Small Fry Chapter 3 *Updated*

20th December 2363

The pregnancy was life altering because everything around me, let alone inside me; changed.

It changed the tribe’s previous views of me, as it changed my husband’s. Not only was Declan watching closely, so too were the pack. Everyone seemed fascinated, as they observed my shape shift, with some closer than others.

I had left behind a vision, a beautiful but barren creature whom people had put on a kind of pedestal; somewhat like a painting on the wall. Like the two-dimensional art, I had always looked the same. But now, everyone instantly noticed my changes, because they made me more life-like.

For 273 years my appearance never altered, unless I did it deliberately to look older with my changing academic identities. And of course, this was excluding the change I went through, when I expanded into a Werewolf to hunt on a full moon. Otherwise, my face, breasts, abdomen, hips or bottom, always looked the same. I kept this form, for nearly three centuries; which was a broad-shouldered, athletic figure thanks to my Lokoti Werewolf physique.

On this note, my appetite never differed, except for larger meals during the bitter Alaskan winter. However after the first week of pregnancy, my husband instantly noticed the change in my eating. I started to steal an extra piece of garlic bread, or eat a second bread roll with my dinner, or even an extra piece of toast for breakfast. My meals were increasing and after the first three weeks, I started to snack more.

Declan would come into kitchen in the afternoon, with an attack of the ‘munchies’ and to his surprise, he would find me there. I didn’t use to snack, instead I was quite happy with three meals a day. But my cravings were starting up, like dipping celery sticks into a jar of peanut butter.

“You want a sandwich? I can make you a sandwich.” He offered, as he looked on in pleasant surprise.

I shook my head, “I don’t want a sandwich, I want celery sticks with peanut butter.”

The next afternoon, he found me doing something similar but with carrot sticks and cream cheese.

After a couple of days of this, Declan walked out of the kitchen carrying two plates. On one were his sandwiches and on the other, were neatly cut up celery and carrot sticks. He even had on the side, two small dipping bowls of peanut butter and cream cheese.

“Oh, Declan!” My face lit up.

“Food is my department, remember?” He kissed the top of my head. “I can’t have your cravings, put me out of business.”

As was typical for pregnant women to crave odd things, I started to dip my celery sticks, into Nutella as well as peanut butter. Declan openly stared whilst I munched away.

“You’re not gonna start eating sardines and ice cream together, are you?” He shook his head in disbelief.

“Shut up.” I giggled.

Also, I noticed that he began to slowly build up the size of my meals. If one night I craved more mashed potato, the following night I saw my serving had doubled or even tripled. Then over dinner, he watched closely as I polished off everything on my plate.

I think it gave the European Werewolf great satisfaction that my appetite was growing. His bloodlust made him constantly hungry for food or sex, so when I started to behave in a similar fashion? His eyes would light up like it was Christmas morning.

Into the fourth week of pregnancy, when I finished my afternoon snack; I gazed upon my mate as he finished his. He saw the hungry look in my eyes.

“You want more?” He stood up from the couch, to fetch it for me.

“No.” I frowned, a little confused. “I’m hungry, but I don’t think it’s for celery sticks.”

“You want a sandwich?” He offered.

By standing over me, to take our plates; I noticed the ample bulge in the front of his jeans which was right in front of my face. I don’t know what came over me, but brazenly I placed my hand over it. I felt the reaction in him immediately.

“I think I’ve just died and gone to heaven.” I heard him utter out.

Quick as lightening, he almost dropped our plates onto the coffee table, to pick me up instead.

I was mauling his neck, as he carried me up the stairs so fast, he may have been running.

For over an hour, I claimed the dominant position and rode him hard. His eyes were closed with a blissed-out expression on his face. His torso had long scratch marks, which were already healing thanks to his speedy regeneration. He barely flinched, as I left bite mark after bloodied bite mark, on his shoulders, his arms or even his chest. Instead he groaned in ecstasy, and pushed harder.

It was like I went wild! What am I saying, I DID go wild! Normally it would be my body which wore the most bite marks, as Declan’s bloodlust demanded that he completely have his mate during intercourse. But this time, it was my turn.

I just had to taste his blood, as I craved his other fluids. I felt so hungry with desire, like I could have been on fire! I felt my blood almost boil within my very veins! My skin was burning hot, as my teeth and nails sharpened. They raked across his skin and the surface would heal over in minutes. I was so surprised at myself, I trembled in astonishment.

“Are – are – are you alright?” I stammered, whilst looking on his injuries.

“Huh?” He slowly opened his eyes, as if he were coming out of a pleasure-induced daze. “Don’t stop now, B!”

He flipped me over onto my back, to ride me instead. We snapped our dangerously sharp mouths at the other, as my turquoise eyes burned hungrily and his green eyes glowered back. We play-fought over who’d be on top, which ended in the both of our mouths locked onto the other’s shoulders.

From the force we were grinding away, it pumped the blood straight into the other’s eager mouth, until we slowed the bleeding with our tongues. Our saliva aided our regeneration, so when our mouths moved away, they left behind new, pink skin in its place.

He sighed in a satiated manner afterwards; “you know, I think I’m gonna enjoy this pregnancy.”

“NOW you sing positive things about the baby?” I arched my eyebrows.

“If you keep this up, I’m gonna be singing show tunes soon.” He chuckled, before he bellowed out; “tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya! Tomorrow! You’re only a day away…”

However, the other symptom my pregnancy produced, was difficulty with getting out bed in the mornings. I guess I shouldn’t complain, since I wasn’t experiencing morning sickness. But I felt exceptionally sleepy and sluggish.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Huh?

BAM! BAM! BAM!

What was this, déjà vu? Sleepily, I raised my head and looked about the bedroom, to find Declan was missing from his side of the bed. His digital alarm clock read as 9.13 AM, so that’s why. I had slept in again.

BANG! RRRIIIIIIPP! BAM!

What the hell was going on here? I stumbled out of bed in my negligee, and I meandered over to the doorway of the second bedroom. I found Declan pulling apart our two single beds. He was sitting on the wooden floor, with his tool kit open as he was unscrewing the wooden bed frames. The mattresses had been taken off and were now leaning up against the wall.

“G’morning sunshine!” He sung. “Man, after 274 years, your bed hair still cracks me up! But at least I’ve gotten you out of those cartoon cow pajamas.”

“You’re full of shit.” I said back. “I still wear them, when it’s in the dead of winter and it’s past minus twenty degrees.”

“That’s my B.” He chuckled at my early morning language. “Your coffee awaits, my lady.”

I slid down the doorframe, to land on my ass before I reached over to pick up the cup, which sat beside his half-drunk mug on the floor.

“Mmm.” I closed my eyes, as I savoured my first sip of caffeine.

“You know with this pregnancy, you’re going to have to start drinking decaff soon.” He warned.

“Blasphemy!” I almost choked on my drink.

“That’s what I hear pregnant women drink.”

“Yeah, but they’re just humans and I’m a Werewolf; so it’s allowed.”

“Let’s ask Ki the next time he’s over, shall we?” He taunted.

“Do you want to wear this coffee?” I threatened.

“Man, I love my wife’s biting mood in a morning.” Declan laughed to himself. “Maybe if Marcus had come across you first thing, he wouldn’t have been so quick to try to steal you from me.”

He was referring to nearly two centuries ago, when I was abducted by the few remaining European Werewolves left. It was the occasion when Declan murdered his treacherous, man-eating breed; and made himself the last of his kind. That was until of course, he knocked me up.

I turned silent, as I watched him pull apart the bed frame. He unscrewed the end board, before moving up to undo the bed head. He was wearing a pair of old jeans and his favourite flannel shirt, but his supernatural muscles bulged underneath. Once the bed frame was completely unscrewed, he moved to our second single bed to disassemble it.

Then I sung teasingly, “you’re not going to be the last of the European Werewolves anymore. So how do you feel about that, Mr. Sabre?”

“I am still gonna be the last though, Mrs. Sabre.” He corrected as he worked. “Our daughters are gonna be half-breeds, which is fine with me.”

“Half-breeds?” I screwed up my face. “I don’t like that term.”

“And why not?”

“I don’t know, it just doesn’t sound right.”

“Then what are you gonna call our daughters?”

“Special.”

Declan snickered, before sneaking a look over to where I was sitting. He cast a lazy gaze over my legs, which were unintentionally on display, thanks to the short cut of the negligee.

“With a mother like that, I think all the boys in the tribe are going to agree with you.” He said smoothly.

“You’re gonna love it, when they all come to you for permission to date the tribe’s most dangerous Werewolf’s, daughters.”

“Ha!” He snorted. “Yes I am! You know how Odysseus had to fulfill all those tasks, and it took him years to finally return to his wife? I’m gonna be just as bad! Any applicant that wants to come within ten meters of my daughters, are gonna have to be the best of the best! I’m gonna set such an obstacle course, most of them are gonna give up and slink away with their tails between their legs.”

“Hmm, this should be interesting.” I tittered, as I nursed my coffee in both hands. “Only, I don’t think this planet has any Cyclops or Sirens left, I think they’re all extinct.”

“That’s what people thought about European Werewolves.” He pointed out. “Trust me B, if the boys have to get past me instead? They’ll be begging for a Cyclops!”

I giggled back, “if the suitors saw you in European Werewolf form, they’d think they’re battling Cerberus.”

“Except for the fact that I don’t have three heads,” he said, before he paused. “Then again, what about the tales of the ‘Hounds From Hell’? It makes you wonder doesn’t it, about how much fiction is fact?”

“Hmm, it does a bit.” I frowned pensively. “I mean, your species of Werewolf is the oldest in the world. So anytime a human saw one of you, and actually lived to tell the tale; how often was the truth distorted and came out as a fable instead?”

“You got that right.” Declan declared. “I was used to the fact that I was the last of my kind. Now with the rug rat you’re carrying who’s gonna be our first; I’m gonna have a whole litter to train, not to become one of the monsters that people fear in the dark.”

“Maybe the legends are still being written?” I gave a teasing grin. “Maybe we’re creating new legend how the Last European Werewolf and the First Female Lokoti Werewolf; started an all new breed, whose strength and control, the world has never seen?”

“Oh joy.” He grumbled, picking up his wrench again. “But if my daughters mirror their mother with their monthly blues; it’ll be an all new PMT the world has never seen before either.”

“Declan!” I griped. “We were having a nice conversation then, why did you go and spoil it?”

“I’m just trying to prepare for the future.” He said simply. “I’m gonna get our PA at Hodge Endeavor to start buying up shares in ‘Nutella’, so we can get unending free samples sent to us. I’ll fill this house with choc hazelnut spread, so my moody wife and ferocious female young will never go with out.”

I growled under my breath and started to stand up to leave, when I paused to look back.

“Why are you pulling apart the beds by the way?”

“We have a two bedroom house, B.” He said coolly. “Where did you think the nursery was gonna go, in the dining area?”

“Oh.”

Declan was already organizing the nursery? His words warmed my heart, at how the gruff male was planning ahead for the baby. I left him to his task and returned to the main bedroom, to get dressed.

*****

I put on a pair of jeans, a long-sleeved t-shirt and a zip-up purple sweater, before I wandered downstairs, to fix myself some brunch. However just as I opened the fridge, I was startled by a knock at the door.

I smelled whoever it was, was one of the pack. So when I swung open the front door, I wasn’t surprised to find Walt Wisetail, standing on my icy veranda. Behind him, was his Federal Wildlife Service’s hover-vehicle, parked on the snowy driveway.

“Walt,” I smiled on my distant relation, “how are you? How’s Wendy and the rug rats?”

“We’re well, thanks Aunt B.” He smiled proudly. Walt was a true Lokoti Werewolf, completely devoted to his mate and young. Never in a million years would he gripe about his wife’s mood swings. In fact, his grin even grew wider to say; “actually, Wendy and I are expecting again.”

“A third kid on the way?” My eyebrows arose. “Yep, you really are following Lokoti Werewolf tradition there, Walt.”

He chuckled as he came in from the cold air, “and how about yourself there Aunt B, better late than never?”

Declan’s voice interrupted, as he jogged down the stairs; “we were stopping to smell the roses, before we weighed down the marriage with kids.”

“Kids don’t take away from the marriage, Uncle Dec.” Walt said affably. “They add to it, just you wait and see.”

My mate said sarcastically; “oh yeah, the messy diapers, the late night feedings and losing your free time for the next 18 years; I can see how you’d say that. Kids take away the need for romantic dinners, annual overseas holidays or even intimate evenings with the wife.”

“With that attitude, you’re being extremely optimistic that you’re still going to have a wife to be intimate with.” I passed him a glare.

“Oh you two!” He laughed loudly at our banter. “Trust me, kids can add to the sex life. Especially when the parents have to think up new ways how to sneak it in quietly, it leaves a lot to experimentation.”

Declan and I exchanged raised eyebrows at Walt’s candor.

“Now about those beds...” my husband laughed it off, “…this way.”

He turned to lead him upstairs, when I spoke, “what about the beds?”

“Oh,” Walt paused and looked to Declan to explain.

“I’m giving our spare beds to the Wisetail’s.” He stated.

“You are?” My hands moved to my hips. “When did you discuss THIS with me?”

“Now,” he said simply, before he started to make his way up the stairs again.

“Hold on hold on hold on!” I interrupted, making the two turn around once more.

“Er, is there a problem?” Our guest looked uncomfortable. “If you still need the beds Aunt B that’s fine -”

“No, you can have the beds, Walt.” I said in annoyance, whilst glaring Declan’s way. “But I’m pissed off that my husband didn’t mention this before.”

“We don’t need the beds right now, B!” He snapped. “Let Walt and Wendy have them, since their ‘tribe’ is growing faster than ours is.”

“THAT’S not the problem, Declan! The problem is you didn’t ASK me first!” I growled.

“Why the hell do I have to ask you?” He asked indignantly. “What, every time I talk kids with the guys, I have to fill you in?”

“When were you talking to the guys, about kids?” I asked in disbelief.

“When Walt, Forrest and Caesar, were telling me about the kind of things we’re gonna need, for the nursery!” His voice rose. “Now quit with the third degree, woman!”

He and Walt disappeared upstairs, as I stomped back into the kitchen whilst snarling obscenities, under my breath.

I don’t get Declan…even after two centuries of marriage. He runs hot and cold more than the kitchen faucet! One minute he’s happy then he’s snappy. Who’s the pregnant woman here, me or him?

But then I paused…my husband has been talking to the men in the pack, about impending fatherhood? Why, to get advice? This almost made me laugh out loud, as I made myself another coffee.

It was funny to think of the former elderly European Werewolf, actually asking the younger Lokoti Werewolves, for their words of wisdom. It also seemed like he was embarrassed about it. He’s never liked asking for help, maybe this was the reason why he’s acting so tetchy about it?

Typical for his breed, he was a control freak and with his ego, he liked being second in charge. To ask his subordinates for baby tips, must have been a lesson in humility for him. So to repay Walt for his help, he was giving him the beds? Ah, now it made sense.

After my coffee was made, I sat up on the kitchen bench to drink my beverage. I overheard the men make several trips up and down the stairs, as they carried the mattresses and furniture out to Walt’s hover-car. With their supernatural strength, they easily carried the loads individually. Soon my spare beds were strapped to the top of Walt’s off-road vehicle.

To say goodbye, my distant cousin appeared in the kitchen entranceway, with my husband standing beside. Walt was carrying an old cardboard box in his arms, which was full of books and old knick-knacks. He must have had them in his hover-car.

“Oh and by the way Aunt B, I’ve brought a couple of things that you might find interesting. I found them, when I was going through my attic last month.” He placed the box on the bench top, beside where I was sitting.

“What’s this?” I picked up one of the books which looked so old, the pages were yellow.

“I think it’s an old diary from one of my great aunts.” He explained. “But I think she’d be closer to you, than she is to me. I think it’s Ling Wisetail’s diary.”

Declan’s and my eyes widened at the name, as I quickly put down my mug to open it.

“Hey, it’s Nana’s diary!” I cried out excitedly. “Ling Wisetail was my Dad’s mother!”

“She’s something like eight or nine times removed from me, but I thought you would appreciate it.” Walt said kindly. “There’s also a couple of old photos in there that I think are of your father when he was a boy, as well as of your Grandpa.”

The fact that Walt’s family had them didn’t surprise me, since Wisetail used to be my maiden name. Walt and Wendy even lived in the same house that I grew up in. Gleefully, I rifled through the box looking at what else was in there. I came across a baby album and when I opened it up, I saw it was Dad’s!

“Oh my gosh!” I jumped off the bench. “This is Dad’s baby album! I didn’t know your family had this!”

“Family keepsakes such as photo albums and family records, are passed along the males in the family.” He reminded. “I guess after your father evolved to the space time continuum, it was among his keepsakes which remained in house; when Jake Wisetail took over, who was my forefather.”

“That tradition sucks.” I sighed. “Declan and I will certainly break it, with our daughters and their daughters.”

“We certainly will.” He agreed. “Hey B, don’t you have a lot of Riverclaw stuff?”

“I have my foremothers Elisha’s, Alexandrina’s, Arabella’s as well as Jessica’s, old diaries. I also have their photo albums and baby books. But I don’t have Grandfather’s things.” I realized.

“Emanuel would have passed it on to his son Julian, who then passed it to his son Phoenix and then on to Chiron, Stone, Forrest and now to Caesar.” Walt respectfully recited the Riverclaw lineage, especially since three had been First in the Lokoti Werewolf pack. “If you asked Forrest or Caesar, they could check for you.”

“It’s unfair.” I shot a hurt look towards my mate. “We were actually alive during their time, so we should have got their things.”

Just then I noticed in the box a framed photo, which I picked up and showed to my husband. It was a family photo of a ten year old Dad, with a younger looking Nana and Grandpa. My heart hurt, as I remembered my family of old.

Declan looked on Walt unhappily, “what else have you got that’s B’s?”

“Um, that’s all I could see of B’s father and grandparents.” He said awkwardly. “I mean, there are childhood photos of Fern Wisetail, with his brother and sister when they were growing up. But since B’s grandfather was the older brother of Sky Wisetail, who’s my forefather? I think my family will want to keep those.”

Next, my mate crossed over to my side as I turned tearful at the photo of the goofy-looking kid, which was my father. The people who I hadn’t seen for over two centuries, could still bring a tear to my eye. I had to sniff as my nose began to run, with my longing to see my immediate family again.

“Don’t worry, B.” He put his arm about my waist. “This afternoon, I’ll go to Forrest and Caesar myself, and ask for the Riverclaw stuff.”

“Oh Declan!” I threw my arms about his neck. “I miss them! I miss them so much! I just wish that we weren’t alone in this, and that my parents and my grandparents were here.”

“I miss my Mom and my little brother, too.” He held me tightly. “She’d be spoiling us rotten, by cooking for us and coming over every day, to check on the baby.”

My mate gently lifted me up into his hug, as my legs wrapped themselves about his waist. His right arm held me up, as his left rubbed my back. Our faces came together, as Declan used his to wipe my tears away, before planting several soft kisses over my trembling lips.

Walt said uncomfortably, “if you like, I’ll do another search of our attic to make sure you have all of Hunter Wisetail’s things.”

“That would be nice, especially since you’re living in the house that my father owned.” I reminded.

“Yes but Aunt B, when your father left it to my great, great grandfather; we renovated it and made it into our own.” He joked back.

“Details details.” The European Werewolf growled playfully. “If my wife says it’s her house then damn it, it’s still her house!”

“I take it you procure anything for her, that Aunt B says is hers; right Uncle?” My cousin, smirked.

“That or I just plain kill it for her.” He said simply.

“Yep, this is going to be an interesting pregnancy to be sure.” Walt pretended to look nervous.

“It sure is,” my mate held me closely, “and together, we’re gonna get through it.”

His bright blue eyes held onto my dark blue ones, as if silently endorsing his words.

“Then if you two will excuse me, I have my own pregnant mate to return to.” Walt cleared his throat. “Oh and by the way Aunt B, Wendy wanted to invite you over for afternoon tea, for baby-talk.”

“Er, our afternoons can get pretty busy.” Declan tried to put our recent bedroom behaviour, diplomatically. “How about morning tea instead?”

“That should be fine.” He shrugged. “I’ll see myself out and thanks again for the furniture, it will come in handy for my eldest kids.”

Once Walt shut the front door on his way out, Declan placed me back on top of the kitchen bench again.

“So this is the last of your Dad’s stuff, huh?” He picked up the baby album, to peruse through. “It’s hard to think of your father being a baby. Whenever I think of Hunter Wisetail, I remember this disapproving, old Lokoti Werewolf, constantly looking over my shoulder. It was like he was just waiting to throw me out of your life.”

“He wasn’t that bad!” I rolled my eyes. “Besides, you and Dad ended up getting along.”

“Yeah, it only took a century of marriage for your father to get it through his head, that I truly was your mate.” He complained. “In the end we didn’t get along, we simply stopped fighting aloud. Trust me, our glares said it all.”

It made me recall something about my parent’s passing, in particular what was communicated between my father and husband.

“Declan,” I began, “just before Mum and Dad left for the space time continuum; what did Dad telepathically say to you?”

“Huh?”

“You said something like, ‘do you really have to ask?’ or something as such.” I recalled.

“Oh yeah, he tried to make me swear that I’d always put your safety first.” He said bitterly. “And my response to such a stupid question was, did he really have to ask? The old Werewolf was about to leave his mortal existence behind and evolve as a sparkling cloud of energy and light, to the space time continuum. But he still doesn’t trust me with his beloved, only daughter.”

I cupped his face to pull him in for a kiss; “yes, but I’m your beloved B now.”

“Damn straight,” he murmured, just before our lips pressed together. “You always have been and always will be, no matter how hard your father tried to split us up.”

“He didn’t try to split us up!”

“He married you to another man.”

“Oh yeah, there was that.” I conceded. “But that was before Dad knew of my feelings for you.”

“He suspected MY feelings and he still pushed you onto Grant.” He let go to busy himself, by picking up the box. “I’m gonna go put this stuff up into the attic.”

“No, I will.” I hopped off the bench to take it from him. “While I’m up there, I wanna check something out.”

“OK then,” he watched me walk away. “Hey, have you actually eaten breakfast yet?”

“No.” I called over my shoulder.

“I’m gonna fix you some toasted tomato and cheese sandwiches then.”

“OK!” I sung back.

I carried the box up the staircase to put it on the floor, in the small upstairs hallway. Next, I reached up and pulled the chord hanging from the ceiling, which opened the hatch to the attic. The fold-up ladder which was attached, unfolded before me.

Using one hand to carry the box, I climbed the small ladder to step up into the dark, dusty attic.

Immediately, I sneezed from the cold and dust! Then I had to engage my glowing eyes for the night-vision, so I could find the light switch. My hand found the long chord which hung from the ceiling, and I gave it a gentle tug.

When the single light came on, my glowing turquoise eyes dulled back to their dark blue colour. I looked about the disorganized, dusty, dim attic. Many a cobweb hung from the rafters, or even connected a couple of the boxes which were piled high. I was looking on three hundred years of memorabilia.

We haven’t been up here in years! Oh hang on, maybe Declan has… my eyes settled on the least dustiest of the items, my two suitcases. So that’s what he did with them! I suppose I should be relieved he didn’t burn them, like he threatened to.

I started to examine the different labels on the cardboard boxes. Once upon a time, this attic was clean and organized. When we started to accumulate keepsakes from family members who’d passed away; we wrote on the boxes what was in them.

My hand had to remove the dust, so I could see the descriptions properly. I read his writing on boxes which read as ‘Mom’s Stuff’, or ‘Derik’s Stuff’ or ‘Blanche and Michael’s Stuff’. They had been Declan’s human mother, brother, nephew and niece. His family’s things were stacked neatly against one of the attic walls.

My family’s things however, weren’t as tidy as Declan’s. Boxes such as ‘Vincent’s Things,’ or ‘Mum and Dad’s Things’, or ‘Gran and Grandfather’s Things’; were all sitting willy-nilly about the confined space. Over the many years, I’d open them upon occasion when I needed to find something, like a photo album. However his boxes were untouched, as I couldn’t recall him ever looking; perhaps because the memories were too painful?

I picked up the box which Walt had given me, to carry it over to the box full of ‘Gran and Grandfather’s Things’. I wanted my paternal grandparents’ memorabilia to sit beside my maternal grandparents’. I’d have to come back with tape and seal it, before labeling it ‘Grandpa and Nana’s Things’.

Unconsciously, I began to stroke the box as I reminisced on my parents and my grandparents. With my ‘bundle of joy’, I’d have loved to have shared this with my family. I never did make my Mum and Dad into grandparents, however Aunt Susan enjoyed this delight through Derik.

Just as I turned to leave, I noticed something. It was a red trunk which looked worn with time. It was half hidden, underneath another cardboard box and for the life of me, I don’t remember seeing it before. But I felt this undeniable urge to investigate, or maybe it was one of my all-knowing feelings?

“B!” I heard the distant call, of my husband. “Your brunch is ready!”

“Coming!”

Quickly, I walked over and lifted the other box off the red trunk then I sunk to my knees beside. When I opened the lid, the hinges squealed in protest as a huge cloud of dust came up. It sent me into a sneezing frenzy!

“Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!”

My sensitive nose objected, as I spluttered and waved my hand through the air to clear it. But when I looked inside, I accidentally let out a squeal! I felt like I just hit the jackpot.

“B?” My mate hollered, overhearing my cry. “What are you doing up there?”

“Nothing!”

“Then come downstairs and do nothing, while you eat your brunch!”

“Alright already!” I snapped back.

I looked into the trunk again, at the old baby clothing, a couple of framed photos as well as some old books. But these weren’t just ordinary books, they were more diaries! When I opened up the covers, I saw the names ‘Clara Winter’ as well as ‘Jessica Tandy’. They were my great, great grandmother as well as my great, grandmother; who married into the Riverclaw family.

Bingo! They were just what I was hoping for, after my previous conversation. It looks like Declan doesn’t have to approach Caesar after all.

I picked up the framed photos for a closer look. There was a picture circa the 20th Century, of a pretty, blonde woman standing with a handsome, Lokoti man. The woman had a large baby bulge, protruding through her thick jacket. I believe I was looking on my great, great grandfather Flint Riverclaw, with his mate Jessica. She had been namesake of my mother, since she died before Mum was born. According to Grandfather, Mum also inherited the original Jessica’s temper too.

“B, your toasted sandwiches are going cold!” My husband complained.

“I’m coming!”

Hastily, I put the photo frame back and shut the lid. I stood up again as I dusted myself off, when my eyes landed on the new box I had just brought up. I made myself a silent promise that I’d return to visit my foremothers soon; the women who’d been the mates of my Lokoti Werewolf forefathers. I pushed the box of Wisetail family memorabilia closer to the trunk, so my foremothers would be waiting together.

Lastly, I climbed down the attic ladder, closed the hatch and happily skipped downstairs.

“There you are!” He walked out of the kitchen with his hands on his hips. “I was about to come up there after you.”

“You’re a bossy boots, you know that?” I poked him in the side, as I fetched my plate of toasted sandwiches, sitting on the kitchen bench. I saw Declan had made himself one too, which I also handed to him on my way out.

“What was that squeal, I heard before?” He followed me into the lounge room. He sat beside on the couch and watched closely, as I began to eat.

“I found my Great Grandma’s and my Great, Great Grandma’s diaries and photos.” I said happily.

“Oh,” he sounded surprised, “that’s handy.”

“So I put the box with Nana and Grandpa’s things, beside the trunk with those. Now my foremothers are all sitting together.” I joked.

“And talking about how their progeny Bianca Sabre, is finally expecting?” He gently nudged me in the side.

“That would be nice.” I sighed again.

“Don’t worry, B.” He patted me on the leg. “Having our daughters will be just like it’s always been. I’ll take care of you and you’ll take care of me and together, we’ll take care of them.”

I leaned in to rub my nose against his cheek affectionately, which he appreciated. But as he turned his head to give me a kiss, my hand swiped one of his triangles. However, he caught me.

“Hey!” He objected. “Man, you really are hungry, aren’t you?”

“In more ways than one, my dear husband.” I giggled, before kissing him back.

*****

My appetite kept growing and growing. Over the weeks, a routine began to be established that sex was served as part of afternoon tea. As soon as the food was finished, we feasted on each other.

It was week six of being pregnant, and we were in the midst of an icy Alaskan winter. My Lokoti Werewolf eyes were glowing brightly, which made our dim bedroom in the winter’s twilight, look brighter from enhanced vision.

Our empty plates sat on the bedside table, as the crumbs were bouncing between the sheets from how hard the bed was rocking. I was riding Declan again, as we always seemed to start this way. I dug my claws into his skin, as I rode him harder, making the kind grunting noises he usually makes.

My panting escaped between my elongated, sharp teeth. Declan’s face was buried in my breasts, which were beginning to expand from pregnancy. His fingers were digging into my widening hips, as I was beginning to take on a more rounded figure. I honestly felt like I couldn’t let go, as I held onto him tighter. Half of my brain was saying ‘don’t break the poor guy’, as the other half was roaring, ‘more damn it! More!’

I cried out helplessly, “don’t stop, Declan! Don’t!”

Vaguely, he mumbled something back, which sounded unintelligible since his face as full of breasts. I felt his sharp fingernails, break my skin. But the blood only would have joined the sweat, which was trickling off our bodies. My face was angled upwards, as my body was taught and moving hard. Then I dove my head into his shoulder and bit hard, before licking his wound shut.

It seemed to serve as the icing on the cake, as he came for his fourth time and finally, so did I. My intense yearning and the slow build up, eventually resulted in the so-called ‘explosion’. It felt like a massive pleasurable release, which satiated my bloodlust. My body started to loosen, as I slowed to a stop. Contentedly, I nestled my sweaty face into his sweaty neck.

Declan was gasping, like he hadn’t been able to breathe properly; but he wasn’t complaining either. His face did look redder than usual, though. I sensed his overwhelming satisfaction radiate outwards, along with his body-heat.

“I’m changing,” I speculated.

Abruptly, he roared with laughter! When he finished he said, “ah yeah, I kinda noticed.”

“Before I was pregnant, our sex was different.”

“Uh huh,” he agreed with his eyes closed.

“When we had sex before I was pregnant, I came more.”

“Huh?” His eyes snapped open. “Are you saying you don’t come now?”

“No I do, but it’s different.”

“How?”

“It takes longer and until I do, it’s like I lose control. It’s like a ravenous hunger, where I have to ravage you. When I do finally come, it’s stronger than it used to be. The feelings are more intense.”

He contemplated on my words, “is there anything I can do to bring it on faster?”

“I don’t think so,” I sighed in resignation. “This isn’t a foreplay thing, it’s deeper than that.”

“Hmm,” he frowned, “that’s strange.”

“Why?”

“Because you sound just like me,” Declan declared.

“I do?” I gave him a funny look.

“Foreplay doesn’t get me off, it’s intercourse that does. Before you were pregnant, you needed foreplay. Now, it’s like you’re just as hungry for the main course as I am. It’s like you can’t get enough of me. I like how you seem to want all of me at once, because it’s how I feel about you.”

“I bite more than usual,” I went on.

“And you drink more than usual,” he added. “When you used to occasionally bite, it was like you were tasting. But with the pregnancy, it’s like you’re thirsty for me.”

“Yeah,” I rolled onto my side, so I could gaze down on his face, “that’s exactly what it’s like.”

“B,” he looked back in concern, “that’s what it’s like being a European Werewolf. In all our 273 years of sex, you’ve never been like this.”

“I’ve never been pregnant before.”

“You’ve never been impregnated by a European Werewolf before.” He specified. “It’s like the baby growing inside you, already has my characteristics because they’re coming out in you.”

“You think that’s it?” I listened.

Declan rolled onto his side, so he was facing me too. His hand rested on my waist, as he looked on his mate with longing. What he said next, confirmed it.

“I have to admit, ever since this pregnancy began? I’ve been feeling a hell of a lot more turned on.”

“You have?” I started to smile.

“You’re eating almost as much as me. You’re lusting as much as me. And…” he ran his hand over my figure, which was becoming curvier every day, “…your physical strength is increasing.”

“What?!” I burst out laughing. “Yeah right!”

“B, just then as you were riding me, you almost had me pinned. I could have broken your grip if I wanted to, but I’ve noticed that you’re getting stronger. It’s like your body’s taking on the characteristics of a European Werewolf. It could be from drinking so much of my blood lately? But it’s like your body is deliberately making itself stronger, to carry the child inside.”

I looked down and watched his large hand, circle my tummy with reverence.

“I’m sorry, I’ll try not to drink so much -” I began.

“Don’t be stupid, I’m relieved that this is happening to you!”

“You are?”

“If your body is building up its’ strength now, maybe when you deliver, it won’t be so dangerous. Hell, I’d cut open my wrist and feed it to you every day, if it gave me a guarantee this pregnancy would be smooth sailing.”

“Declan, I wish you would stop worrying.” I groaned. “I’m not some weak human woman, I’ve always been able to cope with your greater strength.”

“I know this, B.” He sighed, before he gave a mischievous grin. “And with your physical strength increasing, I’m pushing as hard as I like. I’m enjoying our sex more.”

“Really?” I tittered, as slid up against his muscled body.

He let out a contented growl, as his hand continued to follow my new curves. “To see your body changing, because of what I put inside you? It turns me on even more and I didn’t think it was possible, that I could lust after you more than I do now. B, you’ve never tasted better.”

“I do?” A giggle escaped.

“So anytime you want to eat more food, or eat me? You frickin’ pounce on me or else!” He growled louder.

Declan rolled onto his back whilst pulling me over him. Then he used his arms, to partially prop me up. I saw he did this, so he could enjoy the sight of what was hanging near his face.

“And feel free to try to suffocate me with your bigger breasts too,” he lifted me higher, to reach them.

Then I grunted from discomfort, when I felt him bite into the right. But the pain quickly turned into pleasure, with the sensation of his sucking. I started to feel the ravenous hunger build up inside me again. I moved my hips into position over his, and he took the hint.

“Oh yes!” I let out a helpless cry, as I felt him push inside. “There is something you can do for me, Declan.”

“Mmm?”

“Push as hard as you like and we’ll see if I can go back to my multiple orgasms.”

“Mmm…” he moaned, as he put my words into immediate effect.

My eyes drifted shut, as the bed began to rock again; “oh yes oh yes oh yes oh yes oh yes…”

*****

“Hmm.”

Ki rubbed his jaw, as he looked on my results somewhat perplexed. Declan and I looked on worriedly, as he read the results on the hand-held medical scanner.

“What is it?” My husband asked in concern. “What’s wrong?”

I was lying on the couch in the lounge room, as was the custom for my once a week check-ups. Declan was sitting to the side, holding my hand. Our Medicine Man was running a deep, cellular scan; of both me and the baby.

“I can see what Uncle Declan means, by your bloodthirsty behavior.” He reported. “Aunt B, your muscle density has increased by ten percent. Right now, you’re as strong as a male Lokoti Werewolf.”

“Really?” I sat up right in surprise. “Is that a good sign?”

“I think so,” he frowned, appearing the opposite. “Your body is making adjustments for carrying a mini European Werewolf inside of you. It’s compensating, by taking on some of Uncle Declan’s strength. It’s why you’re craving his blood right now, for its regenerative properties as well as his physical prowess.”

“Yeah, but besides B taking on my faster healing and strength; she’s also taking on some of my character traits.” He told Ki.

“Declan!” I whacked him on the arm, to shut up.

“Such as?” Our Medicine Man looked on enquiringly.

“The hunger and some of my other urges attributed to my bloodlust,” he continued.

“Declan!” I whacked him again, as I sat upright on the couch.

“Can you elaborate?” Ki listened.

“Like some of my needs and wants in the bedroom.” He put it politely.

“Declan, Ki doesn’t need to hear this!” I objected, in embarrassment.

“Oh dear,” he further frowned, “you’re not getting rough between the sheets, are you? Because Aunt B is still in the first trimester, there’s the risk of miscarriage and -”

“B and the baby are safe, Ki.” He interrupted, in offense. “I’m letting her get rough with me, but I keep my claws to myself.”

“Good.” Our medical practitioner, instantly looked relieved. “That’s good to hear, Uncle Dec.”

“I mean, I like it so much that I’m using every bit of willpower I have, not to get rough with her…” he muttered, looking away.

“It’s good to hear that you’re exercising restraint.” Ki cleared his throat.

“…and sometimes I have to do the times tables in my head, so I don’t flat-out maul her in the throws of passion...” he growled under his breath.

We gave him a peculiar look, but my husband didn’t seem to see. He was too wrapped up in his own thoughts, as he stared at the floor. Declan seemed to be talking to himself, let alone to the two other people in the room.

“…it’s just nice to see someone else go through what I’ve been for years; the lust, the hunger, the downright desperation, to devour the person sexually...”

Ki and I exchange worried glances, when Declan finally snapped out of it.

“Huh, what?” He suddenly straightened. “You were saying, Ki?”

“So, you’ve been enjoying the European Werewolf characteristics which have arisen in Aunt B?” He remarked.

“Hell yeah!” He proclaimed, as if it were a given. “Not that B was ever a cold fish, it’s just nice that she needs me as much as I need her.”

“Declan!” I cried out louder, as I gave him a shove.

The Medicine Man regarded him closely, and he even waved his medical scanner in his direction. “Can you tell me more about this, Uncle Dec?”

“Like what?”

“How Aunt B’s behavior is suiting you.” He instructed.

“I dunno.” My mate shrugged back. “She’s gaining on me with how much she eats now. It’s nice to snack with her, when she used to give me and my perpetual hunger, a funny look.”

“I did not!” I shoved him again.

A silly smile appeared on the European Werewolf’s face; “she bites more. She drinks more. She eats more. She growls more and quite frankly, she’s turning me on. It’s almost as if we’re closer than ever.”

“Because she’s emulating your behavior, so you don’t feel so different anymore?” Ki caught on.

“Yeah, basically.” He shrugged.

“Stop sounding so whiny like you’re the world’s loneliest male!” I rolled my eyes. “Where have I been the past 273 years, living in the woods?”

“See what I mean?” He chuckled, as he affectionately patted my leg.

“Hmm,” Ki was now frowning over the readouts of the new scan.

“What is it?” I asked concerned. “What’s wrong?”

“This is interesting,” he began.

“What’s interesting?” Declan demanded.

“Your body Uncle Dec, it looks like you’re going through a couple of changes yourself.” Ki lowered his scanner, to look my mate in the eye.

“Oh yeah?” He raised his eyebrows in disbelief.

“I don’t know if this is a direct result of Aunt B’s pregnancy, but your muscle tone has also increased in density by ten percent.” Our Medicine Man announced.

“But how?” I wondered. “He’s already a hundred percent stronger than humans. Now he’s a hundred and ten percent stronger?”

“It looks like it.” Ki shrugged then he reached out to feel Declan’s arms himself. “They do feel harder than usual.”

“Could it be because I’m young again?” My mate tried to shrug it off. “Maybe my body is adjusting to becoming a Circulator?”

“I don’t think that’s it.” He shook his head. “After Aunt B changed you, I ran a scan on you that morning if you recall. It picked up your muscle density had returned to the way it was, when you were in your twenties. Now it’s increased again.”

My husband and I exchanged a look of wonder at this news, and I even touched his arms to feel for myself.

Ki went on, “I do have a theory though.”

“Yeah and?” He prompted.

“In the animal kingdom, there are males who become stronger when the female is expecting. The male is preparing to become the provider as well as the protector, against predators. Maybe that’s what’s happening now?” Our Medicine Man speculated.

“Are you for real?” I gave a peculiar look. “I mean, European Werewolves aside from Declan, aren’t exactly known for being the kind to commit. In the past, if a male European Werewolf knocked up a female; he usually didn’t stick around to co-found the next ‘Brady Bunch’.”

“Thanks a lot!” My mate retorted.

“I did say aside from you.” I replied.

“True,” he conceded. “Remember Leo and Michelle? I never did find out, how long they were together for. We don’t know if they procreated, or what not.”

“Well if they did, then you wouldn’t be the last European Werewolf.” I tried to joke.

“What if Leo did get Michelle pregnant?” He continued. “He most certainly would have, but what happened to the baby? Did they stop conception from continuing, with the method I used on you in the past; or kill it after it was born?”

A cold shiver ran down my spine, making me shudder. “I don’t think I’d wanna know.”

“What about Marcus and the female European Werewolf who turned him, Roberta; what happened to them in the area of procreation?” He went on.

“Again, I don’t think I’d wanna know.” I felt sick with the very thought of it.

“Hey, you can see the past and the future, in the Viewing Room at Circulate HQ, can’t you?” He turned my way.

“Er, yeah?”

“Maybe we should look into the past and at other European Werewolves, in relation to pregnancy?” He thought up.

“Do we have to?” I whined, as a horrible feeling overtook me. “I don’t think I’d wanna know.”

“What do you think, Ki?” My husband looked to our Medicine Man, for his opinion.

“It would be wise to find out as much information as possible.” He agreed. “Aside from your baby, there has never been an observed European Werewolf pregnancy.”

Declan stood up with enthusiasm, “c’mon then, let’s do it!”

“What, right now?” I looked up in surprise.

“Why not?” Ki said congenially, as he stood up too. “I’ll come along and it’ll be included in my ‘house call’.”

“Are you sure?” I asked warily. “Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.”

“C’mon B,” my mate pulled me up from the sofa. “Now you’ve got me curious.”

“I have?”

“You did bring up other European Werewolf behavior in regards to kids.” He reminded.

However the horrible feeling grew worse, ominous even. I recognized it as a warning of bad news to come.

“Can’t we do this another day?” I tried to back out.

“Why?” He gave a peculiar look.

“It’s best that we find out the facts, Aunt B.” Our Medicine Man, reasoned. “It could even help with your treatment.”

I looked away with uncertainty, as a tiny voice cried inside my mind, ‘no, don’t do it!’

Declan noticed my apprehension; “B, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I lied.

I didn’t know what to say, without worrying them.

“Are you feeling unwell, Aunt B?” Our Medicine Man, looked on closely.

“Oh no, I’m fine. It’s just that…”

“Yeah?” My husband prodded.

“It’s nothing.” I let out a weary sigh. “Let’s just do this and get it over and done with.”

The men barely had a chance to exchange funny looks; when I placed my hands on their arms and instantaneously phased the three of us, to Circulate Headquarters on Taurus Six.

*****