Chapter 2. The Morning After.
The sun was already high in the sky the following morning. The heat doing wonders to dry up the ground after the monstrous storm that rocked the forest and drenched everything in sight. It was a peaceful ending to the celebration that followed the birth of Fenrir Lykos.
The celebration lasted long into the late morning hours by the time people grew exhausted and many of them went to rest and sleep off the effects of the potent booze. After what felt like an endless amount of well-wishers and congratulations, Drogo and Luna finally were able to curl up in their tent to get a little bit of rest themselves. They allowed themselves some peace and quiet, forgetting their worries and stress about the fabled prophecy, gods, and any wars to come in the future. Julian and
offered to look after the next heir to the pack when they noticed Drogo starting to nod off while in mid conversation with some of the other males of the pack.
"Luna was so exhausted, I'm surprised she managed to stay awake for as long as she did." Allison's gruff voice filled Julian's ears as he cuddled the sleeping child in his arms.
They had his small soft blanket wrapped around the boy as he lay snuggled in Julian's arms. Allison's heart melted as her hormones went haywire at the sight.
This is my precious mate. A violent, powerful warrior, second only to Drogo in terms of strength and power. Yet he's putty against my whims. Allison's soft smile lit up her face as she watched her beloved husband coddle and sit by the campfire. Embers still burned bright red, evidence of the celebration and roaring fires they had going the night before.
Several pack members walked by and smiled in mid-conversation as they watched Julian with Fenrir. He waved at them as they passed and he glanced over to Allison's distended belly. Soon, I will be able to hold my own child like this. Something so small, soft and precious. Yet the gods decree he will be the final judge and fate of all the Alpha shifter clans. The world is cruel and unforgiving, little one. Julian's thoughts were interrupted by Allison as she reached out a hand to gently rub the back of Julian's short, spiked hair.
"You look way too good with a baby in your arms." Her hot breath tickled his ear as she leaned in close.
Julian grinned as he turned to look at his mate. "Yeah, I know, sexy dad bod over here." His laughter was quiet and rumbling as he looked at her.
Allison reached over, her distended stomach almost made her unbalanced as she grabbed another log of dry firewood and tossed it in the pit. Ash and smoldering embers floated up through the air as the heavy log landed and dislodged the burned remains. "I can't wait for our baby girl to join us." He nuzzled her neck and inhaled her sweet scent as he pictured their baby girl that was due at any moment.
Allison felt chills over her body at his intimate gesture. The action set her hormones on fire and a certain need inside her was building up quickly. "Hopefully she comes today or tomorrow." Allison's voice was suddenly very dry. She was ready for the little one to get out of her. She was anxious about meeting her. Would she screw it up? She had no children yet; this little girl would be her first child. She had no idea what in god's name she was doing. Would she spoil the child? Would the child know right from wrong?
Julian turned and saw the look on his mate's face. He had a strong hunch about the chaos that made her brow furrow. Her eyes had suddenly glazed over, and it was like she was a million miles away. I don't think she can even see me right now.
He reached out with one hand to gently cup her cheek, his thumb rubbed soft circles over her cheek. Her eyes seemed to regain focus and clarity as she startled to realize and looked at Julian. "Huh? What'd you say babe?" Allison's voice was soft, weak almost as she was brought back to the present. A faint red blush crept over her cheeks as she realized he was rubbing her cheek softly.
"You need to stop overthinking things little lady." Julian's voice was soft but tinged with concern. His green eyes watched her closely as he focused his attention on her.
"Sorry, I guess I kind of went down the rabbit hole." Allison shook her head, brown hair swaying from the motion. She tried to push all the fears, doubts and worries aside and focus on the moment. "I just let some stupid thoughts enter my head and went from one doubt to the next." She leaned against his side as she felt his warmth creep into her body. He soothed and comforted her worries just by being near her and she loved this man for it.
One of the young teenagers of the pack, a wild tom-boy of a girl came running towards them, her bare feet sloshing through the leftover puddles from the storm. "Morning Ashlyn." Allison called out to the young girl. She was thin for her age, with messy, unkempt red and black hair that fell just past her shoulders.
Ashlyn smiled in greeting as she ignored Allison's greeting and rushed over to peek over Julian's shoulders to see the newest member of the pack cuddled against him. "He's so small, how can he be the next leader?" She asked, her eyes refusing to leave the baby's face. She was entranced by the adorable cuteness of him.
Allison smiled down at the inquisitive child. "He was just born; you will have to give him a few years in order to grow into his own." She reached out to ruffle the messy hair on the young girl. Ashlyn looked up at the Beta female with wonder in her eyes.
"When are you gonna be due, Beta Allison?" Ashlyn's voice was full and inquisitive. She placed a hand over on Allison's round distended stomach. "You must be close right? Right?" Her energy was infectious as she asked repeatedly, bouncing on the tips of her toes as she gently rubbed Allison's pregnant stomach.
"The mid-wives think today or maybe tomorrow." Allison had a bright smile on her face as she placed her own hand on her stomach. She was ready to hold her beloved. To plan out the future hopes and dreams for her sweet girl. She looked over at Julian and smiled as she reached for his hand. "We can't wait for the little one to join us."
Suddenly a sharp pain pierced through her body. Allison, not expecting it let out a sharp cry. It felt like someone was taking a blazing hot dagger and plunging it deep through her body and twisting it. Another contraction caused her to double over from the pain. Julian gasped as he reached out with one hand to try steadying his mate. "Is it time for the baby to come, love?" His voice was instantly filled with concern from the sound of her cry.
She nodded; face contorted as another wave of pain went through her body. "Yeah, I think she's ready to come." She could only grit her teeth and nod as another gasp of pain forced itself through her control. Julian quickly went back over to Drogo and Luna's tent. He threw open the tent flap and walked over, placing little Fenrir in the small bassinet that was placed next to their cot. Drogo woke groggily and looked up to see Julian's pale face above him, and noticed Fenrir wasn't in his arms.
"Jules, what's wrong?" Drogo took note of the panic on his friend's features. He rubbed the sleep from his face as he sat up, careful not to wake up Luna from her peaceful slumber.
"Hey, I'm sorry to wake you. Allison's gone into labor. I need to drop the munchkin back off to you." Julian pointed over to the basinet where Fenrir slept.
"Of course, man, go be with her and may the god's watch over her delivery." Drogo instantly awake as he reached over, pulled his son out and tenderly cradled him in his muscular arms. He was still asleep during the hand off as Julian rushed off to gather Allison's midwife and prepare for the long yet exciting day to come.
Luna made sure when they went shopping for baby supplies that it was the perfect baby blue color for their son. He smiled at the memory of them going from store to store in their search that felt endless. He ensured Fenrir was tucked in safely before he got up and grabbed a bottle of water to take a few swigs. The cool liquid did wonders for the cottonmouth that was his reward for drinking through the morning.
He reached down to rummage through their supplies, careful to be as quiet as he could so not to wake mother or child. He grinned with delight as he pulled a tin can full of ground coffee out. He poured a healthy amount of the grinds into a campfire pot then walked out to see a good fire going in the pit nearby as several members of the pack were scurrying around gathering things for Allison's delivery.
He placed the pot down on the fire to heat up while he went back into the tent and changed into a clean hoodie and jeans. He grabbed his boots from beside the tent flap and threw them on as he looked at his mate sleeping peacefully. She was still slightly pale and exhausted from the ordeal that night. But she was the most beautiful woman on the planet in his eyes. He walked over and leaned down to place a chaste kiss on her cheek as he lifted the blanket and covered her shoulders and back. She snuggled unconsciously into the bedding as a contented sigh escaped her lips, and she snored softly in response.
He grinned at her behavior. No one would ever guess that the fierce, powerful Alpha female of the Lyko's clan was such a sleepy cuddle bug. It would drive some people insane from the dichotomy of it. He went back out of the tent and sat by the fire for a few minutes until the coffee pot was bubbling and he pulled it out of the fire with the tongs that laid nearby. He sat the pot down on the table and went inside the tent to grab a mug. He carefully poured himself a cup before he went and sat in his small camping chair inside the large tent to keep an eye on his newborn son and exhausted wife.
I never imagined that I would be here with a family of my own. With a wife so fierce she could take on the gods, and a son so perfect and beautiful. My own slice of heaven. Drogo sat in his chair and smiled wistfully as his thoughts drifted to all the conflict, hardship and strife he had overcome during his life. I pray you're able to have your own version of this soon, Julian.
Part of him wanted to go be with his Beta's, this would be a long and difficult day for them, emotionally and physically. But the other part of him didn't want to leave Fenrir and Luna's side either. So, he trusted the midwives to tend to their needs while they endured the labor. Should anything drastic happen, he was sure they would call him immediately. He closed his eyes as he enjoyed the sip of coffee against his chilled body. The warmth filled his body and spread out to his bones. He closed his eyes and began to sing a soft melody.
He sang of his fears, loss and pain. The melody elicited a whirlwind of emotions as he let his fears and doubts wash out of him through song. He felt the tension and stress leaving his body as he poured his heart into the music.
Then he changed his song. From fear, loss and pain, he began to sing of rebirth, joy and endless warmth and sunshine. His rich deep voice filled the tent as Fenrir started fussing in the bassinet. He gently scooped his son up and held him in his arms as he continued to sing his melody. Fenrir cooed and reached up for his dad as he sang. Drogo bounced around the room with his son as he moved and paced back and forth.
He never missed a note. He was so engrossed in his song as he bounced around the room with Fenrir that he failed to notice Luna was awake. She sat up on the cot, her back propped up against the pillows as she watched him with a bright smile on her face.
"You know, a woman seeing you like that with a newborn child, makes her wanna have another one right away" a soft sleepy voice called out from behind Drogo. He grinned as he turned around and saw Luna sitting up in bed, her legs tucked under her, the blanket wrapped around her still. Her hair was a wild untamed mess as she yawned and looked over to see her precious bundle in her mate's arms.
"You know, hearing my mate say such… lustful words might make me forget my place and duties" Drogo had a teasing voice as he walked over and handed Fenrir into Luna's outstretched arms. "You should still be sleeping." His voice was gentle and tender as she reached out and took her son softly. She smiled brightly at her bundle.
She slid her tank top down to reveal her swollen glands as she managed to get Fenrir to latch on and start feeding from her. She sighed contentedly as her son fed. She held him against her chest as she looked up at her mate. "This is such a peculiar sensation. It feels as if, beside my mother's milk, he's drinking the very mana from my body into his." She observed as she felt a portion of her mana slowly seeped into his tiny body.
"That is precisely what is happening my Alpha." A distinctly male voice called out from the tent causing both parents to turn.
"Shepard!" Luna's voice was filled with excitement as she looked at the man standing in the entrance to the tent.
Tall and broad shouldered, the man had a short military style buzz on his head as he grinned at the new parents. "Hey, how is my girl?" His weathered face stretched into a wide grin as he walked into the tent, setting his bags down by the entrance.
The newcomer walked over and leaned down placing a gentle kiss to the top of Luna's head. "He is perfect Luna, congratulations!" his voice was filled with tender, fatherly pride at the tiny bundle in her arms.
"I didn't think that you'd be back any time soon, dad." Drogo welcomed his father warmly but with surprise as he embraced the older wolf.
"You didn't really expect me to miss the birth of my first grandson, did you?" He grinned wickedly as he slammed his large arms against his son's back. His laughter was loud as he released Drogo.
"You weren't expected back until a few days from now." Luna glanced between her husband and mate, and her father by law. Seeing them side by side made her giggle. It's like looking at glimpse of the future. They are so similar in appearance and stance when they are next to each other. Her giggle caused both males to glance at her with a raised eyebrow. The synchronicity of the movement caused her to burst into a full and melodic laugh.
"What's so funny?" Drogo's voice was laced with confusion as he glanced between her and his father.
Shepard shrugged his shoulders as Luna wiped the tears from her eyes.
She shook her head and smiled at the two males. "Nothing my love. You and your father are just so identical in appearance and the way you move. When you guys are together its like a mirror effect."
Shepard shook his head, his brown eyes lit up with mirth. "But to answer your earlier observation. When a shifter like us is feeding as an infant, the mother supplies not just the milk and nutrients of her body, but also some of her mana into the infant to help them grow strong and quickly." Shepard turned to face Luna as he spoke.
She sighed peacefully as she looked over at Drogo, "I thought it was something like that. It's barely perceptible, but a strange feeling regardless," she said softly. She felt an explicable warmth fill her body at the sensation of feeding her child. It solicited a feeling of motherly protection and devotion within her heart and soul. She would always protect this innocent babe; God help anyone who dared lay a finger on her son.
Drogo smiled down at his wife and child. "Who would have guessed, after this life of hiding from the hunters, of fighting every day to keep our clan alive and well, that we would find our own little slice of peace, happiness and life like this?" Drogo was soft and thoughtful in his thoughts, glad to have this moment of peace with his family.
"I get what you mean. We struggle with such a strict code of secrecy in our lives. Yet here we are, having our own child during this chaos and these struggles. Including Allison, there are about three other female due any moment." Shepard agreed in understanding.
"I wish that I could have found the valley of legend before now. But every time I think I have a lead, it turns out to be false or incorrect." Shepard complained as he grabbed a nearby chair to sit down with a grunt. He rubbed his shoulders as he looked around the room.
"I never wished to turn over the pack leadership to you so early, Drogo. For that, I apologize for thrusting such responsibility on your shoulders so young." Shepard continued.
Drogo waved his hand dismissively. "You raised me from a young age to be capable. You brought me up with the single thought that anything could happen to you at any moment. That I might have to step into the leadership role at any second if the worst outcome happened." Drogo grinned at his father.
"Regardless. You've done a wonderful job in my absence. It seems that pack is strong and healthy." Shepard praised his son. He never wanted to leave him in charge so soon, but he had to admit that Drogo was doing a marvelous job.
"Thanks, dad. That means a lot coming from such a grumpy bastard like you." Drogo had a wide grin as he replied.
Luna shook her head silently, her heart warmed by their interaction as she held her son close to her chest. She silently prayed their son would grow up to have such a close relationship with his own father and grandfather. The three of them together would be a powerful force in the future for their clan and pack.
"Our enemies would leap for the chance to cripple us by going after the newborns. We will have to pack and move within the next few days, once all the newborns are here and the women have a chance to rest and recover. We need to make it to the winter site before the snowfall begins," Drogo said as he racked his hand through his curly black hair.
Luna nodded in agreement, her eyes narrowed, "Agreed, we've been here for too long as it is. We need to be on high alert over the next week or two until we get to the mountain cave system. The true Lord's Army has always been after the surviving Alpha Shifter clans like us. They wouldn't hesitate to slaughter our entire clan. They won't rest until every Alpha species clan is fully wiped out." Luna's voice was laced with venom and hatred as they planned their next move.
That damn extremist group. I'd love to find their leadership and tear them limb from limb. We must do something before this war becomes Fenrir's war. Luna tightened her grip slightly around Fenrir, as if to protect him from a horrible future. Then they could come out of hiding, and live normal lives like every other shifter clan or species out there.
"Someday my love. Someday we will have our vengeance on the True Lord's Army. The sanctimonious fools will underestimate the might of the wolf one day and we will come for their throats with a glorious howl in the middle of the night," Drogo declared. I will hunt them down and rip their throats out with my own claws if I have to. "I have a meeting scheduled in about three weeks with the heads of other wolf shifter clans. We plan on going over options and information to continue investigating and hunting them down." He informed her. They were going to kill the members of The True Lord's army. They just needed time and information before they could coordinate any moves.