Intuition

It had been a week since the deaths of Randy and Denise. The call had been made by Elijah, alerting the human authorities that two campers had been found mauled in a remote part of the woods bordering GreenTree.

Eve had been to the doctor but all her test results were normal. According to the paperwork, everything was alright with both the Luna and her pup. Doctor Mills told her to keep taking her vitamins and claimed this may just be 'a difficult pregnancy' for her.

Flint had consulted Elder Joshua, his chief advisor, about the generational Alpha power. He didn't know anything new. Since returning from the valley, Eve had suffered several dizzy spells. He was worried, even though his mate tried to assure him she was feeling better. She had begun his exercise routine but she had yet to release any aggression.

He was didn't push her to train with him and she was reluctant about the idea from the beginning. Still, Flint hoped the athenaeum would hold the answers. But no matter where he searched, he seemed always on the edge of the knowledge he desired.

The pack would need a new Beta wolf before the Call, which was still a few months away. Eve and Flint announced the Beta tournament to the pack and were relieved to feel the excitement of their people.

Since the treaty signing with the rogues, establishing the HillCreek pack, there had been some tension and disagreement among the StarLight members. No one addressed this issue with Eve or Flint, but the mindlink revealed nearly everything.

The day of Ellie's bridal party came quickly. Hours before the festivities were set to begin, Eve found herself seated on Flint's lap while staring at the computer monitor.

"We can just bail. It's been ringing for a while." She nudged him.

"The pack will know before much longer. Too many people suspect. Would you rather wait for them to find out from-"

"Hey, Eve." Ben, Eve's father, answered the video call and interrupted him.

"Hey, dad." She smiled at the camera. "You at home?"

"Yes. You told me to call you when everyone came over for Saturday brunch. What's going on?" He replied.

"Go get Mom. And Jay." Eve ignored his question.

"Is everything okay?" Ben probed.

"Yeah. I just want to see all of you. You can grab Uncle Skylar too." She answered.

"Okay, just hang on."

He began fiddling with the camera and the screen went black for a moment. The next second, they saw the hallway come into view.

"Dad?" Eve asked.

"You're on the laptop." He explained before entering the kitchen.

He placed the computer on the kitchen table. Jay's blonde hair and goofy grin immediately came into frame.

"Hey, pup!" He greeted her happily.

Faye sat beside him and leaned into view. She waved and smiled. Her dark hair fell into her eyes and she was forced to brush it away, distracting her.

"Evie!" Becca bent down until she could be seen over her son's head.

"Hey, Mom." She answered.

Her mom's earthy brown hair was shorter than Eve remembered but her warm smile remained the same. Ben's stoic expression was firmly in place, though he was obviously curious.

Silver had begun to layer through the sides of his hair, it seemed to be lighter than his daughter recalled. Eve knew she had only been gone from Acres for a little less than a year, but she missed them. And seeing them now made her somehow miss them more.

"You gathered us all, Evie." Skylar scooted in beside his brother and scratched his goatee. "What's going on?"

"Well, I... We-" She took a breath.

Flint smiled at her and moved the computer monitor to show her family that he too was present.

"Alpha Flint." Jay furrowed his brows, maintaining a small smile. "What brings both of you to ring us on a Saturday?"

"Not pack business." Flint returned his expression.

"Evie?" Her aunt Lauren poked her head into view.

"It's... Family business." The Luna answered.

"Say it!" Becca clasped her hands in front of her chest in anticipation.

Eve smiled nervously and looked to her mate who nodded. The power's side effects had made her feel strange about telling them so soon. She wished she were farther along and healthier, but Flint had been steadfast. If she didn't tell them, they would probably hear rumors about it soon enough.

"We're pregnant." She finally announced.

Her family froze for a second. A single second before chaos broke out. Those seated lept to their feet. Becca yelled excitedly and grabbed Ben in a tight hug. Lauren was clapping and Faye was already talking excitedly about baby clothes. Skylar bent down so his entire face could be seen.

"Congratulations, Luna. Alpha." He grinned happily.

"Thank you." Eve smiled and Flint nodded to him.

"Wow, pup!" Jay interjected, stooping beside his uncle. "You beat to it! Holy hell!"

"You should get to it then." Flint chuckled.

"We're talking about it." Faye whispered into the microphone.

"Talking won't do it." Lauren added jokingly from the background.

"Evie." Becca sat in Jay's seat in front of the camera. "My sweet girl. You're going to be a mom! I have so much to teach you. And bring! Oh, I've kept everything from when you and Jay were little!"

"Thanks, Mom. We'll have a lot to talk about when you come down for the Call. You can bring it all then." Eve laughed lightly.

"Flint." Ben sat beside his mate.

"Sir?" He answered.

"Should you need anything..." He let the sentence trail away.

"I appreciate that." Flint nodded.

It was a known fact that Elijah and his son were not close. Ben was vaguely offering parental advice and Flint realized that. The gesture was a kind one, even though neither of the men were very verse in communication skills.

"Okay guys! I have to get to Ellie's bachelorette party planning. But I had to tell you." Eve knew it would take some time to get off the call with so many people so she decided to be pre-emptive.

"Wait! How far along are you? What's your doctor say? How are you feeling?" Becca began rambling.

"Nearly six months. The pup is healthy. Very strong. I'm doing good."

Eve wasn't a good liar but everyone was so excited they overlooked the way her voice faltered as she spoke her last sentence.

"Folks, we got to run." Flint rubbed his mate's back gently.

"Fine." Becca sighed.

"I'll call you tomorrow, Mom. We'll catch up then." Eve added.

"You better. I need more information." She nodded adamantly.

"I know. I will." She laughed.

"We love you, pup!" Jay chipped in.

"I love you guys!" Eve waved with both hands.

"We love you, Evie!" The scattered replies were like echoes of one another.

Flint clicked the mouse and the window closed, hanging up the call. Eve slumped back, leaning her head on is shoulder.

"Now they know." She stated.

"Yeah. Now they know." Flint smiled a bit and hugged her.

"They were happy for us." Eve acknowledged.

"Of course they were. This is good news baby." He kissed the crown of her head.

"It feels more like unsteady news. Not bad just... Unsteady. You know?" She replied.

"I know. Still, we're having a pup. It's a good thing." Flint reminded her.

"You're right." Eve sighed and nodded. "It's a great thing."