Filed To Story: Their Bullied and Broken Mate by Teri Petry
*MELIAN POV*
I have a new nephew. He is super tiny and looks just like Trinity when she was born, but in my opinion, all babies look the same right after they are born. I know my pups are supposed to be identical, but I hope they have something slightly different about them that sets them apart from each other. Rebecca looks amazing, and Jason looks like he is on top of the world. They are waiting for Trinity to come in and see her baby brother, and I know she will just love him. They are waiting to announce his name until she gets here, and we are definitely excited to hear it.
Jason brought the sweet little bundle to me so that I could hold him, and I instantly fell in love. He was perfect and I was so happy for my brother. He deserves it. I know he torments himself still about our past, and I wish he would stop. It’s the past, and it needs to stay there. I have finally gotten to the point where when I look at him, I don’t even remember anything bad between us. I accepted the fact that he was a victim too, and that is where I left it. “He’s amazing, Jason. So much hair.” I laughed. “Yea, he has way more hair than Trinity. His is a lot darker too. I can’t wait to meet your pups, sis.” he replied. As I sat there adoring him, a little squeal came barreling through the door. Trinity had arrived, and made a bee line straight towards me so she could see her brother. Jason took him from me and gave him to Rebecca. He lifted Trinity onto the bed so that she could get close to him, and he sat next to his family. After allowing Trinity to love him for a few minutes, Rebecca asked for our attention.
“I know you all are excited and anxious to hear his official name, but we wanted to give our decision on the opportunity you guys asked of Jason and I. It wasn’t an easy decision to come to so quickly, but we have decided to do it. Jason and I would be honored to do it. However, we both have a request before you bring it to the council for confirmation. We want to change the name of the pack. Dark Star has such a tarnished name thanks to Callum and his people, and if we are going to give them a fresh start, then let’s make it fresh all the way around.” she said. Liam and Loki told her that sounded like a great idea, and that it would be put in the conditions of the agreement with the council. “Good, thank you brothers. Now, the moment you have all been waiting for. Loki, Liam, could you both come join us?” Rebecca asked. Looking confused, my mates went and stood by their sister. “Loki, Liam, everyone, I would like you to meet Joel Nicholas Andrew Carter. He is named after his strong Alpha uncles and his guardian angel,” she announced. My hands went to my mouth and I shrieked into them in surprise. My mates stood dumbfounded as Rebecca handed Joel to Liam. Joel was after Liam, Andrew after Loki, and, of course, Nicholas was homage to Nick. “It’s a beautiful name Rebecca. Absolutely perfect.” I cried. “I probably should have asked if you were going to use any parts of their names, I’m sorry, Mel.” she replied. “No, No, No. Don’t you be sorry, I think it fits him perfectly, and we haven’t decided on names yet. Your brothers have been adamant that we didn’t use their names and that our pups have completely original names.” I explained. She sighed a breath of relief and I bent over to hug her. It started to get late, so I suggested we all leave and let Rebecca rest, and we left to go to the dining hall to get some dinner.
“You promise you aren’t upset she used our middle names, babe?” Loki asked. I looked up at him and smiled, “Of course I promise. It fits him, and he will honor his name respectfully,” I answered. Loki wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into a side hug. “You are awesome, you know that, my love?” Liam asked. I just gave him a giggle and shook my head. Walking into the dining hall, the smell of the food that was being set onto the table made my mouth water. I didn’t realize how hungry I really was until I smelled the deliciousness in front of me.
I stopped one of the Omega’s and asked if she could make sure they brought out some balsamic vinegar with the rest of the condiments, and she promised she would. Both of my mates looked at me and shook their heads. “Yes, the cravings have started.” I laughed. I started to look around the table to see if they had my other craving, and there they were in all their glory. Grilled salmon and scallops. I grabbed my plate and loaded it with a piece of salmon, a bunch of scallops, some sweet potatoes, sliced beets and squash. I put a bunch of salad on another plate and topped it with the vinegar. I also poured vinegar on my salmon. I sat the pitcher of orange juice in front of me and poured some into my glass. I started to eat, and Liam cleared his throat. “Babe, I know you are hungry, but can you at least wait until the two of us are seated with our plates?” He chuckled. “Sorry, the babies are just so hungry,” I said with a mouth full of salad. They both laughed and sat on each side of me. The smell of Loki’s hot sauce he had loaded onto his chicken and my vinegar mixed together was making me nauseous, but I ignored it and resumed eating. It was so good that I even had a second helping. The Bastilles had joined us at our table, and we enjoyed conversation at dinner. After we finished dinner, Gretchen asked to speak with me, and we walked out to the gardens.
“Luna, I wanted to speak to you privately before I went into the meeting with your husbands. I know they don’t want you to be present during the ritual, and are worried. I need to know how you feel right now.” she stated. Without hesitation, I answered, “I have no hesitations, I trust Ruby, and I trust you and my mates. I know we have just met, Gretchen, but it feels like I’ve known you all of my life, or maybe in another life. However, there is no hesitation in me. I just want this over so that we can move on with our lives.”
Hard Truth
*LIAM POV*
Mel’s craving for vinegar kind of took me by surprise. I have been around pregnant women before, but never heard of a vinegar craving. Not going to lie, it almost turned my stomach. Her covering her food with vinegar, and Loki with the nasty hot sauce was too much. I tried to ignore the smells and just savor the delicious food in front of me. The Omega’s started to clear away the dishes, and we were too caught up in conversation with Rory and Luke, along with his family. I was a fan of the mating of Rory and Luke. He is super calm and encouraging, and it totally balanced with her constant insecurities. You could tell they were deeply in love, and that is all you could ever ask for when your family is concerned. As I was talking to Marion and Paolo about the plans for the mill, I noticed Mel walking out of the dining hall with Gretchen. My curiosity had peaked, but I would let them have their privacy. I knew Gretchen wasn’t a threat, and would protect her if needed. For an old lady, she was stronger than most young ones. If I had to be honest, she even scared me a little. “Alpha?” I heard Marion call. I snapped out of my thoughts, and apologized for being distracted. She flashed a smile and assured me it was OK. I asked her to repeat herself, and she said, “Would you be opposed to the building of a school where we could teach our children our craft? Your pack members who wish to learn would also be welcome. It would be at no cost to you, and would just basically be an add-on to the mill housing.” I looked at Loki, who just cocked his eyebrows like he wasn’t opposed to the situation. “I don’t mind. I think it would be a good thing since we are adding your coven to our territory. It would be beneficial and show the unity between the witches and wolves isn’t such a taboo situation. It’s the funding that concerns me. Our pack is doing well, but we would still need to crunch some numbers to make sure that it’s doable, since we already have a couple of builds in the process. ” She said she understood and that she would schedule a meeting at a later date to discuss it further. We still had other things that were more pressing to deal with.
I started to get anxious when Mel and Gretchen hadn’t returned, and I nudged Loki. “I’m going to go check on Mel and Gretchen, are you coming?” He didn’t answer, but just stood up and followed me out. They were sitting in the garden talking and I overheard Gretchen asking Mel some questions about the situation with our pups and Callum. I was slightly offended that she would pull Mel away from us to discuss the ritual with Callum without us. Loki was obviously upset, because he brushed past me and went to where they were sitting. “Grandma Gretchen, I don’t mean any disrespect, but you should have included us in any conversations regarding the demon alpha.” Loki stated. Gretchen ran her hands over her lap, and without hesitation responded to Loki. “In all due respect, Alpha Loki, this conversation didn’t concern you or your brother. I know how you both feel, and for this ritual to work, I needed to understand your Luna’s feelings and points of view on the situation. You would have been included if I needed to know your thoughts, but you both have made them perfectly clear. I apologize if I overstepped boundaries, but in the same way, you both need to understand that there are rules to what we do. If there are any hesitations or doubts involved, the ritual can go haywire. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, has to be on the same page.” She explained.
I guess neither of us had fully grasped the reality of it all. We were just worried about our mate and pups. When it all boils down, we have to trust in Ruby, Gretchen and ourselves. I took in a deep breath and released it. I looked at both of the women and said, “Fine, let’s do it. I’m sure Loki will agree. We need to do what’s best and finish this. Mel, if you trust that Ruby can do this, so do we. We trust and love you both. Gretchen, I have put a lot of faith in you and your family, and I will continue to do so. However, I need to ask a favor. If it can even be done, but would it be possible to put a protection barrier around Ruby and Mel to protect our pups during the ritual? Just as an added reassurance?” My nerves were all over the place, but I knew this was the right thing to do. Gretchen took one of my hands and one of Loki’s hands and held on to them. She looked at us with a serious but compassionate look and replied, “Alphas, unfortunately there cannot be any type of blockers. What I can do is place Ruby in a circle of salt and herbs to keep Mammon out. Like you, I want everyone to come out unscathed. Alpha Liam, you are the one I worry about. Mammon has already gotten into your head, and it is going to take a lot of strong will to keep him out this time. Especially since he will be fighting for his vessel not to die. Are you sure you can handle this? There is no shame if you can’t, we will just have to find someone else closely bonded to the Luna to help your brother.” Her words hit me like a brick wall. Here all this time I was stressing over my wife and children, that I hadn’t fully processed my part in it all. I was determined to do it, no matter the cost. “I’m doing it, Gretchen. There is no one else I would trust to not only help my brother, but to protect my wife, children and pack. Please have some faith in me.”
Best Of Both Worlds
*MELIAN POV*
After last night’s discussion with Gretchen and my mates, I am ready for a semi-relaxed day. Unfortunately, today won’t be all relaxation, because later this evening we have to start preparations for tomorrow night. The moon will be full and Gretchen says that will be the best time to perform the ritual. So, today, I will concentrate on being relaxed as much as possible. I get to have an ultrasound today with Dr. Flores and my mates are going to join me. Hopefully, we will be able to tell the genders this time. I decided to sit in the kitchen today and have my breakfast. I wanted time alone, and the dining hall was very crowded. The council had arrived this morning, and Loki and Liam wanted to meet with them prior to our doctor’s appointment. So, I had breakfast by myself. Eating my toast and eggs, I felt like someone was watching me. I looked around the room and didn’t see anyone, so I figured I was just being paranoid. I continued to eat, but the feeling never left. Once I finished, I put my plate in the sink. I grabbed my jacket and went out to the garden to enjoy the cool air. “Ruby, do you feel that too? I can’t shake the feeling we are being watched.” She didn’t respond right away, and I started to worry. “Ruby?” I called for her again. “Sorry, Melian. I was trying to sense where the feeling was coming from. I feel it too, but can’t decipher where or who it is. Maybe we should go back inside.” I had to agree with her because the feeling was getting stronger the longer I was outside.
Pulling my jacket closer around me, I stood up to walk back into the packhouse. My head turned towards the forest, and I heard a low growl. I started to pick up my pace towards the house, and a man stepped out of the forest. “Luna, I need to speak to you,” he called out. His voice was low, and his tone was spiteful. I stopped where I was and told him not to come any closer, that he could speak to me from where he was. He placed his hands on his hips and cocked his head. “I know the Royal Council is here, and I know what you are. If you follow through with this execution tonight to destroy Mammon and Callum, I will reveal to the council the truth.” he threatened. I went to ask who he was and why he thought it was any of his business, and he turned and ran back into the forest. I saw Timmy not far away and yelled for him to check the forest. He glanced at me and saw that I was shaken, and took off into the forest, taking the guards that were with him. I linked Liam and told him what had happened, and he told me to come straight to their office.
I nearly ran through the packhouse to get to the safety of the twins’ office, and didn’t even bother to knock before entering. “Iris, forgive my intrusion, but we really need to talk.” I apologized. She patted the seat next to her on the couch and I sat with her. I apologized to everyone, but also explained that what I had to say was important. “Iris, the day I found out about my pregnancy, I also had a breakthrough with my memories with my mother. I remember her telling me about our family and what I was. I remember so much more, but the most important part was that I was born a Fae/Wolf hybrid. I’m sorry we haven’t said anything before now, but I wanted to do this face to face.” I explained. “Well, isn’t this a doozy of some information. It makes no difference to the council what you are, Luna. We cannot control who the goddess fates us with, and nor would we want to. You are a rarity, but it just gives us the opportunity to learn more about your lineage. Fae are a fairly unknown species in our world, and the secrecy about them is held tightly. Do you know how it affects your wolf or does it affect your wolf?” She replied. I didn’t know how much she knew about Gretchen, so I looked to my mates to explain that part. “Well, as I was explaining to you, Iris, we have moved a small coven of witches onto the territory. They are my cousin Rory’s mate’s family. The grandmother’s name is Gretchen and she has explained to us a little about how her Fae and Wolf work together. Ruby, Mel’s wolf, holds the Fae magic that Mel possesses. Mel can learn to control her powers outside of using them through Ruby, but they are more powerful when used through her wolf.” Liam explained to Iris. She rubbed my back and told me she understood, and that it was fine. She encouraged me to learn to use my magic myself, so that I wasn’t always reliant on Ruby. Especially when I was further along in my pregnancy. Eventually, it would get to the point that I couldn’t shift, and couldn’t depend on Ruby to protect us. Timmy had linked Loki, letting him know they had caught the man, and had taken him to the cells. Which gave me a sense of relief. It was close to time for my appointment, and the twins ended their meeting until later.
Roxy met us in the lobby and walked us back to Dr. Flores office. “Luna, Alphas, it’s good to see you all. Are we ready to see those little bundles of joy?” We all smiled, and the twins helped me up onto the bed. Just as he did before, Dr. Flores placed a paper sheet on my lap and tucked it into the top of my pants. He squirted the cold gel on my stomach and started to move the wand around. I could hear my pups’ heartbeats echo through the room, and the excitement just from that made my mates smile from ear to ear. He moved the wand some more, and then said, “Here they are, and it looks like we can see the genders. Do you want to know?” I looked at my mates and before I could even answer, Loki blurted out that we did. We all laughed at his excitement and Dr. Flores let us know the genders. “Well, looks as if you are about to be girl dads, alphas.” Loki gave out a whoop and Liam looked as if he was ready to pass out. “Liam are you OK, baby?” I asked. He slowly nodded his head and whispered, “I’m going to be a dad to girls. Goddess help us.”
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.