Ember

28. Forged in Love

Remi

It has taken weeks. to be able to function on my own again without pain. I am still sore from my injuries that weren't healed before I shifted, this is an improvement over not being able to move. This morning I feel physically normal again. A small scar remains on my cheek below my eye. Minor in comparison to what could have happened.

Thinking back to the incident my face heats up with the thought of alpha Silas, the way he cared for me. His dark energy touching my skin and our conversation. I opened up in a way I never have and it was easy. Too easy. My dreams became more vivid. Waking up in a pool of sweat, unable to satisfy myself every time. Hot flashes come and go. It has been maddening.

Standing in the kids room I set out a pretty baby blue dress for my little girl and a black shirt and pants for my boy.

Alpha Silas sent word for a meeting to take place now that I am mobile again. Dinner with my little pack and his family. He has questions and his mother said they all want a formal meet and greet. The children will return home earlier with Nicholas so the adults can talk. He is fantastic with them and has earned my trust with them.

Needing to rest I make my way to the living room to see my kids. I sit and curl up on the couch to listen to my pups tell wild stories of creatures and legends.

"The biggest wolf in the world was so big it took over 100 deer for one meal to satisfy his hunger!" Aleric tells his tale stretching his arms for dramatic effect.

Nora gasps "Did he pop them in like candy?? Eww!"

My Nora. So gullible, I hope for her sake she outgrows this. For now it is amusing to see them banter. They have their fights, but the twin connection they have is unbeatable and strong.

They start laughing and rolling on the floor. They have grown so much mentally. So eager to see and touch anything they can. Soaking in all the knowledge from everything, they are so smart. From the outside you would never know they spent their whole lives in a cage. Bright and beautiful young wolves. Makes my mama heart swell with pride.

Nora runs over and jumps into my lap, snuggling her head under my chin. Breathing her in I squeeze her tiny body. She has grown. Just a few months ago she barely took any room in my lap, now she takes the whole space. Aleric is two times her size and weight. I have been showing them slowly how to use their abilities. They care to use them but it is important they know how.

Stroking her curls down her back. As she grows she gets more red streaks and starting to get some freckles on her nose. Aleric across the room looks older than he should. His eyes always watching, so wise for a child. 9 months has changed him, he is still my little fire cracker with a growing gentleness.

Aleric watches me from across the room "mom why did you leave?"

When I returned none of us spoke about my absence, I was met with hugs and tears, after that we didn't really speak about my time away. Aleric has been very attentive and watching me like I'm going to vanish into thin air. Nora snuggles closer into my neck, they are terrified.

"My wolf and I needed time to heal. I was in a very dark place and needed to find the light again." Sorrow in my voice.

"Without us?" His question is filled with poison

"Aleric, me leaving had nothing to do with you. It was me. I was broken and I was afraid of sinking us all, I see more clearly now and promise to never leave like that again. You two are my whole life. I will spend my life making up for my mistakes." I am sincere. I hope he feels how sorry I am.

Reaching my hand out for him to take, His eyes are swirling with emotions as he approaches to take my hand. I kiss his hand showing my love. Looking at me he speaks " we already forgave you mama. The only thing we need is each other, we are a pack and in a pack no one is alone. We go together or not at all if the time comes to leave"

The young boy in front of me is wiser than most grown males I know, fighting so hard to keep his family whole.

Stroking his fingers in mine " I think we could have a good life here together and I promise if that changes we will go together. I could never leave you ever, I'm sorry that I ever did"

He acknowledges with a hand squeeze.

"How do you both feel about dinner tonight with the alpha and his family" I ask them both.

Aleric tenses a little" I think it's fine. I like alpha Silas and the rest seem ok. I'll be paying attention just in case I'm wrong"

Nora seems a bit nervous "He seemed ok when we met. I'm not sure mommy what if they don't like that we are all weird." This hurt my heart. The thought of anyone not liking my kids makes me want to shield them from everyone, I can't do that and undo all the growing they have done.

"My babies, you're growing so fast into incredible wolves. There is absolutely no way they could not like two of the most incredible souls I know. Besides all the best wolves are weird" Looking at my boy and kissing my daughters head.

"ok. Enough lovey stuff. Let's go put on our good clothes and get cleaned up Nora" she takes her brother's hand and slides off my lap and runs into their room with a giggle.

I never thought we could get here. To a place the twins could play, grow and flourish. To tuck them into a bed every night and watch them sleep in peace. To pick their own clothes out in their own room.

Such simple things bring me happiness. I am a little anxious about dinner, for now I'm going to push that aside and silently laugh at the sound of my children's bickering over the bathroom and be happy I am alive to do so.