9. Getting Fresh Air

“Gideon is right, you’re quite like Jyrki and I’ve noticed Liliana is very much like Addy,” Helena states as I pull my socks then boots on.

“How do you know my grandmother?” I ask, grabbing her hand and holding my belly as she helps me up.

“May I? I’ve known your grandmother since we were small girls, she’s only a week older than I am. We’ve been best friends since we were maybe five.On our way to our lessons we found Jyrki hurt from a fight with a few older boys and we healed him together. We’ve been inseparable ever since,” Helena answers as I nod my head, pulling her hand over my bump where one of the babies kicked.

“Of course, they’re your grandbabies and I can’t wait for them to meet you. Mummo is amazing, but everyone is right I do favor Vaari. Maybe it’s being a tom boy or always going sledding and hunting with him, but we bonded differently,” I admit, shrugging my shoulders before walking over to grab a the black cloak that smelled like Osric to keep warm.

“He’s a good man, it doesn’t surprise me you two connected so well. Despite Rebecca’s family history she was a good woman when she wanted to be, and I do believe she did love you girls, but she didn’t know how to let go of Dagon’s teachings,” Helena admits, leading our way out of the room and down the stairs, where there were several maids cleaning the house and preparing food for later.

“I remember a little history about King Dagon, didn’t he try to enslave humans before Draven became King and planned genocide against the vampires?” I ask, looking over to my new mother-in-law and she nods her head.

“That was his plan, but Draven did what he had to in order to protect the world. Unfortunately becoming King changed Draven and made him a cold man, I met him after he was King for a few years. At the time I was pregnant with Orin, my fated mate was the vampire King and Draven killed him to claim me and have power over the vampires. I raised Orin till he was 16 before he took his crown, running from Draven’s abuse. After that Draven and I had Osric then Angel. For a while Draven was good to me, but would lose his temper easily. He was always very cold and distant with all of his sons, making Orin leave to find out more about his father and his people, while Osric did his best to protect us,” Mum explains as we walk through the pack house and out the enormous front doors and into the snow. Its a clear day and the sun is shining in the pale blue sky with a chilly breeze that wraps around us as we walk.

“Nikki that’s not fair!” Kitty whines, when Nikki playfully pins her face down in the snow with his body pressing against hers as he begins to tickle her.

“Nikki!” She giggles, thrashing around beneath him until she manages to get her knees under her, throwing her body back against him.

“I never play fair with my Kitty,” Nikki playfully growls, as she grabs his arm and throws him over her shoulder.

“Neither do I,” she seductively teases, then crawls over him playing with her hair as his arms are pinned by her legs.

“No, you don’t,” he chuckles, watching as she bites her lip and shrugging her shoulders, very proud of the way she has him pinned with his head between her thighs.

“I have to take advantage whenever I can, it’s not my fault you’re so easy to distract,” Kitty playfully giggles before standing up, helping Nikki to his feet.

“You can take advantage of me any time you want,” Nikki winks at her, lifting Kitty up and pulling her legs around his hips as he nips at her mark. She tosses her head back, letting her red locks cascade behind her, as she laughs.

“Oh look, we have an audience,” Kitty points out in a teasing tone, making Nikki blush and bury his face in her chest as she plays with his hair before jumping down.

“Alpha Raven,” Kitty smiles, shaking her head at Nikki and running over to hug me.

“Kitty it’s good to see you too, how are you and Nikki liking it here?” I question, noticing him standing on the front lawn where they were sparing as when we came out.

“Blood Moon is incredible, a little dated in their views, but amazing. The training grounds are mind blowing and the warriors are so strong and well trained,” Kitty answers, bouncing on the balls of her feet making me giggle at her infectious excitement.

“That’s really good I’m glad you’re settling in, do you and Nikki mind following us as we walk around the pack?” I ask, looking from her to Nikki who nods his head, making her squeal in excitement.

“That would be amazing, can we go to the market I want to get something for Hana, Bailey, and Jake before going home to Wolf Creek?” Kitty requests, making Nikki face palm and shake his head.

“Of course, we can, the market sounds really good. Who knows maybe we can find a new color to dye your hair, I remember you trying to find pink earlier,” I recall, looking to Helena who she nods her head with a chuckle.

“Yay, this is going to be so fun,” Kitty giggles, lopping her arm with mine as Nikki falls into step with Helena as they talk.

“It’s good to see you this happy, when did Nikki mark you?” I question looking to her shoulder, making her blush as she nods quickly.

I know she was hesitant, due to the things she went through in Shadow Peak, so it is a relief to see her and Nikki moving forward together.

“Last night, Nikki has treated me as nothing less than a queen and trusted me to help protect you and Liliana on my own, without trying to shelter me. I know I’ve been afraid because of what Alpha Lucas’ men did to me, but I know Nikki would never hurt me like that nor would he allow anyone else to either,” Kitty answers gleefully, making me nod my head knowing he will be a very supportive mate and give her everything she needs.

“I am so delighted for you Kitty, and I’m proud of the warrior you’ve become for Wolf Creek, you are one of my best Delta warriors,” I give her a warm smile.

Focusing back on my surroundings, I look around as we walk down a cobblestone street lined with trees, which opens up to a market with covered stalls and vendors. They are set up in the middle of the square, which is surrounded by buildings. By looking at them these are shops, and off to the right is a colossal fountain with steps leading up to it.

“Oh Raven, will you be ok with Nikki and Kitty for a moment, I need to go to the bakers to pick up some bread and put in an order for Osric?” Helena asks, looking in the direction of the nearest store with its door open, I nod in response.

“Of course, if you need take Nikki with you, Kitty is more than capable of keeping me safe.I don’t think anyone would touch me being Osric’s future Luna,” I answer, looking around to see a few girls our age shopping, amongst them are other couples and individuals of various ages.

“Oh yes, Nikki will be welcome help carrying my basket.If you need anything we’ll be in the bakery,” Helena agrees, kissing my cheek before walking towards the shop.

“I will get you and Nikki if we need anything,” Kitty reassures them, kissing Nikki and pulling at his shirt teasingly before letting him go.

“Good, behave with Raven and watch out for her,” Nikki gently speaks, brushing her hair out of her face.

Kitty smirks as her eyes darken impishly, “Behave? Never. Watch out for Raven? Always.”