Angie's New Moon

by McKayla Schutt

  “That’s good to hear.” Angie relaxed into the bed and met her mate’s gaze. “You said good news?” Angie smiled at him. The last thing she remembered before she passed out was Hector wrapping his jaw around Kerine’s throat. All the magic she used had drained her body so much that she couldn’t fight the exhaustion.

  “You’re pregnant, Angie.” Hector broke through her memories from the fight.

  “But I was just in heat. How in the hell is it even possible? Can you smell it?” Angie looked down at her stomach and shook her head in wonder.

  “From what I know, since your scent changed so fast, it might mean there are twins in there.” Hector licked his lips and stared at her. Angie swallowed hard. She had a hard time imagining one little one running around her house, but two of them would be like her and her brother. Or even her niece and nephew.

  “What if one of them can’t shift like I couldn’t?” Angie’s eyes snapped up to look at Hector. Fear coursed through her body, the possibility of having a child who couldn’t shift was strong with her funky genes.

  “Then we will treat the child just like the one who can shift. If neither of them can shift, then I’ll still love them Angie.” Hector shook his head. “I can live with anything as long as I have you by my side. I thought I lost you.” Hector brought her hand to his lips. Her heart fluttered at the gesture.

  “I’m right here.”

  “You don’t understand. Before I met you, I had girls over all the time. I never grew attached because I knew one day they would leave but you were so different. I didn’t want to connect to you because if I lost you, it would destroy me.” Hector rubbed his hands over his face. “Ever since we flew here, I realized I can’t let you go. I’m not strong enough to live without you Angie.”

  Angie bit her lip trying not to cry. She didn’t like the beginning of his speech but the end made her heart melt.

  “I love you, Hector.” She glanced around and turned to him. “We will make this place a home, one filled with love and our kids.”

  “I’d love that. I love you so much, Angie.” Hector climbed onto the bed and kissed her hard. They may have had a rough start but the love she felt looking into his eyes brought her a sense of peace. She had always wanted a mate and a family, and now she had it all.

  EPILOGUE

  Angie

  ANGIE BENT LOW KEEPING her stance as small as possible in her wolf form. A giggle of laughter met her ears before she gave chase to Baven and the twins, Owen and Vivian. Her swollen belly swung making her run look a lot less graceful than usual, but growing two kids at a time would do it. Baven tumbled out of his wolf form when Maria walked out the door. Aura ran out and headed right toward Temperance and whispered into her ear. The little one giggled as she shifted back into her wolf form. Aura then picked Temperance up, and they walked into the house.

  “It’s time to eat everyone.” Maria stood next to Angie, holding a robe. Angie shifted back into her human form and wobbled to keep her balance.

  “Thank you.” A sharp pain filled her belly, but she pushed it back. “I’ll get dressed and help you with the kids.” She smiled and waddled into the house to the downstairs bathroom.

  Every week the women rotated and took turns to cook in Maria’s kitchen, so she didn’t fix dinner every time they gathered. Over the last eight months, Angie had adjusted to her pack and coven along with being pregnant. Her little girls would be here soon and she couldn’t wait, but she wondered if Hector was on the same page.

  When they had seen the ultra sound, he seemed a little sad that neither one of them were boys but Angie convinced him that maybe the next time they would have a little prince. Alia had her little boy, Oliver two months back in November. The little guy totally inherited the family red hair making Angie a bit jealous. She had died her hair red a few times but it never looked as good.

  She pulled on the pink maternity shirt, the bottom of her belly peeked out above her pants. She was so large now that it was hard to cover up, so she had to constantly pull on the shirt. She sighed and waddled out. All of her other shirts had reached this point too and she was out of alternatives unless she wanted to wear her mate’s tops.

  “You okay?” Hector pulled her into a quick kiss and rubbed her belly making the girls jump and move around. They both loved to wiggle and squirm when their daddy talked.

  “Yea, I just wish this shirt covered my stomach. I’m seeing my mother tomorrow and I don’t want to be constantly pulling at the damn thing.” Angie yanked at the shirt and her breasts pushed together. They were huge now, making the shirt problem even worse.

  “You’re beautiful and I’m sure your mom will understand. She did carry twins once too.” Hector rubbed her back.

  “Dinner smells good.” Angie caught the scent of chicken parmesan, making her mouth water. They walked into the dining room where the little kids were all sitting with food in front of them. “Sorry I took so long.”

  “Don’t worry, honey. Carmen helped me out.” Maria smiled. Hector sniffed the air and grinned “Don’t...” She cursed under her breath.

  “What?” Angie glanced from Hector to Maria. Alia walked in with Oliver nursing.

  “I think I know that look. Maria, spill it.” Alia rose one of her eyebrows and Maria sighed.

  “I wanted to wait but Mr. Wolf Man had to smell me.” Maria glared at Hector. Olsen, Aiden and Derrick walked into the house and greeted their mates.

  “I’m pregnant again.” Maria beamed as Derrick wrapped his arms around his mate.

  “Damn dude. Took you long enough. How many heats did you go through?” Aiden chuckled as Maria threw a spoon at him.

  “Congrats Maria.” Angie gave Maria an awkward hug because of her own huge belly. Hector handed her a plate of food and she took a seat. After a few minutes, everyone settled down to eat. She enjoyed the chicken so much she lost herself in the food and barely listened to the conversation.

  Hector rubbed her arm, and she turned to glanced at her mate. A small bit of pain filled her stomach and then a gush of liquid covered her inner thighs and the chair. Angie swallowed hard and studied her pants. Did I just pee? I’ve never completely drenched my pants.

  “What’s that smell?” Olsen asked. Alia grabbed Angie’s hand making her meet her gaze.

  “Did your water just break?” Alia’s calm and steady voice had everyone go silent.

  “I think so.” Angie looked back down at her pants. Alia started barking out the orders. With her experience as a nurse, she was the designated female for delivering kids unless she was the pregnant one. Then it was all on Maria.

  “I don’t feel any...” Pain laced around her stomach as it tightened around her little girls. “Fuck that hurt.” Angie gasped for air. Hector pulled her out of the chair and carried her upstairs to the spare bedroom. The pain came back stronger as he climbed the stairs and eased for a moment before returning.

  “You can do this, Angie.” Hector whispered into her ear. In a moment, Alia and Maria had the bed covered in towels, Carmen had a bowl of water and wash cloths. Hector helped her strip between the short contraction breaks which made her legs shake. A scream left her lips before she managed to grit her teeth together.

  Carmen helped her onto the bed and Alia checked to see how far she was. Angie bit back another scream while she gripped her mate’s hand.

  “Angie, you can’t shift. Your girls don’t want to wait.” Alia spoke clearly. “Carmen call a few other witches now to help after. We will need some back up.”

  “What do you mean back up?” Hector turned to Alia.

  “If one of the girls shifts during delivery, it will tear her up. Angie doesn’t heal like a wolf and it could kill her. Aura almost killed me and I don’t want you to go through what Olsen dealt with.” Alia shook her head and went back to work.

  Angie took in a sharp breath and tried to focus on her mate but the pain wrapped around her back and thighs. Part of her wanted to pass out but the other part of her knew she had to
push.

  “Hector, I love you.” Angie met his gaze. Worry filled his eyes. She didn’t want to hurt him or leave him but these little ones were coming so fast she didn’t know what to expect.

  She pushed hard and her own cry met her ears. Pain coursed through her body again and she almost passed out.

  Fuck that hurts like hell!

  Hector

  HELPLESS. HE FELT COMPLETELY helpless and useless as he watched Angie take on the pain of child birth. He grabbed her hand, and she gripped tightly almost breaking his hand.

  “You’re doing great. One little girl down, one more to go.” Hector kissed Phebe, their first little girl. They had finally agreed on names a week before. They had changed their minds a few dozen times but Phebe and Page had been the compromise they reached. No matter which twin came first she would be named Phebe and her sister would be Page.

  “She’s beautiful.” Angie whispered and sighed. Her eyes were fluttering closed making Hector’s heart skip a beat.

  “Angie open your eyes, we still need to meet Page.” Hector grabbed her hand, as her heart beat slowed making him panic. A scream tore through her lips and curses filled the room.

  “What’s happening?” Hector turned toward Alia, worry filled the nurse’s eyes.

  “Page shifted.” Alia motioned for Maria and Carmen. The two witches placed hands on Angie and started chanting.

  “Hector, I need you to do something, talk to Page or sing. I don’t know how but sometimes dad’s voice can help get babies to shift back.

  “Baby girl, I need you to shift back.” Hector moved down to Angie’s swollen stomach while keeping Phebe in his arms. “Shift back so you can see your sister again.”

  Angie’s screaming stopped and Alia sighed with relief.

  “Come on, sweetheart. You need to push a few more times.” Alia rubbed Angie’s leg while Maria and Carmen kept chanting. A few more women walked into the room and joined the chant. Hector couldn’t focus on the damn words as Angie struggled to keep her eyes open. He couldn’t lose her, not so soon after finally accepting the fact that he was capable of loving a woman.

  Angie had changed his world, and she knew it. Now he needed Page and Angie to be ok, but his hopes of meeting Page hinged on his mate. Once again, he was helpless as he held his first born.

  “No, not again.” Alia muttered as another scream tore through Angie’s lips. Each passing second tore through his heart like a blade.

  “Page, shift back now.” Hector growled making Phebe jump in his arms. After a few seconds, Page cried out in her human form and Angie stopped screaming.

  Hector grabbed his other little girl and moved over so Angie could see both of her little babies.

  “You keep those eyes open, these little girls need you. I need you, Angie.” Hector pleaded with his mate. Angie grinned and closed her eyes for a moment. Slowly her heartbeat grew stronger as Alia joined in on the spell.

  Angie gasped for a breath and opened her eyes. “I’m here Hector.” Her eyes moved over their little girls and beamed.

  “The bleeding is almost stopped. Once it happens, we can have her sit up so she can hold them.” Alia’s hand shook on Hector’s arm. They covered Angie’s lower half with towels to keep her decent as a few more witches walked in to help.

  “Thank you.” Hector couldn’t thank them enough for helping his mate and daughters.

  “She’s part of the coven. We will always be there to help you both.” Alia grinned. Hector was glad his little mate had found what she had been looking for. A home to live in and people to love.

  “Where is she?” A woman Hector guessed was Missy ran over to Angie. “Baby girl, are you okay?” She pushed back Angie’s hair from her face.

  “I’m okay, Mom.” Angie smiled and Missy stood to look at the girls in Hector’s arms.

  “They’re beautiful sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.” Missy kissed Angie’s head. “I’m sorry for what I did.”

  “It’s okay, Mom,” Angie whispered.

  “I did so much to try to protect you and what you needed was something I couldn’t give you.” Missy turned to Hector. “Thank you for giving her what she needs.”

  “I’ll always protect my girls no matter what.” Hector leaned down and kissed Page and Phebe.

  “She’s better,” Maria whispered. The witches exited the room, leaving Angie with her mother, babies and mate. Page squeaked, breaking the silence.

  “I think she is hungry.” Angie smiled, her face no longer pale and her arms outstretched. Hector gave her Page and Missy took Phebe. Hector looked over his daughters and grinned.

  “I love you, Angie.” Hector leaned down and kissed her.

  “I love you too, Hector.” Angie placed her hand on his cheek and placed her forehead to his.

  After everything they had been through, he knew she would be okay. If Angie was okay, then he was good. Hector had everything he never wanted and he would admit it made him happier than he ever imagined.

  Preview for Solar Eclipse

  CHAPTER ONE

  Walter

  WALTER SHOVED HIS HANDS through his hair, trying to push back the self-loathing. He trusted the wrong person. Kerine. “Magic is in your blood.” The woman’s voice sounded in his mind as the magic pulsed through his body.

  He lifted his gaze to find his sister rubbing her belly in her kitchen. The sun pulsed through the window near Maria. Owen, his youngest nephew, grabbed his hand bringing his attention back to their little game of magic. He tossed a purple ball of light up and waited for one of the twins to put up their own balls of lights.

  Part of him wondered what it would be like to be a wolf-witch like the little ones before him. He wouldn’t admit out loud that some days he dreamed of having a wolf beneath the surface. The idea of having a strong beast at his fingertips intrigued him so much he almost asked Maria to change him but never did.

  His mind wandered back to his time with Kerine. He hated how the evil witch bitch had used his love of family against him. Owen created a blue ball of light, reminding Walter of Kerine teaching him magic. The pup closed his hand and Walter tried to push back the memories of when he first met her.

  “Close. Try again.” Walter smiled at Owen. Vivian grinned brightly as she created a big purple ball of light. Pride filled his heart at how quick his niece and nephew picked up on magic. Vivian and Owen had both inherited their mother’s night black hair.

  Walter had been so angry at his mother for keeping magic a secret but more pissed at himself for letting Kerine use the anger to her advantage. Baven pulled on Walter’s arm, bringing him back to the present.

  “Can we shift, Uncle Walter?”

  “I can’t shift, Baven.” Walter rubbed his hand in his nephew’s hair. Maria waddled into the living room from the kitchen and smiled.

  “Walter, I need you to pick something up for me. Can you run to Treasures and More?” Maria glanced up, meeting his gaze. He had come over to play with his niece and nephews to help give his sister a small break.

  “Yeah, what do you need?” His little sister was pregnant with her second set of twins. She had unintentionally announced it when a pack mate, Angie, was about to deliver her twins. Walter grabbed Vivian from the couch and walked her over to her mother. Maria handed him a card and a small piece of paper.

  “Here is a short list. Oh, and if you see anything good you like and it’s under a couple hundred get it for your birthday.”

  “My birthday is a few days away.” Walter shook his head.

  “I know but I might space it out and forget. If you don't see anything you want, I'll keep looking tomorrow.” Maria hugged him then waddled back into the kitchen.

  “Are you coming to dinner Friday?” Walter glanced at the list, most were herbs for household magic users.

  “Of course, we’re coming.” Maria clicked her tongue. “Oh, did you hear, Devin found a girl on his trip east.”

  “He did?” Walter pulled out his phone expecting to see a mess
age from his brother but found nothing. Devin was still pissed at Walter for following Kerine back to Crescent Valley. Once again, I’m still the bad guy.

  “Yeah. He said he might not make it Friday because of her. She has a big exam for her college class she can't miss.”

  “Interesting.” He sighed heavily and turned away from his sister. Everyone around him was finding their mate or someone to love but him.

  Baven jumped off the couch into a shift and his sister followed. Owen, however, walked onto Walter’s lap, fur covered the little one’s flesh and sharp claws pressed into Walter’s thighs. The sudden change startled Walter but he managed to keep his cool until one paw slipped toward his groin. Walter jump back, making the little guy tip toward the ground. His nephew barked and then latched onto the first thing he reached. Pain pierced his arm when Owen’s teeth sank into his flesh.

  “Owen! Walter!” Maria shrieked. Owen let go of his arm and shifted.

  “Mommy, I’m sorry. He scared me when he jumped.” Owen looked up at Walter. Maria grabbed him just before Walter fell off the soft couch and onto the hardwood floor.

  “Derrick!” Maria yelled louder this time. Excitement and nerves rolled around in Walter’s brain. If he didn’t have the wolf gene like his sister, the bite would kill him.

  The pain grew stronger, making it hard to breathe. A wave of heat coursed under his flesh. The nerves settled, this didn’t feel like death, as Kerine had pushed his body close on a few occasions during his time with her. The sound of clothes ripping rang in his ears while hair sprouted from his warming flesh. The one thing he had wanted for years was finally happening. The only down side, the burning pain racing throughout his body. He wanted the pain to end soon but he thanked his genes for letting him complete the change. Walter gritted his teeth together as his bones grew and readjusted. Fingers and toes turned into claws. Still can’t believe, I'm becoming a werewolf!