| KALEB

I nibbled on my lip worriedly. Ever since Zev left my mind has been racing. My mate had relocated Josh and I to the Alpha's room which Josh was not happy about. He wanted to be out with his mate helping, but Darren put his foot down, ordering us both to stay put until further notice. He posted two enforcer wolves outside the door and another pair below the room's window. I had pestered Zev about what he'd seen, seeking answers I probably didn't want to know. He wouldn't tell me what was going on and I was dying to know what was on the other side of the door but at the same time I wanted to remain in the dark. The sun was long gone and my anxiety was only growing. I already knew that whatever it was Jared was behind it and the thought of it made me feel nauseous. But what exactly had he done? Had more of my pack mates been hurt because of me? My head was swimming with negative thoughts about all the ways this could end badly.

I was well aware of what Jared would do if he caught me while I was pregnant. The only question was if he'd wait until after I'd given birth to kill them, or cause an intentional miscarriage. I rubbed my stomach as my brows furrowed. I don't care what I have to do, Jared was never touching my pups. I already loved them so much, I'd do anything to keep them safe. I was still processing the fact that I would be having twins. I would be bringing two lives into the world instead of one. I wondered if they would be pups or cubs, or maybe one of each. I'd adore them either way. It upset me to know that they were in as much danger as I was, perhaps even more so. It frustrated me too. I was a runt, I couldn't fight off anyone and now that I was pregnant I was more than useless. I fought back angry tears that pricked at my eyes. How could I protect them if I couldn't even protect myself? I sighed heavily. The only thing I could do was bring these two into the world as safely as possible, even if I didn't make it.

Josh glanced at me seeming to finally notice the placement of my hands. He stopped his pacing and sat on the small love seat next to me. My friend bumped my shoulder with his softly. It was hardly a bump really, he was being overly gentle.

"You guys work fast." he smirked, looking pointedly at my belly. I blushed and fought the urge to pout, sniffling a little. I could tell that he was trying to keep my mind off things. I was grateful for the distraction that he provided. "When I asked when you were having pups I didn't think it would be this soon." he continued some of his shock showing in the amusement in his voice. I rolled my eyes. Of course he'd take this opportunity to tease me.

"I can't wait til Darren gets you pregnant," I humphed. It was my turn to smirk when he practically turned into a tomato.

"Th- That's not- I- I can't" he sputtered, blue eyes wide as he blinked owlishly. I pursed my lips so that I wouldn't outright laugh at his face. "Darren can't get me p-pregnant," he finally got out all in one breath.

I raised an eyebrow. "I think we both know that is incorrect. We were all taught about the birds and bees, Josh." He knew as well as I that male werewolves could get pregnant under two specific conditions. The first was my case, in which if the male was an omega, he could bear children. In Josh's case, since Darren was an Alpha he was granted the ability by the Goddess - as all Alpha's are- to impregnate his mate whether it be male or female. This is mostly because in werewolf society it is important for the Alpha to have an heir who he passes his power to genetically, thus the Moon Goddess gave Alphas this power. "So, when are you guys going to have pups?" I asked smugly, my having effectively been lifted. Josh looked like he was going to have a heart attack. He buried his face in his hands to hide his red cheeks, groaning.

"I don't even want to think about it," The big bad Beta whined, peaking at me through his fingers. It was nice to have him on the receiving end of the teasing for once. I smiled, reveling in my victory as I leaned further into the couch's soft cushions.

"Aw, but your Gigantor babies would be so cute." I cooed, just to get a rise out of him. "I bet Darren would love to fill you up with his pups." Josh glared at me but he had yet to remove his hands from his face. I giggled, feeling a lot better and slightly less stressed than I had been before.

His hands slipped from his face once his cheeks had cooled considerably. "Glad I'm providing quality entertainment." He grumbled. I bit my lip to keep from laughing. He looked like he was five seconds away from pouting. "It's too early to be thinking about children for me and Darren. Maybe one day we will..." He trailed off. "We- I have a lot to work on first." He admitted, staring at his hands that lay in his lap. I bumped my shoulder with his, smiling up at him when he looked down at me with a raised eyebrow.

"You're doing great. I'm sure Darren is proud of you." I said encouragingly. He returned my smile, a light blush painting his cheeks. "Speaking of Darren, have you talked about marking each other."

"I- We talked about it and then he... um, he-" Josh rubbed the back of his neck, the intensity of his blush increasing.

"Oh Goddess, he marked you?" I asked, practically gushing excitement. The newly appointed Lunos blushed, ducking his head. I found it hard to not coo at my friends actions. It was truly too much fun to make him blush. It wasn't hard either. Simply mention Darren and the boys cheeks lit up like cherries.

"Yes-" He stopped abruptly when Zev reappeared with Darren at his side. The alpha immediately moved to his mate. A frown marred his features and his brows were pinched. His large strides swallowed the floor beneath him until he was standing next to Josh who looked up at him, his blush growing. Darren noticed and raised a brow, eyes flicking to me before returning to Josh's face.

"What were you guys talking about?" He asked, amusement smoothing some of the irritation from his face. In that time, Zev walked over to me and took one of my hands in his. Josh looked like he was about to break into a cold sweat as he nibbled on his bottom lip. Darren's dark orbs landed on his mouth before he looked away quickly.

"Ugh-"

"My god-children." I said for him, causing him to glare daggers at me. I smiled innocently, rubbing my stomach. Darren's eyes widened a little before he looked back at Josh who steadfastly refused to meet his gaze. Darren smirked, rolling his eyes before he leaned down, gripped Josh's chin in his large hand and tilted his face up, connecting their lips in a brief kiss. I heard Josh's surprised gasp as he practically melted into his mate. Darren pecked Josh's lips one last time as he pulled away.

I bit my lip so that I wouldn't squeal in joy. Which resulted in Zev growling in my ear lightly.

"What have I told you about that lip, Kaleb?" I quickly released the pink flesh, blushing intensely. Zev chuffed in approval, placing a soft kiss on the side of my forehead.

"S-So what did you guys find out?" Josh stuttered out quickly. Darren chuckled as he straightened back up. I could tell he was really amused with his mate as he crossed his arms over his broad chest. He sighed his good mood gone as quickly as it had came. Zev pulled me into his lap where I curled up against his chest resting my head under his chin. His arms wrapped around my small body protectively as he buried his nose in my hair.

"Nothing." Darren growled frustratedly, his eyes flashing gold. He rubbed a hand down his face as he leaned against the wall next to his mate.

"What was outside?" I asked, finally able to voice the question that had been eating away at me all day. Zev growled and I pat the hand that lay on my belly soothingly. Josh seemed to recede into himself a little, his face going pale. An expression I'd never seen on Darren crossed his face. His fangs protruded as his lips pulled back into a snarl. The once brown orbs were now a startling gold and filled with murderous intent.

"A message." was his vague reply. I wanted to push for more information but figured that was all the answer that I was going to get. Zev carried me back to our room a little later with me curled against his chest. He lay me in the middle of the bed, where he gently began to strip me. Once I was naked, he took his own clothes off before sliding in beside me.

"We're going to be dads." I said turning my face into his chest. Zev rubbed my back gently, drawing small circles on the pale flesh with his fingers.

"We are." Was his reply. The two words were filled with so much warmth and happiness, I felt my heart swell.

"Zev?"

"Yes, little one?"

"Make love to me." I'm not really sure why I wanted him right now. Especially in light of today's events but I couldn't help but crave the gentle touch of my mate as he brought us both to ecstasy. Zev chuffed lowly, his hands halting their drawing on my skin as he trailed them down my legs and over the curve of my ass.

"When can I ever deny you anything?" he asked rhetorically, softly situating me on my back before he settled between my thighs. He leaned down, pressing his lips to my mark causing a shudder to ripple down my spine. A gasp escaped my parted lips when his warm tongue lapped at the area his lips had been. I was leaking within seconds.

Zev reached a hand down, pushing a finger into me before adding another. I wanted to rush him and say I didn't need him to stretch me but I was too caught up in the sensation of his mouth on my mark. I wanted him to bite me again. To reaffirm that I was his and his alone. I whimpered as his teeth brushed across my neck. I strained my head to the side, offering him more of my neck. He chuffed in approval.

Gently he removed his fingers and pressed the head of his shaft against my hole before slowly pushing in. I gasped at the delightful burn of his entry. His fingers entwined with mine as he held my hands above my head. He slowly began to thrust in and out of me, setting up a slow pace that made my toes curl as he hit my prostate with every thrust.

"Z-Zev." I gasped as his lips sealed themselves over mine. I don't think I could ever get enough of him kissing me. The way his mouth moved against mine made me pant with need. The way his tongue practically devoured my mouth, staking his claim on me completely, sent a thrill through me.

The long gentle strokes of his hips was enough to drive me to the edge but not enough to push me over to my orgasm. I separated our lips with a harsh pant, sucking in much needed air.

"More, please." I begged. Zev growled, lowering his face to my chest as he placed kisses and licks there. Once there were love bites all over the pale expanse he turned his attention to my staining pink nipples. He licked at one before sucking on it and dragging his teeth across the pert stub gently. I moaned as my eyes pinched shut. The feeling of his cock stretching me wide as he thrust it deeply into me was mind numbing. The attention he was giving to my chest was causing my nerve ends to frazzle, but I still wanted more. "Please, I-I -"

"You're a needy puppy tonight, aren't you, little one?" Zev teased as he released one of my hands to wrap his larger one around my straining shaft, pulling it from the pool of pre-cum it had created on my abdomen. I mewled at the contact, nodding my head deliriously.

"Ah- ah, Zev!" I whimpered when he began stroking me. My hips took on a mind on their as they thrust against his touch. He leaned back down to continue his assault on my nipples. I was in so much pleasure I could hardly keep up, needy whines and mewls poured from my parted lips filling the air alongside Zev's muffled groans. The sensations of his cock moving in my as his warm, calloused hand stroked my weeping cock and his mouth practically feasted on my chest was too much to handle. I felt as if I could cum at any moment. His hand that had still been entwined with mine, wrapped itself around my throat loosely. With both my hands now free, I curled one into Zev's brown hair, the other moving to clutch his arm desperately.

"Cum with me," He growled in my ear. I cried out, my eyes fluttering shut as his hot cum filled me. My cock erupted in his hand as my back arched clear off the bed.

I moaned weakly as he removed himself with a wet pop. He peppered my face with kisses causing me to giggle as I pushed at his chest gently.

"I love you." he said before he leaned up, trailing kisses down my face and neck, pausing to pay special attention to my mark before continuing down my chest.

He placed on final kiss on my stomach. "I love you, too, little ones." he whispered to my belly with apparent adoration. I bit my lip as tears filled my eyes. I felt like I'd been crying all day, but I didn't care, they were happy tears. There wasn't much to be happy about lately so I'd take what little I could get while it lasted.

I reached to cup his cheeks and pull his face back up to mine. Our lips met once again and I savored every second of it. A moment later I pulled away and Zev brushed away the tears that had spilled.

"I love you." I sighed contently, melting further into the sheets of our bed. It was becoming hard to keep my eyes open. The events of the day finally caught up to me causing my eyes to droop. Zev chuckled, pecking my cheek one last time before he got up to go the bathroom. He back with a rag to clean us off and I fell asleep before he was done.

Goddess please let us all get through this okay.

*

*

*

The days flew by and I forced myself to push thoughts of Jared to the back of my mind. I had more important things to worry about. My unborn children were all that I cared about and stressing over my would be captor wouldn't be healthy for me or them. Samira has been checking on me and them diligently for the past three weeks. Although, the bigger my stomach got the more irritable Zev became when people came too close to me. During one of the check ups he almost bit her arm off.

It was becoming difficult to get around. I was a month into my pregnancy and my stomach seemed to have tripled in size. They seemed to be growing faster tan what was normal and Samira has been giving me tonics to help my body adjust to the rapid changes. It was crazy to think that in four weeks I could be giving birth to twins. Werewolf pregnancies tended to be short because the pups developed fast. It worried me because although a month has passed Jared could still attack at any time. I still don't know what happened two weeks ago no one will tell me.

I got up from my spot on the couch and rubbed my lower back. Jeez, these kids are heavy. If the size of my stomach was any indication, they were going to be huge like their father. I rubbed my belly affectionately, walking towards the kitchen. When I say walk, what I really mean is waddle. Josh has been laughing at me saying I looked like a pregnant penguin. He stopped once I started crying though. Let's not even get started on my hormones. Suffice it to say, I've been a mess.

Zev hopped up from his spot on the love seat to follow me. I wasn't surprised really, he's become like a second shadow. I can barely get him to let me go to the bathroom by myself. I would have told him to sit back down but there was point in starting an argument that I wasn't going to win.

"Are you going on patrol with Darren again today?" I asked as my mate placed me on the stool by the island in the kitchen. Zev nodded, walking towards the fridge to fix me a sandwich. I nibbled my lip absently. I had kind of hoped to spend the day with him after my check up with Samira. Although, Josh was supposed to come with this time since he figured Zev would be busy. Turns out he was right.

"We won't be gone long." He assured me as he placed a fully made sandwich in front of me. I smiled at him gratefully before taking a bite.

"Do you think Jared has given up?" I ask after I swallowed what was in my mouth. It was a stupid thing to hope for but I couldn't help it. Life would be so much easier if he would just let go of his delusion to have me as his luna. But when is life ever easy? "It's been two weeks since he left the bodies." My optimism didn't rub off on Zev. The large male pulled his lip back in a snarl at the mention of the rogue leader.

"No. I don't." he growled irritably, "The bastard has been sending scouts for the past few days and they're steadily increasing in number. Darren and I have killed the parties that we've seen, but there seem to be more." he stated grimly. He large fists clenched and unclenched in frustration. I swallowed nervously, trying not to show the dread seeping into my heart on my face. "I don't want you to worry about this." Zev said cupping my cheeks in his palms, "Focus on the cubs, I will take care of everything else." I nodded as he leaned down to kiss my forehead.

Darren came into the kitchen then. His eyes swept the room quickly before they landed on me. I saw a slight panic in the brown depths but he hid it well.

"Have you seen Josh today?" The Alpha asked. I blinked in confusion trying to recall the last time I saw him. Which definitely wasn't today. I shook my head in the negative as Darren's brows pinched in worry.

"Not since yesterday. He was supposed to meet me at the pack doctor's room in a few minutes, have you checked there?" I asked, my heart starting to beat rapidly. Darren's jaw ticked, his eyes flashing between gold and brown.

"He left the room two and a half hours ago. He's not responding to the pack link." Darren ran a hand down his face. "I'm getting worried."

"As you should." Samira voiced as she stepped into the room. She looked tired, like she'd been up all night. Her hair was in disarray and her eyes were dull and lifeless. She was a mess. The most noticeable thing however was that she didn't have a scent. Zev immediately moved to stand between her and me as Darren rushed her, snarling. "Ah- Ah- Ah, young Alpha." she tsked raising a dainty hand to halt his movements. Darren kept moving despite the gesture, his hand wrapped around the slim column of her neck before he slammed her into the wall with enough force to crack it. "You might want to hear what I have to say first, especially if you wan to see your mate." she gasped out, even though her face was beginning to turn an unnatural shade. Darren snarled, loosening his grip, but he did not let her go.

"Speak." Came the deep gravelly voice of his wolf who was obviously moments away from taking control. I shivered at the malice in his voice, the dominance of an alpha rolling off of him. I peaked around Zev's massive form as I clutched onto his arm, holding it to my chest.

"He wants to speak with you. If you bring his Luna and the tiger he promises not to hurt your mate. As for whether or not he kills him depends on you three going alone. No one else. I will lead you to him." she said her voice monotone and empty. Zev growled, his body shaking. Icy fear clawed at my heart. Jared had him again. Tears filled my eyes til they overflowed. The thought of Josh back with him after everything the sick bastard had done to him caused me physical pain.

"Why?" I asked on a broken sob. I sounded pathetic even to myself. Of course I would be crying now when I needed to be strong. If not for myself then for my children. Both Darren and Zev looked like they wanted to tear her limb from limb before they scattered her remains to the wind.