Chapter 5- New Beginning

Lua POV:

I got up before Elias for the first time these past few days. I laid in bed browsing some more articles and news clips about my interview as well as the shooting incident. The positive feedback has been greatly outweighing the negative. After the uplifting comments I got up and started getting ready for the day. After a brisk shower, brushing teeth, and doing my make-up, I finally was able to decide on a floral pattern sundress. Elias really went overboard on my wardrobe, but I love every single thing he bought. I studied everything we had in the fridge and after discussing with the baby what it wanted to eat, I started preparing scrambled eggs with bacon and French Toast.

"Hey you're up early. How was your night?"

Elias walked up from behind and gave me a hug as I was cooking the eggs. He kissed me on the cheek and started making the French Toast.

"I slept pretty well. Baby decided they were starving and just wouldn't settle. I read some more articles and for the most part a lot of people like me so that was refreshing. How did you sleep? You slept in today."

"That's great! And it was alright. Had a hard time falling asleep after you but once I fell asleep I was fine. I guess I was just still processing the shooting. After the press conference we're going baby shopping right?"

"Uh-huh. Got the list in my bag. I'll start off the conference and you'll be adding in whatever you want after? Or the other way around?"

We sit down and start eating. Elias seems a little off. Can't quite put my finger on it.

"You can start. Though I really think you're being too lenient in what you're suggesting the punishment be. But he was trying to kill you and you were the one who stopped him so I guess I don't really have a say"

"I've heard what you think should be the punishment but I don't think banishment or execution is the answer. I don't want to be feared. This isn't about the crime this is about me. The way I handle this is going to be vary important. Think of it as political. You've already earned respect, now I need to through my actions."

Elias just shrugs his shoulders and heads back to the bedroom to get dressed after loading up the dishwasher. I take seconds before cleaning up my dishes and running the dishwasher. I double check my bag to make sure I have enough snacks and that the baby list is in fact in there. I struggle to put on my shoes as I am clearly pregnant now. Each day I get noticeably bigger. It's quite strange. I sit back in the couch and massage my bump when finally Elias comes on out.

"You look handsome. Ready? Kai texted and said he and security is just waiting for us. The reporters are outside waiting as well"

"Alright let's get this over with. We'll walk out together and you go up to the microphone while I stand beside you. When you step back I'll say what I need to. We'll answer a few questions then we'll head out the back entrance and use the back roads to go shopping. "

"Sounds like a plan!"

Without even having to ask Elias comes over and helps me up. He kisses me on the lips then offers his arm for me to hold as we walk out. When we get outside The reporters and a crowd of people are waiting. Elias and I take out spots. I'm for some reason not too nervous.

"Thank you all for coming out this beautiful morning. We're here to speak about the shooting yesterday afternoon at Louie's Diner. The shooter was 73 year old Thomas Nelson. His intentions were to kill me but I was able to apprehend him before anyone or myself got injured. Mr. Nelson has no major injuries nor was anyone harmed in the shooting. After discussing with Elias about what would be the best punishment, I have decided that Mr. Nelson will be paroled and supervised for the next 5 years. He will not be banished or executed. This might come as a shock but in my opinion I will not condemn anyone because of their opinion of me. Of course he did try to commit murder, but since no one was injured I did not think it just for him to banished or executed for his racist and misinformed opinion of white wolves. Mr. Nelson will be under the care of his wife and children who are responsible for his actions from this day forward. He has to check in with his parole officer daily, and will also be closely monitored by his local police department."

"Though I would have gone for a stricter, more severe punishment, I am in awe of Lua's dedication in doing what she thinks is the right thing. If I was in her shoes I don't think I would have been able to be so understanding and forgiving. Yesterday's shooting has opened up my eyes, and the thought of almost losing my mate and unborn child has greatly affected me. Though I stand alongside Lua with her decision, I want to make clear that this does not mean we will be lenient with any more violence towards our family. Do not mistake this punishment for Mr. Nelson as a sign of weakness. Lua will now have security with her around the clock in public even if I'm with her. They might not be seen but they will be around. We are giving Mr. Nelson the benefit of the doubt in hopes his view of white wolves might change, but as Alpha Elias of the largest pack since the Merge, I want it to be made clear that if anyone tries to harm my family again they will have to personally deal with me. I might have been naive yesterday to the radicals out there, but I do not make the same mistake twice. We will now answer any questions"

The reporters and bystanders were a bit shocked by the news so there weren't really any questions other than me clarifying why I made this decision and how I feel about having security with me. To ensure we weren't followed. Mr. Nelson's family arrived to pick up their father and they were bombarded with questions. I felt a little bad letting them get ambushed but they're going to be under the wrath of the paparazzi for awhile anyway. This time Elias was driving and we were being followed by security in different cars. To make me feel somewhat normal they were to keep eyes on us but be in plain clothes and not interfere unless they felt something was about to happen. I felt better knowing I had extra protection after the shooting. With my bump growing by the day, I'm pretty sure soon I'll be waddling and will be barely able to pick something up off the floor let alone defend myself against a radical. We get to a high end baby warehouse and Elias parks then opens the door for me. He was quiet the whole ride. I know he's upset about the punishment but I know he's just still upset about not protecting me better and deep down feels like execution or banishment would make up for that feeling.

"I'm so excited for the shopping today. If we don't take crazy long, we could probably put all the furniture together and set the nursery up. I already have a painter in there that Juno recommended painting and drawing the decals we agreed on. He said he'd be done by noon and it'll be done drying by three as he'll have fans in there with the windows open. "

"I didn't know the painter was coming today but that's good. Yeah Kai said he'll help me with the furniture. He did all of their baby's stuff already so he has some experience. Not sure if Juno told you but she's also coming by wants to hang with you while Kai and I put the furniture together."

"I love when they come over, we always have a great time. Best day ever! No crazy questions after the press release. The drive was nice. And wow this store is huge!"

"Haha yes. I searched online for the biggest one in town with the most variety so that we wouldn't have to go to a bunch of different ones. Ooo look how cute this outfit is!"

Elias grabs an adorable outfit and holds it up proudly. I agree so we add it to the cart. We go through all the clothes isles first. Then we start looking and the bedroom sets and choose a matching oak crib, dresser, mirror, nightstand and bookshelf. I test out all the rockers and Elias and I finally agree on a super comfy beige one that even has charging ports and a back massager built in. Elias finds some adorable plusses that he just had to have. Elias had the poor associate bring out all the strollers they had so we could test each one. After Elias was so picky about the stroller, we get a carseat, mamaroo, bathtub, high chair, and some more things the baby won't use for months.

"OK babe we've been through the whole store and got way more things than are on our list! Baby Z is beyond spoiled already you think we can checkout now?"

"Baby Z isn't spoiled! They need all of this stuff!"

"Really? They need a Fortnight, Star Wars, and pokemon stuffy? And all this baby proofing stuff won't be used until they're crawling! Don't you think this crazy expensive car camera that let's you watch the baby on a monitor you install in the car is a little excessive?"

"Yes they NEED all these stuff. My baby will learn the pure joy of Fortnight, Star Wars, Pokemon, and Anime as soon as they can. I will corrupt them to love it all!"

We laugh as we wait for everything to get ringed up. Thank God we have 5 cars with us today because this was not all going to fit in one car. I was shocked at how much the total was but it didn't even phase Elias. He sized his card and even left the associate that helped us a huge tip. I even forgot about Kai and the security guys until they came out of nowhere and started loading up the cars. They did an awesome job blending in or maybe I was just so distracted by all the baby stuff.

"Hey babe you want to get Chinese? Haven't had it in awhile. I can order now and we'll just pick up and eat at home with Kai and Juno before setting up the nursery and putting all the baby clothes away?"

"I was actually thinking we could go hunting? For a deer? I've been absolutely obsessed with the taste of deer but haven't had a chance to hunt one yet. Also my wolf has been annoying me she needs to roam for a it and have some excitement."

"Huh I haven't shifted lately either. Juno can't shift though remember? And I'm sure Kai is dying to get back to her."

"Us two could go? It won't take long I'm a great hunter"

"Uh sure why not? I guess that's fine. You know our wolves haven't met yet right. Today will be the first time.

"I know. Your wolf must be going crazy. My wolf won't know until tomorrow that we're mates but yours has known for months. He'll be happy. Plus when I'm in wolf form my bump doesn't bother me like it does now. I really need a break from all this extra weight and soreness"

Elias nods and updates Kai on the plan. They'll be handling getting all the baby stuff upstairs while we shift and go hunting. On the drive I'm giddy with excitement at the thought of deer meat. Eating raw meat in wolf form sends my heart racing with excitement. Whatever our wolves don't eat we can cut up at home and I can't make burgers with. We couldn't get back home fast enough. Elias barely turned off the car and I was already getting out and heading to the back. Elias had to sprint to catch up with me.

"Geeze you're excited. You don't even know where we're going!"

"I know the woods start back there and that all that matters! Elias and I undress and shift. It takes him a few minutes longer to shift so my wolf watches him shifting and is dying to just start running. Elias' wolf is stunning. It's a light auburn brown wolf with bright honey colored eyes. His fur shines in the sun and our two wolves finally meet. His wolf is prancing around mine sniffing every inch and licking her face. My wolf gets a little annoyed but allows his wolf to calm down before dashing in the forest. My wolf is much faster and Elias' wolf is struggling to keep up. I ask her to let him catch up and to then start hunting. His wolf finally catches up and they start sniffing. She's found a trail and starts following it making sure her pace isn't too fast for him. The scent is getting stronger and we finally see it. A nice meaty young buck. Elias' wolf starts crouching to attack from behind and drive the buck towards us. My wolf gets ready to pounce just as the buck dashes past us. She leaps at his neck and digs her teeth in deep. Elias' wolf digs his teeth at the back of the buck's neck and it dies within a seconds. My wolf start devouring the buck and he joins in. She has been wanting a deer for as long as I have. After they finish Elias' wolf is still nice and clean but my wolf looked like a toddler who just spread pasta all over themselves. She's such a slob but to be fair she never had to worry about how messy she got. Our wolves drag the buck back to the pack house together before my wolf darts over to the small pond next to the pack house. She rubbed herself on the smooth rocks in the shallow before leaping into the water and swimming about. Elias' wolf had some water and just watched us intently. My wolf loved the water. she dove under trying to grab any fish that dared Sim under us. She didn't catch any but it was more of a fun game for her. She came out and shook herself dry soaking Elias' wolf. I tell her it's time for us to shift and she whines but I assure her I will not make her wait so long to come out again. She has over to our piles of clothes and we shift. I got dressed just as Elias finished shifting back and started dressing. I mind linked the chef to see if he could prepare the rest of the deer for us and tipped him when he came out to skin and cut up what was left of the deer. I hugged Elias and kissed him on the lips.

"That was amazing. Your wolf is stunning! He's a little reserved though right? He didn't want to play in the water with my wolf? He's a great hunter though!"

"My wolf stunning? What about yours She's gorgeous! I can't believe how white her fur is and those crystal blue eyes are like the ocean!I think my wolf was just surprised at how fast yours was, and he never really liked the water much. "

"Oof we were out for longer than expected. Let's head on up. I hope Juno and Kai aren't upset with us!"

"Trust me they're not. I'm sure Kai was kept busy by Juno. He says she's been real horny lately with all the baby hormones."

Elias chuckles and I roll my eyes. We head to our apartment when the smell of food and sweets flood my nostrils. Juno must've been cooking us something. I open up the door and am surprised to see it filled. All the women from our gated community were here, and the place was decorated as a baby shower.

"Surprise! I know Elias told me that you didn't want a baby shower but I couldn't resist! No one knows the gender, I know you guys wanted it to be a surprise, so I made it clear for everyone to bring gender neutral gifts. And Elias didn't know a thing! We got you both!"

"You really didn't have to do this Juno! But this is a pleasant surprise! I can't believe you all wanted to come!"

I hug Juno and greet all the women there. Kai came and collected Eli, who was definitely uncomfortable as we all started talking about pregnancy and labor along with post labor struggles. The baby shower lasted about two hours. Everyone helped clean up after opening gifts and the apartment looked like just how I left it. After thanking every single person and seeing them out, Juno and I plopped onto the couch.

"Juno that was such a lovely surprise. It was really amazing thank you so much!"

"Of course Lua. You're apart of our family now. My baby shower is next week. I put the invite on your magnetic calendar. It's really nice by the way. I love what you did with the place. It's very homey now instead of a bachelor pad. Elias' mancave is awesome. And the guest room you converted into a game room with the pool table and that other gaming table that converts into a bunch of different game? Brilliant. The office is so spacious now and I have never seen it so organized! I might have to move my baby shower here! We all had a blast today. Best girls only party ever!"

"Thank you! And you can definitely have it here I'd be honored to host! I needed to do the place up. I organized every nook and cranny and made all the decorations. Kept my mind busy when I was so anxious about the pack party, then the interview. I'm glad Elias and I were able to agree on everything smoothly. "

"Kai's coming up with Elias now. We have one more surprise for the both of you!"

"Juno! You are going above and beyond! How do you have so much energy? I'm literally drained right now and all I did today was talk, shop, and overeat!"

"Girl I don't even know. Here they are! Come on daddies let's go. Kai cover his eyes and I'll cover hers. Don't make him bump into anything! You guys ready?"

Kai and Juno covered our eyes as they led us down the hall. I knew we were heading to the nursery.

"One, two, three... ta da!!!! Kai stole your nursery drawing and I studied how you organized the rest of the house. Of course you can change anything you'd like no hurt feelings. But with the crazy past few days you both had with nonstop activities, we knew this was the best gift we could give to you both. "

"The nursery was completely finished. All the furniture put together, the artwork I painted hung up exactly where I envisioned them. I opened up the closet and everything was put away exactly how I would have done it. My eyes full up with tears and I force everyone into a group hug.

"You guys are amazing. It's exactly how I wanted it! There's nothing I need to change. This makes it so real now. And a huge weight off my shoulders!"

"Really guys the party and this? How'd you know I was dreading putting all this together with the billion of pieces and confusing instructions?"

"Dude, I've been your best friend our whole life. You failed Wood Shop miserably. If the only job you could get was in construction, then you'd be homeless!"

We all laugh and head to the living room. The guys help themselves to leftovers before joining us girls on the couch. We picked a movie to watch and relaxed. After the movie Kai and Juno went home. Elias unloaded the dishwasher as I sat on the counter beside him.

"I can't believe this is my life now. I never thought it could be this good. The party was amazing. Everyone was so genuine and nice. Juno? Juno's a freaking goddess in disguise! I can't believe she did all this!"

"They really are amazing. I'm proud of my pack. I'm also so happy you and Juno get along so well. The fact that Kai's not only my Betta but my best friend, and his wife is turning out to be your best friend, and we're having a baby a few weeks apart? I couldn't be happier. The goddess definitely blessed us all. I don't know what I did to deserve this. To deserve you. To be a father. It's mind boggling"

"You're a great Alpha Elias, a great friend, and an amazing, loving, caring, thoughtful mate. You're going to be the best father. I don't know how I was so blessed either. I never even dreamed that life could be this good."

Elias finishes cleaning up and scoops me off the counter. He carries me to the bedroom and helps me get undressed. We plop onto bed at the same time naked.

"Lu, this is our new normal now. Surrounded by friends, consumed with baby stuff, enjoying runs in the woods, all the everyday normal stuff. I've never been able to relax so much. You helped me organize all my paperwork and make an effective communication with all my bettas in all the territories. You already helped me running this huge pack so much easier and smoothly. You made everyone's role clear. I've gotten so much praise about you and how much easier you made everyone's job. You're just amazing. I am in awe of you! You're already an amazing Luna. How you handle every problem and even when I couldn't see there was a problem you offered help. I live you so damn much"

He rolls over and kisses me on my lips then kisses my bump. He caresses and massages lotion into it and I didn't even ask.

"I love you too baby. I love you so so much. The way you have eased me into your life and accepted me. I couldn't have asked for anyone better. There is no one better than you. You bring me peace and confidence, love and joy. I can't believe this is my life. Soon we'll have a little one running around and shifting before we're ready. They'll be playing with dog toys ripping them apart. marking up the house. It's going to be a whirlwind of a ride. "

"Well it'll be an amusement park in here for sure then. I can't wait to have a little white wolf pup prancing about. I can't even really imagine it. I've never seen a little wolf pup. I mean we don't have zoos here like the humans did. we released all the animals back into their natural habitats. And regular wolves all migrated when we were kids since the US became only Werewolf territory. It's weird how regular wolves are scared of us no? You'd think there would be some connections since we originate from them."

" Well they sense our auras. Plus it must be confusing to them that we have two scents and two auras."

"True..... you know now that things have calmed down and everything is ready for baby, the house is done the way we both like it, pack responsibilities are all running smoothly, we could whenever you wanted, get intimate. But if you don't feel like it we don't have to do anything at all I can wait I'm not in a rush I just wanted to put it out there in case you ever were in the mood and..."

I grabbed Elias' face and passionately kissed him.

"Shhhhh you're talking too much"

He grabs the back of my hair firmly but gently and moves my face to the side so he can kiss my neck. He pushes his tongue hard against my vein and finds my sweet spot pushing harder with his tongue there then kissing up my neck and on the edges of my ear before nibbling my ear. My body goes on fire and I run my hands over his muscular back. He then kisses down my neck and around my breasts before sucking on my nipples. I whine with pleasure and run my fingers through his hair. The heat of my body and the feeling of his cool hair in-between my fingers is pure ecstacy. I try to get on top to give him some pleasure but he doesn't let me move.

"Uh uh uh. Tonight's about you"

He kisses me so well I can feel the love and care on my lips. I nibble his bottom lip and he smiles before kissing down my whole body. He twirls his tongue around my clit before thrusting in quickly. God I love when he does that. He goes in and out at a fast pace, twirling my nipples with his wet fingertips and switching from kissing me on the neck and on my lips. My body is on fire. I'm throbbed with excitement and pure pleasure. It feels so good I'm speechless. Then the fireworks burt but he doesn't stop and the fireworks just get bigger. My whole body then relaxes as I ride my high. He cums just as I close my eyes enjoying the after-effects of my orgasm. He lays right next to me and holds my hand while he grabs a little white towel out of his nightstand and clean me up before cleaning himself.

"I love you Lua. I love you with everything I've got"

"And I love you Elias. I love you so fucking much"

I have to take deep breaths in between each word. Damn he fucked the shit out of me. We muster up the courage to get up, use the bathroom, and take a quick shower together. Elias gets out first to change the sheets and I get out a few minutes after. We lay down and it doesn't take long to fall asleep. We wrap our arms around each other and I put one of my legs in between his. I fall asleep to the sound of his heartbeat as my head rests on his chest. God I can't believe this day. Heaven couldn't be better than today.