Cora, A Sidelines Story from Clayton

The Lake

The Characters of Clayton, Rya, Kennedy, Dallas, and the Valentines belong to Rachelle. The character of Cora is expanded on with Permission from Rachelle, and is written for the pleasure of the International Wildflower Pack, the WhiskeyQueenn fandom. #WildflowersUnited #iwp

:: Rachelle Whiskeyqueenn ,  thank you for letting us wander in your world::

:: this is Cora's POV from the CLAYTON chapter Almost::

The Lake

I had nearly 4 dozen burgers packed in Corina's car seat as I carried it out to the truck. I struggled to get the safety seat in place. I had never actually used it. After several minutes, I was swearing colorfully enough to make my grandmama proud. Mark laughed and, in a matter of seconds, had it and our daughter safely secured.

"Don't blame the contraption, it just wants to do its job," he teases. We are going to be late because after he saw me doing my yoga and talking to Dr Valentine, my alpha needed some 'mate time'. I had barely got Corina fed, changed and down for a nap when he had carried me to our bedroom. Not that my wolf minded but then I had to rush to get the burgers cooked. I was so annoyed right now... Stupid mate bond and horny she-wolf! 

I glared at him, hissing, "I hate y..." His kiss cut me off. Cheater!

"Have I ever told you how beautiful you are when you are riled up? Maybe we should stay home," Mark was trying my patience. He did not want to go but knew better than to argue with me where SHE was concerned.

"Oh I am? Is that why you try so hard to annoy me? I'm beautiful when I'm angry," I grumpily responded as we drove.

"Yes, you are. Actually darlin, you're always beautiful but I can say you're the most beautiful when you're callin' out my name like you were an hour or so ago," He grins evilly and I suppress the urge to hit him. He would be completely happy if I was willing to stay home and be naked all the time or knocked up or both. Male wolves are such pervs, I swear to the Goddess!

There is quite a crowd, so Mark drops me near the door with Corina, and the food before he parks further away. He is going to be carrying the cooler of beer a long way. I wander into to the house Charlie and I shared for almost a year and the flood of memories returns so strong I almost choke on them. I bend my neck to smell Corina's silky dark locks, my hair and his eyes the perfect blend. I put the burgers in the fridge and wander outside, following my nose in the direction of Rya's scent. I see her, hair casually braided, talking to Dr Valentine. She is actually smiling and he makes a small bow to her and she returns the gesture, they look... they look happy.

"Rya..." I call out, walking over to them, she asks me how we are. I nod and grin at her, before glancing around at the crowd and the lake. My wolf is on edge, 'Our pup is too young to be here,' she thinks grumpily. "Dr Valentine, thank you for inviting us out. I just love it here. I made some burgers, I put them in your fridge, I couldn't find you." I need to find a more secure spot to be, I see the big maple I used to do my homework under and my wolf agrees to sitting there. It is a defensible place to have our pup.

Dr Valentine is saying something about not needing to bring the food and I just shrug.

"I couldn't come empty handed, that's rude." I can't get the blanket spread out while I am holding Corina, so I dump the diaper bag on the ground.

Rya smiles and takes the blanket, "Here, let me help you," she offers, easily spreading it out under the tree. She glances longingly at Corina then around at the party, and my wolf whines at the strange sadness she seems to radiate. Dr Valentine takes his leave of us as she continues to look out at the party, she seems in awe of all the activity. She never came to the parties Charlie threw here, the alphas wouldn't allow it. I wonder if this is her first real party.