The Runaway Breeder

Chapter 15

The first week of being with Tate flies by as he and I get used to the routine of living together. I had slowly moved my clothing and other items into Tate’s room, smiling when I learned that he had kept half of his walk in closet open for when he found his mate. The vanity I fell in love with in the guestroom was moved the day after our first time in bed, Tate making sure to place it in front of the large bay window that faces the backyard stating I deserve the best lighting when getting ready. The best part about this week is the time I spent exploring the house as much as I wanted, learning there is a basement with a large workout room on the fourth day of living here. I couldn’t help but squeal with glee when I saw all of the workout equipment, going as far as doing some light workout with a worried and panicking Tate frantically trying to keep the heavier weights away from me much to my protest. It seems he has accepted me being pregnant and has slowly warmed up to calling the twins our pups.

There were times when walking around the forest with my mate when we would pass by his pack members, and his possessive side would show. The first time I convinced him to go for a walk with me, a Warrior got too close thinking a rogue was attacking his Alpha. I had to pull Tate’s black wolf form by the scruff of his neck off of the Warrior while screaming and yelling at him to calm down and back up. I could tell with just my touch alone he visibly relaxed and soon became worried he might accidentally harm me. With me distracting Tate, the Warrior was able to run free to a safe distance and Tate wrapped his huge furry body around me, his black fur warming me up as his scent rubbed into me. I introduced myself as Tate’s mate, my hands scratching my mate’s ear as the Warrior stared back. With a respectful bow, he left us alone to continue our walk in the forest that day. I guess that Warrior warned the rest of the wolves as a way to stop them from accidentally attacking me since we rarely saw anyone else. Even when we did see another wolf, they would stay a respectful distance away from Tate and I, greeting us with a respectful bow.

I can’t help but relish the sight of the calm forest as I sit on a fallen log. Tate is running around being chased by small children in his wolf form as Eeva and I watch on. Eeva’s mate is Tate’s Beta, and due to pack business, he is on a mission to make a treaty with a new smaller pack and will return later tonight. For the last few days, the four of them have joined us for meals and outings around the territory until Last night her mate left for the new pack.

“How is Tate now with you being pregnant?” Eeva asks as her youngest, Jonathan, manages to jump onto Tate’s back, getting a cheer from his two brothers while the pup clings to his uncle's fur. I chuckle at the young pups with their uncle. It makes me excited for when the twins are born, and Tate could play with them like this.

“He still has some issues with it, but he has come around. Honestly, if you had seen him when I was designing my office, you would have thought they were his pups, he even calls the twins ours.” I answer, rolling my eyes as I think back to when I found the perfect room for my office.

“He is such a worrywart and wouldn't allow me to paint or move any furniture. Don’t get me started with even doing a small workout. I’m positive the only weights I’m allowed to touch are the one- and two-pound weights.” I rant, feeling annoyed by how my mate acts. Two days ago, the paint and furniture, as well as the laptop and electronics for my office arrived. I tried my best to carry the lighter objects up the stairs, but Tate would take them from my hands and make me wait inside the room. When he stepped out to take a call, I had decided to start painting, nearly spilling the can of paint when he came in to lecture me about resting while he does all the work. It took the whole day, but I managed to get the room decorated while barely having to move a muscle and being very annoyed by Tate's attitude around me doing any form of work. But it does make me smile knowing how caring he is towards me and my pregnant state. I know deep down that he will make a wonderful father to the twins.

“Speaking of that office of yours, how is it going for you?” Eeva asks. I had started my college courses back up again three days ago. It felt nice having something to do when left alone at home while Tate was working. Tate had gone out and surprised me the day my office was completed by buying all the art materials I would want plus more that I stored in the closet reminding me that he is proud of me for not giving up my career path and that the pack could use an interior designer even if I will soon have Luna duties to perform.

“It’s going really well. I love having a space of my own. I somehow managed to get caught up with all the work I missed out on.” I answer, leaning back on the tree behind me and taking a deep breath. I haven’t become a member of the pack just yet, and neither have I taken on the role of Luna yet. Tate and Eeva suggest I wait until after giving birth as the ritual may cause harm to the twins. Instead, I spend my free time when not with Tate or Eeva doing my schoolwork or learning about the pack and my duties as a Luna. Some things I do now with Bloodsvain are look over the businesses and go through the members' list to see who needs to be given a role in the pack. Tate had asked me to redesign a few of the buildings they own, and I happily took on the challenge when he said there will be an unlimited budget.

“Well, that’s good. Finish your schooling so you can start redesigning the pack house. Goddess only knows it needs an update.” My friend chuckles. I feel a wet nose sniffing at my hand and turn to see Tate looking at me, a bemused expression on his wolf face.

“Is it time to head home?” I ask, my hand reaching out to scratch under his chin as the three boys slowly trudge over.

“Mom, can we play with Uncle Tate again later tomorrow?” Vinny asks. The eldest of the three has his brother Jonathan sleeping on his back as the second pup comes up behind him. I open my eyes for Andy to come in for a hug as he sleepily rubs his eyes, the pup letting out a yawn. I hear the sound of Tate shifting into his human form and putting on clothes before picking up the pup, taking him from my arms and wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

“They are all tuckered out and need their bed now. Let’s get Eeva and the boys home, then we can have a quiet night.” Tate says as Andy falls asleep against his uncle's shoulder. The sight of Tate holding a pup causes me to smile. I can’t wait for the next few weeks to fly by so we can raise the twins. Eeva takes Jonathan from Vinny as the six of us walk through the forest towards Eeva’s house. I decide that walking is now done as I sink into the comfortable rocking chair on Eeva’s front porch that I jokingly state will be rehomed with me soon while Tate rolls his eyes and takes Andy inside with Eeva chuckling behind him before taking Johnathan in as well. Vinny gives me a hug, saying good night before he sleepy trudges into the house. I have a feeling Tate will find him on the couch in the living room and have to carry him to bed as well.

While I wait for my mate, I watch the leaves on the oak tree fall to the ground. Fall is my favourite time of year with beautiful colours and the chance to wear cozy warm sweaters, there is nothing much to hate about it other than the cold rainy days. When the weather is as nice as it is today, I would I find myself missing running in wolf form. I know that in this slightly chilly weather I would be able to enjoy a run without dying from the heat of the glaring sun on my thick fur like I do in the summer. But my favourite part is being able to dress up for Halloween, the only time I am very childish.

“Comfortable?” I look up to see Tate smiling down at me from his spot as he leans against the door frame. I smile at my mate and hold my hand out for him, watching him take it and lean forward to leave a kiss on the back of it making my skin shiver from the sparks that come with the mate bond

“Can we get a rocking chair for our porch?” I ask as Tate helps me to my feet and holds me close in a gentle hug.

“Sure. We can get two if you want, one for each of us.” He suggests, causing me to grin. The idea of having a comfortable rocking chair on the porch makes me sigh contentedly as I can just picture spending my mornings with my laptop and a cup of tea as I do school work. We say our farewells to Eeva before getting into Tate’s Jeep and driving home.

Tate decides to order us a pizza for dinner, picking it up on our way home from a mom and pop shop. As soon as pull into the driveway, I waddle towards the porch and instantly make my way onto the sofa while Tate grabs us drinks and plates from the kitchen before curling up beside me while we agree to watch Say Yes to the Dress. Tate won’t admit it, but I got him into the show. Yesterday, I caught him secretly watching it in his study, so I took a quick video to send to Eeva. Apparently, she couldn’t stop laughing when she saw the serious look on Tate's face as he commented that some girl should have chosen the Lazaro dress that flattered her figure and stated that if I had not come along as his mate, she would have sworn he was gay and using his exes as cover ups.

“Have you decided on baby names yet, Laina?” Tate asks as I take a large bite of the meat lover’s pizza.

“Not yet. I have a few names in mind right now, but we can decide when they are born.” I answer once my mouth isn’t full of food, smiling sheepishly at Tate. I watch his reaction closely, catching a slight smile playing on his lips.

“I agree, we can decide when they are born.” He agrees instantly leaning over to kiss my cheek. With dinner done and the show over, we decide to head to bed early as our nephews tired us out. I love the feeling of falling asleep in his arms with his scent wrapping around me. Soon we will be able to complete the mating ritual. I just have to wait another three months for when the babies are born for us to be together forever.