*Cynamon*
“You do know that I will have to go home tomorrow right ?” I look up at Zac. We are kinda snuggled up in a couch-like thing hanging from the three on the back lawn ... how we managed to both get into it is kinda of a mystery, but for now it’s rather cosy.
“Why ?” He has this way of sounding like a sad puppy that goes right to my heart. “I don't want you to leave”.
I giggle and slowly run my fingers along the neckline of his tank top. “I have no clothes Zac”.
“Well clothes are ... totally optional around here you know ... I won’t judge you”. He chuckles and to me that might be the cutest and happiest sound in the world.
‘I don't mind being naked … especially with him’. Zyka says, making a sound like she is impersonating a horny tiger, and I have to swallow a giggle.
“Oh I am sure you won’t”. I slap him playfully on the chest. “But I am not gonna walk around naked in front of your friends ... and I kinda have a feeling you wouldn’t like that either”.
He makes a face like he is imagining it. “No you are right ... I kinda want to keep that part just for me”.
“Oh you do ... who says you get to see me naked ?” I give him a cheeky grin ... but to be honest I am kinda sending out a feeler. I am not one to jump into ... sex ... so I kinda want to see what he expects.
“Well I hope to”. His fingers trail up my arm. “But I am not in any hurry ... no pressure darling”.
I snuggle into him. I instinctively know that he is honest with me. “Thanks Zac ... I am not ... I need to feel ... secure first”.
“It’s totally okay ... I actually prefer waiting just a bit too”. He winds his long arms around me, pulling me closer. “But I do love to snuggle”.
‘Oh handsome I like to snuggle too, and have my belly rubbed and a scratch behind the ear’. Zyka sighs. ‘Oh I could so use an ear scratch’.
And that is what we do most of the evening .. snuggling I mean, not scratching ears. I am not usually like sappy and romantic, but Zac brings out the worst or best in me I guess ... I have never felt like this before and it is both exhilarating and a bit scary.
I am especially scared that this, him Being who he is, will make it hard for me to stay hidden.
“So ... as I said ... my bed is yours”. Zac says softly, when it is time to go to bed. “Am I allowed to tug you in and give you a goodnight kiss ?”
“Zac ... we can share the bed. I love to snuggle too”. I can’t help smiling, it is so cute that he would actually let me have his bed and sleep on the couch.
‘Yes to snuggling … naked snuggling is snuggling too right ?’ Zyka is instantly there.
The biggest smile spread on his face. “Well I am not going to say no to that”.
“I knew you weren't”. I look down at myself. “Hmm but seems like I have only my panties to sleep in”.
He looks kinda pale. “Uhm ... if you feel comfortable that's totally fine by me ... that's how I usually sleep”.
“In your panties ... blonde or cotton ?” I grin at him.
“Oh most definitely lace ... red ... but no thong”. He says wiggling his eyebrows.
I can’t help giggling at the image it brings to my mind. “Oh this I can’t wait to see.. sounds very sexy.. very kinky”.
‘I think he would look good in a thong … that ass can bounce quarters’. Zyka barks a laugh.
“You are ... perfect”. He pulls me into his arms. “Utterly perfect”.
“If you say so ... I mean I don’t really want to argue with you”. I look up at him. “No I was thinking you might have a t-shirt I can borrow ?”
He makes a face ... like ‘dammit’ but then he smiles. “Of course ... you can pick anyone you want”.
“Then I want this one”. I pull at the tank top he is wearing.
“Uhm ... I have kinda been sweating in this one all day darling”. He looks slightly confused.
I bury myself in his chest, his scent washing over me and Zyka shutters with delight. “Hmm I know, that is exactly why I want this one”.
*Zac*
“Okay ... so you are some robot from the future … or like a psychic right ? Like you know just how to drive me crazy right”. I bite my lip looking down at her … Why is the fact that she wants my dirty shirt such a freaking turn on ? Why is everything about her a freaking turn on ?
“Of course I am ... did you first realise now”. She giggles again, her tongue poking out between her teeth in the cutest way. “I have come to ... drive you crazy”.
I pull her closer, leaving kisses down her neck. “Oh you can drive me crazy, any time, any place, any way you please”.
She squeals when I nipple on the soft skin below her ear and push me away. “So ... gonna borrow me that shirt ?”
“Sure thing babe”. I pull off the shirt and hold it out towards her.
“Thanks honey pie”. She grins and snatches it. “So do you want the bathroom first ?”
I shrug. “You can go first ... I think there is a new toothbrush in the cupboard actually, you can use that”.
“Thank”. She plants a kiss on my cheek, before turning and walks slowly into my bathroom, swaying her hips in a way that definitely drives me crazy.
I pull off my shorts and check myself ... you know if I smell sweaty. Nah I am okay ... a spray of perfume and I am good to go, no funky smells.
She is actually kinda fast and I might groan when she walks out wearing my tank top ... on her it gives a rather sexy cleavage ... and damn her legs look good in it too.
“Oh darling,I am never wanting that tank top back ... it looks so much better on you”. I can’t help myself from letting my eyes roam over her.
She twirls, making me bite my knuckles and legit feel dizzy for a moment. “It feels good too, and it smells like you”.
“Get into bed ... I’ll go get ready”. I give her a quick peck on the lips, before hurrying out into the bathroom ... god she does drive me crazy, but honestly I love it.
I quickly brush my teeth, wash my face and spray on a bit of perfume ... five minutes later I am back in the bedroom and slip into the bed beside her, pulling her into my arms.
She turns her head, kissing me softly, then she snuggles as close as possible. “Night Zac ... sweet dreams”.
“Night darling ... I can’t wait for tomorrow and getting to know you even better”. I mumble, making her let out a small sound and place her hand on top of mine on her stomach. This is nice and feels so amazingly perfect.
*Cynamon*I slowly feel reality pull at me ... but I am not fully awake yet. Damn what was I dreaming ? I can’t really remember, but it was about Zac and it was pretty heated, I can still feel the warm humming in my body.To be honest I am not sure it is possible to be more comfortable than I am right now. I am warm, the bed is perfectly soft and I have Zac’s strong body pressed against me, one arm resting under my pillow, the other wrapped around my waist.‘It feels good right ?’ Zyka asks, with a lazy voice, telling me she has been sleeping too.‘It does, yes’. I admit, but then the fear and the doubts come creeping up on me. ‘We can’t d
*Cynamon*“A problem ?” I sit up, staring at him .. what is he talking about ? Zyka is listening curiously too.He holds up something that looks like a rubber band with something stringy attached to it. “Uhm ... seem like condoms actually do break sometimes”.“Oh shit”. How fucking unlucky is it possible to be ? I mean I don’t do one night stands ... I don’t really do flings ... even boyfriends I normally keep hanging, often for a long time before giving in, if they don’t give up first ... for once I meet a man who makes my body actually burn w
2 weeks later*Cynamon*“Hi darling ... I have a surprise for you”. Zac gives me a quick kiss, but I grab him around the neck, kissing him deeply. He chuckles when I let him go. “Oh I love to feel missed ... but I am kinda sweaty”.I smile at him, he just came from the gym and I do not mind that kind of sweat at all. “Don't you know by now that I don’t mind that one bit ?”Zyka is humming softly. ‘I do love his scent’.
*Cynamon*“So miss Jankowski, you say your period started this morning, but the pregnancy test is very much positive ... right ?” The doctor is looking at me.I nod. “Well I started bleeding ... not very much so far though, but it never is on the first day”.“Let’s see what the bloodwork is saying about your hCG levels ... the nurse should have them done soon. Do you have reason to believe that you could be pregnant ?” The doctor pushes his glasses back on his nose.
*Cynamon* “Excuse me ?” I know it might seem a weird response.. but this is not how I envisioned getting proposed to ... and there is just too much happening. “No, we shouldn’t”. “We ... we shouldn’t ? But why not ?” I hear him swallow. ‘Cy, that wasn’t nice’. Zyca’s voice sounds. ‘Look at his face’. I breathe in slowly. I mean I don't want to hurt him. “Firstly ... that is not how to propose Zac. Secondly, this is so new and so much has happened l.. I need to digest all that before making more big decisions. And thirdly, we are not even officially dating, we are not public and we haven’t even ... shared our feelings, so marriage seems ... a very big jump”. “The third one I can easily change”. He looks at me. “Well to me we are dating, but if you want to put it into words; I think we should be exclusive and well ... I adore you ... I worship you ... I love you ... and about being public, no problem, we can do that”. “No”. It slips out before I have time to think. ‘Seriously wo
*Cynamon* “Go away ... I don’t like you right now”. I pout and try to ignore Zac, as he puts a cup of steaming tea and two cookies on the nightstand next to me. ‘Behave’. Zyka says. ‘He brought us cookies, the good ones’. He just smiles and kicks off his shoes ... Then he starts opening his pants. “I still love you though ... and that pouty face only makes you more adorable to me”. “What are you doing ?” I peek over the duvet as he pulls off his pants and socks. Zyka interrupts me. ‘Hey no complaining, our hot man is stripping’. “You promised me snuggling ... I prefer being partly naked when I snuggle, it makes it much more cosy”. He grins at me and grabs the corner of the duvet. I pull it back. “No coffee for me,... no snuggles for you”. He sighs and I turn my back, pulling the duvet halfway over my head. I am not sure why I am acting like this ... to be honest all I want is for him to hold me, so why am I pushing him away ? ‘Yes you know’. My wolf huffs. I feel the bed di
4 days later *Cynamon* “What are you doing outside Young lady ... and playing around with Blue ? Are you not supposed to stay in bed ?” Zac’s voice does not sound happy as he stands on the back porch with his arms crossed. ‘Breathe Cy’. Zyka quickly says. ‘Do not bite off his head … Imagine how much worse an Alpha would have reacted’. “No sweetheart ... The doctor told me to relax and not do strenuous things, he never said anything about staying in bed”. I throw the toy to Blue. “Also ... I am not bleeding anymore”. He jumps down from the porch and almost swipes me into his arm. “For real ? Not even a little bit ? And you think that our jelly bean is ... still holding on ?” “I don’t really have any way of knowing Zac ... but I hope”. I let my arms slip around his neck. “Oh wow, you are really sweaty today”. Zyka lets out a low appreciative growl. ‘I think he smells yummy’. “Cardio ... I am in such bad shape”. He grins. “I thought you liked my sweat”. I run a hand into his da
*Cynamon* “Are you okay Zac ?” I ask him as we walk into the doctor's office. I have noticed him tensing up more and more on the way here and growing unusually quiet. He squeezes my hand softly. “It’s just ... what if … what if there is no more jelly bean ? I mean I know the doctor said it mostly works out fine ... but ...”. ‘Aww’. Zyka purrs. ‘He is as precious as a pup … must protect him at all cost’. “Then ... we talk about it, work through it and ... try again”. I say softly. I mean I know it wasn’t planned, but I have gotten so used to the idea of us having a baby, that we are going to be a real family, that I kinda want it to happen no matter what. “For real ?” He looks at me, smiling brightly. “You would do that for me ... get pregnant again now ?” ‘Oh I so would’. My wolf sighs. I can’t help but giggle softly. “Well honestly Zac, it would not be for you but for us. I am not ready to let this go either ... you kinda have me hooked on the ‘being a family’ idea”. He grab
*Zac* The sun dips low on the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky as laughter and music spill out of our backyard. I glance around, soaking in the vibrant scene before me. The air is thick with the mouthwatering scent of Cukier’s famous barbecue, and I can already hear the sizzle of meat on the grill. “Is everything ready, Cukier?” I call out, catching a glimpse of my brother-in-law, his brow furrowed in concentration as he flips burgers and hot dogs with the finesse of a master chef. “Absolutely! Just about to throw on the corn,” he replies, a hint of pride in his voice. There’s something about his determination that makes me smile. He seems to always be the responsible one, but tonight, he’s relaxed, enjoying the moment with all of us. I turn my attention to the rest of our guests. The yard is a tapestry of familiar faces: Cynamon’s family, the werewolves who’ve come to celebrate. Her Aunt Elowen is chatting animatedly with LZ, her laughter ringing like m
*Cynamon* It feels so good to be home. I am standing on the back porch with Zac, hearing Cukier and Nick bickering like an old married couple inside in the kitchen, as they are cooking dinner. But one thing is missing, my baby. Then it is like the air shimmers and a small tickling reaches my ears and there is LZ and Evangeline. A bundle nestled in LZ's arms. I pull away from Zac, a warm glow blooming in my chest. The world around us is shifting… freedom for my kind is within our grasp, and yet, right now my heart races only for our little girl. “Clementine,” I murmur, my eyes darting to the grass where I see LZ cradling her with such tenderness. I can’t help but smile at the sight. ‘She’s safe, Cynamon. Breathe,’ Zyka whispers softly, her voice like a gentle breeze brushing through my mind. I nod, feeling the reassurance wash over me. Zac squeezes my hand, grounding me. “Let’s go see her,” he says, and I can hear the eagerness in his voice. We make our way over to LZ, who is
*LZ* I sit on the soft mossy floor of the sanctuary, Clementine nestled against me, her tiny body rising and falling rhythmically with each breath. The gentle glow of the flowers around us flickers softly, like tiny stars caught in a moment of stillness. I don’t know how long we’ve been here in this place that feels like a dream, but there’s a strange comfort in the uncertainty. Each day is a blend of wonder and worry, punctuated by the need to keep Clementine safe. As I absently stroke her hair, my eyes wander to the enchanted window. Outside, the world bursts with life. Creatures of all shapes and sizes dart through the twilight, their calls ringing like chimes in the wind. A small, furry creature with bright blue fur and large, curious eyes hops by, stopping to peer at us as if assessing whether we’re friend or foe. I chuckle softly at its antics, and it seems to sense my amusement, giving a playful leap before scampering off into the underbrush, leaving behind a trail of sparkli
*Zac* I can hardly believe my eyes as a helicopter's blades slice through the air, kicking up a storm of dust and debris. My body tenses, not sure if this is good or bad. The moment I see the figure stepping out, my heart skips a beat. It’s President Karina Horton, flanked by Nick and Cukier. They managed, they got to the actual president. The small group stride forward with an air of authority that demands immediate attention. "Let him go!" Karina's voice booms, cutting through the chaos like a knife. The guard holding me tightens his grip, but there's a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. The President’s presence is magnetic, and even the bravest of men can feel their resolve wavering in the face of such power. "You are not in charge here… I take my orders from Braxton Hayes or Syler Smith only," the guard barks back, but I can see the sweat beading on his forehead, his confidence faltering with each passing second. “I am your President, and my orders outrank any other,” Karin
*Cynamon* I am sure this is where my life ends but suddenly, a piercing alarm shatters the tense silence of the room. The doctor's head snaps towards the sound, a mix of irritation and urgency crossing his features. He rushes to the intercom, pressing the button and speaking into it, but the blaring alarm drowns out his words. I strain to catch any hint of what's happening, but it's useless.He returns to me, a cruel smirk twisting his lips. "It seems your human mate has made an appearance," he says, the syringe still in his hand. Then he mutters, mostly to himself. “What an idiot.” I trash against the restraint, “Zac is here, at the compound?” "If that’s his name, yes and you should be happy. You'll see him again soon, in the afterworld… or wherever freaks like you go,” he says. Panic surges through me, a tidal wave of fear and desperation. They can't hurt Zac. Not him. Not my mate. Clementine will need her father. Inside me, Zyka stirs, her presence growing stronger, fueled by
*Evangeline* The pain in my wing is sharp, a constant reminder of the bullet that tore through it. I grit my teeth, focusing on the road ahead while my magic works to heal the wound. It's more severe than I let on, but I can't show weakness now, Zac needs me to be strong. I know the magic will mend it in time, but for now, every movement sends a jolt of pain through me. Zac's voice breaks through my thoughts, a mix of concern and urgency. "You don't have to come with me, Evangeline. I know it's dangerous, but I... I can't wait any longer. But if you stay behind, I'll understand." I glance at him, seeing the fear and determination in his eyes. He's worried about dragging me further into this mess, but he doesn't realize that I'm already in too deep. "I'm coming with you, Zac. We're in this together," I say firmly, gripping the steering wheel tighter. The thought of what might happen at the compound sends a shiver down my spine, but the risk is worth it if it means saving Cynamon
*Zac* The air crackles with the sound of gunfire. I see Evangeline's face, I am not sure I have ever seen anyone look that furious, but her eyes are full of determination, as she throws that paperweight. Then, it feels like the world is a blur. One second, I'm staring down the barrels of several very scary-looking guns; the next, I'm falling. Falling really fast to a certain dead. The wind screams past my ears, a deafening roar that drowns out the shouts and the still-echoing gunfire. As the ground rushes up to meet me, I close my eyes, hoping for a miracle. Suddenly it is like time slows, or actually I slow. My eyes springs open and Evangeline is there, holding me, her face pale, but her eyes blazing with relief. Those goddamn fairy wings are unfurled, shimmering like iridescent stained glass in the twilight. She looks strained, almost burdened by something heavy. Me. Her breathing is slightly laboured. She lets out a groan, and I feel like apologising for my size,
*Evangeline* The polished floor gleams under the harsh fluorescent lights of the corridor. My hand, still clasped tightly in Zac's, feels clammy. Each step echoes, amplifying the tension that coils in my gut. This place… it reeks of sterile efficiency, a thin veneer masking something far more sinister. Zac’s words about horrors still hang in the air, a chilling echo in the silent, imposing hallway. We're led into a vast, minimalist office. Braxton Hayes, the CEO, sits behind a massive desk, his face a mask of controlled composure. He looks like a hawk, sharp and predatory, his eyes scrutinizing us. “State your business,” his voice is smooth, devoid of any warmth. It's the voice of a man accustomed to power, accustomed to getting what he wants. Zac steps forward, his jaw tight. “We know about the werewolves.” The CEO raises an eyebrow, a barely perceptible movement. “I assure you, you have the wrong end of the stick.” His voice is laced with a disarming calm, a deliberate
*Nick* A week. A week of dead ends, each one a fresh stab of despair. Then, a crumpled napkin, discarded near an overflowing ashtray in a dimly lit bar… a name scribbled on the back: Miles Kendrick. Low-level security, gambling debts visible in the tremor of his hand, and a weakness for expensive bourbon. Cukier’s eyes, usually hidden behind a screen of nervous energy, gleam with predatory amusement. “Our key,” he murmurs, the words a low purr. “A little… persuasion, and Kendrick will be more than happy to unlock the President’s private suite. For a price, of course.” The Grand Hyatt looms, a steel and glass monolith against the bruised twilight sky. Inside, the air hangs thick with the scent of polished marble and expensive perfume, a stark contrast to the stale beer smell clinging to Kendrick. Cukier, a chameleon in a perfectly tailored suit, moves with a practiced grace that borders on supernatural. He isn’t just walking; he is gliding, his presence subtly erasing itself from t