Moon Child

Ok, the talk hadn’t gone the way Kane had planned it would go. He had eased into it like a bull in a china shop. Calmly explaining what the nature of their kind meant for a pregnant wolf shifter might have been something he should've asked his sister for help with. Leading one of the stronger wolf packs? Simple. Commanding an army? Could've done that with his eyes closed. Scaring the hell out of his mate? Apparently, that's as easy as pie, and not part of the plan.

“Fuck!”

His fist landed a rough blow into their bedroom wall, which then left him with another problem. Of course he’d rather fix a hole in the wall than have to find Dawn and calm her racing mind. At the moment he could feel her anxiety, the growing unease and fear. Even as she put distance between them he felt her as if she were right beside him.

She had woken up that morning with a start, still suffering from nightmares that stole away her peace of mind. After comforting her, the last thing he wanted to bring up was something he knew would make her even more uneasy. Unfortunately the enemy was closing in and the longer he waited the more vulnerable she became.

Now she was walking around outside, with everyone’s eyes on her per his orders, and she was pissed. He felt her desire to shift, to fight. Yet she couldn’t bring out the wolf. The fear she felt, the helplessness, it was something his sister had felt as well. He knew what she would be thinking, especially at a time like this.

What if they were attacked and she couldn’t defend herself? She could lose the baby, lose members of the pack. It was a fear he felt as well, because losing her would surely kill him. He would give her time to calm down, take a breath, and then he would go to her. Time, it was a wondrous thing when coming to terms with even the worst of situations.

Dawn stood at the edge of their packs little village, her eyes focused on the trees before her. It was odd to think of what might be out there. When she was young she use to think of the woods as a place of mystery and adventure. Now all she could see was danger and unknown threats.

"It is the worst, yet best, part of being our kind."

Julie, her voice soft, stood beside Dawn. The sudden appearance of another use to frighten her, now it was a normal occurrence. She took in a breath, running a hand through her hair.

"I use to dream of being human again, praying for it late at night. Now I'm forced to stay in my mortal flesh and suddenly I fear it more than the wolf."

The woman nodded, looking out into the trees and reaching out to hold Dawn's hand. The contact was odd, but not bad. Just...different from the harsh world she once knew. Yet also a change from the human childhood she had so enjoyed.

"Kane told me I won't be able to shift anymore, but I left before he could explain. Why would my body refuse the wolf? Isn't she just as much a part of me as the mortal now?"

It was an explanation she needed, but didn't necessarily want. Knowing the truth and the reasoning behind it wouldn't settle her fears.

"When one of our kind is pregnant the wolf pulls back because it is safer this way. Some shifters give birth in their animal forms because they are more connected to their beasts soul. However, there are a few, like us, that are unable to connect to their animal so deeply. When we are human we feel human. In this way it is easier for us to live among the mortals in the city or raise our children within neighborhoods. However, it also means that when we shift we aren't in total control. Even the strongest of us have been overtaken by our wolves more than once in our lifetimes. This trait, it does not make us weak though. It makes us complex, harder to predict and defeat."

The cool breeze pushed past them, both of their noses picking up the scent of a rabbit close by. Julie smiled.

"The wolf inside you is protecting you, always. We must birth our children in this human form and she understands that. A females wolf hears the heart of the growing seed within. She refuses to come out until it is safe to do so. It is odd to be one of the only species of shifter that births a human child, but it is our destiny. Perhaps we are born human so that we may know their world before being able to treasure our own. To acknowledge their human weaknesses and witness their beautiful flaws. Well, I suppose it makes us handle our own world with care as we would a fragile child. Cherish this time Dawn, for it is awe-inspiring. Please do not worry too much, we all know the threats the world creates and we are trained to protect each other. Even the children can be fierce."

With those chilling words Julie moved in, kissed Dawn's forehead gently, and turned to leave. Training? Was it true that they were all trained to protect themselves? It would make sense, considering their reality. In fact if she had voiced that question she definitely would've looked a bit dense.

Maybe she could take this time to breathe deep and just slow down a bit. What harm would that do anyways, right?

The threat, the wolf from before, was dead. She could just relax a bit and really enjoy her new life. With that thought she wondered what Kane was up to. She had felt his spike of frustration at himself when she fled their home that morning. Perhaps some time alone with him would be good. Her lips turned up in a smile as large, rough hands moved over her hips.

"I was just thinking of you."

Kane's rough voice tickled her ear as he kissed the side of her neck.

"I wondered why your heart was racing."

She shook her head, smiling as she turned in his arms. She had come to find out, rather quickly, that the man was a tease. He loved to rile her up and she wasn't complaining one bit. As her hand reached up to rest against his jawline her mossy green irises glittered within a sea of tears.

"I love you."

He leaned down, claiming her mouth before whispering along her tongue.

"I love you too baby."