Running Wolf

21: sigh and scream

Words: 2261

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After silence, crying and heavy hearts, it was decided that it was best to move into the pack house. Katya's mother felt as though Duncan was here for more that bringing back Katya and everyone couldn't agree more.

When returning, the pack stood outside, winter coats and all, happily greeting the return of their Alpha and Luna. For the first time in a while, Katya could breathe and sigh in relief. She smiled brightly and chatting with members. She even (shyly) asked to hold the babies and young children. Elijah stood from a far, admiring her. Her hair was tied in bun, her face showing fully. She was pink cheeked, smiling at the mothers the crowded her.

"You're a lucky man, aren't ya?" Someone says. Elijah turns, to faces Luke. He's an odd boy. He always just seems to just... appear. He doesn't really see his purpose but Eve said he was a good lad so Elijah never really questioned him or his presence here.

"I suppose I am." Elijah says.

"You suppose? Well that doesn't really seem confident enough. Being that she's your mate and all?"

Elijah narrows his eyes, going back to look at Katya. "What do you mean by that?"

Luke steps closer. "Well if it went around that you weren't being... Affectionate or careful with her, the supernaturals will be more than happy to take her."

Elijah turns back to him. The boy's hair was wild, nearly white. His skin the same besides the pasty bags under his eyes. He looked ill. He couldn't even keep his eyes on Elijah for long without them darting away.

Again, Elijah looks away, jaw clenched. He doesn't want to think about people taking away what's his. He doesn't want to think about what they'll do to her.

"I suppose." Was all Elijah said before he walked away.

Before he even got to the living room, Elijah could see hear her infectious laughter. She was bouncing a child in her hand and as she brings him down, the boy tickles her. Soon, three little children are on top her, including his little Maxwell. His mate does nothing (although there isn't much she can do with little bodies sitting on you) and continues squealing.

"Okay, okay, that's enough." Elijah states. The little ones are quick to get up and stand in front of him. Maxwell pouts first and others do the same.

"Sorry papa." She mumbles.

"Sorry Alpha." Is followed by the other children.

"Oh it's alright." Katya waves him off. "Go play, kids." They cheer, quick to run off but they stop. They turn, run towards her and all place kisses on her face. "Thank you, loves."

She pulls her hair into a neater ponytail as she walks to Elijah. "How were you, Cheri?" She spoke softly, look at his jawline.

"You can't call me that?" He says instead of answering her.

"Why not? It means darling?"

"Why not beau? Or fringant?"

"Handsome? Dashing? Those are lame."

"Hey! My mom calls me that!" He whines.

"Hmm," she stands closing to him, holding his face in her hands. "How about... Roi? Mon roi?" She whispered, breath fanning his face.