The Lunar Child: The Elemental Wolves

by M. D. Butler

  We need to get Jahla trained now.

  Chapter 22

  Jahla

  Fuck, this. We’re not staying for the rest of the day. I refuse to put up with petty bitches anymore. I’ve reached my quota for the year.

  Ask them if we can just go home. I don’t even care if I graduate anymore.

  Is it really that bad, angel? The headmaster said he understands about us wanting to disenroll from the academy. Are you sure you don’t want to try to finish out the day?

  I appreciate Krix for trying to help me stick to my goals, but I just can’t people anymore right now.

  Can you ask him if we can leave for the day? I’ll do any extra credit that they ask as long as I don’t have to stay.

  Okay, I’ll tell him we’re leaving. Tell the guys we’re going home. I’ll meet you outside.

  I’m not sure if I should feel bad for pushing so hard, but I know it was the right decision. I’m not the only one having issues, and Mav won’t be last if we stay. Kids are assholes, and shifters are worse.

  “Krix said we can leave.”

  “Thank the Mother! I hate school.”

  “Thought you liked being the center of attention, Cash.”

  “Only when it’s your attention, babe.”

  I grin as we grab our trays from the table. After we’ve dumped them in the trash bins by the door, we rush off to our lockers to gather our things. We’re rushing around like we’re making a great escape, and it’s so exciting.

  “Button your coat, pixie,” says Den just as I’m about to skip through the doors of the school. I can’t help but to think of him as Mr. Mom whenever he’s like this. It’s cute and annoying at the same time.

  I expected to encounter that Candace thing on our way out, but we made it to the parking lot without any incidents. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief when the last door of the truck is closed. It’s sad that we’ve been through so much already. It’s only Friday!

  I didn’t realize that I had closed my eyes until I jump when Krix opens the door to climb in.

  “We don’t have to do any extra credit because it’s so close to the holidays. We have to start the home school program after Christmas break, so we’re free for the next couple of weeks.”

  “Yes! More time with you, babe.”

  “More time to train.” Damn it, Denny!

  “I’m just happy that we don’t have to deal with people anymore. I’m finding out that I’m not a people person.”

  “Understandable. You don’t have the best track record with them. At least we don’t have to worry about you being a social butterfly, and not being around that much.”

  “I will always prefer you guy, Breezy.”

  We have a casual conversation as we make our way back to the house. The guys want to get a little training in before we head over to Kayla’s house for dinner, and I’m all for it. Denahi is adamant that I’m well trained by my birthday. I’ve been pretty quick on the uptake, so it shouldn’t be so hard.

  I have a feeling that something is going to happen, so I’m committed to the preparation.

  Denahi

  Training is going well, and I couldn’t be prouder of my little pixie. The only problem is that she’s gotten a little temperamental lately. It can’t be because she’s frustrated about training. She’s practically a natural at this shit, and she’s flying through things that took us months to master.

  Her birthday is in two days, so maybe that’s it. Could she be stressed about the big day? It’s not like it’s a profound day other than turning eighteen, so I brush that thought away. I would say it’s PMS, but female shifters don’t have regular periods. They go into heat about twice a year, but only after they’ve-

  Oh, shit.

  We need to talk.

  I only link the guys because I don’t want to freak Jahla out.

  I’m afraid to tell the guys my theory about what could be going on, but I at least have to warn them if it’s true. We haven’t taken that final step in our relationship, but it’ll definitely happen if she goes into heat. We won’t be able to stop ourselves.

  What’s up? I’m trying to make Jahla take a nap. She’s cranky as hell right now.

  I might have a theory as to why.

  What is it? Mav’s with me so we can meet with you. Cash, you stay with Jahla. We’ll talk through the link.

  Gotcha.

  I wait for Mav and Krix to come downstairs to the kitchen before I say anything else. It’s our day off from family dinners, so I’m cooking tonight. They walk in and take a seat at the island.

  Cash, don’t let on that you’re linking us. I don’t want to upset her.

  Noted. She’s been moody lately.

  I think she’s going into heat.

  What?!

  They all yell simultaneously in my head, and I wince at the slight headache it gives me.

  Calm down! You know she can feel our emotions. We can’t let her suspect that we’re talking about her.

  We’re not ready for that, Den! We have too much shit going on. You know a heat almost guarantees a kid unless you’re taking some serious precautions!

  I’m well aware, Cashel.

  It makes sense. Heats are triggered by mate bonding.

  Doesn’t mean we’re ready, Mav! We’ve only been kissing and holding her. She’s not even ready!

  Doesn’t matter, Cash. Once it starts, it doesn’t stop. She either gets pregnant, or it runs its course.

  That takes days!

  Seriously, Cash, calm down. Krix is right. If this is what’s going on, we have to be prepared.

  Thank the Mother for Mav. I feel like we say that at least once a day.

  Fine, but we’re going to have to tell her about it, too.

  That’ll be fun.

  My sentiments exactly.

  ***

  I’m never really nervous, but sitting down with Jahla in the living room to tell her about her potential heat has me anxious. She’s been so unpredictable that it’s a scary situation.

  I’m not easily scared.

  “Why do we have to have a meeting right now. I’m hungry.”

  “This is important, angel.”

  “Fine, just make it quick.”

  See what I mean? What happened to my shy little pixie from a couple of weeks ago? I love it when she’s feisty, but this is straight attitude. Glad we’d only have to deal with this twice a year. Her mention of being hungry has me even more on edge. My wolf has a strong urge to provide for her, so holding back from that is hard.

  “We think you might be going into heat.”

  And just like that, he drops the bomb. We all sort of cringe as we wait for her reaction.

  “Well, that explains a lot.”

  That’s it? All of this anticipation and fear just for her to be calm? Something’s not right. I’m afraid to relax.

  Cash expels a loud breath, obviously not feeling the same apprehension as me.

  “Man, I thought you’d explode on us, babe. You’ve been a little scary the last couple of days.”

  She grimaces as she says, “Sorry. I just haven’t felt right lately. I’m really hot all the time, and small things have been pissing me off. I know it’s wrong the way I’ve been snapping at you guys, but I can’t seem to help it. And I’m always fucking hungry!”

  “It’s okay, sweetheart. We’d never hold it against you. We’re just glad that we’ve figured out what’s going on because we could tell that you weren’t being yourself. We should verify with our moms, though. They’ve been through this, so they can give us more insight.”

  “I’ll call your mom after we eat, Mav. I think y’all are right, though. I just don’t know how I feel about it. It’s one thing to have sex with my mates because I want to. It’s a whole other ball game when it’s forced on you by instinct.”

  “Tell me about it, babe! Like, I want to have sex. I’d be crazy not to want your beautiful ass! I just don’t want you to regret anything that happens when it’s all over
.”

  “I’d never regret being with you guys. I want you.”

  Her eyes begin to glow a little so I rush out of the living room before her pheromones can hit me. They’ve been subtly getting stronger, and harder to resist. We’ve been getting by with kisses and cuddles, but it’s getting harder to resist by the day.

  “Let’s eat!” I yell. The others weren’t fast enough to escape so I have to give them an out. It would piss off my wolf if I weren’t able to feed her before the mating frenzy hit. Once it starts, there’s no stopping it until it’s over.

  We’ll all need to be well fed if we want to survive.

  Chapter 23

  Jahla

  Heat.

  Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to have an explanation for my recent attitude, but this was the last thing I expected. Can’t deny that it fits the situation, though.

  I knock on Kayla’s door before I walk in. I received a strong tongue lashing the last time I just waited outside for someone to open it. Apparently, I’m family so I should act like it. It was the best scolding I’ve ever received.

  “Hi, honey!”

  Kayla is in the kitchen when I scout her out. It’s like an office for her, so this is where you can usually find her.

  “Hey, Ma,” as I’ve taken to calling her. I have some variation of “mother” for each of them, and they love it.

  “What brings you here today? Not that I’m not happy to see you.”

  She comes over to give me a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. I’ve grown comfortable with the affection. My wolf and I crave the familiar bond that has come from them.

  “I have a question, but it feels a little weird for me to be asking.”

  “Is it about your upcoming heat?”

  “How did you know?! Did Mav tell you?”

  If so, I’m kicking his ass!

  “No, honey. He’d never do that to you.”

  She’s right, but… hormones, you know?

  “Sorry.”

  “It’s fine. I still get my heat, but we take precautions. Mavrin’s birth was hard, and I don’t want to go through it again. To answer your question, my wolf can sense it. All female wolves can. It’s why me and your other moms haven’t bothered you as much in the last few days. It’s instinctual to stay clear of you and your mates.”

  “That was going to be my next question. You just confirmed it, though. I’m really going into heat.”

  “And you’re nervous about it.”

  “Yes! I don’t know what to expect, Ma. What do I do?”

  I’m about to cry, and it’s making me feel worse. I hate crying, and I hate feeling out of control.

  “You just let nature run it’s course. The only thing you need to focus on is enjoying the moment. It’s beautiful and profound when you come together with your mate for the first time. You will feel the bond get to its deepest level.”

  I think it’s deep enough without the risk of kids.

  Can’t help the snarky attitude of my inner monologue. She is me, and I am her. Besides, that brings up my next point.

  Cue the dramatics in three… two… one!

  “What about precautions? With the prophecy, we don’t have time for kids right now. And we’re still kids ourselves!”

  “Calm down, Jahla! You’re going to make them come running in here. Don’t think I don’t know they’re outside. They’d never let you get far, especially in your current state. I’ll get the other moms together so we can all discuss what we do to keep the swimmers from their destination.”

  I burst out laughing. You’d think Donna would be the silly one since she’s Cash’s mom, but it’s Kayla that always come through with the jokes. Mav must get his gentle reasonability from his dad because Kayla is silly as fuck.

  “Thanks, Ma. Do you think it’ll work, though? I mean, there are five of them,” I say with a blush. It’s hard not to when you’re speaking to a mom about having sex with her son, and trying not to have a kid in the process.

  “I hope so. The boys will never let you near a battle if you’re pregnant. They’re going to want to keep you as safe as possible as it is.”

  She’s absolutely right. They’re really anal about my safety to the point of almost smothering. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though. it’s so nice to finally have someone care about me. Five someone’s, and a bitch is in heaven.

  “Guess I’ll get the messages sent out to call all of the girls here. With the strength of your pheromones right now, it’s happening soon.”

  Fuck!

  ***

  We get back to the house, and I’m on information overload. I never want to talk to the moms again, let alone here about their sexual escapades. I love how close we are, but some things should just stay off limits!

  I can’t even look at my guys right now. I mean, I basically know how they were conceived! How can I look either of them in the eye knowing what position was used, and when?! Too much.

  “Come on, pixie. We need to get you fed.”

  I want to snap at Den, but my belly chooses that moment to growl. Damn heat.

  “How are you feeling, sweetheart?”

  “Like I’m standing in the fires of Hell. Can we leave the windows open tonight? It’s really how in here.”

  “How about you just go rolling in the snow, babe? That’ll cool you off,” says Cash as he laughs at himself.

  Unfortunately, I’m not in the best of moods. That comment, as innocent as it was meant, set me off. Before I even know what I’m doing, I have him pinned against the wall by his neck with his neck. His feet would’ve been dangling if he wasn’t so tall.

  “Whoa! Jahla, calm down. He didn’t mean anything by it.”

  I hear Krix, but I’m too distracted right now to actually listen. As soon as I touched Cash’s skin, even though I couldn’t stop the momentum of my actions, fire ignited in my veins. Yes, I have him aggressively pinned to the wall, but he can get free. Problem is, our wolves are staring at each other. I can’t move, and neither can he. I can’t even physically speak.

  Somebody! Help! Not yet, please! Not fucking yet!

  “It’s okay, angel. We’re here. I’m going to move you away from Cash, alright?”

  I can’t acknowledge him, or nod my head so I just prepare myself to feel him skin to skin. I think as long as I’m not looking at him when he does it, I’ll be fine.

  He gently pries my hand away from Cash’s throat, pausing at every growl he gives. His wolf must not like being deterred. I can’t blame him because my wolf is doing the same, though I gain a little more control as we’re separated.

  “Sorry, Jahla. I really didn’t mean anything by it.”

  “I know. I just can’t help it. One minute I’m fine, then all of a sudden, boom! I’m either crying or trying to kill someone. I’m so sorry for throwing you against the wall, love.”

  “It’s cool, babe. I asked for it,” he says with a grin. Hard to keep this guy down, and that’s what I love about him.

  “Come one, sweetheart. Let’s get you in the kitchen to eat before Denahi comes out and fucks us all up for starving you.”

  I take Mav’s hand, and he guides me through the house to the kitchen. I was trying to ignore the smell of food, but I gravitate to the oven like I’m being pulled by strings. I feel completely uncivilized as I stare through the little window.

  “My mom sent a load of chicken parmesan, angel. By the look on your face, I guess I can tell her that you’re going to love it.”

  “Tell her whatever you want, H2O, just give me a plate!”

  I don’t mean to snap, but he doesn’t seem to mind since they’re all laughing. I crack a grin at myself as I grab the plate from Denny. Guess they’re getting use to this side of me.

  Unfortunately, they make me wait for the food to cool down before I can get any. Pisses me off, but I try to remind myself that logic still exists. They all avoid touching me, which is smart, but my wolf and I still feel bereft. I know I need to at least eat before my
heat takes over, but I need their touch so I shovel food in my mouth as fast as I can.

  They all do the same, and soon we’re staring down at our empty plates. I’m afraid to look up because I know it’ll be on and popping as soon as our gazes connect. My wolf and I are on the same page about this mating heat thing so there’s no stopping it now. I can feel my body temperature rising as I gear myself up to let it take over.

  I take a deep breath, and rase my eyes. Each pair that I look into is glowing with their wolf, and it causes my body to tingle in intimate areas at each connection. I’m sure mine are as well.

  They’re growling lowly now, and my wolf is panting in my head.as they begin to rise from their seats, I get the sudden urge to make them chase me. I take off out of the room with only one destination in mind, stripping off my clothes as I run when my body temperature reaches molten levels. When I reach the room, I jump onto the bed, turn to face the door on my knees.

  Standing there without a stitch of clothes on them, and smelling like every fantasy a girl could have, are my handsome guys.

  “Mine!”

  That single word roared in unison by four distinct voices sets everything in motion as they slowly converge on their prey.

  It’s about to go down.

  Chapter 24

  Jahla

  Hands, lips, and tongues are everywhere all at once, but it’s not enough. My wolf is craving more, but I still have a sliver of control. I have to keep her in check, but she’s so fucking strong. I know there’s something that I’m supposed to remember, but I can’t get it to come to the forefront of my mind. All I know is that I need them to touch me. I need them to taste me. I need them inside of me.

  They’re moving me around like I’m their very own toy, but I don’t care. Put me however you want so long as you give me what I need. I don’t know who is who because my eyes won’t focus, so I just close them. My back is leaning against someone who is trying their hardest to give a hickey while another two someones are suckling at each breast, also trying to give me hickies.

  Now I see why girls have them. The process feels so damn good. Give me as many love marks as you want, my kings!