Page 86 of The Wolf Slayer

“Yes.”

She looked up from his now healed side and smiled at him. “Thank you.” Then she turned to Seth. “Are you next?”

“Heal my men first while I discuss a few more details with Blake and Bear.”

Blake got up, took her face into his hands, and leaned down for a kiss. “I'll be right inside if you need anything, I’ll come and check on you in a little bit.”

She nodded and Seth signaled the next man in line to sit so that Niev could take care of his injuries while Seth, Bear, and Blake walked inside Christa’s cabin.

After healing the last man in the group, Christa went inside and let Seth know it was his turn. A few moments later Seth and Bear emerged from the cabin. Seth came toward Niev, and Bear headed into the woods, following the last man she’d just finished healing.

Seth sat down so Niev could evaluate his injuries. “How did Blake like the names you chose?”

Niev was relieved that Seth initiated the conversation. She’d hoped that the last encounter they had was only the beginning of the fresh start he’d promised her. She was truly delighted he was interested in talking with her.

“He liked the name Silver.”

Surprised, Seth crooked his eyebrows and chuckled amused. “It’s a unique name.”

“I only liked it because it’s a nice name for a wolf. I didn’t actually think he would like it for a child.”

“It’s a strong name, beautiful.” Blake had come out of the cabin and must have overheard their conversation. He handed Niev a glass of water and a snack. “Christa will prepare some food for you to eat but it will take a little while before it’s cooked.”

Niev nodded and gratefully took the snack.

“May I tell him?”

“Only if he promises not to spill the beans.”

“So, you’ve decided on a name already?” Seth asked, excitement weaving in his words.

“You mean names,” Blake said, giving him a wink.

“What?”

“We are having twins,” Blake said with a huge grin on his face.

Before Seth could fully process Blake’s words, Niev gave him a serious look. “Seth, you have to keep it to yourself. I don’t want everyone to freak out over it. They are already treating me like I’m fragile.”

Seth just looked from Blake to Niev and then to her belly. “Well shit, that’s unexpected.” He seemed more shocked than Blake and Niev together. “Congrats you both. Two for the price of one, huh?”

Seth started laughing at his own joke. She’d never seen Seth laugh this much. He was showing a new side to him, something she’d never expected to see. Then his smile faded, and he looked at Niev with a face of regret.

“We should’ve never asked you to do all of this.” He turned to Blake. “I now understand why you fought us so hard on this.”

“And now I regret telling you about it.” She sighed and continued to heal his injuries. “Just keep it a secret.”

“I won’t say a word until you both are ready.” Then he laughed again. “But only if you promise I can be there when you reveal this to Mother. She’ll lose her mind.”

“She might even pass out.” Blake joined in with Seth’s laughter.

“Is it really that special to have twins?” Blake had told her twins were a rare occurrence, but she just couldn’t imagine that it was such a big deal.

“There has only been one set of twins in this pack I know of and that was many generations ago.” Blake walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her so he could rub her non-existing-baby-bump. “It’s incredibly special to us, which is why everyone will be even more protective of you after we tell them. Having twins is one of the greatest blessings Selene can give us. The legends say only the strongest woman can carry two wolves at the same time. You’ve already proven your strength more than once, and Selene knew it before any of us. That’s why she entrusted you to carry two of her children,” he explained while caressing her neck with his lips.

“Or I’m just a witch who stole someone else’s child.” This thought had lingered in her mind since they found out.

To her surprise it was Seth who answered. “I know Terra didn’t give you a very warm welcome, but the other pack members are slowly changing their minds. It’s hard for them to trust someone from the outside world, especially after how I acted toward you. With what you’ve done today, you’ve earned the trust of our warriors. You’ve healed them selflessly. You treated each one of them with respect and kindness. They’ll tell their families about it and you’ll see. Slowly but surely, you will earn all their trust.” He got up and looked down at his rapidly healing body. “Thank you, Niev.” Then he turned to his brother. “Take care of her. I’ll slowly send the other men, but only let her heal as many as she can without risking herself or your children.” He gave her one last smile and ran off into the woods.

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