The Pack House

Unplanned Pregnancies

A/N: Comment & Vote

"So how's Will doing?"

Red shrugged. He and Marc were perfecting a spending plan together while I washed up the breakfast dishes. I had brought food up to Charlie who had taken it and immediately shut the door--literally and figuratively shutting me out. I hadn't heard a peep from Will yet but he had been a physical wreck last I saw him. I had cleaned him up and helped him to bed.

Cam was curled in the armchair in the living room watching a baking show with a throw around his shoulders. It looked like he had gained some holiday weight in his midsection but I knew better--there was a pup in there. He turned his head as I came in and pouted. "Is Red still working?"

"Yes."

"He promised we'd take a nap," he sighed. He set down the remote and slid over to make space.

I smiled and settled beside him. He rested his head on my shoulder. "Everything is so perfect."

I wasn't so sure. A life had been lost and a youth lost. That was exactly perfect. But, in Cam's world, his mate finally loved him unconditionally. Not to mention the miracle inside him. I just hummed. "Have you seen Will at all?" I asked.

"I could hear him crying last night," replied Cam. "But he'll get over it. Just like we all did."

I shook my head. "You don't understand how brutal those guys were. They killed Zach."

"I thought that Raven guy killed Zach?"

"He did but those guys aren't any better. Trust me. I'm going to check on him."

"He probably needs some alone time." argued Cam. "You did after you were branded."

I shuddered at the memory. "The house is so empty," I attempted to change the conversation.

"Yeah. Everyone cleared out pretty quick when Red said they could. If it helps any Alex was really upset he couldn't say goodbye."

I bit my bottom lip. "Do you know where they all went?"

"Sammy was sold to the guy in town; Alex said he was going to visit the messenger wolf and see if he could go home. The rest will probably whore themselves out for food and somewhere to sleep."

"They were better off here."

"I don't know about that. I don't want to raise my pup around a bunch of whores," Cam sniffed, forgetting that not only was he one of those whores but I was as well.

I tried not to get annoyed at his ignorance. I understood he was happy to see things change and to build a real life with Red but he wasn't heartless. Whether he wanted to admit it or not he would worry about the rest of them just like me. But hearing Sammy was with Patrick was great. Patrick was the only one I'd heard who looked positively at the plump omega. In fact, he liked it. And Sammy liked Patrick.

Good job Red.

"I guess Red's changed for the better."

"Yeah. He'll still yell at me sometimes but he always apologizes. And he hasn't hit me since he found out I was pregnant. Get this--he's actually excited to be a father."

I wonder if Marc wants children. "Good for you. I'm glad everything's working out so well."

"And you guys are staying too right?"

"Um I think that's the plan. I haven't gotten much time alone with Marc. They seem pretty anxious to start the project."

"Well Red's living off all his savings and the money he got from selling some of the others. I'll only be pregnant for four months total anyway."

"What?"

"Yeah. The male's carrying period is way faster than a female. It means less waiting but also less time to get ready. But Red wants everything perfect for his arrival." Cam rubbed his belly with a smile. "Do you and Marc think--"

"I don't know," I said quickly cutting him off. "I'm going to check on Charlie and Will."

"Okay." Cam yawned. "Tell Charlie I say hi."

"Will do."

***

I knocked three times before I got a grumbled response.

"Fuck off Mason."

I pushed the door open and Charlie rolled away from me. "How'd you know it was me?"

"Because you have your own smell," Charlie replied in a 'duh' tone. "I told you to fuck off."

"I heard you. I decided to come in anyway."

"Don't you have a mate you could harass?" He muttered. "Leave me be. I'm tired."

"I want to make sure you're okay."

"Why wouldn't I be? I'm knocked up and my mate is dead. I'm just peachy Mason. Close the door."

I sighed. I felt bad for him. He had conflicting feelings about all this. Besides going back to the must have been emotionally scaring for him. "It'll be okay."

"You don't know that Mason. I get that you like to pretend to be holier than thou but I'm over your bullshit. I'm not like the others. All you say are words--you don't have power. So save it."

My teeth grit and I closed his door. I probably shouldn't have lost my patience with him--he was hurting, he didn't mean what he said--but I was sick of my good intentions being thrown back in my face. It would be easier to just not care but that wasn't who I was nor who I ever would be. I always would care, even when I shouldn't.

And Charlie cared too. He was just selfish and cold because of his own experiences. I wasn't about to apologize because I hadn't been traumatized or mated by the most evil creature to ever love. Who knew what kind of demon resided in his womb?

I stormed down the hallway and knocked on Will's door. When no one answered I grew a bit concerned. "Will?"

I went to open the door found some resistance--a wet towel under the door.

I kicked at the door until it opened enough for me to slip in. As I stepped into the room I was blasted with the smell of blood.

QOTC: thoughts?