Three days later, I'm on the phone with Grandma. She wants us to come down today. I have nothing else on the schedule, so I tell Grandma that I will talk to Conri about it and let her know. It's only six am, and I am dressed to meet my physical therapist. Conri is still sleeping, and I really don't want to wake him. I have a feeling about today, but I don't want to disappoint anyone. That is the reason I am alone in here. Well, I have Trina here, because she's my bodyguard. I can't go anywhere without her, but I'm really glad. She and I have become best friends, and I don't know what I would do without her or Lupe.
I'm on the chin-up bar, doing pull ups and I'm finally able to get my legs in front of me to do it. I am so happy. I relax as soon as the therapist gets here. He smiled, "Those were some wickedly painful pull ups you were doing. They're very effective, but they are painful, and I'm glad to see you doing them." I laughed, "I love working out. So, do you think today
Dinner was amazing, as usual. When we were all passing the food around, Conri tried to take just a little of everything, at first. When he saw the hot-hot, he asked what it is. I described, "It's a mix of tomatoes, onion, chili peppers, salt and pepper. Grandma has always called it hot-hot." He took a big spoonful of it and passed it around. He noticed that only Gabriel and Grandpa took any of it, "It's that hot, huh?" We all laughed and nodded. When he tried it, he moaned, "This is so good! Ash, you need to tell the kitchen staff how to make this." I laughed and said, "I will, but it won't be as good. I don't know why, but it's always best when Grandma makes it." He laughed, "I will never doubt your word again. This is amazing." Grandma chuckled, "Sweetie, you may have to have a kitchen of your own and start cooking some of this yourself." I nodded, "We'll have to see about that." Conri stopped everything and asked, "Wait; you can cook like this?" I laugh, "She's the one who taught
I woke up the next morning and went to the gym as soon as I got dressed. Conri followed and helped me on the leg press by spotting me. I want to get my legs back to the strength they were before I got shot. I'm working out when my physical therapist comes in. He smiled, "You're doing exactly what we were going to do first. I'm happy that you got a head start. It saves time to be able to work more on walking." I smiled, "I've done four sets of ten already. I am two presses away from five sets." I do two more presses, and I nod, "Done. What's next?" He asked, "Have you stretched?" I nodded, "Before I started the leg presses." He shrugged, "Then, I guess, you get to start walking. I would also like for you to try to run. As werewolves, that's a survival skill." I laughed, "You got that right." I walked around the gym three times, then started jogging for one lap, then running at a slightly faster pace for another lap, and I progressed with each lap. Each lap got faster and fast
I woke up this morning to the most exciting and terrifying thought of my life. Tomorrow is my wedding! I am excited and anxious and scared to death all at the same time! Conri is definitely the love of my life. He keeps telling me that he's loved me since we were ten years old, but I never have gotten to tell him that I fell in love with him at about the same age. I don't even remember when it happened or how I realized it. I just always hoped he would be my mate. Which is why I was so happy to reject Mike. The guy was a fucking idiot. My Conri, my Prince, is a thousand times better; in mind, body, looks and heart. I know there are not many men who would've stuck by me when I was paralyzed. I also know that, if they had stuck around, they wouldn't have taken the time to research ways to cater to me, without making me feel like a burden on them. Conri has always treated me as his equal and no less. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I will never take it for granted... ever.
When we got to the castle, we were met by King Fenris and the warriors. King Fenris was barking orders to his warriors when I asked, "Have you found out how they got past the patrol?" King Fenris answered, "We lost two warriors." I shook my head and got mad, "I need my chair. I am not wearing myself out over rogues." Queen Nina was already on it, “Ashie," she yells, "I walk up to her and sigh, "You are amazing. Thank you." She worried, "Just be careful. We can't have either of you getting hurt the day before the wedding." I shook my head, "I plan on just using magic. Conri will stay by me." She nodded, "That's good to know." I yelled for Conri, and when he approached, I asked, "Why don't we go on the roof again. We don't know how many we are dealing with, and I want to be able to heal our warriors as soon as they are down." He smiled, "Good idea. Dad! We're going on the roof!" King Fenris nodded and yelled, "I'll join you in a minute!" We went up to the roof, and we were met
I was so wrapped up in the moment, that Conri was able to sneak up behind me and whisper, "See something you like?" I turned around and put my arms around him and I beamed, "You know, I never even gave children a thought before now. I knew I wanted them, eventually, but I figured it would happen on its own." He laughed, "It might help if we weren't using protection." I laughed, "Yeah, that might help. Seeing our families with Sylvie is making me want to give her a baby brother or sister." He teased, "I don't mind starting on that right away. Do you?" I laugh, "Maybe after she goes to sleep tonight." He agreed, "You do know that until she can go in her own room, we are going to have to be quiet too." I nodded, "Yep. That may be an issue. We'll just have to wait and see what happens." He laughed, "You got it." A knock on the door caused us both to look warily, just in case it is someone who is looking for Sylvie. When the person was let in, she was a bloody mess and barely sta
My mom reassured, "Honey, take the honeymoon. You guys will only get this one chance before life gets crazy. You two need this time for yourselves. Do it while you have an overabundance of babysitters who are more than happy to help you. This will give us some needed bonding time with Sylvie too." Conri asked, "What if something happens?" Mom smiled, "Queen Winnie will come and get you, and teleport you back." Conri looked at me, "You did say you wanted to work on giving Sylvie and baby brother or sister. This will give us two weeks to try." I laughed and nodded, "Okay. But we spend the rest of today and tonight bonding with this little one." Conri agreed, "Sounds good to me." We sat in the conference room until Queen Carina, Queen Winnie and King Izzoth came back. They all reported that there had been no survivors, but they couldn't be certain that he was dead. I asked, "King Izzoth, if he's dead, wouldn't he be in your realm?" He agreed, "No doubt about it." I asked, "Is t
A tall, blonde woman, that I haven't seen in years, stands in the doorway. I hand Sylvie to Conri and wheel my chair to her. I hug her tightly, "How are you?" Maia replies, "I'm doing great! My life is nowhere nearly as exciting as yours lately, from what I'm hearing from dad and Aidinth! I laugh, "What can I say? Things tend to happen in my presence. It's a curse." She laughs and I find out that she found her mate in another kingdom and moved there. She now has six children, and she is over the moon happy. I smiled, "I am so happy for you! I haven't seen you since I was around six years old. I am so glad you are staying for our wedding. I want you to meet my mate and my new daughter!" Maia got excited, "That was fast! A daughter already?" I laughed, "Adopted daughter. It's definitely a story to tell." We went to Conri, and I smiled, "Prince Conri, please meet Princess Maia. She is Aidinth's sister!" He smiled, "It's very nice to meet you. I heard the story of the way you al
After the reception, Conri and I slipped into Sylvie's nursery, said goodbye, and we left for our honeymoon. To say the honeymoon was amazing would be an understatement. He took me to a private island in the Caribbean, and I was in heaven. We spent our days, laying in the sun, fruity cocktails in hand, and our nights having the most mind-blowing sex we'd ever had. We celebrated being in love, being a family, and, most of all, being best friends. I never imagined in all of my life, that having a mate could make you feel so complete. Conri held true to his word, we went to a restaurant just a few times, but we mostly had a private chef come in and cook for us. I told Conri that I could cook, but he would have no part of it. He just wanted us to relax and just enjoy being together. I loved this side of him. I also loved his playful side when we swam in the sea. I loved jumping on his back and making him fall into the warm water. It was all a dream come true for me. One day, I voiced th
Twenty Years Later I’m sitting in my favorite spot with my mate sitting behind me in my favorite lounge chair. We are both drinking our morning coffee as two mountain lions walked up to the deck. They both bowed to us, and I smiled, “Good morning, Dusty. Good morning, Lilly.” Dusty found his mate in his own pack on his sixteenth birthday. We had a party for him that night and he introduced her to all of us. She is such a sweet girl I really couldn’t wish for anything better for him. Robert and Katie are so proud of them. They had four children and they only have two still at home. I am so proud of the parents they are. The two children that have already found their mates and left are absolutely awesome. Linden found his mate and decided to build another house close to our land. His mate understands that he needs to be close to family and his siblings are all he has left. His father passed away when my triplets were only two years old. It was an extremely hard time for him. We made s
Robert and Katie laughed and shook their heads as Robert smiled, “Now that would make me rethink my choice to be a parent.” I laughed, “I think she did.” Just then, Calista ran out onto the deck, “Good morning, mom.” She sat in my lap and hugged me tightly. I turned her around and introduced her to them. She smiled, “It’s very nice to meet my Uncle Dusty’s parents. I love him so much!” Katie smiled, “I’m so glad you love him, Calista.” I asked Calista, “Is anyone else up?” She smiled, “Dad is up with Raze and Eva.” I laughed, “Is Willow awake yet?” She shook her head, “She was sleeping peacefully when I came out.” I smiled, “Thank you. I guess you would like some breakfast, huh?” She smiled and shook her head shyly. I smiled, “Okay.” Then I turned to Robert and Katie, “Would you like to join us?” They agreed and followed me and Calista into the house. I cooked a big breakfast and had it all laid on the table. As soon as it was all prepared, it sounded like a herd of horses coming down
When Taylor was done feeding the boys, Evan and I took the boys in the living room to visit with everyone else. Uncle Dax was the first to hold out his arms. Evan smiled as he held out the first baby boy, “You are now holding Cain, and the boy mom is holding is Dylan.” After Doctor Harper was done with Taylor, I walked with her to another guest room in the house and smiled, “I remember how all I wanted after all that was to take a shower. Is that what you would like?” She replied, “Definitely.” I smiled, “You go ahead and take a shower. That shower has a bench in it so you can sit. I would highly recommend using it. I will get you some clothes.” I opened the closet door and found a perfect pair of soft sweatpants and a t-shirt that looked lusciously oversized. I grabbed a pair of underwear and a bra and put them on the bed. When Taylor walked out of the bathroom in a towel, I asked, “Feeling better?” She smiled, “That did feel better.” I got you a comfy pair of sweats and an oversized
Seven months later… Taylor and Evan are staying in the guest house with dad and Linden. Taylor wants me to be there for her when she gives birth. She’s afraid Evan is going to pass out. Evan agrees with her, but he still wants to be there for her and to see his babies being born. He swears we will try his hardest to stay conscious. We all laugh and Elliot smiles, “I don’t blame you, dude. I almost passed out a few times.” We were all eating breakfast one morning when Taylor gasped, “Oh dear. I’m pretty sure I’m in labor.” I smiled, “Evan, you need to be keeping track of how far apart the contractions are. Let us know when they are around five minutes apart. Taylor, you need to tell him when each contraction starts and ends. Okay?” She nodded in reply and I called Doctor Harper. Doctor Harper said she would start driving here now, so we will be ready. Wow. The whole family showed up! Within 2 hours, Elliot and I were sitting in the living room with dad, my mom, Evan’s parents, Aidint
I laughed, “I understand completely.” Calista smiled, “I can sing for you, Uncle Dusty.” He looked at me and I nodded, “Trust me… You want to hear this.” Dusty nodded, “I would love to hear you sing.” Calista started singing the most beautiful and relaxing song I have ever heard and Dusty looks so relaxed and happy. When the song ends, Dusty chuckles, “Calista, you are awesome!” She smiles proudly, “I’m a mermaid/wolf hybrid and an omega. My mom and dad rescued me from my old alpha. He kept me in a tiny room under the stairs in his packhouse. He was planning on marking and mating me. They rescued me just in time.” Dusty asked, “What happened to your family?” She looked down at her hands in her lap, “My old alpha killed my parents and my brother. My parents hid me, but I saw him rip my brother’s head off. But I have mom and dad now and I have the best family ever. I have LOTS of uncles and grandparents and now I have a brother and SISTERS! I really am a lucky girl.” Dusty pulled her clo
One week later… Mom spent the night with us last night because mommy, daddy and sister all needed to get a full night of sleep. We were all starting to get quite cranky. I don’t think I was ever more thankful for my mom when she offered to stay overnight. After feeding the babies at eight pm, I went straight to bed. I think Calista went to bed before I did and Elliot was waiting for me in bed when I got there. We all slept like rocks and I didn’t wake up the entire night. It was my best night’s sleep since the night before I gave birth to all of them. Don’t get me wrong, I love all three of my newborns. But they are definitely little sleep robbers! Ladies, let me give you a bit of advice. When other women tell you to sleep when they sleep, LISTEN! Trust me, it makes perfect sense. If the things you need to do can wait, do it. They have been wearing us all out. Raze has an insatiable appetite. We were at the grocery store yesterday, and a little older lady heard Raze’s hungry screams.
I held her close to me, “I don’t care how many little girls we give birth to; you will always be our baby girl. You just won’t be the only one anymore. Okay?” She smiled as she snuggled closer to me, “I like that idea.” I smiled, “Me too.” Then I asked her, “What do you think of being a big sister now that you’ve seen your new brother and sisters?” She giggled, “I am going to have so much fun. Especially with Eva! She’s like me!” I started yawning and Elliot sighed, “Are you ready to get some sleep, love?” I shrugged, “Yeah, I better sleep while I can. Doctor Harper left some formula on the counter with the bottles. There are plenty of diapers in the nursery next to our room. Would you please turn on the baby monitor before you come to bed?” Elliot smiled, “We have plenty of help, love.” I reminded him, “Doctor Harper told me to alternate between formula and breast milk. Next feeding, you all can feed them, but please wake me to feed them when they wake to eat after that.” Mom nodded,
I suddenly felt fear wash over me and I was almost paralyzed. What if I’m a horrible mom? I mean I would never do what Dahlia did to me, but what if I don’t develop that mother-child bond? I’m scared to death but then Elliot leans to comfort me and says in low voice into my ear, “You’re going to be fine, love. You are nothing but kind and nurturing. You’ve worked wonders with Calista. You have nothing to fear, baby. You also have tons of help at your fingertips.” I smiled as he kissed my forehead, “You always know exactly what I need to hear. I love you so much.” With that, I felt my stomach get tight and I lifted my torso to bear down, pushing to help our first baby through the birth canal. Doctor Harper encouraged, “That was a really good one, Elisa. Need another push.” Another contraction hit and I started pushing again. I was pushing and felt a sudden reduction in pressure. Doctor Harper smiled, “Here is your prince!” Our little boy started wailing as his father cut the cord, “He’
I sat in the living room with my feet up with dad, Elliot, Evan, Linden and Max. I was trying to relax, but my back started hurting. The ache started moving around to my belly and I could feel my belly squeezing tightly. It wasn’t so painful that it was alarming, it just really caught my attention. I raised my shirt to expose my belly as another contraction hit. As my belly contracted, I tapped Elliot to get his attention. As we both looked down at my belly, Elliot gasped as the babies were clearly visible as my belly squeezed around them. He asked, “That looks like it hurts so bad, and you are just sitting there looking at it. You are tougher than I am.” I laughed, “My back hurts worse than my belly.” Doctor Harper walked in, “Don’t get used to it. It won’t stay this way.” I looked up at her, smiling, “It will all be worth it. I can’t wait to meet them.” Doctor Harper smiled, “You are going to be such a great mother.” I asked, “Do you think a numbing spell would be a good idea?” She