Grace can't catch a break! What's going down at dinner?
~Finch’s Point of View~ When Gloria invited her daughter to “dinner” it was rather silly of me to apparently interpret that as a quiet family affair. I was currently staring at two dozen other dinner guests. Pretty much all couples from what I could tell. The rich travel in pairs. Or with a staff on their heels. *Are we supposed to know what fork goes with what? Cause uhm…* I trailed off, speaking to Jack over mind-link. Elbows off the table, napkin in the lap. That much I know, I can handle that. *Just don’t eat with your hands,* Jack said, practically snorting. Judson certainly did. Gloria was determined to get us all here by 7 yet it was 7:28 and the host had yet to make an appearance. Grace had disappeared upstairs for her awhile ago and I was about to make some excuse to go look for her. I knew where her room was from helping her move, surely that’s probably where she is. Maybe she just needed a minute. I seriously hated that she couldn’t mind-link. *Nox wants to offer to b
~Grace’s Point of View~ “But if she’s there now she knows you’re onto her, what’s to stop her from skipping the country,” I shouted, as Jack drove us home. I looked at my mates like they were idiots. Getting out my phone I quickly looked up the club and scoured through the photos. I was just about to give up when I realized I’d gone back over five years through their shots. My jaw fell when a certain one, kind of looked familiar. I made a face. Zoe wasn’t someone I knew well at all, had barely seen her a couple of times maybe. But she wasn’t someone whose face I had memorized. “Is this her,” I asked, thrusting my phone forward. I was in the backseat by myself, wanting to stretch out. “Oh shit,” Finch said, laughing. “How did you miss that,” I snapped. She’s a boy. She’s a he. Or used to be. In these pictures she’s a boy and the caption reads, “welcome Zander to the other side.” Then in the next photo Zander is wearing a female’s pixie haircut, make up and boobs. A rather cut
~Grace’s Point of View~ “I’m not challenging your ability to count, but 1, 2, 3, 4. You’re sure,” I said, practically calling the doctor a liar. “Baby I definitely heard all the heartbeats with her machine, four. I can’t wait to find out the gender. If we have even one girl it’ll be a huge deal, like massive. If there’s any chance we have a female Jack, like holy shit. She’d be the only one that I even know of,” Finch said, beside himself. Four. Cuatro. Quatre. I zoned out as Finch went on and on, and the doctor chimed in. But I still didn’t hear anything. “Are they all going to come out my whoo-hah,” I shouted, darting up from the bed. Finch snickered as the doctor grinned. IT'S A REAL QUESTION!!! I smacked my mate with the back of my hand in his chest. Don’t tease me! I’M VERY EMOTIONAL RIGHT NOW! FOUR! “With a normal human a c-section would likely be the only way to go. But your body is genetically very different, your uterus and your hips are made to birth. I would have
(hot hot hot warning! Get yourself a fan)~Grace’s Point of View~“He’s using her to get dirt on me, he has to be. What a piece of shit! He’s going to use her and toss her aside, he’ll break her heart,” I snapped, pacing.“That’s likely true. I’ll dig into him. But aren’t you going to tell me about this morning? I can’t believe Finch could keep a secret, or Judson. They have though. For the first time in their damn lives,” Jack said, nearly in a whine.I heard him, and processed what he said but my mind was elsewhere. Everywhere. I’d moved on for now from the shock of the babies since there was so much more shock to be had. I felt … betrayed in a sense. Which was stupid because Roman was no friend of mine. There was no love lost there and certainly no loyalty to me.And Michelle? She was incredibly intelligent, sharp as a tack at work. But in love? Clearly blind, easily fooled. Roman had money, power. Was probably decent enough in bed. She was totally caught, hook line and sinker. Wou
~Jack’s Point of View~ I stared at my incredibly breathtaking mate, baffled still as to how I could be so lucky. How I could get this unbelievable chance at real happiness. Growing up essentially in the wild as we did, I never in a million years thought I’d get to leave. My father still barely speaks to me because of it. I’m a traitor, I turned my back on the kingdom and our family. But she is why. Love is why. I could never treat a female like they were just some breeder, a body to use and move on. Absolutely not. But Grace doesn’t yet know about all that. She doesn’t even understand our old lives and world. I’ve often wondered if I could ever bridge that gap. Torn between wanting the peace and tranquility only the Sky Light can offer. It’s what my body craves and what Nox loves. But we wouldn’t have left if our other halves didn’t agree. He knew that Finch and I couldn’t thrive there. Now the idea that I’d have two dragon heirs was actually a possibility. Though if they all come
~Grace’s Point of View~ I was somewhat panicking the entire drive back to Stingray, the guys wouldn’t tell me much of anything. But at the same time they both seemed … mad? Unsettled? I didn’t want to stir the pot so for once I kept my mouth shut. Grandma Glenda was too nervous, antsy. She was texting on her phone, I was sure to her husband. Finch was frantically tapping his phone too and I had to hope he was setting up things at work, letting people know. It seemed we were going to the Sky Light. I wasn’t entirely sure why I had to go, it seemed to me even one of them could just take grandma. Right? I had no clue where it even was or how we’d get there. As curious and desperate as I was to see this place, see where and how they grew up, the timing was shit. I had no clue how long we’d be gone. There were just too many variables. When we stormed into the twins’ condo there was a weird humming noise and after five seconds a tiny DING. “What is that,” I asked, as my grandmother sa
~Grace’s Point of View~ “Wow, you really made the goddess happy with this one. She’s stunning Jack. And four pups? You’ll have them here of course,” I heard, as I groaned and moved my dry tongue around in my equally dry mouth. A woman? “Well we haven’t decided on anything just yet,” a voice replied. “Don’t be ridiculous. They will need their own kind,” the female said. “Grace? Can you hear me? Are you okay,” I heard, and popped my eyes open to see Finch. “Water…” I mumbled, as my eyes partially closed again. Someone was pulling me up and then I felt warmth behind me. Maybe Jack? Something was put to my lips and it was cool and wet, I slurped it down. For a second, I think I felt human again. I smacked my lips together several times then took a good look around. I was in a teepee. A teepee?? THEIRS? “Baby, this is our mom, Iris,” Finch said, hugging my sides. “Oh! I’m so sorry I’m a mess,” I immediately said. Do I hug her? Is she allowed to touch me? Is she even a hugger?
~Finch’s Point of View~ It kills me every time I have to see Warrick, and every time Jack does. What he said to us today, well threatened us with was actually more than he’d spoken to Jack in a decade. And Jack didn’t say a damn thing back to him. He rarely does. He never knows what to say. Nox often wants to appease him, placate him. But the only way to do that is to come home for good. Even then there’s little guarantee he’d be any sort of decent, that he’d be any kind of father. Why start now? He never had before. The short answer? He’s desperate to have his line continue, that is it in a nutshell. A real quality timer. Thankfully my dad always took Jack under his paw, always treated him as his own. Though that’s how twins are supposed to act. Warrick tolerated me but didn’t think much of me at all. There isn’t a chance in hell that I’d ever treat Jack’s babies as different. They’ll all be both of ours no matter what anyone says. No matter what creature they might be years fr
~Two Years Later~ “One, you’re really sure? This isn’t going to be some sick joke later on,” I said, wagging my finger at the doctor. “Just one baby Grace. ONE. I swear,” she giggled. I nodded, relieved beyond all measure. One baby. Wolf or dragon? I’m willing to bet this will be a fight. While the guys knew I was pregnant they didn’t know that I’d snuck to the doctor without them. I knew they’d be mad but I needed to know. I had been desperate to find out on my own. Only one more, I can handle that. I’d made the guys wear condoms for well over a year after I had the quads, desperate to not have a repeat. They absolutely hated it, and so did I. But it was too risky. Everyone assured me the chances of having another set of four was basically no chance. The guys also tried to convince me they didn’t need to wear them or could pull out during my less fertile times. I’m Grace Astor, things happen to me that never happen to other people. That is a fact. Although we hadn’t been car
~Jack’s Point of View~I completely get why Grace is doing this, where she’s coming from, but talking out my damn “feelings” with Warrick? The last flipping thing I want to be doing right now. But I heard everything she said and she’s 100% right. There isn’t a chance in hell I could ever let him hurt one of my girls the way he hurt me so many times. Disappointed me and left me. Those girls are literally my everything next to Grace, it was hard to imagine I could hold so much love in my heart for the little creatures I didn’t even really know yet but I do. Four girls. Still unreal. Two female dragons. Brenda joked that I needed to hire professional security, bodyguards. But I wasn’t sure that was a bad idea. If it ever got out… what they are… Nox was desperate to shift and sniff them, check them out. But it was far too chilly to bring them outside in the middle of winter, even though for Atlanta it was mild. I promised him in the next week or so we could take them to the Sky Light s
~Grace’s Point of View~ Before I knew what was happening I was splayed out on my bed, my clothes gone except for my sports bra. How the hell does he move so fast? “Clock! Bring me the clock,” I moaned, as another sharp pain hit me, paralyzing me. “No. I’ve helped birth many babies, I helped with Jack and Finch. We’ll be fine,” he said, running into the room with a large bowl and some towels. My eyes practically rolled into the back of my head. “Are you out of your fucking mind? I need my doctor! I need… Brenda, get my phone,” I shouted, as I screamed in pain. Brenda had been acting as my breathing coach and also helping me with what to expect. I wouldn’t say we had gotten close but I enjoyed her company and there was a weird familiarity to her. When he left the room again it was all I could to try and reach the house phone on the side table. Thank god Jack insisted on putting it there though literally no one ever calls it. I didn’t have many numbers memorized, but I knew the o
~Grace’s Point of View~ I yawned, feeling utterly exhausted. I glanced around the living room at the heap of gifts we’d brought in from work yesterday. I had little to no desire to go through it all. What did I want? Outside of a nap and food the thing I loved so much was laying on the beach at the Sky Light. I’d since learned they called the beach “Bonnie” which is the Scottish word for beautiful. Jack had made me a hammock between two trees and it was my favorite place. When you’re big as a beached whale, getting to swing in a hammock that makes you feel weightless is a welcome treat. At our doctor’s appointment a couple of days ago the doc said the babies were each about 4 ½ pounds a piece and anytime they came would be okay. “Are you sure you want to go? Everyone would understand if we skipped. I mean you could literally give birth anytime now,” Jack asked, rubbing my back. I smiled at him and went about packing some snacks. “Of course I want to lay in my hammock. It’s my th
~Three Months Later~ ~Finch’s Point of View~ “Everyday, better and better,” I laughed, staring down at the headlines of several newspapers. I’d started a little collection. Might even use them as wallpaper. “Downfall of Astor Connects Execs: Guilty Pleas All Around” “Millions Swindled From Payroll At AC By Its Own Lawyer Recovered” “Grace Astor Turns AC Into The Most Diverse and Inclusive Employer” “AC Stocks Soar As Company Reinvents Itself” I ran my fingers over the one about Grace. So … damn proud of her. Just then the door burst open and I moved my laptop onto the table with the papers. “Cover of Forbes,” Grace shouted, squealing. I grinned as she ran into her office and fell into my lap on the couch. Well, as much as a woman who is a couple weeks away from having quadruplets can do. She kind of just waddles at this point but it's too cute. Her poor feet get so swollen that she wears slippers now everywhere she goes. The smile and happiness that radiated off of her fill
~Grace’s Point of View~ “There’s no way I’m leaving you alone with him. He could shift and snatch you up and--” I held up my hand to indicate Jack needed to calm down. I rubbed my belly and then grabbed his hand to put it on there too. “Jack, he’s not going to hurt a preggo. He won’t,” I said, trying to believe myself. It seemed like the babies were literally all Warrick cared about, so he would protect them. He had to. Jack’s eyes darted to Finch, who shrugged. “What would you even say,” Finch asked, adding his hand to my tummy. “I do better when I’m on the spot, when I’m just speaking from the heart. I’ll figure it out,” I said, putting my hands on each of their shoulders. “Who even knows where he is right now. Probably tormenting someone,” Jack said, sighing. I looked up to the sky. For all I cared I could just march out into a big open space, or the beach and scream for him. Supposed to have that good shifter hearing right? That was all I had anyhow, seemed like a good pl
~Grace’s Point of View~ I laid still, staring at Finch as he slept. Needless to say, their revelation about what my father did definitely destroyed my mood. My father … gave years of his life to help a stranger? He wouldn’t even meet me for dinner? I had boyfriends on and off in my 20’s all the time, several I brought home. Mom would either smile or stick her nose up. Dad hardly ever met them, he was never around. He never asked about them, if they made me happy. He never asked much about me … as a person. Of course all I wanted to know was the big question… Why did he do it? Would he have even done it for me? That thought, made me sick. A shadow cast over the back of the teepee, and I knew someone was there. I had no clue if they were here for me, or if I could even get up without waking my mates. The answer came on its own, when the woman I knew to be Ensley stuck her head in the flap, nearly making me jump. She gave a big wave of her arm and a smile. I sat up and looked at Jac
~Grace’s Point of View~ “And would you believe little Jack got bit by that snake right on his--” “Mom! Really,” Jack whined, not enjoying the story hour. I giggled and slapped his leg. Iris and his entire family, minus the absent father were incredible. Really just sweet people even if they’re all okay with lots of nudity. In front of their family. Weird. They also had a different vocabulary on a lot of things, though I was able to mostly follow along. I was relieved Jack thought to pack some drinks and food he knew I’d like. They’re both just so damn thoughtful. I yawned, stretching out in front of the fire. I’d never been camping before, nothing even close to this. But I supposed as a shifter this was just natural, normal. Jack moved behind me and held me tight. “Can I take you somewhere,” he whispered, his voice dangerous. It sent tingles all over my body. Though it doesn’t take much anymore. I’m now like the female version of Finch, it’s all I think about. It’s just a matter
~Jack’s Point of View~ DING DONG Nox immediately put up his guard, who the hell was ringing my bell at 8am? His shifter senses knew right away though who it was, well the two people. “Brenda, morning, Felix. You guys are awfully…” I trailed off, taking in the backpacks they had on. “Morning, so glad you wanted to come,” Grace said, practically shoving me aside. *What is going on? I thought we were going away with our mate. ALONE,* Nox bellowed, not happy. I let out a weak laugh, so did I. So did I. What are you doing Grace? *Did you know about this,* I asked Finch, over mind-link. He popped out of the bathroom, toothbrush still in hand. *Uhm, what the…* he trailed off. “Morning newlyweds,” Brenda said, a little too chipper. She had a huge tote bag that Nox was telling me had a lot of herbs and spices. Oh no. No, no no no no. “Grace, baby… Are we… Having our honeymoon at the Sky Light,” I asked, timidly. “Yeah! I thought it was a great idea. I hardly got to see much o