RED

Chapter 8

#Graces POV

   Waking up in the middle of the night, I sat up, moaning, and pressing a hand to my stomach. The aching had only started a few minutes ago, but it is starting to become unbearable. Turning my head to look at the massive sleeping red giant, I smiled, before slipping off the bed quietly, and wrapping a light gown around me. Afterwards, I headed out and towards the kitchen.

   Walking into the kitchen and dining room, I was very surprised to find C'larac there.

   He noticed me and gave me a kind smile. "Aching?", he asked me, obviously taking notice of how I pressed my hand to my stomach. I nodded. "I'll make ya some herbal tea. Sit down and relax", he offered, nodding to the table.

   I nodded again. "Thanks", I muttered, sitting down at the table.

   After some time passed, C'larac came to sit beside me, and slid over a decorated, glazed clay mug, full of a yummy smelling tea. I said thank you, and took notice that he had some tea too.

   We sat in silence for some time, just enjoying our tea, before C'larac spoke.

   "How was mating?", he asked, looking down at his tea. I stiffened, now realising that he must have either heard me and Red, or smelled our musk and scent on me.

   "Better then I actually anticipated?", I answered, focusing on my tea.

   He chuckled, turning to face me. "I'm sure it was,", he started, his eyes filled with cheekiness. "Myself and Dar'garia had mated too. She's asleep, and we mainly had done so, as we now both want more children...", he faded off, looking forward. A small frown appeared, and I couldn't help but to ask.

   "What's wrong with that?".

   He was silent for a moment, before finally answering. "We never had the chance to raise Red... I am worried that he may get jealous or something, or find us 'forgetting' him, if we were to have another child,", he sighed, before continuing. "I just do not want him to feel forgotten or left out. He's already been through so much, Grace", he finished, taking another sip of tea.

   I took a sip as-well, but I also placed a hand on his. He turned to look at me again.

   "He'll understand, C'larac. And I'm sure he'd love a sibling. Plus it'll be fun for him, cause he'll get to play with them", I told him. He laughed quietly, sure not to wake the others.

   "I'm sure you're right, and I'm sure he'll love having a playmate", he smiled, before embracing me in a gentle hug. I hugged him back, loving this new family of mine. "Now,", he started, pulling away. I looked up at him. "Is it just the aches that caused you to wake up?", he asked.

   "I don't know for sure...", I sighed, taking another sip of tea. "I do feel love towards Red, but I'm not sure if I'm meant to be here", I said, looking forward towards the lounge room.

   "You are safe and very much welcome here, child,", he started, resting a hand on my shoulder. "If you feel in anyway not welcome or safe, tell myself or Dar'garia, and we'll deal with it", he added, rubbing my back calmingly. I nodded.

   "Thanks, C'larac", I smiled up at him. He chuckled again, bringing me in for another hug, before we both continued on with our tea.

   After finishing our tea, I felt much better, and decided to head back towards my room. C'larac followed, entering after me, and helping me tuck in. Red opened his eyes, and gave his father a quick hug and nuzzle, before pulling me in closer. I said goodnight to C'larac, before waving him goodbye, as he left our room.

   Red purred and nuzzled my neck, before the both of us fell asleep again.

#C'laracs POV

   Closing my sons door, I smiled as I headed down the hall, and back into my room. Dar'garia sat up at the sound of me entering, and purred as I climbed in bed beside her. She wrapped her arms around my neck, and crawled atop me.