”

  Her friend snorted. “Honey, half of the duties should have been eliminated long time ago. I’m afraid Edward was living in the dark ages when you met him.”

  “Hey, I resent that,” Edward said coming into the kitchen followed by Ivan and Rock. “It’s just taken us longer to get the older generation moving.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Lancelot is right. Having you safe is our first priority, Little Witch.” Edward kissed the top of Betsy’s head.

  “Well, don’t keep us in the dark here. What happened? Does someone know we’re here?” Beth asked as Edward sat down next to her, and Rock sat next to his sister.

  “It’s nothing to worry about. The Governing Council wanted to speak with Lucas and was searching for him, but I’m afraid we’ll have to wait on the walk till tomorrow. I was thinking, though.” Edward glanced at Lancelot. “Would it upset your plans if we grilled outside tonight? I thought we could have a small pool party and cook out. Just like normal folks.” Edward winked at Beth and she rolled her eyes.

  “I had steaks defrosting, so I see no problem with that. We could also cook the squash and potatoes out there. I even have a fresh salad we can make for the cook out,” Lancelot handed Edward and Rock a beer. “Meetings are done?”

  Edward nodded. “Yes, I told everyone I would contact them in the morning and that if they had a problem with that, they should go to my father.” Edward smirked. “Needless to say, he’s furious that we had to leave, but understands. He and Mother would like to come out next week and meet the children. I thought we could have them bring your nephew along with your aunts, if they want to stay here. It will be their choice. Of course, you know Lucas must scan each one including my parents. Boy, did that go over well with Dad.” Edward took a drink of his beer and Rock snorted.