Halfblood Bennett

Chapter 25

 Ostara had almost arrived and Kore realized they would eventually need a bigger house.Okay, change in that statement, she realized Rebekah was right. Even at the time when Kore thought she was just being snobby. The first wolves had arrived with camper vans. They parked in the back area of Kore's home. She didn't have much land. And what land she had was covered in vegetation and her few fruit trees. Already she had two trailers in her backyard and another three in the front. Liz had come by a couple of times but they'd sent her away.

The day before Ostara, the wolves gathered, having a cookout. The full moon was the next day. They'd complete the ceremony and would hopefully have their first full moon where the change was a choice and not forced upon them. Kore was introduced to all the wolves. It was five different packs that arrived. They'd all kneel to Fredrik, even their alphas. Fredrik chose his beta from the group of alphas. His best choice had been Graham of the New England pack. He had a wolf for a wife and two children but neither had been triggered. Kore came down the stairs to see everything set up near her garden. The kids were playing in the plants but not stomping all over them. "Kore!" someone called out and Kore looked to her right to see a pregnant alpha, Lillian. Kore walked over. She was wearing a spaghetti strapped maxi dress with a floor length duster over it. It was the fifth month of her pregnancy. She walked over and joined the woman.

"Hello, Lily. How are you?"

"Excited. You have no idea how scary it is to turn every month," she told her. Kore nodded.

"I can imagine."

"Are you hungry? Or thirsty? I made cranberry lemonade."

"Oh that sounds good," Kore said honestly and they began to walk back to where Lillian's house was parked.

Kore sat down inside the little sitting area. Lillian poured them their drinks. "How have you been?" Lillian asked her, "This is your first pregnancy?"

"Yes. And it's a bit frightening, to be honest. We don't know what will happen."

"Right. Witch birthing the Hybrid's child. So tribrid?" she asked and Kore shrugged even though she knew what her children would be. "Just one? You seem large for this stage."

"Twins. I'm having twins."

"Oh that's lovely. Like Fredrik."

"Well let's hope that's not true," she said and took a sip of her lemonade.

"It is hard," that's all the wolf could say. They talked about happier things. Whether Kore had bought nay baby things.

"No, we're moving actually. We have to be in New York by late August but we'll move in June just to make sure I give birth there."

"You'll be ready," Lillian assured her but Kore didn't know if she believed her. A lot would happen between then and that moment.

Kore went back inside a couple minutes later. Fredrik was there. Bonnie and Rebekah were shopping for spring break. "You okay?" she asked him.

"What?" he looked over at her and nodded, "I'm fine. I- Nik has another pack. I don't know the alpha that kneeled personally. Just through reputation. And it's not good. He's known for being cruel." Fredrik seemed to have a jaw that was constantly clenched recently. 

"Then maybe it's good that your brother will have control over him?"

"With Hybrid abilities and vampire urges?"

"Well, everyone will have to get used to it. It's a new world. And what can you do?"

"Stay away from him. He's becoming a person I don't understand."

"Becoming?" He scooted back and she sat on his lap even though she knew she was heavier than normal. He was an immortal hybrid, he could deal. He wrapped his arms around her, placing his hands on her bump, "I'm not being mean, but your brother has always been known as kind of a dick."

"Yes but-"

"No, that's just it. So this isn't exactly new behavior. But I know what you're worried about."

"You're worried if he'll turn them on you. On me. On Rebekah and Bonnie. And you're right to worry. He doesn't deal with jealousy well. But we can all protect ourselves. And you're working to help protect us. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"Rebekah is going to take Bonnie to New York for Spring Break. They'll get the nursery done then while you're not there. She said she needs your Pinterest board. I don't know what that is." She laughed at him.

"I do. I'll send it over. But it's kind of all over the place."

"I don't even know what 'it' is."

"Don't worry about it," she said and kissed him.

"Have you thought about the wedding?"

"I have. I think, if you want to get married still after they are born, then I want to as well. I don't want to get married for them. I want to be married for us. I know that makes it unfair to you because you're so traditional but-"

"Stop. I understand. I want to marry you for more than just the children. I would've done it on our second date if you would have been open to it. But I can understand your needs. Now how long after they're born can I ask again?"

"Not at their birth. That's too many endorphins."

"For you or me?"

"Both."

"And if I ask then anyway?" She shook her head at him.

The next night Kore stood in front of the entire pack as a werewolf elder completed the ritual. They said they didn't want a witch involved. The babies were actively moving and Kore was excited with them. Fredrik was in front of the pack as he accepted the duties of an alpha. He promised to care for them and protect them. He promised to share with them all he could. His eyes glowed and one by one, theirs did too. They all howled. It sounded quite close to wolves. But everyone was happy. .