"Destiny stop! You're going to hurt yourself." I sigh as I lift my three year old pup off from the pile of boxes that contained the rest of her play house materials. With Ariven off on patrol and Lizaria on her first vacation in thousands of years, I am left alone to build the gift Mika and Lace sent for my pup’s birthday as the two went off to help spy on Alexander for Crystalline and I. A war is brewing but today I just want to enjoy the warm weather with my pup.
“Gem, do you need help?” My mother walks outside carrying a tray with lemonade and finger sand witches, placing them on the small café table with my father following behind her arms full of food ready to be grilled.
“If you don’t mind, could you hold Destiny while I put this wooden playhouse together?” I ask, seeing my mother chuckle as she takes the squirmy three year old from my arms and steps back to stand beside my father. With a smile, I close my eyes and focus on the boxes in front of me, picturing the image of the play house as the pieces fly out from the boxes and slowly begin to build itself into the large log cabin style playhouse. Finally, the small replica of the pack house stands before us, Destiny squealing in delight as she claps her hands in excitement.
“Again! Again!” Her little voice calls out and I oblige, waving my hand where a lime stone pathway slowly emerges from the ground and winds its way to the patio. Small gardens with wild flowers surround the playhouse and as a final touch, a carve a large rock into a bench fit for a growing child.
“Yay mommy!” I chuckle at my daughter’s excitement, my mother walking over and handing my pup to me where I promptly kiss her forehead and hug her tight.
“Would you like to go play baby girl?” I ask, seeing her nod enthusiastically. Smiling, I set her down and watch her toddle down the path towards the play house.
“When will Amberle and Dominic arrive with their own pups?” My father asks and I sigh, taking a seat at the table while my mother hands me a drink.
“Soon I hope. Alex and Missy should be here soon with their pups.” I state, chuckling as my father tries to get the grill going.
“You have to turn the valve open for the gas tank first dad.” I chuckle out, seeing Maverick’s confused face before he finally gets the grill lit.
“Connor is also on his way with his mate. I cannot believe he is going to be a father soon.” My father adds, a triumphant look on his face when he creates a large flame.
“Geeze, these things get harder and harder to light. What happened to a nice fire pit or charcoal grill?” he mutters causing my mother and I to laugh.
“Speaking of fathers, did you tell Ariven yet?” My mother asks through laughter, taking a sip of her own drink and I sigh, placing a hand on my flat stomach and shake my head no.
“Tell me what?” I jump, turning my head in the direction of my mate’s voice as Ariven appears through the trees, his long black hair a mess from his patrol, trailing behind him are Amberle, Dominic and their three pups.
“Well if my mother didn’t say anything, I had this big plan to tell you tonight but I guess I have no choice now.” I mumble, watching as Destiny tries to climb onto her father.
“If you think Destiny is a handful, wait until her little sibling comes along.” I state, a look of shock on my mate’s face and happiness on my friends.
“You…you’re pregnant?” Ariven stutters out, handing Destiny to Amberle before making quick strides to where I sit and scooping me into his arms. Letting out a surprised squeal, my lips are covered by his as he kisses me passionately, the sparks from the mate bond still strong even after three years of being together.
“Damnit! Ariven that’s our sister!” Someone protests causing Ariven and I to pull away and see Connor and Alex standing just inside the door, a look of disgust on my brothers faces.
“Oh shut it Alex, Gem just told me we are having another pup soon.” My mate fires back playfully.
“Doesn’t mean you need to give us a preview of how this one was made!” Connor exclaims. I giggle, resting my head on my mate’s shoulder. I may have gone through hell as a child, but I wouldn’t change a thing if it means the life I have now would disappear. Looking at the friends I have made, the family I have and the pack that I love and loves me back, I couldn’t wish for a better happy ending to my life. No matter what is thrown my way, I will always remember that life goes on and that good days are ahead of the bad.