Page 26 of Bunny Be Mine
“Mostly.” Dad shrugged as if he was in full acceptance of the situation. Maybe one day, I could be the same but not yet. “There will be some permanent issues for some, depending on how strong our wolves are. They were only poisoning the alphas and we are all hearty and powerful. The doses were small enough that our wolves were fighting it off for the most part and leaving us only with those cold-like symptoms. The doctors all agree that if the dose had been higher, it would have been terminal.”
“And the witches that helped cover up the traces so that the doctors couldn’t tell it was wolfsbane?” I still couldn’t believe Marcus had gone as far as seducing a coven of witches into helping him in his plans. “How are they being dealt with?”
“Since the Global Shifter Council was called and is taking over the investigations and punishments,” Dad explained, “they will be putting Marcus and his men on trial but will also be handling the coven. Their connection to the great packs, covens, and clans allows them jurisdiction over all paranormal now. They will decide if the coven can be redeemed or face permanent disbandment.”
“That sounds fair.” Relief coursed through me that it was no longer just an issue for my birth pack to carry. “I’ve only heard good things about the council and how they keep all paranormal kind in check.”
Enough of the talk about the old pack; it was time to start over. For all of us.
“Mom. Dad. We cleaned out a bedroom for you. It has its own private bathroom so you won’t need to be roaming around the hallways at night. And there is a section that would be perfect to add a mini refrigerator and a microwave if you would like.” I gestured toward the area I thought would fit the said appliances. “No rush though. The kitchen is communal and we are all welcome to use it and whatever food is there. We come together weekly to make a shopping list and throw cash into the pot for groceries we all can use. Nothing is off-limits unless there is a tag on it. And that is usually only if one of us has to follow a specific diet. I just thought it would be nice to have the option. I know I hate having to go all the way to the kitchen for a midnight snack.”
“This is perfect, son.” My father patted my back, after placing his bags on the floor. “I’m sure we will feel comfortable in here.”
“Feel free to make this your own little space, not just a room in a house.” Arley hugged my mom. “We are so happy you are here.”
“You sure you don’t mind?” My mother looked around at the beautifully decorated room, everything a perfect match to my parents’ style. “You really didn’t have to go through this much trouble for us.”
“Oh no, it wasn’t a big deal. And we definitely don’t mind having you. Our roommates are also fully on board with the idea. I think they miss their own parents and so the thought of having you here made them excited.” Arley grabbed a hold of my mother’s hands. “Like a real home.”
“And we also have a little kitchen-like setup in our own room,” I pointed out. “Complete with an ice machine and popcorn maker for our cozy movie nights in bed.”
“Honey.” Arley flushed red and hit my shoulder. “They don’t need to hear about our movie nights in bed.”
“What?” I shook my head and gave a cheeky grin. “I only said we watch movies and have snacks in bed, you are the one blushing and acting scandalized.”
“Shut up.” Arley tucked his chin to his chest, his face growing redder. He scooted closer to the door. “I’m going to go use the washroom. I’ll be back.”
“We’ll wait for you before we go for lunch.” I faced my parents. “I was thinking we could take you to our favorite little café down the block. They have delicious croissant sandwiches and their iced tea is something else. You will love it.”
We continued talking about our lunch plans until Arley returned.
“Have you talked to the doctor? Is everything okay with the babies?” Mother asked and placed a hand on Arley’s stomach. “I can’t wait to be called grandma.”
“And grandpa,” Dad chimed in. “These babies are going to be super spoiled, just so you two know.”
“I’d rather have them bathed in love than in spoils.” Arley shrugged. “But I guess you can spoil them extra in honor of my parents too.”
“I know you wish they were here, dear.” Mom hugged my mate. “But they are looking in on you from beyond. I believe that.”
“Me too.” Arley hugged my mom back. “Thank you for reminding me of that though.”
“Are you having any cravings?” Dad pointed at my mom. “She always wanted pineapple. Couldn’t get enough.”
“Well, Arley is like that with ice. He always wants a cup of ice with him.” I pointed to the cup in my mate’s hand. “See. He has one right now.”
“Craving ice during pregnancy can be a sign of something called pica. I remember reading about that in a parenting magazine once. Have you spoken with your doctor about that?” Mom pulled Arley to the chairs in the corner of the room and they both sat down. “There could also be other reasons like anemia or an iron deficiency.”
“All my labs came back normal,” Arley reassured my mom. “The doctor said that he didn’t think anything was wrong. Honestly, I just think of it as a refreshing little treat. Someone in this house likes it so hot all the time and I need the ice to cool down.”
“Who is turning up the heat?” I hadn’t noticed a change. “Maybe we should call a house meeting about it?”
“Don’t worry, babe.” Arley laid a hand on my arm as I stepped closer to him. “Tori says she has been getting a bit cold lately. If no one else is complaining, I’ll just deal with it and stick with my ice eating. I’m content to stay this way.”
“Well, if there is anything else we can help with, let us know,” Dad said. “We are here to assist you in your pregnancy and when the babies arrive. Don’t be afraid to ask.”
After all,” Mom added in, “it takes a village to raise a baby. Or should I say pack? That’s what we said in my day, anyway.”
“I think that is a fantastic mindset to have. Parenting shouldn’t be a solo adventure. Support is needed. The more love a baby is shown, the better. Maybe that is what goes wrong with shifters like Marcus. Did his parents not allow others to help raise him?” Arley shrugged. “Maybe the pack wasn’t paying the right kind of attention to what was happening.”
