“Mama,” He wrapped his arms around Iris’ neck, and we breathed a sigh of relief.
Potty training would have been a nightmare Iris laughed But I’m so glad to get to meet our pup, as a pup.
This is insane, any idea what is going on?
Absolutely none, but did you see how cute he was?
I did
I smiled and let Emmett hold on as long as he wanted, twinning his small fingers into our fur. I didn’t shift until he pulled back and reached out to Caspien who held him close, all the wariness seemed to leave him as he held our pup in his arms. “Happy birthday,” I came up placing a hand on Emmett’s back, and laid my head on Caspien’s shoulder breathing for the first time in weeks.
So many emotions flooded through me, but relief and pure happiness were at the forefront. Whatever this was, it was an explanation, and he would be okay.
He had to be okay.
My parents arrived soon after, we explained what happened but didn’t want to make it seem like a big deal in front of Emmett, he was scared enough as it was, waking up trapped in someone else’s mind, I couldn’t imagine the confusion or fear he felt this morning. We were having his party at Caspien’s, he said we could have it downstairs in the pack house, but I didn’t want to draw too much attention by taking up the entire pack common area and we didn’t know if Emmett would be up for it.
“What do you need help with?” My mom flitted around the place. She and my dad were in much better spirits knowing that he was okay.
“We have someone coming to set up, we weren’t sure,” Caspien trailed off shrugging when Emmett came up, “How about you both relax and I’ll get you a glass of wine or something.” “It’s the morning.”
“Well, if you add some orange juice to champagne then it’s a breakfast drink,” Grace, Caspien’s mom came in, I didn’t even hear the front door open. She kissed my mom on the cheek.
“We heard the good news.” She knelt on the floor someone not wrinkling her dress somehow, and opened her arms for Emmett.
“We have a blessed wolf on our hands,” His dad shook his head in awe, “It was fated,”
I looked at Caspien who was looking at his dad with the same confusion I must have had.
“Did you know that Caspien is my dad now so you guys are my grandparents,” Emmett poked Rendell’s nose.
“Really?” Grace looked at me and I nodded.
“If that’s okay with you,” I said my voice low.
“Of course, it is more than okay, this is the best birthday gift,” His mom clasped her hands together.
“I don’t think that’s exactly how birthday gifts work,” Her mate smiled down at her.
“Oh shush, so what should we be called? I haven’t had time to think about this. You’re grandma and grandpa right?” She turned to my parents.
“Went the traditional route,” My dad shrugged.
“What do you want to call us?” Rendell asked Emmett.
He scrunched his nose, thinking.
“Mawmaw,” Caspien suggested earning him a glare.
“I will never,” Grace started.
“Mimi,” I laughed and she turned her glare to me.
“Do not put such nonsense in this sweet boy’s head.”
“I need a few more minutes to think,” Emmett said.
“Take all the time you need, we aren’t going anywhere,” Rendell said pulling his mate in for a hug. Emmett reached an arm out to Grace and my chest tightened. I didn’t think I could get any happier. Overall the hurdles I had to face being with Caspien and his friends and family weren’t one of them. “Can I put on my birthday outfit?” Emmett twisted towards Caspien.
“Let’s get you some food and then we can get changed while everything is getting set up. Deal?”
Emmett thought that over, “Deal.”
Caspien took Emmett into the kitchen and his parents turned to me.
“Is he really okay?”
I nodded, “After this morning, no signs of fever or anything.”
“It must have been his body processing such an early change. It sounded similar to what happens when humans change to a wolf, just drawn out and with less pain thankfully.”
“It was pretty painful, for us at least.”
“Why don’t you take a little nap? Both of you? I can make Emmett some food he must be starved.” His mom suggested, “And I owe you a mimosa.” She turned to my mom.
“Seriously, let the grandparents handle it.” My mom beamed at Grace who smiled widely, “I mean this in the nicest way honey, but you look like you could use it.”
I thought it over about to protest but they already turned their back on me.
Laying in Caspiens arms I realize just how tired I was. Without the fear and anxiety coursing through me, it just left me with a heavy tiredness.
“It’s really okay then?” I asked, closing my eyes.
“Everything is perfect, apparently we have a blessed wolf.” Caspien kissed my head and I smiled into his chest.
I opened my mouth to say something but sleep took me before I could respond.
“Willa,” Caspien’s warm breath fanned over my neck and gave me goosebumps.
“It’s too early,” I mumbled.
“Good morning,” Cali burst through the door and I groaned, “Nice view,” She opened the curtains and I swear the sun has never been so bright. Holden jumped into bed with us and Capien kicked him. Hard.
“You told us to make coffee,” Holden coughed, holding his stomach.
“Yes,” Caspien’s paused, “Downstairs.”
“We thought we would be nice and bring it to you,” Cali turned to us giving us her signature wry smile, “Also wanted to see the bedroom,” She shrugged.
“Where is the coffee?,” Sleep coated my words, I lifted up a hand holding it out for a mug.
“Sit up,” Cali said, and I reluctantly did with the help of Caspien. She gave me a mug of coffee and the smell did help wake me up a bit.
“Thanks,” My eyes closed again.
“Anything for you m’lady,” She raised an eyebrow and Holden bowed next to her.
“Get out,” Caspien growled.
“No, please?-” Holden started.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.