by Alana Dyer
“Then how about we get ready for bed and you cuddle with me in my room while we watch something on T.V. this way if you fall asleep you’ll be comfortable.” He reasons, planting a kiss on my forehead. I could feel myself growing drowsy but I wanted to keep talking
“Okay then.” I agree. I head upstairs into my room to find all the new clothes bought today put away neatly in the closet. I couldn’t help but smile and send a thank you text to Eeva before picking out a pair of baggy P.J. pants and a soft cotton T-shirt for bed. Once change I make my way down the dark hallway towards the room with light filtering through the door. The room is filled with Tate’s scent as I look everywhere for him before climbing into his massive bed under the covers. A door opens and out walk Tate from what I realize is the bathroom with a pair of P.J. pants on slung low around his waist and his chiselled torso bare for me to enjoy. He climbs into the bed reaching for the T.V. remote on his side of the bed before pulling me close to his side as he flicks through the channels looking for something to watch. Finally he lands on Finding Nemo.
“Really?” I ask laughing at his choice of movie.
“What? It’s a classic babe.” He states with a roll of his eyes and I giggle again.
“Okay, okay we will watch it.” I conclude conceding to his choice of movie as I snuggle closer to Tate. I smile when his hand continues to rub circles on me, his head leaning towards my direction every now and then to kiss the top of my head. Sometime during the first few minutes of the movie my eyelids grow heavy until I find myself falling asleep.
Chapter 10
The first week living with Tate flies by as he and I get used to a routine of living with each other. I had slowly moved my clothing and products into Tate’s room, the vanity I found in the room I woke up in on the first day in this house has been moved to sit in front of the large bay window that faces the backyard. Tate allowed me to explore the house as much as I wanted, finding the basement with a large workout room on the second day. I couldn’t help but squeal with glee when I saw all of the workout equipment going as far as doing some light workout with a worried and panicking Tate frantically trying to keep the heavier weights away from me. Spoil sport.
There were times when walking around the forest with my mate that we would pass by his pack members his possessive side would show. It was the first time I convinced him to go for a walk with me when a warrior got to close thinking a rogue was attacking his Alpha. I had to pull Tate’s black wolf by the scruff of his neck off of the warrior while screaming and yelling at him. I could tell with just my touch alone he visibly relaxed. With me distracting Tate, the warrior was able to run free to a safe distance as Tate wrapped his huge furry body around me, his black fur warming me up as his scent is rubbed into me. I introduced myself as Tate’s mate, my hands scratching my mate’s ear as the warrior stared back. With a respectful bow he left us alone to continue our walk in the forest that day. I guess that warrior warned the rest of the wolves as a way to stop them from accidentally attacking me as we rarely saw anyone else. Even when we did see another wolf they would stay a respectful distance away from Tate and I greeting us with a respectful bow.
I couldn’t help but relish the sight of the calm forest as I sit on a fallen log. Tate is running around being chased by small children in his wolf form as Eeva and I watch on. Eeva’s mate is Tate’s Beta and due to pack business he is on a mission to make a treaty with a new smaller pack and will return later tonight; so for the last few days the four of them have joined us for meals and outings around the territory.
“How is Tate now with you being pregnant?” Eeva asks as her youngest – Jonathan – manages to jump onto Tate’s back getting a cheer from his two brothers while the pup clings to his uncle's fur. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the young pups with their uncle. It made me excited for when the twins are born and Tate could play with them like this.
“He still has some issues but he is coming around. Honestly if you had seen him when I was designing my office you would have thought they were his pups. He is such a worrywart and wouldn't allow me to paint or move furniture. Don’t get me started with even doing a small workout. I’m positive the only weights I am allowed to touch are the one and two pound weights.” I rant, feeling annoyed by how my mate acts. Two days ago the paint and furniture as well as the lap to and electronics for my office arrived. I tried my best to carry the lighter objects up the stairs but Tate would take them from my hands and make me wait inside the room. When he stepped out to take a call I had decided to start painting, nearly spilling the can of pain when he comes in lecturing me about resting while he does all the work. It took the whole day but I managed to get the room decorated barely having to move a muscle and very annoyed by Tate's attitude of me doing any form of work. But it makes me smile knowing how caring he is towards me and my pregnant state. I know deep down that he will make a wonderful father to the twins.
“Speaking of that office of yours how is it going for you?” Eeva asks. I had started my college courses back up again three days ago. It felt nice having something to do when left alone at home. Tate had gone out and surprised me the day my office was completed by buying all the art materials I would want plus more that I stored in the closet.
“It’s going really well. I love having a space of my own. I somehow managed to get caught up with all the work I missed out on.” I answer leaning back on the tree behind me and taking a deep breath. I haven’t become a member of the pack just yet and neither have I took on the role of Luna yet. Tate and Eeva suggest I wait until after I give birth as the ritual may cause harm to the twins. So instead I spend my free time when not with Tate or Eeva by doing my school work or learning about the pack and the duties I have as a Luna. Some things I do now with Bloodsvain are look over the businesses and go through the members list to see who needs to be given a role in the pack. Tate had asked me to redesign a few of the buildings that they own and I happily took on the challenge.
“Well that’s good. Finish your school so you can start redesigning the pack house. Goddess only knows it needs an update.” My friend chuckles out. I feel a wet nose sniffing at my hand and turn to see Tate looking at me, a bemused expression on his wolf face.
“Is it time to head home?” I ask my hand reaching out to scratch under his chin as the three boys slowly trudge over.
“Mom, can we play with Uncle Tate again later tomorrow?” Vinny asks. The eldest of the three has his brother Jonathan sleeping on his back as the second pup comes up behind him. I couldn’t help but give Andy a hug as he sleepily rubs his eyes. I hear the sound of Tate shifting into his human form and putting on clothes before picking up the pup and taking him from my arms before wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
“They are all tuckered out and need their bed now. Let’s get Eeva and the boys home, then we can have a quiet night.” Tate says as Andy falls asleep against his uncle's shoulder. The sight of Tate holding a pup causes me to smile. I couldn’t wait for the next few weeks to fly by and we could raise the twins. Eeva takes Jonathan from Vinny as the six of us walk through the forest towards Eeva’s house. I sigh when my body sinks into the rocking chair on her front porch as my mate brings his nephews up to their rooms.
I watch the leaves on the oak tree fall down to the ground. Fall is my favourite time of year with the beautiful colours and the chance to wear cozy warm sweaters. The nice weather allows me to run in my wolf form without dying from the heat of the glaring sun or from my thick fur in summer. I especially love being able to dress up for Halloween, the only time I am very childish.
“Comfortable?” I look up to see Tate smiling down at me from his spot as he leans against the door frame. I smile up at my mate and hold my hand out for him, watching him take it and lean forward to leave a kiss on the back of my hand.
“Can we get a rocking chair for our porch?” I ask as Tate helps me to my feet and holds me close in a gentle hug.
“Sure. We can get two if you want one for each of us
?” He suggests causing me to grin. The idea of having a comfortable rocking chair on the porch makes me sigh contently. We say our farewells to Eeva before getting into Tate’s jeep and heading home. Tate decides to order us a pizza for dinner and we curl up on the couch watching Say Yes to the Dress. Tate won’t admit it but I got him into the show. Yesterday I caught him secretly watching it in his study causing me to take a quick video to send to Eeva. Apparently she couldn’t stop laughing when she saw the serious look in Tate’s face as he comments that some girl should have chosen the Lazaro dress.
“Have you decided on baby names yet Laina.” Tate asks as I take a large bite of the meat lover’s pizza.
“Not yet. I have a few names in mind right now but we can decide when they are born.” I answer, smiling sheepishly at Tate. I watch his reaction closely, catching a slight smile playing on his lips.
“Yeah we can decide when they are born.” He agrees, leaning over to kiss my cheek. I felt happiness burst inside at Tate’s reply. I could feel the shift in his feelings on the babies inside me and it is shifting for the good.
After a long day we decide to head to bed early. I loved the feeling of falling asleep in his arms as his scent wraps around me. Soon we will be able to complete the mating ritual. I just have to wait another three months for when the babies are born for us to be together forever.
Chapter 11
Pain!
That is all I can feel gripping my body with terror as I wake up clutching at my sides. I let out a scream as a spasm rocks through my body causing me to curl up as best as I can. Something inside me tells me that something is wrong while tears stream down my face.
“Tate!” I scream out, praying that the sleeping wolf beside me wakes up quickly - I don’t know how much I can endure. Feeling my mate jump out of bed and catching his green orbs glow searching for danger, his eyes soon land on my curled up form. I whimper as another streak of pain shoots through me with tears continuing to flow out.
“What’s wrong Baby?” I see the panic stricken look on Tate’s face as he rushes around the bed and to my side, his hand brushing away my hair that sticks face. My body shivers from the cold sweat now coating my skin as I cry out in pain once again.
“I...I don’t know.” I cry out, fear lacing my voice. I close my eyes as yet another spasm rocks through me. I needed help and I need it now. A light flashes across my closed eyes and I turn to see Tate turning on the light to the room and bringing a cellphone to his ear.
“Doc, have a bed ready at the hospital now.” He orders, ending the call just as swiftly as he started it before stuffing the device into his pocket and gently picking me up. He makes a move to leave but stops as something catches his eyes.
“Fuck.” He curses, panic radiating off of him as I turn to look down at the spot I was just in where a spot of dark red blood greets me. Once again fear grips my heart as I clutch at my pregnant stomach. I pray to all the Gods and Goddesses that are listening that my babies will be okay. Tate rushes out the house as fast as he can go and places me into the passenger side of his Jeep, strapping me in and shutting the door. I watch my frantic mate rush around the vehicle with panic stricken eyes and into the driver’s seat not bothering to put on his seat belt as he speeds out of the drive way.
“Hang on Laina.” He pleads as I scream with pain again. I am grateful for being strapped in as Tate increases the car's speed with each scream and moan of pain that exits my lips, quickly avoiding wolves that cross the road and screaming at them to stay out of the way. Fear and despair lace his voice while he assures me that everything will be okay and to just stay awake. His eyes flicker between my body that is curled in on itself and the road, his knuckles white from gripping the steering wheel. The drive feels like an eternity has passed when the Jeep finally screeches to a stop in front of the building I remember to be the pack hospital. Wolves rush out to greet Tate while he rushes to my side and gingerly takes me out of the passenger seat, the smell of blood lingering in the air.
“Let’s get her to an ultra sound.” A man says, pushing a bed towards Tate and allowing my mate to settle me onto the surface. The group of doctors and nurses rush us inside. My eyes become hazy with pain and all I can do is clutch at Tate’s hand. The next thing I know I am in a large white room; a cold gel being squirted onto my stomach while Tate holds me down. Tears escape from my eyes when I notice the nurse readying an ultrasound machine and a sinking feeling of dread weighs down my heart.
“Alpha you need to stay calm and listen to what my team says.” The man states, his eyes looking sternly at Tate while a nurse does her job. My eyes wander over to a screen, the ultrasound image showing a picture of what I know to be my babies even with my blurry eyes.
“She is going to have to go for emergency surgery now if we are to save their lives.” I hear the nurse state grimly. The scent of blood continues to grow as I feel something pierce my arm and noticing the I.V. dripping fluid into me. Soon the medicine takes effect and drowsiness begins to settle in.
“Baby listen to me! Everything will be fine and when you wake up I will be right here waiting for you.” I hear Tate’s voice as his fingers brush away my tears. He kisses my lips gently and nuzzles his face into the crook of my neck. Finally darkness takes me and the pain disappears. I just hope that my babies are okay.
…
Beep
A soft beeping fills the room causing annoyance to bubble inside me. The pain from earlier is finally gone and all I wanted is to sleep.
Beep
There it goes again and I sigh with exasperation realizing that this sound isn’t going to start until someone turns off the stupid machine making said noise.
Beep
Groaning I open my heavy eyes and see a spotless white ceiling above me. The room is dimly lit making it comfortable for me to open my tired eyes without flinching
Beep
My eyes search around the room looking for where the sound comes from. I notice the strange machines only to land on the one machine causing that annoying noise. A stupid heartbeat monitor glares back at me and I wish that someone would shut it off so that I can return to peace and quiet.
“How are you feeling beautiful?” My head turns to a hoarse voice as I catch Tate smiling at me with relief. He looks haggard and tired, dark circles under his eyes while he moves the chair he is sitting on closer to the bed I lay on.
“I feel numb and not as bloated. Why do I feel normal again?” I answer a frown on my lips. My limbs refuse to move for me to rest my hand on my stomach as usual to feel the twins inside me so I go to turn my head, Tate stopping me and forcing me to look into his eyes.
“Before you look, listen to me.” He says sadly his green eyes tearing up as a sad smile plays at his lips. A bad omen sinks into my heart as he kisses my forehead and takes a deep breath.
“The doctor tried to do everything he could. Only one of them made it.” His words are soft and slow and silence follows as they begin to sink into my hazy mind. With eyes widening and tears blurring my vision before they cascade down my face. My heart begins to break when everything settles.
I lost one.
My babies and I lost one.
“Hush Laina, it’s going to be okay.” Tate consoles climbing into the bed with me and wrapping me in his arms. I clutch at his shirt as I bury my face into his chest letting the heart wrenching sobs out. All the praying I did to save my twins did nothing as one had died on me. I felt like a failure of a mother.
“W-What h-happened?” I hiccup out through my sobs pleadingly. I needed to know how one of the twins died.
“The umbilical cord chocked her to death. Somehow she managed to get it wrapped around her neck and her sister tried to help free her on instinct. It’s why you bled so much.” I couldn’t help but feel pride for the sisterly love the two had built inside my womb but my sobs grow knowing that the two would never grow up together. The daydreams I pictured of two little pups chasing each other around the home Tate and I bu
ilt in the last few day shatter as sadness takes a hold of me. Knowing they will never grow up together breaks everything inside me while sorrow fills my heart and mind. Suddenly the sound of a tiny wail has my sobs stopping and bringing me back to my senses. Tate sighs, brushing away the stray tears on my face and kissing my eyelids before getting up and making his way to the end of the bed where the sounds of the wailing comes from a wooden basinet. Bending over Tate rises with a something wrapped in a pink bundle with a soft smile on his face slightly bouncing while making his way back to me.
“Hush little one. Mommy just woke up and is hurting too. You’ll be in her arms soon.” He coos as the tiny bundle quiets slightly but continues its cries quietly.
“Is she?” I ask hopefully, my eyes following the tiny crying baby in his arms.
“Yes. She is your- I mean – she is our little girl.” He answers with a loving smile as he passes the bundled up baby into my waiting arms. I couldn’t help but stare down at the little pup, her cries silencing as she settles into my embrace. I smiled at her, swiping tears off of her tiny little face and watching her doze off once again.
“Hi sweetie. Welcome to the world.” I whisper, gently kissing her face while Tate climbs into the bed with us. He wraps his arms around me, letting me lean into his chest as we just sit in the quiet room. Well almost quiet room. That stupid heart beat monitor needed to be destroyed.
“Hello Alpha I- oh Luna you’re awake.” A nurse said as she came in with a bottle suited for a newborn in her hand as she stops at the door smiling at the three of us.
“I was going to come feed the little princess but would you like to?” She asked coming to my side of the bed and extending the bottle towards me.
“Actually I wanted to breast feed her if that’s okay.” I state wanting to refuse the formula filled bottle. I watch as the nurse sends a sympathetic smile my way as she takes on of my hand gently and places the bottle into it before backing away a respectful distance.
