The Runaway Breeder

by Alana Dyer

  “She didn’t?” Eeva asks in disbelief.

  “She did, she walked up to the kid and smashed her cupcake in the poor kid’s face all because he called her adorable.” Jack says and I glare at him. He is talking about the time I met one of Chris’s friend from another pack as that friend’s younger brother proceeded to treat me like a damsel in distress.

  “In my defence I was training to be a deadly fighter.” I say matter of fact as I take a bite of the gooey cheesy dish angrily. I was thirteen when this happened and remembered wanting to be a warrior at the time fighting and protecting the pack. What a joke my loyalty turned out to be in the end.

  “The best part is she then proceeds to cry because she no longer had a cupcake.” Chris finishes the story causing everyone around the table to roar with laughter. I grumble into the remaining food on my plate before getting up to clear the table now that everyone is done eating.

  “Nu-uh Laina, you’re on bed rest so I have this.” Eeva says. Her kids have already finish eating now Jack leading them into the living room to set up a Disney movie for the three to watch while Loren and Eeva clear the table and Tate pulls me down to sit back and relax. Jack returns ten minutes later just as Eeva and Loren finish loading the dishwasher and return to the table each carrying a big pastry box.

  “Since everyone is finished eating it’s time for dessert.” Eeva states taking the lid off the boxes to reveal a box full of Danishes and a box full of jumbo Cupcakes. I reach for a vanilla Cupcake loaded with sprinkles in and on the frosting sinking my teeth into the delicious treat. We continue to tell stories some about how Eeva and Loren found out about the two of them being mates and some about Tate as a child courtesy of Eeva. We plan to take our conversation to the living room when the small cries of Julia interrupt us.

  “Let me go get my little niece.” Eeva volunteers before disappearing from our sites. Loren chuckles and looks to Tate and me apologetically.

  “She wants to try for a daughter soon so she has baby fever right now.” He explains causing Tate to groan. Moments later Eeva appears with Julia in her arms.

  “She is adorable!” My sister-in-law gushes her eyes never leaving Julia’s tiny face.

  “What is her name?” Loren asks going to stand by his mate to peer down at my pup.

  “Julia Chris Randall-Silvermoon.” Tate answers and I smile.

  “Julia as in your mother’s name?” Chris asks, looking at me with a grin.

  “Yes and Chris as in you.” I answer my cousin watching his eyes widen for a brief moment before he stretches out his arms expectantly at Eeva.

  “Give me my new cousin.” He says to Eeva only for the latter to turn away from Chris and hold Julia closer to her body.

  “Get a bottle ready and you can feed her.” She states and I smirk as my cousin gets up, gets a bottle ready and takes my pup from her before sitting back down beside Jack. I watch the two men become captivated by my little girl, their eyes never leaving her face. It would be nice if they could adopt a pup of their own soon. The two men take turn feeding and burping Julia giving Tate and I a chance to cuddle while our family showers our pup with love and affection. I couldn’t help but smile watching everyone. Julia will definitely be spoiled as she grows.

  “We burry Kelly her twin sister tomorrow.” I announce quietly as I now hold a sleeping baby in my arms. The room grows silent with this information.

  “We will be there.” Loren speaks up, giving me a small smile as everyone else in the room agrees. I nod and smile sadly as I snuggle into Tate yawning.

  “I think it’s time for everyone to sleep.” Tate chuckles rubbing my back gently and causing my eyes to grow heavy.

  “Yeah we should get these children to bed now. Good night.” Eeva agrees as Loren heads into the living room to gather the boys, when they leave Chris and Jack head into the guest room that I once occupied. With the house settling in silence and Julia once again fast asleep in her own room I settle into bed with Tate curling into his arms and quickly falling asleep. I missed being home.

  Chapter 13

  "You ready?" Tate's voice floats to me and I sigh, taking a last look at myself in the mirror. My blue eyes held unshed tears in them once again as sorrow fills me. I stand wearing a long sleeved black lace dress with my hair in a high bun. Today will be a long and depressing day for everyone. I feel strong arms turn me away from my pale reflection and press my head into a sturdy chest as I take in Tate’s scent with shaky breath.

  "You don't have to go if it’s too hard Laina. Everyone would understand." He says and kisses my forehead. He knew I am close to breaking again. Any mother would be close to breaking on the day they burry their baby.

  “I have to Tate. She deserves to know how much I love her and will miss her.” I whisper out with a whimper into his chest. Taking another deep breath to steady my emotions I take Tate’s hand and the two of us make our way down the stairs where Jack and Chris fawn over Julia, a soft smile on my lips as I watch the three of them.

  "Who is a fabulous little baby? You are, yes you are little Julia. And your big cousins here are going to make sure you stay fabulous with clothes fit for this little princess.” Chris coos as he taps gently on Julia’s little nose. I knew what he is saying will come true and that like myself Julia will be showered with clothing growing up. I feel Tate stiffen beside me as Chris bounces Julia in his arms as he talks about all the things she will get growing up and what she might become in the future causing my mate to growl lowly where only I can hear it. I knew Tate is extremely possessive and I guess with Chris acting this way maybe he felt his position threatened.

  “Behave Tate. Chris and Jack are always like this, especially Chris. He means no harm.” I sigh out, wrapping my arm around Tate’s wait and trying to calm my mate down as best as I can. Instead of calming down Tate rolls his eyes and continues to glare at Chris, pulling away from me. Hurt fills my already bruised heart at my mate’s reaction. Trying to calm myself down I turn away from Tate and shy away from his touch when he reaches for me. I walk towards Chris and Jack taking Julia from Chris’ arms and cradle her as I breathe in her baby scent.

  “Julia and I are riding in your car Chris.” I decide, hearing Tate give a low possessive growl. I turn to glare at my mate. Today is already a hard-enough day for me and I will not allow his possessive attitude to take over and hurt me even more emotionally.

  "Wouldn't you rather be with Tate?" Jack asks cautiously his eyes darting between Tate and I.

  “No. I would rather ride with family than be stuck in a car with a possessive ass that can’t control his attitude today.” I answer honestly. I bend down to place Julia in her car seat watching Jack carefully pick it up carefully. Chris grabs Julia’s diaper bag getting ready to leave.

  "Why are you being so difficult? A moment ago you were ready to cry and now you're act like a class “A” bitch!” Tate growls out directing his anger towards me. My heart cracks slightly as a few tears slip out from the corner of my eyes and I shake my head at Tate.

  “I’m only acting like this because of you.” I snap back watching as Tate’s eyes widen with shock.

  “Here Chris is being not only a cousin but an uncle as well to Julia and you get jealous of him. He’s gay and has a mate but just because you feel slightly threatened you start growling and being an asshole. Today is not the day to do this Tate. I am burying one of my pups. Do you understand the pain I am in?” I continue, more tears streaming down my face as Chris holds his arm out preventing me from going to where I left Tate and slapping some sense into him.

  “Chris is my best friend. When my parents died he raised me. So excuse me for taking my family’s side when my mate starts acting like a grad “A” douchebag.” I finish my rant and turn on my heels and proceed to drag Chris to his car. I needed away from Tate for a moment. Jack follows suit and helps me in securing Julia and her car seat in the back seat before the three of us settle into the car ourselves.

  “Just drive Chris.” I s
igh out seeing the hesitation in my cousin’s eyes for leaving Tate in the house alone. When my mate smartens up then I will talk to him. But today is not the day to act the way he is. The engine starts and Chris proceeds to back out of the driveway. My eyes stay focused on Julia beside me as I wipe away the wetness on my face.

  The drive to the Church is short as we pass by through the forest roads. The trees shake and leaves break off falling to the ground. I take the time to try my best and compose myself as Chris parks in front of a gorgeous white brick church that Eeva told me was built over one hundred years ago. It was gorgeous and the blue cloudless sky provided a lovely scene. For such a sad day it was beautiful out. Maybe the Moon Goddess felt sorry for me losing my pup Kelly and provided a beautiful scene to send her off. Chris comes to the side Julia’s car seat is secured in and offers to carry her inside. I reach for the diaper bag but Jack grabs it before I can, giving me a side hug and a kiss on my fore head. It made me happy having these two here. We make our way into the opened double doors of the church when a wolf in a long robe steps forward from the dais and gives me a warm smile.

  "Luna, so nice to meet you but I am sad that it had to be under these circumstances." The minister greets, offering his hand for me to shake. I smile sadly and look around the room my eyes searching for Kelly’s body.

  "I-is she?" I couldn't help but let a few more tears fall as I ask. I wanted to see her for the first and last time.

  "She is in the other room; would you like some time with her?" The minister asks with a sympathetic gaze. I nod slowly motioning for him to lead the way while Jack and Chris smile reassuringly at me and takes Julia to the front pew to entertain the newborn. I am lead to a room to the left of the stage where a wooden table with a black satin table cloth stands. On top of the table is a small wooden casket with white satin that cradles the body of a little new born who is a carbon copy of Julia. The minister leaves closing the door behind him while I slowly walk forward until I stand before Kelly, my fingers grazing her small cheeks gently.

  "Hi Kelly." I choke out as tears once again flow down my face. Something compels me to gently lift her lifeless body in my arms as sobs begin to take hold of me. I fall to my knees while staring at the still face of my baby girl. Here I am holding onto Kelly. My pup that used to kick inside me just days ago and I would never get to watch her grow up. She couldn’t feel my touch or be comforted in my arms. She’ll never grow up with Julia.

  "I love you baby girl." I whisper, kissing her sweet little face, my tears falling onto her little pale cheeks. I sit in the small quiet room just holding onto Kelly and slightly rocking back and forth. I wish I could turn back time, so this day never happens.

  "Laina?" It was Eeva as she calls out to me gently. I turn my head to look at my friend watching her take slow steps to stand before me, a sad smile in her face as she holds out her hands.

  "It’s time, may I take her?” She informs, asking me gently about Kelly. I hesitate for a moment before nodding allowing Eeva to take Kelly from my arms and gently placing her into her coffin with care. She rearranges her pink dress so that it sits elegantly on my pup’s body as more sobs come from me.

  "Ssshh, it'll be okay." Eeva whispers taking a seat beside me on the ground and wrapping her arms around me. I burry my face into my friend’s shoulder and allow myself to grieve for my pup that I will never watch grow up. Who will never run around with her sister. For a while, the two of us stay in this position as Eeva allows me to cry, my sobs slowing down until I am able to catch my breath. She takes out cleansing wipes from her purse and helps me clean my face, squeezing my hands gently before helping me to my feet. I turn to look at Kelly one last time, rearranging her dress and taking a small head band I had made last week. It was a black band with fall flowers and a colourful butterfly. Julia is already wearing the matching headband and it felt right letting Kelly wear her head band today.

  "Good bye sweet girl." I whisper, giving her a final kiss on her tiny forehead before Eeva leads me out of the room gently. Walking back into the main part of the church I catch Tate in the back talking to the minister but ignore him. Instead I join Chris and Jack in the front taking Julia from Jack’s arms and holding my baby close to me. We all take a seat on the benches as the minister starts his speech about the balance of life and the blessing from the Goddess, Loren and Jack carrying the tiny coffin to the front where everyone I knew could see her. I already had my moment so I just stare at Julia not wanting to see the small coffin. Someone slides into the spot next to me, strong arms wrapping around me and pulling close.

  "Laina, I...I'm sorry. I was an ass this morning." It was Tate and those few words are all I need to turn into his chest and cry silently, careful not to wake our sleeping pup on my arms. The rest of the funeral is a blur, the only thing I remember is the coffin being lowered and buried in the Tomb where Tate’s family is buried. She will forever be a Randall-Silvermoon and Tate’s pup no matter what.

  I don’t remember how I ended up in bed curled under the covers but I do know that Tate allowed Chris and Jack to take care of Julia for the night. I needed some time alone after the long heart wrenching day I’ve had. I knew Tate is in his office but every now and then he would check in on me. With my body feeling zapped of all energy I decide to close my heavy eyelids and let sleep welcome me.

  Chapter 14

  Light slowly drifts in though the sheer curtains falling across my eye lids causing me to wake up. Strong arms are wrapped around me with my back against a sturdy chest. The tingles against my skin tell me that it’s Tate as he snuggles closer to me. I needed to get my mind off of yesterday and move forward. I will always love Kelly, but Julia needed her mother to raise her. Today is a new day and slowly my grief will settle down.

  Tate slowly pulls away from me and kisses my forehead before his presences leaves the bed. Ten minutes pass by till I decide that I did not want to stay here in bed forever and I throw the covers back to stand. Stretching I make my way towards the bathroom for a shower, letting the warm water cleanse away the smell of grief from yesterday off of my body. I feel more refreshed as I shut off the water and wrap my body in a fluffy towel still learning to get use to my small stomach once again. I step away from the master en suit and pad towards the closet towel drying my hair. Something about a morning shower always made me feel lighter and energetic. Dressing in a short fall dress I braid my hair and make my way downstairs and towards the smell of breakfast cooking in the kitchen.

  "Come here princess!" I hear Tate's voice before I see him and everyone as I round the corner to the kitchen entrance just in time to watch Jack pass Julia to my mate.

  "Good morning." I say smiling as I walk towards them, kissing my mate on the cheek before taking Julia from him.

  Hey we were having daddy daughter time!" He exclaims while I sit down on a chair with her in my arms across from my mate.

  "New born babies are cute but boring." Jack says with a sigh. I fake gasp at him shielding Julia from Jack’s sight and shaking my head at my cousin-in-law.

  "Shame on you, she is busy being adorable." I say in mock scolding before kissing my pup gently on her little nose.

  "Yes she is and you need to be busy by eating." Tate says. I smile when my mate places a plate full of food in front of me with a glass of orange juice but protest when he takes Julia away from now.

  "Hey I had her!" I exclaim reaching out to take our pup away from him again.

  "And now you are eating." He smirks and I glare at him as he takes Julia back to his seat.

  "She may not be my flesh and blood but the moment I saw her I knew she would be my little girl." He says smiling and I couldn't help but smile at his declaration as I give in and begin to eat.

  The four of us enjoy the quiet morning taking turns passing Julia around and taking pictures with her. I smile when Chris and Jack announce that they are looking at adopting their own pup soon once they settle into their own house here in Bloodsvain. It felt like life is finally set o
n the right track for me and my family. Suddenly everything turns into chaos as wolves in uniforms worn by the council of Elders storm into the kitchen, the sounds of glass from the windows breaking open. Julia is placed into my arms with Tate backing me into a wall taking a protective stance in front of us, a threatening growl rolling over the crowd.

  "Laina Starcrest you are under arrest for kidnapping!" A man states as he steps forward, weary of Tate. I could tell he did not want to go against my Mate, and I had a feeling he would lose if Tate attacks.

  "Tate Randall-Silvermoon step down. This she-wolf stole a pup from Samuel from Pine-” I growl loudly, cutting the man off as I send a vicious glare his way.

  "I did no such thing, this is my pup and she was born a few days ago along with her twin whom we just buried yesterday." I snap, holding my baby closer to my chest protecting her. I hated these men who invaded my house and threaten to take my pup away from me.

  "Alpha Sam said you would say that, but he has documents for a baby boy born two weeks ago." The man states taking out what looks to be a copy of fake documents. Sam must have been prepared to fight for these pups but too bad for him. He will never hold a claim to Julia.

  "Look closely idiot, my mate is holding a baby girl!" Tate roars and everyone freezes, the men sniffing the air. The man in front of Tate looks over at my mate in confusion before peering over his shoulder towards me.

  "It seems that you are speaking the truth. What were the elders thinking?” The man I now assume as the leader states as he catches a glimpse of Julia. I turn my body so that my back is towards the men in the room, guarding my pup from their gazes and sending a glare in their direction.

  "I'll tell you what they were thinking, they weren't!" I growl out in anger. The leader looks at us again but I keep his curious gaze off of Julia. He has no right to see her.