The night crept in, it was a dark night with heavy cloud cover, “I hope it doesn't rain” Jack muttered as they took the last of the wood towards the bonfire.
“Doesn't feel humid enough, but you need the moon or the boys won't see you,” Alissa muttered back, Jack hummed in agreement. They threw their wood onto the pile that was stacked in the middle.
Alissa crouched down next to Luca who was preparing the kindling, “I don't think we stacked the logs right,” he muttered looking into the wood and rearranging some logs pointlessly.
“We're the masters at fire building, it'll light” Alissa blew on his embers for him, small flames licked at the dried birch fungus. He slowly pushed the now burning ball into the centre of the bonfire with a stick as Al
“Do you fancy getting out of packland for the afternoon?” Luca asked as he entered the games room where Alissa was reading.“Sounds good. Got anything in mind?”“Of course!” He plopped into the sofa, lifting her legs to sit beneath them. “Not telling you though.”“Ohhh,” she complained, setting the book on the floor face down to not lose her place.“Want to surprise you. I think you’ll like it.”“Think?”“Have I done anything that you haven’t like when I surprised you?”“Well… no. That’s true.&rdquo
Jack shouldered the axe, wiping his forehead as he looked at the fallen tree. All the houses needed firewood now the weather had changed. There had been a frost clinging to the ground for the last two days and their firewood stores were almost out. His breath puffed out in white clouds as he breathed through his momentary exhaustion, the tree was slightly larger than he really appreciated. He sighed and began taking the small branches from the tree until all was left was a pile of kindling and a very large, tree sized log. Grabbing rope from his belt, he bundled the kindling until it was one big pile tied securely by the rope so he could carry it on his back before he gripped the sparse tree, managing to get it in a position he could drag it back to their homes.Finally, he made it to the edge of their clearing and he dropped the tree with a big boom, sweat streaming from his hairline.
Jack turned over the bacon before slicing the bread. A noise had him looking to the door. “Oh, hey,” Sophie mumbled.“Breakfast will be ready soon.”“Didn’t know you cook.”“Uh huh, well, I can muddle through.”“Where are the others?” she asked, moving cautiously into the kitchen.“Not seen them, I’m sure they’ll be about soon. Smell of bacon usually works.” He shrugged, setting the now sliced loaf on the table.Sophie let out a quiet giggle. “I enjoyed playing pool with you last night.”“Same, it was nice
Alissa wove the evergreens together, the wreath finally looking like a wreath. She hadn’t participated in this for years and it felt nice to connect to her ancestors. The longest night was fast approaching and she was excited; Yule is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration, and many people find that participating in age-old customs and rituals helps to deepen their connection to the season and its significance.As Alissa prepares for the longest night of the year, she can take comfort in knowing that the darkness will soon give way to the light. Yule marks the beginning of the return of the sun, and with it, the promise of new growth, new beginnings, and new opportunities. By embracing the spirit of the season and participating in its traditions, Alissa can set the stage for a joyful and fulfilling year ahead.Which mea
Christmas music blasted from everywhere he went now. While he was working it was on the radio, when he went to get a drink from the local shop it was there too. It was strange. They didn’t really have music like this playing around the pack house on the lead up to Yule… Although many humans seem to celebrate Christmas instead.Kimberly did anyway and she was looking forward to her last Christmas without a child, although she was looking forward to Christmas with their baby too the following year.And that made him anxious.Luca wanted Michael’s babe to be within the pack almost immediately.He didn’t want to take their child from the woman he loved. He felt like he was deceiving her.
Alissa fidgeted on her spot standing beside a wall within the human world. She didn’t want to have this conversation… but she had to. She’d convinced Luca it was best for it to all come from her. Now she was here she was less sure about that. She’d found a spot that was pretty isolated to wait for who she needed. There were no houses, just a park to one side that was empty and a metal box that was buzzing beside her. No houses and no people. All good. The man she wanted appeared around the corner just on time. He froze for a split second before continuing down the road. “Hi,” she greeted a little awkwardly. Michael nodded, almost sensing she wasn’t here for a friendly visit. “How are y
Kimberly was leant over the counter, half the washing up done. “Hey, you don’t need to do that,” Michael half scolded, half reassured, coming up behind her. He settled his arms around her, finding her belly wet with washing up water. “Should leave it for me.” “I feel so lazy.” “You’re due any day. You have grown a whole person inside you. You are not lazy.” He placed his hands under her belly, lifting for her to sag against him, a moan leaving her lips. “Oh, Jesus that feels good.” “Do it any time,” he whispered, the weight of his baby in his hands, her body against his chest as she sunk her weight against him. “Has he been kicking?” “Constantly.” “My
“Will she wake up?” Jack whispered, looking around the living room that he’d come to know somewhat. It was different to what he was used to but very common for humans. Michael shook his head, “No, she should be out for 8 hours.” “Good.” “I don’t like this,” Michael mumbled quietly. “It’s the only way, you know it is,” Jack reasoned, setting a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “You have to stay, she can’t suspect you.” “She shouldn’t lose her pup.” “She has to, if that pup grows up here…” “I know… I know. I just… He’s two weeks old… it’s too young. He’s too young to be taken.” “L