Small Fry Part Two

By K.R. Smith

Lucia becomes an older sister as B and Declan delight in their domestic bliss. However, raising half-breeds and training them not to hunt human is nothing compared to being hunted themselves. Whereas the parents and the pack prove willing and able to fight, B's visions as a 'Light Person' are darkened by what looms ahead.

The Lokoti National Park turns into a battle ground, as the warfare of fang vs. claw takes place. Friends and family members are lost and the tribe is changed forever. Amidst the grief, further tragedy strikes with the arrival of B and Declan's third daughter. Although it seems Declan's nightmares have come true, B's real strength shines through.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.R. Smith
• Release date: Dec 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310007699

K.R. Smith

The adventures of the deliriously happy but slightly insane...but even insanity appreciates company.K.R. Smith aka onaya3 is a self-confessed writerholic, but rather than seeking help for her addictions, instead she indulges her obsessive compulsive disorder. The remotes must sit in order on the coffee table, as must her DVD collection which includes Star Trek, X-Files, Supernatural as well as British comedy.However her passions which come out as popular subjects in her sci-fi, supernatural, romance series are traveling (the world and through time), hauntings, werewolves, vampires, voodoo, ESP and always looking on the bright side of life (and death).

Book preview

~ Small Fry ~

Part Two

by

K.R. Smith

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © K.R. Smith 2013

'Small Fry' is registered

in the Cataloguing-in-Publication (CiP)

under the Australian Copyright Act 1968.

Cover graphics by Isabel de Sequera copyright © 2013

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Cover photo taken by Nina Ackerman copyright © 2007

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the copyright holder.

Circulate Series by K.R. Smith

‘Circulate’ 1st ed. copyright © 2005

~ Contents ~

The Beginning

The Middle

The End

SSIT Report on the Separate Species of Vampires

The Circulate Series

References

~~~~~~~~

The most dangerous animal is a mother protecting her young.

(Picard to Troi, Star Trek: The Next Generation)

~~~~~~~~

~ 1 ~

11th November 2368

It was a frosty morning outside with a thin layer of snow on the ground. It completely covered the grass and the garden plots. The ice painted our bare Jacaranda Tree white, with its stark branches reaching into the cloudy sky.

I saw this from my bedroom window before I headed downstairs for the warmer kitchen, where my husband and daughter were making pancakes.

Upon my arrival, I found a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice waiting. It was sitting next to two empty glasses which had been Declan and Lucia’s. She was sitting up on the kitchen bench, stirring a bowl of raw pancake mix, as her father readied a frying pan on the stove. My arrival earned an immediate grin from my four year old.

Mummy! She cried ecstatically.

G’morning sweetheart. I leaned in to place a kiss on the end of her nose.

Thanks Looch. Her father reclaimed the bowl. Now how about you set the table?

Our strong little Werewolf who was the size of a six year old human, easily hopped off the bench.

She proceeded to open the drawers for the cutlery and placemats, as I stepped back to watch her work. I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiastic efforts. At a young age, she’d learned that helping with food preparation resulted in being fed faster.

Looch loaded up her arms with the tableware and she was about to leave the kitchen. She paused in the kitchen entryway, wearing a puzzled expression. She passed this look my way, before she returned to the task at hand.

What was that all about? I turned to Declan and saw he’d seen it too. My husband was trying not to smile, which looked like he was smirking instead. Casually, he continued cooking by pouring some of the pancake mix into the hot frying pan.

What? I wondered.

Ah nothin’.

I looked down at my clothes to check if they were inside out. They weren’t, so what’s so funny? Next, I used the glass on the oven door to check my reflection. A woman with long, dark hair pulled back in a pony-tail, wearing jeans and a white, woollen, turtle neck jumper, peered back.

I overheard my husband snicker when he caught sight of what I was doing. I passed the blonde, scruffy-haired male a glare. Silently, I challenged him to make a remark but, wisely, he kept his mouth shut.

The placemats and cutlery’s done, Daddy. Our daughter declared, returning to the kitchen.

Thanks sweetie, now grab the butter and maple syrup and put those on the table. He instructed.

Instantly, she obeyed by opening up the fridge and taking out the dairy and condiment. But just as she was about to leave the kitchen, I caught her sniff then pass me another peculiar look. Before I could ask why, she went on her way.

What?! I cried out in frustration as I turned on Declan. What is it? What’s wrong?

Nothing. He innocently shook his head.

I tried to see his eyes but he angled his face away, using his broad shoulders to hide it.

Daddy… she came back into the kitchen, …you’re forgetting the strawberries and bananas! We always have strawberries and bananas with pancakes.

Here you go. He handed over a pre-prepared plate for her to take.

Lucia’s face lit up at the sight of two of her favourite fruits neatly sliced and she stole a piece as she carried it away. I watched her carefully slide it into the middle of the table as she stood on tippy-toes. But before her hands moved away from the plate, she helped herself to another slice.

I went over to the kettle and switched it on to make a cup of coffee.

Declan glanced over his shoulder and saw what I was doing. Yeah, I’ll have one.

I retrieved two mugs from one of the top cupboards then the coffee and sugar from the pantry, when I was interrupted.

Looch came to stand in the kitchen entryway to declare, Mummy, you smell funny.

Say what? I paused in surprise and Declan laughed! He laughed loudly too, which made my hand swing out and whack him on the arm.

My face burned, Lucia that’s not very nice!

Next, I ducked my head to sniff under my arms…no, I hadn’t forgotten to put on deodorant, so what was she talking about?

It’s called pregnancy, Looch. Her father smiled down on his daughter. In nine months, you’re gonna have a little sister to play with.

Her face lit up like it was Christmas morning. She even began to jump up and down whilst clapping her hands. It was like she’d been given the news she was about to get a new toy she’d always wanted.

Just like Kurt and Kevin have Edwina and Katrina? She asked excitedly.

Yup, you’ll have your very own little sister to play with. He promised.

Next, my four year old daughter skipped around and around the dining table, chanting:

I’m gonna have a little sister! I’m gonna have a little sister!

Smilingly, Declan carried on cooking as he flipped over the pancake.

I passed the smug male a glare, How long have you known?

Two days now. He shrugged.

Why didn’t you say something before? I asked accusingly.

Hey, you said you didn’t like it when I sniffed you and announced it that way. He reminded. You said you wished you could find out from a home pregnancy kit. Well B, we didn’t have to go out to the store and buy one, instead we have one in the shape of our half European Werewolf daughter.

I leant against the kitchen bench for support, as I stared wide-eyed at the pancake cooking on the stove. I watched him remove it from frying pan before pouring in some more mix to make another. It didn’t take long for the tiny bubbles to appear on the surface and he had to flip it over.

What’s wrong, B? His smile faded. You don’t look as happy as you should.

It’s nothing, really. I said despondently, as I stared off into the distance.

He said crankily, Look, if a home pregnancy kit really means that much to you, so you can find out the human way, then I’ll go out and buy you one.

Huh? I gave a funny look. You think I look like this, because I didn’t find out from a home pregnancy kit?

I’ve seen you sulk over some weird things in the past. He shook his head. I remember when you didn’t talk to Peta for a month, because she forgot to mention us in her ‘thank you’ speech at Holly’s Christening.

Well we DID organize all of the drinks! I fired up. Especially when the Elm family dropped out because of Uma’s cancer scare.

Here we go, he smirked once more. Here’s the feisty wife that I know and love.

I could tell he was trying to make me smile but I returned to staring off into the distance instead.

Alright B, what is it? What’s wrong?

I dunno… I sighed.

You don’t have one of your warning feelings, do you? He asked anxiously.

No, I shook my head.

Then what is it? He rolled his eyes. C’mon, just spit it out.

I was hoping for a little more time before baby number two came along.

Whadya mean more time?

Then he removed the frying pan from the hot plate, so I could have his full attention.

We’ve started teaching Looch to read, but we’re gonna have to buy proper text books to home-school her. I thought aloud. I’ve also been booked for the next twelve months to lecture on my latest paper.

Her bloodlust is under control and so is her learning development. My husband reasoned. We can order the text books we need, over the internet. Her education will be a piece of cake.

Yeah, but you said it’s too soon for her to attend school in Alma. What if she won’t be ready to mainstream until a couple of years? Then we’ll be raising one child while educating another.

Hmm, he frowned as he looked out the kitchen entryway, which Looch skipped past. When I took her to the hardware store with me last Sunday, I caught her sniffing the sales assistant.

When Jonathan Bourne came over with the paperwork for Hodge Endeavor, I caught Looch sniffing him too. I said unhappily.

Next, Declan came over to where I was leaning on the bench, to rest his hands on either side of where I was standing. With me effectively trapped, he leaned in to rub his nose against mine, which made me smile. Appreciatively, I ran my hands up and down his clothed chest.

My baby B and I are having another baby Werewolf. He began to chant, which made me giggle. It’ll be alright, you wait and see. Since we’re doing such a bang up job with Lucia, fate decided it was time to give us Sophia.

His words warmed my heart, especially since the last time a pregnancy was announced in this house; it was me consoling Declan. Now it was the proud Papa Bear cheering his mate, Mama Bear, that Baby Bear was about to have another cub to play with. I couldn’t help but grin like an idiot.

There we go, he smiled softly, your aura has turned yellow, which is your happy colour.

Is my aura ever an unhappy colour when you’re around? I tittered.

Nope! He sung gloatingly. Admit it B, you’d be lost without me.

Mmm, I stood on my tippy-toes so I could rub my nose against his again. It’s why I changed your temporal signature, to keep you by my side for all time.

Always and forever B, he muttered before his mouth claimed mine.

In unan, Dec. I murmured back, before moving my lips with his.

That was until we were interrupted by the shrill voice coming from the kitchen entryway:

Mummy! Daddy! What about pancakes?!

We pulled apart to find our daughter standing in a demanding fashion with her hands on hips.

Sorry Looch. He snickered as he returned his attention to the stove. Your Mom has a strange effect on your Dad.

Look who’s talking, I giggled, you leave a lasting impression, yourself.

*****

After breakfast, Declan put some Anzac biscuits he’d made into a Tupperware container. The biscuits were a gift for the Wisetail family with the birth of their fifth child. Then with his wife and daughter in tow, he carried them out of the house and down the hill.

The steep road was icy but the grip on our new boots handled the slippery conditions. Declan and I walked hand in hand as Looch ran circles around us. She ran up and down the dirty piles of snow on either side or she jumped over the muddy slush.

Five kids… I thought out loud, …you think Walt’s body is going to stop reproducing soon?

I think it already has. He remarked then waited until Looch was out of earshot. Walt told me two months back that he’s noticed his body’s changed.

How can he tell? I asked out of curiosity.

Because the sex is different, I guess. He shrugged.

Hang on, I pondered. Grant once told me about this and he said they still come, but what comes out is different.

That’s what I just said, didn’t I? Declan said coldly, as he let go of my hand.

He still hated to hear Grant’s name spoken, especially by the woman who was once mated to him.

No, you didn’t say that. I spoke crisply. I’m just wondering if it feels different, as well as IS different.

Well that makes sense. He said sarcastically. And people pay you to come and teach them?

Shut up. I retorted. Then how did Walt tell you his body’s changed?

How the hell am I supposed to know? Declan’s face reddened. Guys don’t share secrets about their bodies like girls do. We don’t sit around and discuss when we get our period or whatever.

You mean you get your period? I laughed at his choice of words.

Yeah, I’m surprised you haven’t noticed your pads going missing around my time of the month. He rolled his eyes.

Well, it explains the PMS. I playfully poked him in the side. Then what exactly did Walt say?

Why do you want to know? He gave a funny look.

Because I’m curious! I cried out, defensively. I wanna know what happens and how.

Why, in the hope that my body might change too? He asked in a low voice. Sorry B, it doesn’t work that way for European Werewolves.

Would you just tell me exactly what Walt said to you? I stopped walking.

He looked away in annoyance, I made some comment about having five kids and he said, ‘yeah, this one will be the last.’ Then he said, ‘I noticed that my body’s changed.’ That’s all he said, now do you mind not being so nosy?

Angrily, I walked off ahead of him, catching Looch’s hand on my way past.

C’mon Looch, let’s go and find someone less moody to talk to. I said coolly, knowing he would overhear.

He remained behind for a moment to watch us storm ahead before he sulkily trailed behind.

When I stomped up the steps of the Wisetail house, Walt immediately opened his front door from hearing our approach.

Aunt B and Lucia! How are you both? Ah, Uncle Dec there you are! He greeted with cheerful exuberance as we came inside.

We proceeded to take off our boots as Walt closed the front door then he took our coats.

Excited to see her, Kurt ran up to my daughter. Looch!

Once her boots and coat were removed, he took hold of her hand and they ran off to play.

I watched the eight year old run off with my four year old, with a four year old Kevin chasing after. The six year old Edwina was sitting on the rug by the fire, dressing her dolls. A two year old Katrina sat beside her playing with some blocks. All of this was lovingly overseen by the mother hen in the shape of Wendy, as she breastfed her newborn.

So, what’s this one called? Declan enquired, as he handed over the Tupperware container.

Allow me to introduce Hugh William Wisetail. He beamed proudly.

I went over to sit by Wendy to look closer on her newest bundle of joy. As soon as I sat down, Wendy angled the suckling babe my way, so I could get a better view. My stomach melted upon seeing his dark hair, pink skin and red lips, as he fed with his eyes closed.

Oh Wendy, he’s beautiful!

He is, isn’t he? She smiled. He’s our youngest and our last.

So you know about Walt’s body changing? I asked in surprise.

Er, yes…? She gave a peculiar look.

Just then Walt cracked up laughing from overhearing us.

Since Wendy is my mate, don’t you think that she’d be the first to know? He asked in amusement.

That’s my mate for you. Declan glared my way. Inquiring minds, want to know.

Next, the men went into the kitchen to serve up the biscuits with coffee.

So Aunt B, when is your body going to change back again? It’s been four years since Looch was born. Or, don’t tell me you’re going to have one child per decade, or even per century? She teased.

Heh heh! I laughed nervously. Funny you should say that Wendy -

However, the loud sound of Kevin tripping over was enough to distract his mother and I was saved by the bell.

Kevin! She called out. No running in the house! Kurt, that means you too!

We watched him walk over to help his little brother up, when Lucia thought she should do something. With her supernatural strength, she more than picked up the boy who was the same age as her. Poor Kevin found himself being dangled in the air!

Looch, put Kevin down please. I instructed.

A little too obediently, Looch released her hold on the back of his jumper and he landed face-first on the floor again!

Ouch! I grimaced. Gently Looch, gently!

However, Kevin Wisetail was proving to be a tough nut as instead of crying, he laughed! Then the good-natured little boy picked himself up, much to the respect of his older brother, who gave him a pat on the back. Then the three of them raced upstairs to play.

Here we go. Walt reappeared, carrying the plate of biscuits. They’re still warm and smell delicious.

I baked them this morning, my husband advised. I should’ve got the kitchen done, a century ago. Everything’s so much easier to cook these days.

The men carried out the drinks and doled them out, with Walt resting Wendy’s de-caff coffee on a nearby table for her.

Immediately, Edwina’s eyes fell upon the Anzac biscuits which she helped herself to. Katrina looked on the food curiously, but returned to stacking her blocks. However, once Walt was sitting down on the other sofa beside Declan, she left her toys to climb up into her father’s lap for a cuddle.

I remember when Looch was that age and all she wanted was cuddles. These days, I have to bribe her with food to get her to stand or sit still long enough, for me to get a hug in. Declan sighed.

Oh well, with this next one you’ll soon have another little cub to hold, Uncle. Walt chuckled in good humour.

This next one? Wendy’s ears picked up.

Don’t tell me you can smell it too? I asked in mild annoyance.

I certainly can. He grinned back.

Everybody can smell it except me! I bemoaned in frustration.

Smell what? Edwina looked up, wondering what we were talking about.

But you smelled I was pregnant the last five times, Wendy looked on, puzzled.

B can smell the change in hormones in other women, just not herself. Declan told her. So this morning when Lucia told her that she smelled funny, she got a surprise I can tell you.

This gave the Wisetail’s a good guffaw over me finding out my happy condition that way.

Thanks Declan. I passed him a dirty look.

Any time, B. He toasted me with his coffee mug.

Goodness… Wendy looked on her husband, …there’s going to be another half European and half Lokoti Werewolf in the tribe.

There sure is, Walt smiled back.

I wonder if this one will she be as strong as Lucia? She pondered.

However, right as she said that, I felt a strange, fluttery feeling inside, like butterflies in my stomach. I knew it wasn’t out of nerves, it was one of my all-knowing feelings I could get as a Circulator. I sensed my next daughter would be unique, just as Looch was. But I also sensed Soph would be different to her older sister, as she carved out her own path. I almost envisioned her, when I was interrupted.

B? My husband recalled my attention. Are you having a vision?

Not exactly, no. I said dismissively. Just a knowing feeling, that’s all.

You’ve got that glazed look in your eyes. Declan observed.

I rested my hand over my abdomen as I spoke to Wendy, I don’t think Sophia will be as strong as Lucia.

I knew it! My mate leaned forwards. You did just ‘see’ something then, didn’t you?

I’m still not talking to you. I seethed back, before I returned to her. I think each of my daughters will be unique in their own way.

That’s a given for having supernatural parents. She giggled.

I think Looch was born one way and Sophia will be born in another. I continued.

Er, hello? It’s the father of your children over here. Declan waved his hand. You mind sharing this with the guy whose job it is to knock you up?

I think Sophia’s physical abilities will be different to Lucia’s. I giggled excitedly.

B? Earth to B, come in B! He snapped his fingers.

What if Looch is born with one set of abilities then Sophia is born with another and then Susanna is born as something completely different? I prattled on. I know the timeline has something in store for them, it’s so strong I can almost taste it!

Right, that’s it. Declan plonked his mug on the coffee table. He turned to Walt, Can you please tell her what it’s like for a male Lokoti Werewolf whose body changes?

Walt almost choked on his coffee. Er, excuse me?

Tell her how your body has changed, he pointed in my direction, so my wife will talk to me again.

Declan! I exclaimed with my face heating up.

Walt and Wendy exchanged baffled looks as their two daughters looked up enquiringly.

Um, I noticed what comes out is different…? Walt fumbled out vaguely in front of his children.

Wendy said simply, Ki explained it as his sperm count lowering, or some such?

There you go B, is that what you were waiting for? Declan demanded.

No, you hanging by your ankles over a black hole, is what I’m waiting for! I rebuked.

Well before THAT happens, how about sharing info on the kids front with the guy who’s responsible for giving them to you? He asked indignantly.

Katrina and Edwina’s heads turned side to side, like they were watching a tennis match, as Declan and I bickered back and forth.

Keep talking like that and our third baby will be born via IVF! I fired off.

Like hell a test tube would be able to contain my strong swimmers!

Walt and Wendy cracked up laughing, with him laughing so hard that he spilled his coffee. Wendy detached Hugh from her breast so she could burp him. She smilingly shook her head as she rubbed her son’s small back.

Can you imagine living for three centuries with that kind of bickering? She looked at her husband.

And they’re still at it, he snickered.

At least once a day my wife tells me to drop dead. Declan declared. It’s when she wishes me well that I get worried.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11th July 2369

My second pregnancy was different to my first as not only were the symptoms dissimilar, but so were my family’s reactions. Instead of dreading what could happen, my husband eagerly waited for any changes. Whereas with my daughter, she watched with interest like it was a spectator sport.

Each time Declan noticed something new, he practically gave a cheer. During my first trimester, my body changed from its slim, athletic build to a softer, more rounded figure. He let out a sigh of delight before helping himself to my new curves.

Any time you wanna ride me, like you did with your last pregnancy? Please go right ahead. Any time of the day, any minute of the hour, I’m at your beck and call. He propositioned.

He was leaning against the ensuite doorway, watching me dry myself after an evening shower. I returned the towel to our heated towel rack, but before I put on my negligee, I examined my reflection in the mirror. My fuller breasts stood out, my stomach looked flabbier and even my thighs looked bulgy.

It’s like my Lokoti Werewolf muscles have changed, too. I observed. Some parts of my body have remained hard, but others have completely flopped.

Your stomach muscles have loosened so they won’t restrict the baby’s growth. He pointed out.

Hmm, I suppose. I frowned, as I turned sideways to view my small ‘pot belly’ with a critical eye.

Hey, I know what we can do. He dropped to his knees with a mischievous grin. Maybe if we rub the belly it will bring good luck. Isn’t that what’s supposed to happen when you rub Budai’s belly?

Next, he ran his large, hot hand over my tummy. Then he closed his eyes and kissed it instead. Tenderly, he ‘mauled’ the flabby flesh, using his lips instead of his teeth. The wetness of his mouth on the sensitive tissue made me giddy.

Declan?

Hmm?

I don’t crave hardcore sex like I did when I was carrying Lucia. I confessed. I crave gentle sex instead. I think my body’s softer than it was with the last pregnancy. I think this is another sign that our second daughter will be different to our first daughter.

Yeah, I smell it too. He sighed wistfully, as he looked on my tummy. Daughter number two will be softer because she’s making her mother softer.

Isn’t it amazing the way genetics works? I thought aloud. The first time I became pregnant, you were scared of having a baby that was exactly like you. Instead, we have Lucia who’s half and half. Now our second daughter is softer than Looch, which means she’s less like you and more like me.

The more kids we have who are less like me, is a good thing. Declan said resolutely, before he caressed my tummy once more.

I wouldn’t say that. I stroked his hair. I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea of having a strong, female European Werewolf in the house.

You’re kidding, right? His whole demeanour changed, like I’d just said the most thoughtless thing in the world.

No, why?

Declan stood up to give a cold, steely-glare, In one word; Michelle.

It looks like time doesn’t heal all wounds. Declan’s disgust at his own breed had in no way abated over the years. Empathically, I felt his hate or shame or sometimes even both. His misgivings of his own kind were turning into my worst enemy.

Declan, if one day we had a daughter who was exactly like you? We would train her just as we’ve trained Looch to control her bloodlust. I said. She wouldn’t be a threat to our family.

No B, if one day we did have a daughter that was exactly like me? You wouldn’t survive the pregnancy, let alone live long enough to train her to do anything. He said coolly.

Then he turned around and walked out of the bathroom. I came to stand in the doorway to watch Declan strip in our dark bedroom. He dropped his clothes into the laundry basket as he readied for bed.

Stop sulking. I spoke bluntly. I’m getting tired of your self-loathing, Declan. How you view yourself will one day affect our daughters. They’re part European Werewolf and I don’t want them to grow up hating themselves for it.

My words gave him pause and he hesitated in the midst of his undressing.

I don’t hate my daughters because of it. He admitted. In fact, I love seeing part of myself in them. But as much as I’m proud of Looch’s strength, I feel prouder still when I see her act with restraint.

I came to stand before my husband to reach up and press my palm against the side of his face.

You’re one of the best fathers I’ve seen, Declan. I said honestly. And together, you and I can handle anything.

His bright blue eyes were wide as he drank in my words. Then his gaze lowered as he gave me a good look up and down. I still hadn’t put on the negligee yet, which was back inside the bathroom.

B, any time you wanna do one of your inspirational speeches in the nude, I’m not gonna object. Well, except maybe if it’s out in public. Your speech is really inspiring me right now, in fact.

Is it just? I giggled flirtatiously.

You’ve rallied this soldier.

His eyes indicated to look down and so I did, to admire his alert status.

Then make tender love to your wife, Mr. Sabre. I sung liltingly.

Yes ma’am! He chortled happily.

In one swoop, he picked me up in his arms then lowered the both of us onto the bed.

*****

Our daughter watched as her father turned more attentive towards her mother.

She observed him open doors for her, help her in and out of hover-cars or prepare whatever foods she craved. If I dropped something then made a move to pick it up, he would call out, I’ve got it! and pick it up for me. It was the same with carrying anything; he would pull the washing basket out of my arms and tote this into the laundry for me too.

One morning, I was stacking the dishwasher after breakfast when Looch stopped me.

No Mummy, you’re not supposed to bend over! She roused.

Next, she came into the kitchen, took the frying pan out of my hands and put it in the lower rack. Then she did all of the cutlery as well as the plates, too. All I had to do was hand her something and she put it in the bottom section.

I can bend over, Looch. I smiled at her behaviour. I just have to be careful when I lift up heavy things.

No Mummy, I’ll bend for you! She said crossly.

Declan was walking past the kitchen entryway when he saw what was happening.

You’ve just been told. He chuckled to his wife.

*****

Often when I sat in the study working on my academic papers, Looch would sit at the desk and play on her laptop. I would be touch typing a hundred words a minute, only stopping to check a footnote or other point of reference. Looch would copy, by looking away from her screen to check how a word was spelled in one of her text books.

I took Lucia’s education seriously and decided to turn the disadvantage of her not attending school, into an advantage. I bought workbooks on reading, writing, math, science, history, geography and art for Grades 1 – 3. I also bought her a special laptop which was marketed for children as easy to use and with several educational games installed.

The desk was large enough to seat two people, but we also held some of her lessons at the dining table. I would teach her to read and write, as Declan tutored her on math and science. I’d also teach history and art while he tackled geography. Occasionally, we’d take her for long walks in the woods as part of her lessons to explain by example. Looch loved these excursions the most, as she liked the outdoors and she was very inquisitive by nature.

She liked to feel included too. Looch loved to help her Daddy in the kitchen, or she’d do her homework when I did my academic work. She’d sit opposite to me with the both of our laptops turned on and our books open. But if there was a word she couldn’t understand, she would climb up into my lap to ask.

Mummy… she helped herself to pushing my chair away from the desk to make room, …what does ‘chomp’ mean?

Hmm? I looked away from my work long enough to glance at her textbook. Oh, it means to bite or to chew. When you hunt, you chomp on flesh.

Then I illustrated by picking up her arm and pretending to chomp on it, which made her erupt into giggles.

OK. Her father walked into the study, carrying a plate of carrot and celery sticks with two small bowls of cream cheese and peanut butter on the side. It’s afternoon tea time for the two of the smartest and prettiest female Werewolves in the world.

Yaaay! Looch clapped her hands then we dove into the food on offer.

Happily, we dunked our celery or carrot sticks into the side bowls, as we ate one-handed whilst we worked. I highlighted passages in my readings as Looch started on her writing exercises. The study was full of crunching sounds as we munched away on the raw vegetables.

Now Declan wanted to feel included, so he perched on the side of the desk to look down on Looch’s messy writing.

Hey, not bad. He ducked his head to place a kiss on top of hers. But you need to make the top of your ‘s’ smaller, but bigger on the bottom.

OK. She followed his instruction. You see Daddy, I’m doing acca-dame work like Mummy is.

The parents shared a smirk.

Yes, you are doing academic work like your Mommy is. Declan stroked her hair. One day, people could pay you to come and teach them, too.

Lucia grinned proudly at her father’s praise which made her try even harder.

*****

Another change which occurred during the pregnancy was the dulling of my bloodlust. What disconcerted my family was that in the second month, I stopped craving fresh kill. My maternal instincts even dominated over my murderous inclinations.

On the night of the full moon, I dressed my little one in her stretchy exercise clothes, but not myself.

But Mummy, you HAVE to come hunting! Looch cried out, worriedly. Otherwise you’ll go bonkers!

Go without me. I told her.

Then I planted a kiss on her forehead, turned her around and gave her a gentle push towards the front door.

Declan stood there in his bathrobe, holding the door open for his youngest, as she unhappily marched past.

Are you sure? Declan thought he’d double check. When you were carrying Lucia, you hunted up until your fourth month.

I know. I sighed. But I just don’t feel like it.

You want me to bring you back something? He offered, meaning an arm or a leg from one of his hapless victims.

Hmm, I frowned, you wanna know something strange? I don’t think it’s just concern about the baby getting kicked. I don’t even feel like eating raw meat.

You’re right B that is strange…in fact, it’s flat out weird. Declan shuddered at the thought.

Then he shut the front door behind himself. Next, I watched via the front window as my husband and daughter shifted into their supernatural shapes on the snowy driveway. Declan’s bathrobe hung over the veranda railing, waiting for him to revert to human again.

His width tripled as his height almost doubled, while his muscles expanded and his bones contorted. His skin turned into hardened hide over muscle bulk, which made him look like a huge, hulking, hairless, canine-shaped monster, with a short, stubby snout over razor sharp jaws. Then he turned his beastly head to see if his daughter had finished changing.

Her body expanded with muscle bulk, as the nails on her hands and feet grew longer. She retained her humanoid shape, although her face contorted into a canine appearance. Her mouth and nose became conjoined, with her top lip attached to her nostrils. Like this, she sniffed the air then she bolted into the woods with her father galloping right behind her.

A wistful sigh escaped as I felt left out. I sensed it would be the same for the remaining months of my pregnancy, too. Then I shrugged in an ‘oh well’ fashion before I returned to the study.

By the light of the full moon spilling through the window, I wrote a chapter about ancient rituals to the gods and goddesses. I typed about the worshipping of Athena and Dionysus, of the reputed hunts and orgies which took place. I even lit a sandalwood incense stick to go with the mood. This, coupled with the silvery light of la luna as well as the glow of my computer screen, while I waited for my family to come home with their own bloodlust purged…? How avant garde, I tittered to myself.

As I was madly typing away, my mouth began to water. I felt thirsty as a full-blown craving hit me. I wanted – no I needed – I just had to have milk. Yes, milk and lots of it!

Hurriedly, I stood up from the desk and practically rushed out of the study and into the kitchen. I opened the fridge and picked up the unopened two litres of milk from the refrigerator door. Then I opened it and sculled straight from the bottle like there was no tomorrow.

Gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp…you get the idea.

Within two minutes, I had downed two litres. I felt replenished and my craving was satisfied, but I realized I had depleted our house of milk. Oh oh, now what will my husband put in his coffee? Or what will my daughter use on her cereal tomorrow morning?

Frickin’ hell! I cursed my craving.

Then I marched upstairs to get my coat, remote key and purse.

It was 2 AM when I parked the hover-car outside Alma’s 24 hour supermarket. Next, I rushed inside, afraid of Declan discovering I ventured into town in the early hours without him. If he learned of this spontaneous shopping trip, I’d never hear the end of it. Hastily, I walked up to the dairy section, grabbed a two litre bottle of milk and turned to leave. But then all the varieties of cheeses, dips, custards and yoghurts available, caught my eye...

Holy crap! My husband exclaimed, when he opened up the fridge the next morning. Ah, B?

Yes? I called back from upstairs, while I was doing Lucia’s hair.

Did you go into town last night? He sung knowingly.

Er, what makes you say that?

Oh, I don’t know... he drawled, ...maybe because our fridge looks like the dairy section of a supermarket?

Well, we ran out of milk so I had to get some more. I said lamely.

Oh yeah? He stifled his laughter. Then what about the one litre bottle of vanilla custard, the one litre bottle of chocolate custard, the sour cream, the strawberry yoghurt, peach and mango yoghurt, cheddar cheese, Philadelphia cheese, smoked cheese, the French Onion dip, Tzaziki and the Hommus?

Um, they’re for ‘in case of emergency’. I tried to say casually. You know, in case we have last minute guests over.

Uh huh. He said dead pan. Next time you get a craving at one in the morning, how about sending your husband on a mission of ‘fetch’?

It wasn’t one in the morning, it was two in the morning. I half said to myself. Besides, you and Looch were off settling your own cravings.

However, he picked up my retort with his sensitive ears.

I don’t care if I’m all the way on Taurus Six! You went to the supermarket by yourself at two in the morning. The last time you were pregnant and went to the supermarket alone at night, you were attacked by North American Vampires. Next time, you call me and that’s an order!

Looch giggled at the growling her mother got from the person she saw as ‘First’ in our family.

I muttered under my breath, So frickin’ bossy!

Hey, I heard that! Declan flared from downstairs. And I don’t appreciate your ‘whatever’ attitude towards the safety of our baby!

*****

The larger I grew, the worse Declan’s overprotective nature became.

During a trip into Alma, he almost attacked a stranger who cut us off in traffic. He had to slam on the hover-car’s breaking thrusters, before parking the vehicle on the side of the road. Once he’d checked that his pregnant wife and kid were OK, he made a move to get out and have words with the human male.

No Declan! I pulled him back. Just leave it.

B, you saw what he did! It wasn’t just illegal, it was frickin’ dangerous! He growled as his blue eyes flashed glowing green.

No wait…! I lost my hold on him when he stood up from the hover-car.

Hey, moron! The lights were red! Are you frickin’ colour blind or just plain stupid?! He bellowed at the stranger.

The human looked to be fresh out of his teens, which would explain the reckless driving. The kid took one look at the strong build of my enraged husband and climbed back into his vehicle to make a run for it. To make matters worse, Declan looked like he was about to run up and hold down the vehicle, to prevent his escape.

I climbed out of the car and roared so loudly, everyone on the street heard.

Declan Domitian Sabre, you get back into this hover-car RIGHT NOW!

Looch’s blue eyes widened as they looked on her mother impressed at the growling she just gave to her Daddy.

He stood still as the stranger’s hover-car rose into the air and then gunned down the road, away from him. I sensed he was fuming at what he saw as a threat to his family, was getting away. But I also sensed he realized he nearly gave himself away. After standing in tense manner for another moment, he turned around and headed back to our vehicle.

Slowly, I lowered myself back into my seat around the same time as Declan returned to his. Both Looch and I could hear the dangerously low growl under his breath, as he sat still and stared out the windscreen. He was probably picturing hunting that particular human down on the next full moon.

Just then he turned my way as he rested his large hand over my baby bulge.

Are you sure you’re alright? He asked anxiously. Is the baby OK?

She’s fine. I promised, putting my hands over his. I flashed a look back at Lucia who was watching our interaction, before I met his gaze. All Sabre’s in the car are fine.

Just as I said that, Sophia chose that moment to give a kick, as if she wanted to prove her health.

Declan laughed as he gave my belly an affectionate rub, Yeah, right back at you kid.

*****

Sophia was extremely active at Looch’s fifth birthday party.

Our guests were our relations from the Sabre, Elm, Riverclaw and Wisetail families. Forrest and Caesar sang the loudest, with Walt, Tyson and Anthony snapping away pictures on their digital cameras. With all the party sounds of children playing, adults laughing then a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday to you’; Sophia didn’t want to feel left out.

Although I was eight months pregnant, we all piled onto my husband’s lap. Looch sat on my legs as I sat on Declan’s and the birthday cake sat before us,