"There's the troublemaker," Dax pulled me to his lap so I could sit down. Alpha Big Claw was holding their newborn, who was swaddled tightly up against his chest. Alpha was just a big teddy bear holding the tiny, tiny person before him.
Tua leaned on his shoulder, watching their baby-making gurgling sounds, the tiny bubbles causing little baby milk bubbles to form on his lips. Absolutely adorable. Catching myself staring, I looked back down at the table, rubbing both of my mates’ hands.
"Would you like to hold him?" Tua's voice directed to me. Did I want to hold him? I broke into tears when I had the baby last time; I'm not sure if I could handle it. Tua’s eyes squinted while picking up the baby and bringing it to me.
"You overthink, little fire," patting my shoulder, she sat down in Alpha Big Claw's lap, who held her tightly. The baby's eyes were closed, and fell asleep quickly while I rocked it back and forth.
"You're a natural," Tua spoke softly. Silently I begged her not to say anymore, and luckily she didn't. I don't know if I could handle anyone telling me I would be a good mother. I know I would be, I'd be the best mom, but it wasn't in the cards for me. I know this; it was better to not get my hopes up and pray that the 5% chance of it ever happening does come.
I can't get my hopes up; I can't.
"What's his name?" I traced my finger along his cheek.
"We are announcing it tonight when the full moon is high in the sky." Tua patted Big Claw's cheek. "It's tradition for his people." Dimitri put his finger next to the baby's hand; it immediately grabbed it and hugged it close to the little mouth. My heart squeezed at the sight.
Nothing was sexier than a big Alpha man holding a tiny baby, showing affection to something so small that can give nothing in return. "Dimitri, there is something I should tell you," my whisper was raspy while I petted the little one's thick hair. Dimitri shook his head, kissing my temple.
"It's alright; we can adopt a pup if you want to." My eyes lit up; I guess the boys communicate with each other well. "There are a lot of opportunities to take one in. Only if you want to," Dimitri's nose rubbed my cheek.
My hormones got the best of me, and a tear trickled down my cheek. "I would like that," I choked. "I would really like that." Sniffing, Dax and Dimitri rubbed my arms, thighs anything that was free of clothing so I could feel the warmth of their bodies. For not having a girlfriend before, they knew how to show affection.
Reluctantly handing the baby back to his parents, two warriors burst into the crowded dining hall. Alpha Big Claw Stood up abruptly, racing towards the two Wolves. Their breathing was ragged, coughing and spitting up blood.
That could not possibly be normal. Clutching Dax, Dimitri ran to the opened doors. Despite all the children and babies being held to their parent's chests, the room was utterly silent.
Wolves frantically moved their hands around, but their lips were silent. Sensing my confusion, Dax whispered, "Wolves can speak to each other through their minds. I'll explain later."
Alright then.
Dax' hair on his arms stood up, his back straightened. Dimitri looked back and motioned Dax to come forward.
A loud bang resonated outside before I was placed delicately on the chair. Alpha Big Claw stepped forward and roared. "Everyone in the dining room bunker NOW!"
Chapter Twenty-Five
Dimitri
"Rogues,"ImindlinkedDax. Dax stood up and threw Seraphina over his shoulder while she protested. The entire dining room was now in organized chaos. Tables slung to the side of the room, and the giant rug that covered the floor was pulled away. Pregnant, nursing women, children, and veteran warriors in charge of safety within the pack walked down to the cellar below.
We haven't had a chance to tell Seraphina that our own world was full of dangers itself. That includes the random rogues that wish to take women back with them to their own worthless packs. Rumors say the goddess strips them of their mates wore heavy on those who were cast out of their packs or turned away from organized packs to seek their own selfish desires. Their evil clouded their souls. Thus, Selene took away the privilege of a mate. Hence the need to attack the sturdier packs and retrieve their own women. A chosen mate.
These rogues were different. The warriors came in breathing heavily, and their lips and nostrils were coated with silver. This only meant one thing: more silver smoke grenades that will invade lungs and burn an ordinary wolf from the inside out.
Seraphina fought with Dax; she pulled a gun and pushed him away to get in on the action. As much as I find it heroic of her, we couldn't guarantee her safety if she stayed out with us. The last of the smaller pups jumped in the cellar, women pulling at Seraphina's shirt, trying to get her in so they could close the door.
"Let me go; I can help!" She screamed again; the warriors glanced at Dax for permission to take her down the stairs, and he nodded.
"Take her, keep her safe, or it is your hides," he growled. Seraphina pushed and eventually kneed one of the warriors, who let go. Seraphina wiggled free and rushed towards the door, gun in hand. Not paying attention, she ran into me.
"Seraphina!" I yelled at her. Her eyes were full of fear yet running towards the fight. "You need to stay here; you are not equipped to handle this. Not yet.” Both my hands cradled her face. "We cannot lose you; we just found you; please do this for us. I swear to you there will be times you can fight with us and not be locked in a cellar. I promise you this."
Seraphina stopped struggling, her eyes softening. "I swear to you, Seraphina. Right now, I need you to stay with the others. Protect Tua, the pup, the children. Please, I beg you. You will have your chance." Seraphina bit her lip, looking at the cellar and back at me.
"Please be safe," Seraphina breathed. "I can't protect you in a cellar."
Seraphina thought she was to protect Dax and me? The swell of my chest was apparent when her head went to my chest. "I saved you from the pound; I think I should protect my babies from other animals too." Wrapping my arms around her, I placed a chaste kiss on her head.
"You have already saved us, more than we ever thought possible, my mate. Please stay in the cellar. Promise me,” I begged.