3 weeks later...

Over the past couple of weeks, I've learned that you never realize how grateful you were until something is taken away from you. That being my mother. The guilt of the things you wish you could have said but didn't quite get the chance to, eats away at you. I just hoped the moon goddess would grant me the chance to speak with her again.

Rachel and Maci have been working on that dámn nursery for two weeks. Alex dipped out after day two, due to back pains. Something her and I could both relate to. I tried sneaking into the nursery more times then I'd like to admit. But of course, they made sure to put a lock on it before they left. They locked me out of a room in my own house!

But yet again, here I stand outside of the nursery, contemplating ways to get into the room. I was curious, and I hated surprises. Part of me was regretting not giving them much guidance on the nursery. There was no telling what those two would come up with.

"What are you doing?" I jumped as Titus's voice filled the hallway. I crossed my arms over my chest casually and turned to face him. "Nothing." He narrowed his eyes and shot me a half smile. "Trying to break into the Nursery again?"

I sighed. "Okay yes, but you can't tell me you aren't a little bit curious about what's behind this door." I said pointing to the white wooden door.

"I am, but I try not to think about it." He said with a shrug of his shoulders. I crossed my arms over my chest and sighed.

This was exactly why I needed something to do. I always thought sitting at home and watching T.V. all day was a dream job. But once you begin to actually do it for a while, you get bored. And that was where I was at currently. I hated to say it, but I was seriously considering going back to my studies.

"Have lunch with me." I nodded and let him take hold of my hand, leading me down the stairs.

We sat at the square island located in the middle of the kitchen. Titus slid a tray of sliced turkey sandwiches and potato chips in between the both of us. Without hesitation, I reached for a sandwich and brought it to my mouth. "We should find something for me to do during the day," I said through mouthfuls.

"What do you want to do?" He said before he grabbed a handful of potato chips. "I don't know, something fun."

"I'm sure my mom could give you a list of things that need to be done around the pack."

My mouth dropped open. "Um..." He shifted his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. "It's time you started acting like a Luna."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine." He shrugged his shoulders then bit into his sandwich. "Look, we'll talk more about this tonight. I have to go handle something." He said as he hurriedly grabbed another sandwich.

"Of course," I said as I rolled my eyes. He placed a quick kiss on my cheek. "I love you." I narrowed my eyes as I crossed my arms over my chest. "You already know how I feel about you." He chuckled as he made his way towards the front door.

After lunch, I headed to my room. Grabbing my laptop, I sat on the bed and placed it in front of me. I searched for my brother's contact then dialed his number through FaceTime. He finally picked up on the fifth ring. He was in bed with his dark blue comforter wrapped securely around him. A few stray pieces of his curly blonde hair stuck out through the comforter. "Hey Brinn." He said sleepily.

"Dude it's the middle of the day and you're still asleep? That's my thing, not yours." He sighed, "Dad had us up late last night doing drills. He doesn't want another attack to happen, but he's going about it all wrong! If he'd just let us kill those fúckers we wouldn't all be on edge."

I shook my head. "Daddy just wants to keep the peace. Killing would just be problematic." He ran his hand over his face with a groan. "You sounds just like him." I sighed then quickly changed the subject. "How's Momma?"

"Same." He said as he sat up and walked towards his dresser. Revealing his striped pajama bottoms and white t-shirt. I sighed then placed my hand on my stomach. "I just don't understand why she hasn't woken up yet?" He grabbed a quick outfit and placed it on the edge of his bed. "Me neither. Dad and I visit her every day, but it always the same old thing." We were all concerned about my mother. It has been a month and a half, and she has shown no sign of waking up soon.

"So when are you coming back?" I shrugged my shoulders, "I'm not sure, sometime after I have the pup."

"When is that?" He asked. "Um...I think Taylor said in a couple of weeks." He shook his head and began chuckling. "You're going to be an interesting mother."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever."

We talked for a little while longer until he had to go to his training.I made my way towards the bathroom. I stopped in front of the sink then slowly turned to look into the mirrors.

Dropping my gaze to my round stomach, I balled my hands as my eyes began to water. I was terrified. I had put on this facade everyday, when in reality I was absolutely terrified. Even thinking those three words made me more vulnerable to the circumstances. I was to become a mother any day now and that scared me.

I took a deep breath then walked out of the bathroom. Thinking about it any longer would only make me feel worse. I made my bed, now I had to lay in it.

I don't typically do walks, but I found myself walking down the trail that lead into the forest. I was bored out of my mind, and seriously considering doing pack work.

A few steps into the forest I instantly regretted my decision. I had sweat racing down my back and was short of breath. I had never been so out of shape in my life. I stopped in my tracks as a familiar scent filled my nose. There Seth stood a few feet away from me, fishing in the small pond. His nose flared as he caught a whiff of my scent.

I had been avoiding Seth for weeks now. I just wasn't sure how to approach him. His shoulders tensed as he kept his back facing me. "Brinn." He said casually.

I stayed silent for a couple of seconds before I finally took a deep breath and spoke. "It's still cold." I said as I crossed my arms over my chest. He turned to face me with a confused expression. "I just mean, isn't it too cold to be fishing?"

He smiled then placed the bait on the hook of his fishing pole. "Spring is right around the corner. The fish have already started making appearances." I nodded.

"How are you?" I asked as I took a step forward.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I'm fine Brinn. We're fine." He said indicating his and I's relationship. I smiled and stood next to him while he continued to fish. "That's good to know." His lips morphed into a smile.

"You should hate me." I said in barely a whisper. He sighed then shook his head. "I don't."

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I had time to think and now I know I was trying to force something that wasn't there." He opened his eyes and smiled weakly at me. I wrapped both of my hands around his right one. "Everything will work out. I promise." He nodded in agreement.

We talked for what felt like forever. It was as if we hadn't spent any time apart. We sat with our backs leaned against a tree when Seth's fishing pole moved from his lap. He leaped up and retrieved it with a grunt. "Looks like I got one." I stood up and joined him. "Well What are you waiting for?"

He reeled the line up only to find it empty. "Stupid fish took the bait and dipped." I burst into laughter. He shot a glare my way. "Oh come on that's funny." He bit his lip to stop from laughing, but eventually he was joining me in my fit of laughter.

When we had finally settled down, I decided it was time for me to head back. "Hey I'm going to head home. It's almost time for dinner." He nodded then I started walking down the trail.

My stomach growled as I entered the dining hall. There were only a few people seated since dinner wouldn't be served for another 15 minuets. I sat in my usual seat then pulled out my phone. Seth casually walked into the room with his hands in his pockets. He shot me a smile then took his seat at the far end of the table.

I was scrolling through my phone when Carter's name popped up with a message.

I was about to send a text when Alex sat next to me. "Hey!"

"Hi." I said, looking up from my phone. "I heard Maci and Rachel are almost done with the nursery."

I smiled, "That's good." I turned my attention back to my phone.

Alex grabbed my phone then placed it on the table in front of us. "Just good?" I glared at her then grabbed my phone. "What do you want me to say Alex? I have other things to worry about besides the nursery." She rolled her eyes. "Someone's in a mood."

I sighed. "I'm just really tired and hungry." I explained. "Me too!" I shook my head then read Carter's message.

"Who are you texting?" I looked up to see Titus glaring down at me. Alex had taken her seat and the whole room was packed at this point, everyone waiting to eat.

He sat down the slid a plate in front of me. He kept his eyes on me as he awaited my explanation. "I'll tell you later. How's the food?" I said as I took a fry off his plate.

"Brinn." He warned.

"I was talking to Carter." He shook his head in disapproval. "Carter has a mate and so do you. Don't text him anymore! I won't say it again!" My mouth dropped open. I couldn't believe he was talking to me the way he was. I knew Titus could be controlling but he had just crossed a line.

The room went silent and the pack's wandering eyes landed on me, waiting for my outburst. So I did the exact opposite. I took a deep breath and stared down at my plate. At this point of my life I was tired. Mentally and physically tired. I had no will to argue anymore.

Titus cleared his throat, "You may begin eating. This matter doesn't concern any of you." The pack quickly started up their conversations again and dug into their food. Seth's eyes met mine before he shook his head and looked away.

I sighed and began eating in silence.

***

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