by Robin Roseau
"Speaking of sucking up," Michele said. "When is your next vacation, and why am I never invited?"
"That's a good question, Michele," Hadley said, putting a hand on her hip. "A very good question."
"I have nothing planned," Michaela said, "unless you want to come to Bayfield for Labor Day."
"It's a start," Hadley said.
"You're always welcome, Hadley," Michaela said. "You know that."
"And yet, not once have I been invited. So no, Alpha, I don't know that."
I looked between the two of them. I couldn't tell if Hadley were upset or not. Michaela pursed her lips then turned to Michele. "Who else have I been neglecting?"
"Other than me?" Michele asked. "And did you invite Zoe?"
"Portia's going. Zoe knows she's welcome."
"She does?" I replied. "I didn't know that Zoe knew she was welcome."
Michaela turned to me with a raised eyebrow.
"It's not a class outing," I pointed out. "I presume you want me for all of those. But unless you say something, I also presume your other outings are to spend time with your family."
"Family and friends," she said. "Angel and Scarlett come."
"Angel is on your security detail," I said. "And I bet you say something to them about it."
She sighed. "So I have to do formal invitations?"
"Maybe not," Hadley said, "but informal invitations would be nice. Michaela, you deserve breaks from being alpha. No one wants to get in the way of that."
She nodded. "Well, anyone who wants to come is welcome for Labor Day."
"You don't want to put it that way," Michele said. "You'll get all the kids and their families, and you'll spend the time planning all the events. You'll make Zoe teach a photography class-"
"I'll make Zoe teach a photography class, anyway," she replied with a grin in my direction. "But I see your point."
"So we're invited and then uninvited," Iris asked. "But if Portia and Zoe are going, I presume Ember is going, too."
"Oh god," Michaela said.
"Hadley," I suggested, "perhaps you and I could handle the kids, giving Michaela and her family a break."
"I could help with that," Hadley said, "but I would want a little more help. Perhaps I could bring Ava with me."
Michaela laughed. "You two handle it," Michaela said. "Invite whom you want. But you're responsible for arranging everything. Transportation, meals, activities... I'll report what my family is doing and which of those would do with guests."
"Like kayaking?" Iris asked.
"We might split up for kayaking," Michaela said. "But yes. Now, can we please get the bride over to the gym and get her ready?"
"In a minute," I said. "Michele, are you and your family coming?"
"We would love to," she said. "Let me know if I'm welcome to help organize."
"You are," I said. I turned to the girls. "You three spread the word. I can't commit the enforcers, but everyone living on the compound is invited. You handle signups."
"We want at least one parent for every four kids," Hadley added. "That doesn't include Michele, Zoe, and me."
"And there probably isn't room in the lodge," I added. "The lodge is a quiet space for the alphas. So everyone else can expect to sleep in one of the bunk houses."
"You girls can handle that, right?" Hadley said. "If not, you're not the girls we think you are."
"We can handle it," Lindsey said. "We want to help organize activities, too."
"I want to try swimming in the lake," Iris said.
"Oh god," Michaela said. "You aren't going to like it."
"I want to try it," she said. "Kayaking. Fishing. Barbeques. Campfires." She grinned. "Roller coaster rides."
I laughed. "Sounds great."
"All right," Michaela said, tapping her toe on the floor. "May we go now?"
* * * *
I didn't have to do a thing. They bundled me into a long, plastic raincoat, long enough for a wolf. It nearly reached the ground on me. Ember walked with me with an umbrella pulled down low over us. Someone carried my things. And soon we were at the gym.
As soon as we were inside the door, Michele and Hadley stepped to my side. Ember stepped away. They took the coat off me, turned me around so I was facing outside, and then blindfolded me.
"We already did this part," I said.
"We don't want you to see what we've done," Hadley said. "We'll take it off in a minute."
Then they led me through the building. I thought they were going to take me to the locker room, but instead, when they removed the blindfold, I saw we were in one of the sparring rooms. The floor mats were stacked along one side, and there were all the accouterments required to get me ready.
"I'm going to go see how Portia Mom is doing," Ember said. She gave me a quick hug and was out the door in an instant.
Michaela gave me a little more champagne, and then they began to fuss at me. I let them do what they wanted. They messed with my hair for a few more minutes, checked my makeup, then stripped me down, powdered me, and then dressed me.
When they were done, Michaela frowned.
"What's wrong?"
"We're ready early. For mine, it took forever."
"Yes, well," Michele said. "You had that dress."
"Oh, that dress," Michaela said. She sighed happily. "I wanted my wedding like yours, Zoe. Simple, with a dress like this." She gestured.
"Instead, you were marrying the alpha, and that would not have done," Hadley said. "It was a beautiful dress and an even more beautiful bride. But we are here for Zoe's wedding today."
"I only meant to say, this is lovely." She gestured again. "You are so beautiful, Zoe."
I didn't think I was beautiful. I never had. The wolves now, and the fox... They were stunning. I was just average, but I was fine with that.
"Well, we're not quite ready," Michele said. "We have not finished our preparations." She turned me towards her. "Zoe, today is your wedding. You are marrying a wonderful woman, strong and brave, who will love you and take care of you until the end of your days. But it is your wedding night, and so there are things you must know."
I laughed. "I think I know those already."
"Hush," she said. "It is tradition in this pack to offer advice to a bride on her wedding day, so you'll listen and pretend this is the most sage advice you can imagine."
I laughed.
All of them took turns offering the most outrageous advice, including some that were anatomically impossible, at least for me. But then Michele turned me towards her.
"Choose your battles carefully," she said. "Don't fight about anything unimportant."
Then Michaela turned me to her. "But stand up for yourself, and don't be afraid to tell her what you want."
Iris told me, "Be proud of who you are."
Lindsey said, "Love generously, and accept generous love in return."
Hadley said, "Fight fair, be fast to apologize, and even faster to accept an offered apology."
"Be adventurous," Michaela said.
"But not foolhardy," Michele added.
"Share your feelings," Hadley said, "but understand she may not be as able to share her own."
"Oh no," Ember said from the doorway. "I missed the silly part of this." I turned to her and my voice caught in my throat.
She had changed clothes. She was wearing a dress. I had never seen her in a dress, or anything formal at all. When I had asked her if she wanted to go shopping with me for clothes for the wedding, she told me she had it covered, not to worry about it, then asked if I trusted her or not.
"You look... Oh honey!" I opened my arms, and she moved into them, hugging me carefully.
"You do, too," she whispered into my ear.
"How?"
"Scarlett took me. Portia Mom gave me money."
I pushed her away and collected her hands, holding them wide so I could look at her. She had flowers in her hair, a light dusting of makeup, and a simple, blue, strapless maxi dress. She lo
oked... I still didn't have the words.
"I love you, Ember."
"I love you too, Mom."
I threatened to tear up. I didn't think I'd ever get tired of her calling me that.
Ember reached up and brushed the tears away before they could fully form. "None of that," she said. "Or I'll go put the ratty jeans back on."
I laughed.
"All right. I think it's my turn for advice. Remember that the key to a happy marriage is a happy daughter. Dote on and spoil your daughter the way you want your wife to dote on and spoil you."
That generated the expected laughter.
She grinned. "Or said another way, always remember that you are loved."
"You're so sweet."
"Remember that when I turn sixteen and ask for a car."
I laughed.
"All right," Michaela said. "I think it's time for the rest of us to get dressed. We'll do this in shifts, with two of us managing the bride and her nerves while the rest of us dress."
The thing is, I wasn't nervous. I had no idea what to expect for a ceremony, but I didn't care. I knew I loved her and she loved me. I knew we would be together for the rest of our lives. I knew Portia would treat me well, and I would treat her equally well.
We would be happy and fulfilled.
Soon, we were all ready, and then there was a knock on the door. Lara stepped in. "How are we doing in here?"
"We're good," Michaela said. "The bride seems to be the calmest of all of us." She paused. "Lara, indoors. My ears."
"I've already talked to them," Lara said. "Everyone will use indoor voices, and there aren't so many here. Zoe, how are you doing?"
"I'm ready," I said with a smile. "Is everyone here?"
"Everyone is here," she confirmed.
"Prudence?"
"She's waiting." She looked at Ember. "Ready?"
The girl nodded. She looked nervous. I stepped over to her and took her hands, pulling her close. "Nothing matters but that we're a family. I don't know what your part is, but if you forget everything you're supposed to say and do nothing but speak from your heart, that is all I care about."
"Thanks, Mom," she said. "I hope someday my future mate makes me as happy as you and Portia make each other."
"How could it be different for someone mated to you?" I asked.
"All right," Lara said. "Ember, come with me. Lindsey and Iris, go take your places. Give us three minutes, then bring her."
They stepped out leaving me with Michaela, Michele and Hadley. I moved to the door. Michaela almost had a cow, but I said, "I'm just making sure they are gone."
"I'll check," said Michele. She slipped out and came back immediately. "They just disappeared."
I turned to them. "Michaela, Hadley. I want to fully, formally adopt Ember. Is that possible?"
"As far as the pack is concerned," Michaela said, "you already have."
"I want it legal." I looked at Hadley.
She smiled. "I'll get it started. Have you talked to Portia?"
"Yes, but not Ember. I didn't know if it were possible."
She nodded. "I'll start things."
"All right," Michaela said. "Let's take a look at you." She eyed me critically then declared me, "Perfect."
Michele and Hadley stepped out of the room, then Michele poked her head back in. "Give us thirty seconds to take our seats."
They disappeared, and I turned back to Michaela.
"Thank you. For everything, absolutely everything."
"You are so welcome," she said. "Big breath now, then give me your arm."
We turned to the door. And, with Michaela at my side, we strode forth with confidence.
There was a great deal about my upcoming future I couldn't foresee, but I was sure my family would be happy together.
I was wrong.
Part Three
Mom
Portia took me to Hawaii for our honeymoon. I didn't want to think about how many packs had to give permission for that, but she handled everything.
We had talked about the honeymoon as a family. Portia and I were already mated, after all, and the wedding was symbolic more than anything. But as a family, we were starting out our lives together, a family in its infancy.
But it was Ember who said, "No. As much as I'd like to go to Hawaii with you, this is your time together. But you can arrange for me to come on future trips. I'd like that. But this is just for you."
We rented a cabana beside the beach. We swam in the ocean, went sailing, and spent several days diving. And, of course, I spent a great deal of time panting out her name.
She loved calling me by my full name, Zoe Everest Fleming. I loved it, too.
That had originally been a short conversation. Portia thought I'd keep my last name. I threw a fit at the suggestion. It took her thirty seconds to see my side of things. But I knew she was pleased, a suspicion confirmed when she made a point using my name over and over.
I finally said, "You really like that."
"You know, it never occurred to me someone would take my name. But yes, I do like it."
"Michaela took Lara's."
"Lara is alpha."
"And you are you," I said. "So?"
"Yes," she said.
"And this is easier," I said. "We're the Flemings. We live in the Fleming household." I smiled. "It's a good name or I would have made you take mine."
She laughed. "You understand, no matter what, that wasn't going to happen."
"Uh huh. So if I made that the only stipulation to getting married, you would have withdrawn the proposal?"
She laughed. "It's a good thing you like my name."
* * * *
We had a great many conversations. Ember came up more than once. "I had resigned myself to never having that," I told Portia.
"Why?"
"I didn't want to be a single parent, and now I'm too old."
She cocked her head. "Nonsense."
"The chance of birth defects goes up considerably at age forty, at least for humans."
"Oh," she said. She smiled. "I think I'd like to see you pregnant."
"And barefoot?" I asked.
"I'd rub your feet," she offered. "If you think I'm attentive now, you can't imagine what I'd be like while you were pregnant."
I laughed then sobered. "I'm sorry, but if you want children, we can adopt or you can carry them."
"We'll see."
"No," I said. "I know I have a few years left I could have children, but I don't care for the risks."
"We'll see," she said again.
"Portia..."
She grinned. "If you absolutely knew your baby would be born healthy, would you want one?"
I nodded. "Or two. But it's moot."
"We'll talk to a doctor-"
"Portia, no."
"We'll talk to a doctor, and then if you still say 'no', we'll discuss other choices. Or are you happy with Ember?"
"I always wanted two," I said. "Ember could use a little brother or sister. But-"
She covered my lips.
"You know something," I said around her fingers.
"I know a great deal."
"Portia..."
"Wolves don't have birth defects."
"I'm not a wolf."
"But your baby could be."
I stared at her. "We- we- we-" I closed my mouth, collected my thoughts, then said, "We could use one of your eggs."
She nodded. "Or a male wolf donor."
"That would be half wolf."
"The wolf DNA takes over. A half wolf is still a full wolf." She paused. "We will talk to a doctor. A wolf baby doesn't protect the pregnant mother, and we won't do this if you would be at significant risk. I don't want a child if it means losing you."
I'm not sure I heard everything she said but was stuck on one thought: "I could have your baby."
"You could have my baby," she said. "Or we can go with a turkey baster.
"I could have your baby," I said again. "I could have yo
ur baby!" I paused. "But maybe you don't want kids."
"Oh honey, yes, I do."
"Maybe you want to carry them?"
"Oh no," she replied. "I am much, much happier allowing that honor to you."
"What if the doctor says it's not safe?"
"What would you want?"
"Kids."
"Me too."
I grinned at her. "I could have your baby!"
"Yes, Zoe, you could have our baby."
It was hard not to think about it after that. I tried to decide if I cared whether it was my DNA or not. I decided given the choice of my egg and a random male donor, or Portia's egg, and a random male donor, I wanted to use hers. It would make the baby ours, and she'd look like Portia that way.
In fur, she should look like her mother.
I could have her baby!
* * * *
We were gone for ten wonderful days. Hawaii was beautiful, and I decided I wanted to come back.
"Portia, we have to teach Ember to scuba dive."
"Yes," she said with a laugh. "We do."
In some ways, it wasn't enough time. But I was ready to go home. We'd only spent one night in our new house, and I was ready to get serious about moving in. And I missed Ember.
I missed the pack.
I thought Portia did, too.
* * * *
Labor Day came and went, and school resumed. Michaela had been consistently carving out more and more places for me to help at the school. I wondered when she'd have me there full time. I was assisting for every field trip she took, and field trips were a significant portion of her curriculum. I wasn't teaching a photography course this year, but I was leading photography walks with some frequency, and several of the kids were asking for informal instruction. With the start of the fall term, I was meeting with the kids once a week to work on the rooftop solar system; for that, we had the help of Drake, an electrical engineer. He and I had met several times over the summer, and he taught me how to make a solar panel from individual solar cells. The plan was for each of the kids to make one panel each. We would do some experiments, and then the panels would get mounted on the roof and wired into the building's electrical system. Drake would help with that as well.
During my ransom night, I had agreed to serve as the faculty advisor for the dances, the girls doing enough favors that I was committed for all four dances they wished to have.
