Wolves mated forever it seemed for creatures in their pack. Never before had she been part of anything before that moment when Krystopher accepted her. Two lone wolves. One who had lost everything and fought for his right to be king and the other who had never had any of it all along. Under the full moon which sang to their souls, the two lone wolves became one. A slow and steady ocean in the madness that had been their pasts. It hadn’t crossed their minds that there could be more to this life than what was laid out before them for they were just taking it one day at a time.

“Thanks for coming with me Isabel. I didn’t want your father being all worried about me.” She had been ill for the past few days. Nothing out of the blue. Women were passing around the sickness like a damn plague in the market place so she figured that’s where she got it from. Her mate’s daughter helped her to see Angela and everything appeared alright until Angela actually showed up.

It was a long session that left Liz and Isabel quite frazzled. They kept looking at each other the whole way back home. They were quiet and in shock. “How about you go home and I’ll handle your father. He is probably with Blaine and Garland.” She pat her stepdaughter's head and made her way to see her mate.

They were, of course, horsing around at the White Court Manor where Toya reigned supreme. She could hear the twins and Keya making all sorts of noises as they played whatever it was young adolescents played. From the clanking of metals, they would most likely playing knights and dragons again. It was only confirmed as she watched Tempest fling herself over one of Toya’s lounging dragons yelling, “SURRENDER SCALY FIEND.” The dragon lifted his head up and snorted sending the light girl on her bottom with laughter. “COUSIN LIZ!” Tempest waved and the other two children popped up over the side of the dragon to wave at her as well.

“Try not to annoy the dragons too much you three… They need their rest from how rambunctious you can be.” Liz waved her hand as she made her way inside. They were in the family room lounging about on couches laughing. Jordas, Blaine, Garland, and finally her eyes slid to Krystopher.

“Yo, Liz.” It was Toya who came back in to plop on her husband as she stole the decanter from him and took a swig of whiskey. “Want some?”

“Not today.” Liz was quiet as she came over to Krys and took his hands. She pulled him up and got close to him. Luckily for her, she was tall so she was able to put her forehead to his carefully. She knew he was going to ask her what was wrong. She waited for him. It had to be written on her face but nothing would prepare him for her next few words.

“Krys, I’m pregnant.” There was a pause. “With triplets.” All at once just like she had rehearsed a dozen times with Isabel.

Toya dropped the decanter in shock and dove off the couch to save it. “By the gods Krys… Do you think you porked her good enough?” The Rosenite queen was staring up at her niece who had her face as red as could be.

It seemed to be just another day for Krystopher as he was surrounded by family at his brother’s place. Although Liz wasn’t with him, he knew where she was- just having a check-up with Angela to make sure it wasn’t anything serious and Isabelle was accompanying her for safety. In the meanwhile, the house was filled with terror that was the twins and their little friend as they played about as they already did. Garland was egging them all while Blaine sighed and took a long drink from his decanter. Jordas took a puff from his pipe before passing it to Krys. He took it and went for a puff of his own when Liz appeared. It was strange since his daughter wasn’t with her, but he let it go quickly.

“So, a couple of days of rest will do the trick? Or did she give you some sort of awful medication?”, he asked, teasing her a bit. He did hope that she would be fine- the last few days she was somewhat miserable and they couldn’t fathom why. Blaine for a moment remained silent when she refused the whiskey, knowing all too well that the she-wolf usually partook in it. Things got even weirder when Krys found himself being pulled to her and he was starting to worry. “Wait, what’s going? Is it worse than what we thought?”

As soon as those three words were said, he stared blankly at her. “Elizabeth…” He was shocked for sure but his father quickly spoke up. “That’s my boy! Pour me a drink to that!” Jordas, still with a dumbfound look on his face, stumbled about to fill his uncle’s glass, while Blaine started to chuckle to himself, having a feeling that’s why she wouldn’t drink. But then she spoke something else and the gates of chaos were opened. Garland, chugging down the alcohol, nearly spat it out, choking and coughing as he looked at Liz’s belly. By the Moons, Krys! That’s my boy! Jordas! Pour me two more for the other two cubs!” Blaine burst out into tears of laughter and Jordas fell into his seat hard and stared at his cousin. “What the devil you two been doing?”

“Jordas, where's my bloody drinks, boy?”

Krystopher couldn’t believe this- a child with Liz would have been good news, but triplets? That was a cause for celebration for sure. “I didn’t think it would happen like this…” Having more children wasn't something he had planned for and they hadn’t talked about it since they became mates. He looked concerned for a moment before his eyes took in the person that would soon become the mother of his children and smiled at her. “How do you feel about this? I know that you have to be a bit worried since you haven’t been through this in a good while.” Blaine stopped laughing and felt a bit bad about it given Liz’s last child and looked to Toya who lost one of her own. “Wintercrest blood is strong, you fool. The only thing she will have to worry over is if they get your looks.”

“They should have mine, then they will be fine!”, Garland suggested as he moved over to them and shoved a drink Krys’ way and kissed Liz on the cheek. “Now you are stuck with our pack, little lady. Prepare for the long haul.” Krys downed the drink and held onto Liz tightly. “It’s going to be a hell of a ride and looking forward to it.”

Liz gave him an awkward smile when he started to jest at her. The look on his face would have been funny if she wasn’t in an adrenaline rush. This was a flight or fight situation and Liz was certainly fighting right now with how her demeanor was. “No Krys,” she chuckled before those words finally left her mouth. The ones that she had been meaning to tell him this entire time.

His voice normally so strong and stern was but a whisper with her name. Soft like he was when he was passionate with her. Her amber eyes glimmered a bit in excitement as Garland called for celebrations. If she hadn’t been so nervous before she spoke her final piece about her pregnancy she would have laughed. Finally, once she got it out Liz was smiling and laughing up at Krys as everyone else joined in their excitement.

“What the hell you think they been doing? Probably some really freaky sex to get that many in one go,” Toya blurted out as she looked back up at Liz now taking a drink in celebration for the couple’s new found triplets.

“And how was it supposed to happen?” Liz chuckled some more as she watched him. She could tell that he was struggling and that worried her for a moment but soon he was smiling like she was. “How do you think I feel? I got poked and prodded by Angela before she snorted and laughed for five minutes before she told me.” The she-wolf laughed hard and shook her head. “As long as you are with me…” She put her forehead to his. “I’ll be fine. I promise. Stop being a worrywart and celebrate with your father before he kills Jordas for not getting him those drinks.”

Liz chuckled at Blaine and kicked the chair he was on good. “Careful Old Man. He’s not that bad looking even if he is old.” Liz took Garland’s kiss and nodded. “I don’t think I’m a bit too worried about that I quite like you all.” She watched Krys take a drink as she wrapped an arm around his back.

“Definitely one hell of a ride… I’m excited for it.” She kissed Krys’s cheek with a grin and felt the weight come off her shoulders. There had been nothing to worry about especially since she knew Krystopher was a loyal mate.

“Not to put a damper on this joyous occasion,” Toya spoke before taking another swig of her whiskey, “when is Krys going to tell Cathrine? Cause that’s going to be a party… You know she wanted Liz to get married before getting pregnant again. You just might die if Cathrine isn’t in a good mood.” Liz’s smile faded a bit.

“Don’t joke like that… You know it was only a preference and she wasn’t being serious when she said it.”

“Her joking and her serious have the same bloody tone… How the hell do you tell the difference?”

“She’s my mother…” Liz shrugged a bit. “How do your kids tell when you are drunk and when you are sober.”

Toya took a pillow and launched it at her niece. “Watch it!”

Krystopher was still in awe of the circumstances, given how much he had screwed up with Isabelle when she was growing up. He was in a bad place in his life, having trouble getting over the past and making sure that he wouldn’t lose anyone ever again. That obsession had led to a dark path and his daughter basically grew up without a father. He couldn’t do that very thing again- not when everything felt normal again. It wouldn’t be fair to Elizabeth or their unborn children.

“Mayhaps, but it looks to me that they are out doing you two!”, Garland responded to Toya before Blaine gave him a look. “We have seven children, how is that being outdone by them?”

“Because. the most at a time you had were twins. They are having triplets, so get to work at caught up, boy”

Father and son were bickering among each other while the other son lowered his eyes to Liz’s stomach. It wouldn’t be long before it grew big with their children and gods, it been a while since he dealt with a pregnant woman. This was going to be a hell of a ride for certain. Somehow Jordas managed to slip out of the room and came back with the requested drinks. His uncle, ceasing the argument with Blaine temporarily to snatch them up and started drinking before he came back to where he left off.

“Aside from my girls, I’m the only one with the looks in the wolven Wintercrest family. Fortunately, your kids got your looks, Toya and Isabelle look like her mother.”

“You are a horse’s ass”, Blaine spat out right before the two were bickering all over again.

Everything seems to stand still though when Toya spoke and Krys fell silent. He had forgotten all about Cathrine. It had slipped his mind that now he would have to face her mother and spill the beans. “No…I wasn’t aware of that.” They are wolves and they already were practically married considering that they were to be mates for life. Besides, it was too closely similar to how he was last married- to avoid the whole thing of “born out of wedlock” when Bast was pregnant. If he wanted to marry her, he would do so when it wasn’t just because she was pregnant.

Garland rose up and moved to Krys before taking him up by the collar of his shirt and started on their way. “What the hell, father?”

“Come on, boy. You heard your sister, gotta spill the beans and man up.”

Oh, he knew what that damned old man was up to and started to struggle. Unfortunately, Garland was still a good bit stronger and out the door they went. “Let you know how this fairs out. It will either be a celebration or a funeral. Either way, get some more drinks!”

Krys’ heart beat faster the closer they moved to Liz’s house and as they crossed through its courtyard, he was losing more of his nerve. At the door, his father knocked loudly while keeping his deathgrip on his son.

“Steady nerves, Krys.”
“Easy for you to say.”

“Oi, my womb ain’t growing anymore Wintercrests. Not until that boy is grown.” Toya pointed to Sparrow. “He’s a titty baby and requires all of my love. Besides Sparrow looks just like his daddy but with curly hair.”

Toya put her hands on her hips as she watched Garland drag Krys out. Liz put up her hand to stop them but realized there wasn’t really a point. “Think he’ll live?”

“Oh, I think Cathrine likes him enough.” Toya chuckled.

Meanwhile, on the way to the Purple Court Garland and Krys met up with an unlikely pair. Lotus was following behind Colden and Dante. Lotus was a gorgeous half succubus. Her long black hair was pulled up and she had on a silk robe that clearly had something naughty underneath. “You are going to get the boy killed.”

She had her arms crossed as her eyes looked over at Krystopher and Garland. “And… why are you lot going to Cathrine? Please don’t tell me you are here for the same thing this one is?” She pointed to Colden who was still trying to pass out at the news. “I know you from Toya but not the older one… I am Lotus, Toya’s niece. The white haired man is my lover Dante and the one we’re dragging is my sweet baby brother Colden.”

Cathrine was in the garden. Her long hair was in a braid and she was watering some of the shaded plants. Kyrel wasn’t far from her as he held a basket that she was placing some of the cut flowers in. The mental music entered their minds, she was humming a very sweet lullaby.

“I’ve always loved that song. Grandmother used to sing it to us when we would go to the castle to get away from our mother.” Lotus kissed her aunt on the cheek.

“Now… What do I owe the pleasure of all these guests? Kyrel, could you fetch us that tea platter? It should have enough cups for everyone… Please make yourselves at home in my garden.”

Lotus was one of the first to find a seat and plop herself in. She was smiling up to Colden. “Come here, Colden… Might be easier for you.” She patted her lap for his head as she sat on a bench.

“Nonsense. He’s gonna have to tell her at some point”, Dante reassured his love as he dragged his brother against his will to the Purple Court home. He lowered himself to Colden’s ear, “Wouldn’t you rather do it now or have Cathrine find out herself when Crystaline’s belly gets big?” Colden, already terrified, was hyperventilating now at the thought. Besides, Dante wanted to get this over with so that he could get to unwrap that robe from Lotus and see the little surprise she had for him. “Hey, who are them?”, Dante asked when he set eyes on the two grown men ahead of them.

“That’s Krystopher…his Crystaline’s sister’s mate”, Colden was able to mutter before he fell back into his state of anxiety. “Aye, and this is my father, Garland”, Krys said beneath his father’s grip.

Of course, Garland was paying more attention to Lotus, “Aye, aren’t you looking a little cold in just that robe?” Krys knew enough of what Lotus was like to know that she had done that on purpose but didn’t say a thing. He didn’t need to because her lover spoke up, “I know, she’s holding a surprise over my head, but after Colden is done telling Cathrine some good news, I’ll find out soon enough.”

“What a coincidence, I can get back to drinking once Krys pour out his soul to her as well.”

Krys grimaced and Colden held a blank look on his face when he heard his aunt speak up.

Meanwhile, Kyrel was close by Cathrine with all that commotion going on. “Looks like you’re very popular these days. Colden. Krystopher.” He bowed his head towards them and smirked at Lotus and Dante. To be young again and playing their little games. The older lycan was a stranger but he was welcomed as well. He went to retrieve the platter while Colden fell like a log onto his sister’s lap, dreading everything. “It’s a pleasure to meet another beauty, madam”, Garland said with a bow of his own. “Don’t even father. He always gets like this… ", Krys said apologetically before he ripped the metaphorical bandage off. “Liz is pregnant…and with triplets.” Dante’s jaw dropped to the floor and then stumbled over to Colden. “Hey brother, in comparison, your news will look like a cakewalk.”

Colden still wasn’t as willing to say his peace but was able to look at Cathrine and gulp. “Crystaline’s…pregnant…too." Kyrel came back just in time to hear that. “Little Crystaline?” Setting the tea platter onto the table, he came over to Cathrine’s side and smiled. “Well, congratulations to you two then.” Dante opened his big mouth some more, “You missed it, Kyrel. Krys and Liz are having triplets!”

“By the gods!”

“What the hell is in your water?”, Garland said as he sniffed at the tea before reaching for a canteen and pouring in his own addition into it and drank. “You lot have some sort of mating season?”


All Krystopher could think of was what a house of screaming babies was going to be like.

Lotus smirked at her lover and looked over at Garland. “Oh trust me if it wasn’t for my baby brother I might wear a bit less…” She pulled the robe down to shoulder her shoulders to make Dante howl. “But Dante is being such a good boy.” She pulled the robe back up and tied it. Most would call her a minx but others had nastier words for her.

“Often for the wrong reasons my dear I assure you.” Cathrine stifled a laugh as she watched Colden fall on his sister’s lap. Lotus ran her fingers through her brothers hair to calm him down much like when they were young.

“Oh, this is your father Krystopher? I take it he’s met that delinquent of a sister of mine then.” Cathrine chuckled once more. That was before the news came and Cathrine about dropped the shears in her hand. Her green eyes were wide as she watched Krystopher. Her lips moved to say something when Colden spoke up after his brother-in-law.

Now the queen actually dropped her shears. Both of her daughters including her heir were pregnant. It took but a few moments for the regal queen to pull herself together and take a deep breath. “Congratulations to you both then… There was surely no need to be afraid as I approve of you both for my daughters and it was only a matter of time. Despite what Toya or OTHERS might tell you.”

Cathrine chuckled towards Garland. “The summer is a popular time to get pregnant. They say our bodies aline with the flowers of the region… Though if you go by Angela’s word that’s a bunch of rumors. She is the one to trust with these things. I think it was fate that both of you have conceived at the same time.” She offered up a smile and hugged Krystopher before patting Colden on the head.

“However, as much as I would love to have all four of my only grandchildren in my household… Might I recommend that you purchase the manor that recently was built near Toya. Four screaming newborns isn’t something I adore.” Cathrine felt bad saying it to Krys. “Besides, I think having your own place might be worth it. You might even be able to house your father and let him help. I also think that having someone who knows babies well near by will help and while Toya is a pain in the ass… She knows babies better than I do.”

Moving her green eyes to Colden. "You can be happy Colden. With this birth, you have saved your family from doom. Also, Crystaline loves you more than the sun and moons love each other… So be happy. It is only a shock for a while but soon you will have a child that represents your union… Same to you as well Krystopher. These children will be part you and Elizabeth."

After a second or two Cathrine chuckled and looked at Kyrel. "Guess who will help me with the babies? Including changing and feeding them."

“Aye, that poor sap’s a lucky bastard if I ever saw one”, Garland responded, eying Lotus up and down. He was like a more controlled Dante but at the same time, he didn’t hold back his thoughts which made his son groan inwardly. But in any case, he had to confess and fortunately he wasn’t the only one. Colden looked like a wreck in comparison and it helped him gain some confidence which his father was gnawing at. [“Yes, this is him. Garland Wintercrest and he’s harmless, mostly.”

“The hell I am harmless”, he huffed at Krys, “Fighting is one of the best things I’m good at. Another’s drinking and the other thing is something that I won’t say in front of the women folk out of respect. Apparently, you are good at the last thing if you got her daughter carrying three pups.” Kyrel, like the others, saw Cathrine take the news in stride only to be shocked by Colden’s confession. He picked them up for her and handed them over. “Looks like a miracle, or two really. Your house is the smallest of the five, but now you won’t have to worry.”

Garland drank at his special tea and perked up at hearing Angela’s name. “I keep hearing about her name, but usually in vain by Toya. When the hell do I get to meet her?” Krystopher shook his head, “Probably when she goes to check on the babies’ welfare.” His father huffed again and continued sipping. Meanwhile, Colden was recovering and feeling a bit better, his stomach untwisted enough for him to take into account everything, especially when his aunt patted him on the head.

“Oh, of course. I wouldn’t want to put you through that”, Krys replied. It was for the best if he and Liz got their own place, though he was less than thrilled about his father staying with them. “Hell, that’s a wonderful idea. I see why they call you the smartest!”, Garland cheered before putting his son in a headlock. “Ain’t that great, Krystopher?”

“Yes…terrific.”

“What about Crystaline and our baby?”, Colden asked. He suspected that she would either remain in the manor or she would have to stay with him in the Black Court, though she was the heir here so it seems like the former would prove more logical. “Oh, I’m happy. Just still in shock but I love her too and I want to be a parent that adores their child.” And not be like his mother or father- it was something that he dreaded the most.

Dante was getting a bit impatient and as soon as that discussion ceased, he went to move Colden off his sister and scooped up Lotus in his arms. “Been good long enough. We will see you later, Colden. He gave a short wave to the others before he carried her away, who knew how far before he would seek his treat. Kyrel laughed up until he was dragged into the mess and he pouted. “But I don’t know how to change babies? That’s an adventure I didn’t think I would see.”

In the small amount of time between that time and now Krystopher and Liz had obtained their new house. Garland surprisingly had agreed to move in with them to help with the triplets. At least they would be assured to have some sleep on occasion. Liz looked ready to burst and every once she held a look on her face as she stared at Krys. It was weird to see such a tall lithe Liz as big as she was.

Crystaline though had been the first to go into labor. She was abnormally small and it concerned Angela for most of the pregnancy. Though thanks to how small Crystaline was she still looked rather big at the end.

Liz walked with Garland and Krys who were helping her get to the Purple Court. She could hear the screams from Crystaline as they got to the door. “Wonderful.” She rubbed her belly before getting let in. Colden was passed out on the floor with Lotus next to him.

“You got in here just in time… Colden passed out from all the blood. She’s been at it for a few hours now.” Lotus moved her brother with her foot. “Little brother… wake up.”

“Is anyone in there with Crystaline?” Liz looked concerned.

“Your mother and Eldora.” Lotus gave a smile. “Eldora took over for Colden once he passed out. Isn’t that right Steele?” Steele was in the corner with Estelle and Artemis. “This is a real family event. Considering once little Angelette is born she sets us free.”

A second set of lungs were finally heard as Crystaline calmed down. It wasn’t much longer before Angela came out holding one of the smallest bundles she had ever seen. “Colden.” She let the baby cry next to him to get him to fully wake up. “You have to mind her… I swear she is one of the smallest children I’ve ever seen.” She had a head full of black hair with white at the roots and little wings that had next yet feathered. Her lungs were loud though even for how small she was. “Here.” She handed the child off. “Crystaline is resting. You guys can see her in a little bit.”

Colden had been anticipating the moment when Crystaline would go into labor. It had been a thought that dreaded his mind ever since he learned of her pregnancy and he had done everything to see to it that he was prepared. He made sure that she was comfortable, well fed and given his undivided attention. He even had talked to his brothers in learning their experiences when their lovers were pregnant to see how to handle this situation, but when it came down to the wire, he couldn’t handle the birthing well. Particularly when it came down to see her in that state of pain and…the blood. The young man passed out after a few minutes, and Lotus dragged him out while Eldora and Cathrine stayed with Angela and Crystaline.

Krys came inside with Garland and Liz when they saw the sight of them and the older lycan peeked over Colden. “Boy needs some stronger constitution if he’s gonna have some more children.” Krys rolled his eyes and brought Liz closer to the pair. “He’s young, give him time to adjust.” Fortunately backup was in there with the tiny woman and before long they heard the baby’s welcome into the world. “Got some powerful lungs, all right”, Garland replied with a chuckle and when the baby was brought over to him, Colden stirred himself awake, remembering what was going on only when his eyes laid onto the baby girl. “Angelette?”

“Yeah, that’s her”, Steele said, holding onto the hand f Estelle while bouncing Artemis on his knee. “You been out for a good bit, but the worst is over, brother.” Colden rose up and took the baby into his arms like he had been instructed within the past few months and started to rock her. She was so tiny but it was to be expected since her mother was. It was strange to see her with black hair, particularly since his sister had yet to have a child of her own that had such. “Well congratulations, boy. Just wait until she gets older. That’s when the trouble starts”, the old man laughed.

“Ignore him, you will do fine”, Krystopher replied while looking at Liz’s stomach, knowing that it was only about time before theirs would be out as well.

Colden held on to her gently, trying his best to be careful with the precious cargo.