Chapter 8: First Shift
“Alpha, here you go. A nice dinner set up for two with a blanket.” Ms. Evers said handing him the basket. “And two more baskets for Marcy and Gordon and the other one for the patrolling warriors that will be accompanying you.” “You’re the best Ms. Evers.” Blasé said kissing her cheek, taking the baskets. “Let’s go.” He held his hand out to Storm, she put her hand in his and he slowly led her out the door to the pond. Gordon had joined them halfway to the pond, he walked next to Blasé as Storm and Marcy walked side by side talking and laughing. “Seems as though our mates are becoming best friend.” Blasé chuckled to Gordon. “Yes, seems so.” Gordon smiled. “It will be good for them, especially my Marcy. She doesn’t really get out too much since mom and dad died.” He sighed. “Thank you for assigning her to Luna, she has been much happier since she’s been with her.” “No need to thank me, she’s been helping Storm with fitting in and learning about how things work around here.” Blasé smiled. “She’s had questions that only a she-wolf can answer for her.” He wiggled his brows. Gordon thought for a moment. “Ooohhh, okay. I get it.” He chuckled.
“Here we are.” Marcy chirped as she helped Storm lay out the blanket. “Marcy go ahead and go spend time with your mate. I can set this up.” Storm shooed Marcy to Gordon. “Thank you, Lu…Storm.” Marcy corrected herself, smiled, bowed, and walked into the open arms of her mate. “Oh and no more bowing.” Storm called out shaking her head. Marcy giggled. “I will try to remember.” Blasé walked over to Storm and wraps her in his arms, he leaned down and kissed her forehead. He sat down and brought her down to his lap. “You know, I can sit on my own?” Storm said raising a brow at Blasé. “I know, I just want…I need you as close as possible. Asher’s been bugging me to stay close to you and the pups. He’s become very, very possessive over the four of you. He’s ready to claim and make you ours forever.” He nuzzled into her neck. “Please let me meet little mate, want to hold her.” Asher begged his human. “Would he ever hurt me?” She asked with a frown. “No, he would never hurt you, he may hurt someone who hurts you or the pups but never you or them.” Blasé told her caressing her cheek. “Would it be possible to meet him?” She asked. “You want to meet Asher?” “Well, yeah, if that’s okay? I mean if it’s allowed.” “Of course, it’s allowed.” He laughed. “You’re his mate also.” “Oh.” She scrunched her face. Blasé kissed the wrinkle lines on her forehead.
“Hey Gordon, I’m gonna shift so Asher can meet Storm.” “Got it boss.” Gordon grinned. “Have a seat right here and remember, don’t be scared. Asher will not hurt you ever.” Blasé assured her. “Okay, no fear. Well, maybe a little nervous.” She squinted. Blasé chuckled and walked behind a tree. She heard what sound like twigs snapping, after a few seconds a huge black wolf stood in front of her. He walked closer to her and sat down next to her. She looked up at him and he licked her cheek. Asher? She asked. He nodded his head. “May I pet you?” He got excited and scooted closer to her with what she thought was a smile and his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth. He leaned his head against her shoulder and then put his snout on her cheek and lightly licked her. A small giggle escaped her lips. He gently pushed her down and laid his head on her chest and she ran her fingers through his black fur. “Are you purring?” She giggled. He just nuzzled closer. Asher just laid on her chest enjoying their time together, every once in a while, he would lick her cheek. He would oh so slowly put his nose under her shirt and lightly lick her stomach. “Asher, behave.” She giggled at him as he grumbled like he was chuckling at her.
They were enjoying their quiet time together when Asher lifted his head, his ears were twitching, and his nose was sniffing the air. She felt his fur rise. “What’s wrong Asher?” “Luna.” A voice whispered. She looked over her shoulder to see Marcy hurrying to her. “Luna, please, you need to come with me. I’ve been ordered to get you back to the house.” “Wait, what about Asher?” She asked but when she turned around, he was gone. “Where did he go?” Panic started to rise. “Luna Storm, please come with me. Alpha will be okay. Please Luna, we need to get back to the pack house.” Marcy pleaded as she took Storm’s hand and rushed her back to the pack house. Marcy is using her formal name so it must be serious. Storm allowed Marcy to tug her along gently but quickly. When they got inside, she was escorted into the den and all the windows were secured and curtains closed. “Please tell me what’s going on?” She demanded. “Intruders were detected in the same area you were in. Alpha, Gordon, and a few other warriors are looking for them.” Marcy explained. “He also instructed that you wait in here. Please try not worry.” She said hugging her. “What about the kids?” She released the breath she was holding. “They are safe with the Alpha’s parents, plus Marco, Megan, and Summer are on high alert.” Marcy stated. So many things were going through her mind. Could it be Fred coming after her? Did he send someone to kidnap her and her babies? She’d started pacing back and forth in the den and would peek out the curtain. “Luna, please stay away from the windows.” Marcy placed her hand on her shoulder. Mrs. Evers walked into the living room. “Luna, here drink this. It’s chamomile tea, it will help you relax. Please, you are still recovering, stress is not good for you.” She told her worriedly. Summer walked into the room. “What are you doing here? Where are my babies?” She panicked. “They’re fine, they are with mom, dad, Megan, and Marco. They were worried about you and Blasé so I told them I would come and check on you.” She told Storm walking into the den. “I’m not handling this very well.” She said looking at Summer. Summer chuckled lightly. “It’s okay, none of us do. I can tell you that Marcy is a nervous wreck just like you, same as all the other mates of the warriors that are out there with Blasé. I worry about Silas and Blasé, but I know it’s probably not the same worry.” “Worry is worry; I don’t think it matters the relationship.” Storm told her putting her hand on hers. “How long can these things take?” Storm asked with a sigh. “It depends if they are rogues or some poor soul who’s lost.” She said turning on the t.v. “I’m so glad the kids are with your mom and dad. I don’t think I could handle all this with them here.” She sighed. “Don’t worry, Blasé, Silas and Gordon are the top fighters, no one has been able to take them down. They can’t even take each other down.” She smiled faintly at Summer.
It felt like hours had gone by since Marcy and Storm got back to the house. She would pace a little, but Summer would pull her back down. She heard the front door open, and someone say, “you need to apologize to my mate, she’s still…,” she didn’t give him time to finish his statement. “Blasé!” He looked over at her with a huge smile and she threw herself into his arms. She would scold River for doing that, but she didn’t care, she needed to feel his arms around her and the warmth of his body against hers. “Are you okay?” She asked him, trying not to cry and checking him for injuries. “I’m perfectly fine sugarbear.” He told her holding her tight as she nuzzled her face into his neck. “OH, MY GODDESS! ZACKARY BLACKWELL!!” Summer said shaking her head. “You’re the one causing all the ruckus? You’re such an ass!” Summer grumbled. “You’ll never grow up, will you?!” She stomped on his foot and stormed out. “Owie! Dammit Summer!” Silas and Blasé were trying to stifle their laughter. “Sugarbear, this is Zackary Blackwell, Zack, this is my mate, Luna Storm Hawk.” Zack extended his hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Luna.” “Yeah, same here, I think.” She frowned at him. “Sugar, Zack is Summer’s mate.” “Summer’s mate?” Silas nodded his head. “Yeah, she’s been pissed off at me for a few months.” “I had a few things I needed to take care of before we could start our life together.” He explained. “May I assume you took care of those things since you are back?” Blasé asked. “Yeah, I have but I need to ask to become a member of Silvermoon. My dad had his Alpha banish me from the pack.” Zack explained. “Not a problem but you need to make up with my sister.” Blasé chuckled. “Work things out with Summer and then come see me. Until then, you are under the protection of the SilverMoon pack. I will let everyone know so that the guards don’t haul your ass to the cells thinking you’re a rogue, although I don’t think Summer would mind.” Silas chuckled. “Haha, true.” Zack snickered and bowed at Blasé. “Thanks, wish me luck.” Zack frowned and darted upstairs.
“Well, now that the excitement is over, I’m off to bed.” Silas stretched and yawned. “See you at breakfast.” He kissed Storm’s cheek making Blasé growl at him, Silas raised his hands in surrender. “Not interested in her like that, just a brotherly kiss goodnight.” Silas grinned. “Blasé, behave, he’s your brother.” She lightly smacked his chest. “I don’t care who it is, no other male is going to touch you.” He growled lowly in her ear sending a shiver down her spine. “Excuse me Alpha, Luna. My apologies but Marcy and I will retire for the evening if you don’t need us”. Gordon said. “Of course, Gordon. Marcy thank you for taking care of my sugarbear.” He smiled at Storm as she rolled her eyes at him and shook her head. She blushed at him calling her his sugarbear to other people. Both Gordon and Marcy snickered. “No need to thank me, Alpha.” Marcy assured him. Marcy not only saw Storm as her Luna but also her friend and sister, she would do what she had to protect her. “We will see you in the morning but not too early. I think we will be sleeping a little late. My class isn’t until one, so, I will need you both ready by eleven thirty.” He instructed. “Yes, Alpha.” They responded and retired for the night.
Blasé buried his nose in her hair. “Did you eat my love?” He asked. “We didn’t get a chance to eat.” He inhaled her scent. “No.” She told him leaning into him. “Are you hungry? Maybe just a little, my stomach is still a little in knots from earlier.” “I’m sorry sugarbear, I didn’t mean to just leave you like that, things just happened so fast.” He told her hugging her close. “All this is just so…crazy.” She said shaking her head. “Let’s go upstairs, pick a movie, and relax. You can go with me tomorrow and then we can go shopping and grab dinner.” He said picking her up and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder as he carried her to their room. “I don’t want to go on campus.” She admitted whining a little. He opened the door and closed it with his foot. “Sugarbear, you can sit in on my classes, but you also need to check in with the online instruction department. Make sure that everything is ready for next semester and that you don’t need to do anything else to finish up this semester.” He suggested to her. ”I guess, is that skank still in your class?” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Yes, she is.” He said as he started kissing her neck. “Hhmmppff.” She grumbled. “Awe, is my sugarbear jealous?” He asked nibbling on her ear. “You have absolutely nothing to be jealous or worried about.” He said as he continued to nibble on her ear. No, I’m not jealous. She huffed. He stopped nibbling and looked at her with a raised brow. She rolled her eyes. “Okay, fine, maybe just a little.” She blushed.
She felt a soft rumble comes from his chest. “I am yours and only yours, just like you’re mine and only mine, always.” It didn’t sound like Blasé. “ Asher, is that you?” She asked. “Yes, little mate.” He rested his head in the crook of her neck and inhaled. Goosebumps covered her body from head to toe, he always made her feel safe and loved. He readjusted so that she could lean against him, she nuzzled herself in his arms and rested her head on his chest. “It’s so quiet without the munchkins.” She said to no one really. “It’s a big change for you, going from being the carefree most eligible bachelor to having an instant family.” She said as he played with her hair. “Are you sure you’re ready for the lifetime of them, of being their dad? Of being with me?” She mumbled into his chest. He pulled her closer to him and tightened his hold on her. “I have been ready for a long time. Don’t ever doubt my feelings for you or our little ones. I was never a carefree eligible bachelor, because I knew my true mate was out there somewhere. And no, I wasn’t expecting an instant family but now that I have the four of you, I don’t…I can’t ever see my life without the four of you. All of you are mine.” He growled. “Until the end of time and beyond.”
“Exactly how long do werewolves live?” She asked as he played with her hair, and she played with his fingers on his other hand. “The oldest member of the were-counsel is around two hundred maybe older.” “You’re kidding?” She was shocked that they lived that long. “If wolves live that long what about those that have human mates? Do they outlive their mates? Will Fred out live Nancy?” “No those that have a human mate, once they mate and are claimed, the human mate’s aging slows to a snail’s crawl as some of our venom is injected into the mate upon the claiming. They will no longer succumb to illness or disease, well at least that we know of.” He started to explain. “But you, my sweet sugarbear are a shifter so you, our little ones and I will be together for a very long time, that’s if you still want to be with me.” He fake pouted. She sat up and looked at him. “I don’t want to be without you. Every time we are apart…it feels like…sometimes it’s hard to catch my breath and my chest hurts.” He took her hand in his. “That’s a normal felling, it’s a part of the mate pull. Until we are fully mated, we are going to feel an emptiness. It’s possible that we could still feel like that even after we are mated.” He ran his nose along her jaw. “Is that why you’re always sniffing me?” He chuckled. “Yup.” He said pulling her back into his embrace. “We should get some sleep. If I know our little ones, they will be here early to wake us up.” He said pulling her back into his embrace.
Next Morning,
“Mama, dada, wake up.” Little fingers poked Blasé and Storm’s cheeks. Dada. River giggled. He quickly grabbed her little hand and pretended to chew on her fingers making her squeal. “Dada no eat my fingwrs.” She giggled. “But they taste like jelly and I’m hungry.” He told her taking her in his arms and getting up. “Mama! Mama! Hewp me!” River squealed and next thing he knew Rebel and Ryder jumped from the bed and tackled him to the floor and it was a little wolf pile on Dada Alpha. He looked at Storm. “A little help, please.” He begged as the three kept pouncing on him. Storm just laughed at him. “Sorry but this is your battle.” She chuckled scurrying to the bathroom. “You will need to go and get them dressed.” She reminded him. He gathered the three of them in his arms and stood up with their little legs dangling. “Coco! Hewp!” River giggles calling out to her protector. “RIVER! Where are you? What happened?” Marco rushes into their room with water dripping down his head and wrapped in a towel. “Dada is twicwling me!” She squeals trying to wiggle out of his grip. “What is all the squealing about?” Grace laughed walking into her son’s room. “Nana! Nana! Hewp!” They all called out. “Oh, Marco sweetie, you’re dripping all over the floor.” Grace told him. “Sorry grams but all I heard was River calling for help and well, I was in the shower.” He admitted. Grace chuckled. “Go finish your shower, Minnie and I will handle these three.” She instructed him. He looked at River, “I’ll see you later little one.” He told his little mate, and she blew him a kiss. He snickered as he went back to his room, River ran after him and jumped on his back. Grace and Minnie took the boys from Blasé’s arms and River was climbing up Marco’s back. She always had to be close to him, so young and she was already drawn to him.
“Come along, we need to get you ready for the day. River, sweetheart, you come with me. Marco has to finish getting dressed.” Grace instructed. “That goes for you too, Blasé.” She looked at him. “Alpha Tobias is coming for a visit today.” She told him. He thought for a moment. “Wait, we won’t be here. I have classes this afternoon and Storm has to meet with the online study department.” He reminded her. “That’s okay, they won’t be here until dinner time, so go about your day. Just make sure you are home by at least 4:30 and no later.” Grace told him. “You should really find someone to replace you and let me handle the administration side. You have enough with the pack and these little ones.” Alex suggested. “Once you and Storm complete the mating ritual, your responsibilities will change. You both will need to be here. He said as he wrestled Rebel off his back. “Dad, we will figure it all out later. I promise.” Blasé told him. Storm met up with Blasé and Alex as Ryder walked in not looking well.
“Mama.” Ryder whined. He made grabby hands for Storm to pick him up. “I no fwel good.” He whimpered. “What’s the matter baby?” She held him to her chest. “I hurt.” He rubbed his arms. “What hurts?” Blasé asked him. “Evweting. Coco.” River cried. “Dada!” Rebel yelled clinging to Alex. “What’s going on?” He panicked. “Do you think they.” Silas started to ask. “Get them outside, they need to be together, mom bring three blankets.” Blasé told her. “I think they are shifting.” “What?!” “No, they’re not ready!” Storm worried. “If their wolf is ready to appear then there’s nothing, we can do except help them as best we can.” They hurried outside, Alex carried Rebel, Ryder was in Storm’s arms and Marco was cradling River. “They’re really shifting.” Marco asked. “Yes, you’re going to have to help River, help her shift, help her with her wolf pup.” Blasé told him. “B-Blasé help.” He heard Storm cry out. “What’s happening to us?” She fell to her knees cradling Ryder. “Marco, Silas bring the pups over here, let’s keep them together.” He demanded. “Summer,” He yelled, “get mom out here and bring Uncle Matt and Aunt Mary also. I think the four of them are shifting.” He told her a little panicked. “Wait, the four of them?” Summer responded. “On our way! Try and stay calm, they need you to be strong for them.” She told him through mind link.
“Sugarbear, it’s gonna be okay.” He told her as he held her and Ryder. “What’s happening?” She whimpered. “Sugar, you and our pups are shifting.” He smiled. “But…” She trailed off. “I guess you ARE a werewolf.” He chuckled. “Blasé.” Summer called with Zack on her heels. “I need you and Zack to help Ryder through his shift. I’ll help Storm. Silas and dad have Rebel and Marco has River.” He looked at his two other little ones and worried that they may not be able to handle their first shift. Marco was cradling River whispering in her ear. Silas had Rebel leaning on his chest giving him instructions and encouragement. Alex was rubbing Rebel’s back. “Hey Ryder.” Summer soothed. “C’mon, let’s help you meet your cute little wolf pup.” She smiled and Zack brushed Ryder’s hair from his face. “I hab wolf.” He asked in a whispered. “You are a wolf, sweetie.” She told him. “So are Rebel, River and …Mama?” He interrupted. “Yes, and Mama.” Summer smiled at him. “It hurts.” He whimpered. “I know but it will stop soon.” She told him. “You need to be strong.” Zack encouraged him. “Otay.” He sighed. So many thoughts were going through Blasé’s mind. “Why did it take her so long to shift? Why are the triplets shifting now?” He mind linked his aunt and uncle. “I wish we had the answers.” Aunt Mary sighed. “Maybe Alpha Tobias can shed some light when he gets here.” Uncle Matt said through mind link. “He is their uncle, the only living relative besides her useless mother.” “Blasé…aahh…” Storm groaned. He heard her bones start to pop and reshape. “Breath, try to relax, let your wolf take over. She knows what to do.” He encouraged her. He heard the others whispering to the pups as he heard more bones pop into place. “Sugarbear, just let it happen.” He whispered to her.
Before long, Storm was standing on four paws, she was beautiful. She was all black with a purple tint. The triplets stumbled towards her, Ryder was black with white paws, Rebel was black with the tips of his ears and tail white and his little princess, River, she was black with a white heart shape patch under her neck, just like her human form, she was the cutest little wolf he’s ever seen. It also looked like her black fur was tinted a dark blue along with the boys. “Sugarbear, you’re absolutely gorgeous.” Blasé said, running his fingers through her fur. The little ones were standing next to her and then started growling at each other. “Hey, hey no growling at each other.” Grace scolded. They quickly sat on their little butts and looked up at Storm and lowly whined. “It’s okay, you want to go for a run. I can shift into my wolf, and we can run around.” Blasé told them. They got excited and their little tails wagged along with their butts, well, their whole body really and little tongues hanging out. “Aarrwwooo…” Rebel howled out followed by Ryder, River, and Storm. Blasé quickly shifted followed by Marco, Silas, Summer, and Zack. “Gordon, Marcy make sure to stay close to them.” Blasé heard his dad tell them.
“Dada.” River’s little voice echoed in his head which surprised him. “Hi princess.” Asher nuzzled her. “I fuzzy wike Coco.” She giggled as Marco gently licked her ears. “Yes, baby you are, and you are very pretty.” He told her. “Thanchew dada.” She smiled wide, her little tongue hanging out and her whole little body shaking. “Marco, please keep a close eye on her.” Blasé glared at Marco, letting his aura leak through making sure he knew the importance of what he’s being told. “Of course.” Marco assured his Alpha and now his father as he nudged River, and they trotted away followed by the boys. They started chasing each other, playing, rolling around and nipping each other’s legs and tails. Blasé’s parents, aunt, uncle, and some pack members were watching them run and play. Storm and Blasé joined in on playtime.
“Blasé.” Grace mind linked. “Alpha Tobias will be here in about an hour and half, so baths are needed for the little ones.” She reminded him. “I also called your assistant and asked her to cancel today’s classes and get a replacement instructor for now.” Grace told him. “Thanks mom. I completely forgot about my classes.” He sighed. “That’s why I took care of it after they shifted. Eaton will bring everything Storm needs for her online classes and get her set up for the next semester. He also said that she is clear for this semester.” She told him. “Mom, thanks, you are the best. We’ll get them corral and back to the pack house.” He laughed. “Little ones, we need to go and get cleaned up and back on two legs.” He told them after he shifted. “No dada.” Rebel whined through mind link. “Why? We are having important guests over for dinner. We can’t have dinner as a wolf or be stinky.” He raised his brow at them. “So, we need to get back home, shift back to our human fingers and toes, take a bath, get some nice clothes on, and meet with our special guests.” Blasé said as he, Storm, Marco, Summer, Silas, and Zack started leading them back to the pack house. “But I wike my wuf.” Ryder pouted. “And you can play tomorrow in your wolf form, but you have to be a little boy and behave tonight. Tomorrow we will start to train you to control your wolf.” Blasé promised them.
They finally made it back to the pack house and went to the pup’s room and started to help them and Storm shift back to human form. It took them about 10 minutes to shift back to their human form. The pups were still very excited and were running around on all fours and howling at each other. Grace suggested using some lavender oil to help calm them down. “You two go and get cleaned up and get ready for dinner.” Minnie told Storm and Blasé. “Are you sure?” Storm giggled as she watched her little ones running around howling at each other. “No problem, Luna.” Megan, Marco’s older sister, said walking into the room. “Megan, it’s good to see you.” Blasé smiled hugging her. “Yeah, you too. Sorry I’m late but my flight was delayed and some other crap.” She groaned. “Young lady, you watch your language.” Minnie scolded. “Sorry,” Megan said covering her mouth. Storm smiled at Megan, “it’s nice to finally meet you and have you home.” “I’m sure Marco’s happy to have his sister home.” She looked at Marco. “Nah, not really.” He teased. “Awe, you know you missed me little brother.” She said blowing him a kiss, Megan is three years older than him. “Whatever.” He snorted rolling his eye. “Alright you two behave.” Minnie chuckled. Megan and Marco laughed as they greeted each other. “It is good to have you home,” Marco said, “I’ll have more back up with the terror three.” He laughed. “Kids, this is my sister, Megan,” Marco introduced, “and she will be helping to take care of and protect you.” He told them. Rebel walked up to Megan and looked at her. “You pwetty.” He told her. “You my Meggy.” Rebel told her hugging her legs. “Awe aren’t so sweet.” She said bending down and hugging him. “Ha! Don’t let that cute little face fool ya, you just wait, his inner terror will appear when you least expect it.” Marco laughed. Megan rolled her eyes at him. Minnie shook her head the twins, “let’s get busy, we have a lot to do before our guest arrive.” She reminded them.
“I’ll help River clean up and Marky Mark can help the furry bunch clean up. We got this covered.” She assured with a chuckle as Marco rolled his eyes at her. “Marky Mark?” Storm questioned. Megan pointed to Marco. “Yeah, Marky Mark and the furry bunch.” She chuckled pointing to Marco as he dragged the boys by their feet to their bathroom with them laughing and squealing. “Megan thank you so much.” Storm hugged her. “No need to thank me, we are family after all.” She smiled. “Yes, we are.” She agreed. Storm and Blasé went back to their room and clean up.