Like the Moon

Jake similed as she started to nod off, his hands moving to craddle her body. "Okay, you can sleep." He chuckled softly before lifting her and carring her to their room. He felt rather bad he'd kept her up all night. He'd have to remind him self she wasn't as quick as he was at bouncing back. Setting her down in bed he cuddle up behind her. Even though he wanted to sleep he knew it best to stay awake. He let out a yawn as he held her close. "Get some sleep love." He whispered to her.

---

Laney smiled before placing a kiss to his snout. "I love you." She told him. "I'm going to see if there is any breakfast." She rubbed his ear before standing, she gave him a pointed look. Letting him know to stay in bed. Then she headed out side to see what was going on. Smiling she noted Char out cooking."Good morning." She greeted the woman. They exchange breif words of kindness. Before Char started firing off questions about the pack. Things Laney wasn't sure about but handled the best she could. She was far from a leader but handling things in Haden's absence none the less. The women of the pack seemed to take it better than the men. But she knew it was because the guys cared a lot for Haden.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Avery yawned and smiled as Jake curled up to her. She grinned and closed her eyes. "I love you Jake... always." she grinned thinking of his furry smile and she knew she always would love him. It wasn't long before she was nodding off and then out in a cold sleep her breathing slow and even as her body lay still wrapped around Jake's arm like she never wanted to let go. Avery had a little smile on her lips as she slept looking peaceful.

---

Haden smiled and watched her leave chuckling to himself as she gave him a look to stay. He adored that woman in every way. He laid there listening to the thoughts and feelings of his pack trying to come up with solutions to help them out. It was difficult from his position and honestly he wasn't sure how much more balancing he could do but he knew as long s it took for Lane that would be what he would do because she was everything to him. It would break him if his pack left but if he lost his mate he would die. Haden smiled thinking about Laney. The day they sent away making love in the waterfall, the way she was warming up to his wolf, and how she stepped into the most difficult of situations with such strength. He admired all that about her.

@ Jinx...
Jake sighed as he pulled himself reluctantly from bed, he’d desperately wanted to get some sleep. But it seemed the obedient pup in him knew better than to. Slipping out of his clothes he quickly pulled on some cleaner ones. He’d head down and check things out, see just where he was needed. And make sure his lovely doctor wasn’t to be messed with. She’d earned herself some sleep for the day. After all the last few days would take its toll on a wolf’s body let alone a human’s. Smirking to himself he placed a kiss on top of her head, “love you.” He whispered out not wanting to wake her. Before turning and heading down stairs.

---

Laney nodded to Kyle as he stepped into camp, she could feel the anger from him. After all they weren’t the on the best of terms right now. But she wasn’t about to let him affect her relationship with Haden. But she knew that it was wearing on their packs relationship as well. “His healing is going well but he maybe down for a few days.” She looked back at Char. “Get with Jake, have him swap out on the patrolling, pull the perimeter in closer to camp.” She instructed, “keep them from over exerting themselves.” She knew they’d been pushing out wards more, so they could keep the humans safe. But she wasn’t afraid anymore. And even though she’d spent sort amount of times in her wolf form she was better adjusted on her feet. She’d defend this camp if it meant ripping the throat of a human out to do so. She just wished that the pack would give her more credit. “Once Avery is awake she can come and take a look at Haden.” She informed them before grabbing a bowl of food then one of water. After all he needed to stay hydrated.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Avery slept half the day away before waking and stretching out feeling wonderfully sore and limber at the same time. She rolled over and yawned before getting up and dressing. She headed outside and looked around the camp greeting everyone she met. Penny hugged her and Avery smiled. "I'll check up on Haden then I will come see what I can help out with... thanks for letting me sleep. I was beat." she said and chuckled. "Hey where is Jake?" she asked and brightened up just at the thought of him. It was obvious she was just as enthralled with him as he was bonded to her.

---

Haden looked up as Laney came back with food and water. He licked his snout and snuffed a snort with his impatience. He grinned up at her as she set them down silently thanking her before digging in. He was starving. He was glad this mess was truly over and they could finally move on. He hoped his pack would recover from this though. He knew this wasn't easy for them and maybe he should or could do something but it was Laney being in charge for once he was interested to see how it would play out. They had reservations yes who wouldn't with a wolf that was only committed tot he leader but he knew that meant she cared for his pack even if she couldn't accept her wolf enough to join them. Haden finished up the food and looked at Laney. Where is yours beautiful? He asked not liking to see her not eating.

@ Jinx...

Jake shook out his fur, it felt like forever since he’d phased. The past few hours had done a toll on his body. Thankfully he was able to stretch out his soar muscles. Flinging dirt as he started to sprint he took off in search of Leo. He could tell that his pack members were on edge though he could tell Leo was happy for his return. None of them were handling the change in leadership well. The women seemed to be more compliant with it, but they were always okay with Laney. The men however were more cautious due to their pull of protection for their mates, and Laney was a threat to that. Though Jake knew where she stood, he could still understand why everyone was so on edge. He just hoped he would be able to help, though he’d been dealing with his own matting process that he’d drowned out what was best for his pack. Meeting Leo on the path he sent the other man back to camp, it had been a while since he’d ran perimeter, it was a nice change of pace. Though he was missing Avery like crazy he still knew his pack needed to come first.

---

Laney smile at Haden as she watched him tear into his food, she was thankful that he had an appetite. “I figured you’d want more.” She informed him, knowing that she would take care of his hunger before her own. Collecting his food bowl, she leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “I’ll be back shortly.” She told him before heading back outside. She smiled seeing her sister awake. “Hey.” She greeted her, as she started to collect more food for Haden. Making sure to fix herself something as well. Hearing her sister’s plans, she shook her head. “You sit down and eat first, Jake should be coming in soon from his perimeter run.” She told her before heading back to Haden. She smiled at him as she set more food down before him. Then took a spot on the bed, “Avery’s up, she should be in after she eats.” She informed him. Hoping that she’d have good news for them.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Avery looked over hearing her sister. She smiled and chuckled. Now her sister sounded like Haden. She was concerned with her eating. Avery walked over to her sister and kissed her cheek. "Yes Ma'am." she teased but then smiled as Avery told her that Jake would be back soon. "I'll be up in a bit." she said as her sister headed off balancing food. Avery sighed knowing her sister was struggling with this. Avery dished out a bowl and took a seat starting to eat. She grinned and waited for Jake as she ate. She was hoping to see him before she went up to see Haden. She loved Jake so much he was like air to her.

---

Haden looked up at Laney and gave her a toothy grin. He made a cute noise as she kissed his furry head. He laid his head down watching her go again. Haden waited for her to come back and his tail thumped the bed as she showed up. He leaned his head to the side as he waited for Laney. She set the food down and he waited until she started to eat before eating himself. She was right he was still hungry. It must be the healing. Laney told him about Avery and he nodded guessing that meant some uncomfortable poking and stuff while she tried to figure out wolf anatomy. He finished his food and felt like he could just roll over and go back to bed.

@ Jinx...
Jake nodded to Kyle as he took over on the trail, allowing him to go rest and eat. Though above all he was able to go and see Avery. Entering camp, he stretched and smiled as his eyes landed on his mate. He was starving but it was in the back of his mind. Instead his moved up behind Avery, his arms slipping around her waist. A soft chuckle leaving his lips as she jumped, “good morning beautiful.” He whispered out before pressing a kiss to her neck. His nose nuzzling her afterwards, his arms tightening around her. He wasn’t looking forward to letting go of her any time soon.

---

Laney set her empty bowl aside before collecting his and placing them with hers. Turning her attention back to him, she shook her head as she watched him. “Tired?” She questioned him, knowing that she could go for a nap as well. She didn’t know how he did it. Being in control of not only his life but maintaining six people successfully. And to top if all off he’s had to add her and Avery to his load. She would have to be more focused on helping more once he was better. She wasn’t leaving his side until he was healed though.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Avery giggled and smiled as Jake surprised her. She inhaled as he kissed her neck her hand running up into his hair. "Jake." she whispered and then turned looking at him her eyes wild her emotions turning from love and contentment to desire and need. She knew they couldn't and he was tired and hungry but it didn't stop her body from wanting him. "Babe you need to eat." she said and took a spoonful of food from her bowl and fed it to him. She giggled and handed him her bowl so that he would eat. Avery snuggled into whims she finally sat down next to her. She knew he needed the energy from food because he hadn't slept. She was going to have to force him to sleep tonight. Avery kissed his shoulder and closed her eyes. She loved that Jake was hers forever and she couldn't wait until she had that ring on her finger too but she knew how bonding was more than marriage ever could be. But she was human and it still meant something to her. Avery just wanted Jake in every way and she was glad that he understood that.

---

Haden grinned and set his head in her lap. He knew healing took energy but he never knew how much until now. His injury was sufficient enough that his healing had to go longer than it had in a long time. Haden could hear his pack snickering at the new mated couple snuggling and being all sweet on each other. They remember when he and Haden would sometimes stir clear of them because they did the same things. It made him smile knowing his family was complete. He rolled over as carefully as he could and looked up at Avery. She was so beautiful and he wanted to give her the world. Haden laid his head back down and closed his eyes.

@ Jinx...
Jake smiled as she cuddled into his side, though his thoughts were on consuming his food. He'd skipped breakfast as he headed out to run. He knew it wasn't smart, but he'd been leaving his pack to pick up the slack. And now he really owed them and he was planning on helping out more. Though he could feel that nagging feeling that he was going to be more than greedy with his time with Avery. They were far from out of their mating stages, and he could tell just by the way her touch excited him. It pulled him from all his wants and tucked him deep in desire. Blinking he looked down at the beauty next to him. His body alive with want, and he could feel the tension rolling off of her. "Have you seen Haden yet?" He questioned her, his voice soft yet laced with so much tempt. He knew that they both had so much stuff to do, yet his thoughts were tangled up in taking her back to their place and taking her on the kitchen table again. He took the last bite of his food, before setting the bowl aside. His eyes glued to her, as he waited with baited breath for her response.

---

Laney sighed as she ran her hand through his fur. She could tell that this was weighing on him. And honestly guilt was eating away at her. She knew this was partly her fault, if only she could except the wolf inside of her. Then he wouldn't be in this situation. They were still on a rocky path. But she could feel the love she had for him stirring a lot of emotions up inside her. And honestly she hated it. She just wished things were simpler, but she wasn't that lucky. Nibbling on her lip she watched as he rolled over, a frown pulling at her lips. She wanted to scold him, but knew it was pointless. He knew his body better than she did and she trusted his judgement if he thought it was okay to lay on then she wouldn't push it. After all why shouldn't he lay on it, it didn't seem to hurt him as much as before. Which brought thoughts forward that he might be healing a lot faster. A sign in the dark.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Avery looked up at Jake as he spoke his eyes glueing her to her spot. She bit her lip and shook her head slowly. "I haven't yet." she said and ran her fingertips up his jaw and into his hair. She pulled his lips slowly towards hers and kissed him softly her mind going blank and numb with the desire. She groaned softly and broke away standing. "I should go do that." she said and kissed his cheek. "Eat more babe." she said and then turned jogging into Haden's house closing the door and sighed the desire still there but curbed by the lack of his presence. Avery called out to her sister and Haden so they knew she was here before ascending the stairs. Avery smiled as she came upon her sister and Haden. "Hey how are we feeling today?" she asked and watched Haden roll back onto the side that didn't hurt. She shook her head. "Yeah you know you should be taking it easy." she teased and set down her bag. She needed beside Haden and started to unravel his bandage. She frowned at what she saw and sighed. "Laney will you go get me some clean cloths and some water please. I will need to clean this." she said not liking the inflammation. Over all it was looking well but she was going to have to start changing his dressing more frequently and monitoring his temperature to be sure he wasn't getting an infection. "So far so good." she said soothing and rubbing his ear. Haden was in good spirits though so she was glad for that.

---

Haden's ears picked up hearing Avery and looked at Laney knowing she was worried about what her sister would say. Avery came in raising an eyebrow at him and he huffed rolling onto his side so she could look at him. She didn't like how active he was being. She had a right to it as his doctor but he had just been trying to lighten Laney's mood. When she asked for things to clean his wound with his head raised until she pet his ear soothingly. He laid back but his ears twitched. He could smell his own wound. Haden could tell Avery was meaning well but she had no idea how odd it was for her to rub his ears. Human's had an odd way around wolves even when they weren't afraid they had no wolf social skills. He didn't know how to help her with that and he was sure she would learn some time but for now he would let it go after all he was injured and patting his paw just didn't have the same level of comfort as patting his hand. She was doing the best she could but it amused him none the less.

@ Jinx...
Laney watched as her sister worked, then nodded when she asked for clean bandages and water. Heading down the stairs she tucked out the back door to move to the lake to get some clean water. Then heading back to the house, she set the water down beside her sister before moving around the room to find something clean they could use as a bandage. Then moved back to her seat next to him. She watched as he sister worked, before looking over at Haden. She knew the one thing he wanted to know with out him saying it. "He really wants to know if he can phase back." She told Avery, though she didn't want to explain the bond that she had with him or how she could even explain it. But it was bugging them both that he wasn't able to be a man. It was something that Avery could understand after all.

---

Jake eyed her, his jaw tensing when her fingers grazed along it. Pulling in a deep breath through his nose, her scent filling him to his core. His eyes fell shut when her lips pressed to his, gripping tightly at the bowl. Panting out softly he watched as she scurried off to help his alpha. The food in his hands forgotten as he felt that primal instinct in him pulling at him to make chase. He felt a hand clap down on his shoulder rather ruffly before Kyle's voice entered his ears. "I'll take the perimeter, you pup go have fun." He chuckled, the rest of the group laughing out as well. As they all knew just what Jake and Avery were going through. Though his mind was still reeling with the woman that had just left. Setting the bowl down he stood abruptly before trailing after her. He stood outside of Haden and Laney's house wondering if he should follow her. But now that he'd even it to his desire he knew once he seen her he wouldn't stop. And attacking her in front of her sister wasn't something he wanted. Pressing his back into the wall next to the door he waited for her to finish. Knowing that he'd surely surprise her. His ears perked up as her feet hit the stairs, turning towards the door he smirked as she emerged. Grabbing her arm he pinned her to the wall. "Got you now." He growled out playfully, before pressing his lips to hers.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Avery frowned and shook her head. "No I am sorry but turning right now could do some serious damage. You could tear the stitches and for all I know you could start to bleed internally this time where I wouldn't be able to help you. It is safer and you will heal faster in your wolf form. I know it's not easy for you both like this but healing comes first. We can revisit shifting in a couple days." she said and bit her lip patting his head then kissing her sister's cheek before heading out of their place after she finished everything up. Avery sighed walking out of their place and gasped as her back hit the wall. She looked up her eyes wide at Jake and smiled. He said he got her and she grinned her breath stilling in her as her heart beat wildly. Avery moaned as his lips met hers. She closed her eyes and clenched her hands together. She broke her mouth away panting. "Take me home." she gasped out her breath wild as she looked up at him her eyes reflecting her desire for him as strong as his own.

---

Haden looked over at Laney as Avery left and he huffed and laid his head on her lap. He knew this was hard on her and yes he did want to shift so he could hold her in his arms but as Avery had said it just wasn't possible just yet. Regardless he wanted to sooth Laney. She was upset with his state. Yes he was out of danger now but he was still healing and needed to take it easy. He hated being on bed rest and out of commission. He wanted to be there for his pack and his mate.

@ Jinx...
Jake peered down at her the same fire he had resonated in her eyes. He could tell they were far from done with the mating. It was something he couldn't control and he hoped it didn't scare her off. But he knew she was his for life now. A soft smirk pulled at his lips as she begged to be taken home. "Sorry love." He told her, pulling away from her only to grasp her hand and pull her a into the wooded area next to Haden's house. He knew they wouldn't make it through camp to get to their home and he really didn't want to give his pack member a show. Spinning on her he pinned her to a tree, when they were out of ear shot of the pack. "I can't wait." He told her before his lips captured her again. His hunger for her pouring out, his hands moving to pop the button on her jeans. This was their first time in the wilderness, and it excited him to no end. To feel that bond with nature it pulled at his inner wolf, helping him to claim part of his animal instinct. Dipping his hand into her pants he smirked when he didn't feel any underwear.

---

Laney smiled as she heard her sister's words, she was doing her best to put on a brave face. And honestly it had nothing to do with Haden being in wolf form. The words Avery spoke about him phasing it tore at her. She didn't want to think about him hurt ever again. And thoughts of him bleeding out blurred her mind and she felt sick to her stomach. Shaking her head she smiled down at her mate letting her hands lazily run threw his fur. She knew he thought this was hard on her. But once she got over the shock of him being a wolf and lying about it. She really didn't see him as one, more like a giant dog. A pet if you would, even though she was now a wolf and would have to change the way she thought about it. But it was a work in progress and she was doing her best at trying. She'd been so lost in her own thoughts she hadn't realized that she was sharing all with Haden. And that he was getting to see what she truly thought of him and her struggles with her own self.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Avery looked up at him as he said he was sorry. He took her hand and dragged her behind him into the forest. She did her best not to trip on the stick on their way her heart beating wildly in her chest. She gasped as he suddenly stopped and pushed her against a tree. She looked up at him that wildness in his eyes and more than that there was the hunger. She inhaled sharply as he said he couldn't wait and she understood the same need. His lips took hers before she could speak again. He ran his hands over her and every sound for some reason sounded louder here between them. She arched her hips towards his hand. She was pushed up against a tree and yet her need was so great she didn't care. Avery thirsted for Jake like she had never needed anyone. Avery looked up at him as he found her without her panties. She bit her bottom lip and pulled his shirt off before her lips found his neck nibbling at the skin before setting sweet kisses on them. She ran her hands down his chest as her mouth played over his skin a bite here and sucking on the tendered skin there. She knew it drove him crazy when her human teeth sank into his skin because his instincts where telling him to turn her, to turn his mate. Avery adored Jake in every way and one day she knew they would decide on turning her but it was just to soon for her currently.

---

Haden lay there silent as he listened to her mind. She was freely sharing this all with him even if she didn't know. It was huge to him and he smiled then licked her hand after a while. He smirked and locked eyes with her. I am not sure if I should feel insulted to be a giant dog or if I feel more cuddly because of that. He said to her mind and winked at her. He chuckled in his wolfish way. You where kind of letting me in past your wall. I hope you don't mind to much I listened in for a little while. Haden grinned and let his tail thump as he waited for her to respond. He wanted to be a part of her thoughts like this more often. She hadn't needed to hide him him. She had been so open with him for a moment it had felt enormously freeing and he hoped she could feel the same way.

@ Jinx...
Jake felt a groan draw its way up his throat as she started doting attention on his neck. Pulling his hand from her pants he changed his tactic as he start pushing the fabric off her body. He didn't want to waste any time, his need for her greater than anything he'd felt. And her marking his neck was driving him mad. Once he got her pants down, he didn't bother with taking them off, he then worked on his own. Popping the button and sliding the zipper down was all it took for him to be free from his confinement. Lifting her off the ground he lined himself up with her, before slowly pushing into her. One hand gripped her hip while the other propped him up on the tree. He pulled in a lung full of air, doing his best to calm himself down. He didn't want to unleash all his want onto her. But as he moved in her he could feel their pleasure meshing. And it was very numbing all his other senses while he got lost in her.

---

Laney was pulled from her thoughts by the rough pad of his tongue as it left a moist trail on her hand. Turning to look down at him she smiled sheepishly, knowing that he could take it offensive, but glad he didn't. I don't mind you listening all the time. She informed him, though she knew it wouldn't happen. And she was thankful that they were starting to get past the elephant in the room. Shifting to lay down, she wrapped her arms around his waist gently, before pulling his back into her chest. I like when your cuddly She teased him, before resting down feeling rather tired, even though she'd slept peacefully through the night. She couldn't help it, it was just something she had to deal with because she was used to being active.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Avery moaned as he started to push her pants off. She pulled off her shirt and his wanting her hands on his skin and her lips to have free access. She kicked a leg out of her pants as he thrust into her. She tilted her head back closing her eyes moaning loudly as her hands pulled at his hair and her leg wrapped over his hip. She pulled his lips to her collar bone and ran her nails down his back as his lips moved over her skin. Avery thrust her hips to his using the tree as her leverage. She could feel the caged desire banging at his self control as her body pressed to his begging for more. Avery clung to him. "Jake!" she gasped his name her lips hovering by his ear. "I love you." she whispered breathlessly. Jake was everything to her and she was so grateful he bonded to her in a way she had never expected before him. Avery kissed him as his lips came up from her skin. This was how it felt to be devoured.

---

Haden grinned and nuzzled her. When she pulled him gently to her he rested. He loved how they where joking about this all now. He was glad they had finally come that point. It was something he was glad for. It was a good sign to him. As antsy as he was he was tired from all the healing as he lay there with Laney, he closed his eyes and before he knew it he was sleeping again. Haden knew Laney felt it to and hoped that was all she felt. He was achey and a little warm but his body was recovering well from everything considering. Avery had been a huge help and now Laney was stepping up. It was amazing to see and he was glad that something good came out of all this.

@ Jinx...
Jake broke their kiss, his eyes boring down into hers. Glazed over with want and bliss, he smirked loving the way she looked when he was pleasuring her. "I love you too." He panted out, his teeth gritting as he pushed harder. Grabbing her hips he drove his hip harder, hoping to drive her over the edge. Though he wasn't any where near done with her. His hunger for her was greater than he could have imagined. Burring his face in her neck he pressed a kiss right below her ear, "god I love you so much." He whispered out, he knew that it wasn't just sex between them. He couldn't control himself anymore, and he knew it was all her doing. She could just give him one look and he lost it.

---

Laney smiled as she felt him relax and drift off to sleep. She was thankful he was resting well. After all he carried the weight of the pack on his shoulders. She was glad she was able to help, though she still hadn't won Kyle over yet. It was progress to even take charge and keep things from spinning out of control. Feeling herself nodding off she nuzzled her face into a pillow as she relaxed. Doing her best to keep from hurting him she curled up with him and dozed off.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Avery moaned gasping as she tossed her head back as his hips drove her insane . She wrapped herself tighter around him her toes curling and suddenly her orgasm washed over her a surprised scream of pleasure ripping out of her. Avery gasped gripping onto him and the tree her nails digging in as her body took over. If she was standing on her own anymore she would have fallen to her knees. Avery panted laying her head on his shoulder. How did he do this to her? "Jake." she could think a little more clearly now that her orgasm cleared. "We're so close to camp they must have heard that." she spoke and ran gentle hands over his skin the fog of his need starting to cloud her head again.

---

Haden dozed off as Laney did. It was so much easier with a mate even just to exist. Haden had never known how connected to a mate you could become. He had been through all the stages with Laney and he was sure there was more to come. As they lived on they would bond closer as they changed. Haden's mind and Laney's where even connected in sleep.

@ Jinx...
Jake panted out as he slowed his thrusting down, her constricting walls drawing out his pleasure. "We can make them hear more." He grunted out, before thrusting harder into her. He smirked as her body quaked with pleasure, knowing she was still sensitive due to her orgasm. Though he was true to his words he wasn't done with her yet. A soft smile pulled at his lips as he knew this was the perfect time to give her the present he'd managed to get her. Though he was a bit preoccupied with his approaching orgasm. Groaning he buried his face in her neck before picking his pace up. He could feel her body responding, nipping at her neck he did his best to fight back his release as he felt her own building up back up. A soft whimper left his lips as he felt her finally release before he let go himself. Panting out he felt his body slowly start to relax as he drew out his thrust prolonging their pleasure. A soft smile formed on his lips as he placed a gentle kiss to her neck. "God I love you so much." He told her as he pulled out of her, he was thankful he hadn't scared her off. Setting her down on her own two feet he made sure she was stable enough to stand alone before he stepped back and started fixing himself. Moving a bit away from her he grabbed her shirt before handing it to her. Smiling as she started to get dressed. Nibbling on his lip he watched her and waited till she was ready to head back. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out the necklace he'd gotten her. "Now I know you said you wanted a ring." He told her, before letting it dangle from his fingers so she could see it. "I no it's not a ring but it's the closest I could find." He informed her.

---

The sun light had just broke through the big bay windows, filling the room with warm sunlight. A soft groan escaped out into the air, blinking her eyes a yawn left her lips as she sat up. Confusion consuming her mind as she wonder what she was doing sleeping in the living room floor. Looking around she noticed a small figure balled up on the floor, it was Avery. They must have fallen asleep there last night, their parent more than likely didn't want to wake for them to go to bed. Grumbling she got up and started to head up stairs to her room but she stopped hearing commotion in the kitchen. Furrowing her brow she turned down the hallway and headed into the kitchen. A smile pulled at her lips as she noticed her frail mother in the kitchen cooking. "Morning." She her the sweet voice call to her, before she walked up to the woman and started helping her prepare breakfast. "Good morning." She grumbled out feeling rather sleepy still. The two fell into a comfortable silence as the worked, Laney taking over on cooking as her mother moved to take a seat. She wasn't do to well. Hearing loud hurried steps on the stairs, Laney turned to the kitchen door to see her dad appear in the door way. His frantic look soothed over as he notice the two women in the kitchen. He'd been on edge since the last doctors visit. The chemo had stopped working and his wife wasn't going to last much longer. She was putting on a brave face for the girls but Laney wasn't stupid she'd heard her father crying his eyes out when he thought no one was home. It was only a matter of time before they lost her. "Breakfast is ready." She told them before plating the last bit of eggs then started placing everything on the kitchen table. "Should I wake Avery?" She asked, noticing neither of her parents were moving to do so. She took it as her cue to go, knowing when they were like that they were doing their best not to let the girls see them break down. She exited the kitchen, her dad's soft voice broke the silence but she couldn't make out what he said. She wandered into the living room before kicking Avery in the butt. "Get up." She told the ten year old. Watching as she jerked startled her eyes popping open as she looked around trying to get her barrings. "Breakfast is ready." She told her waiting till she stood then the two made their way to the kitchen. But froze in the door way as they watched their parents lightly sway around the kitchen. It wasn't something they'd seen in a while, but they'd been used to it growing up. But let out a bit of a chuckle before moving to the table and started to consume their breakfast. They did have school to get to after all. Both were stuffing their faces and watching as their parents got lost in each other. Laney could see the love in her parents eyes, it was something she'd always admired. None of her friends parents looked at each other like that. It made her feel special. She watched as they broke a part and her mother took her seat at the table as her father took his leave to go change into actual clothes. They started having a normal morning for them. The girls and their mother talking and laughing, though Laney noticed her mother wasn't eating. "You not hungry mom?" She asked knowing the chemo had a way of making her lose her appetite. She'd lost weight and her hair, but always wore a wig. "No baby," she smiled softly. Before standing up she leaned over and kiss Avery's forehead before doing the same to her's. "Love you two, once you get done go get ready for school." She told him, before starting to make her way back to her room. "Mom?" Avery asked shock in her voice. Laney turned around to notice her mom collapse. "Dad!" She screamed before darting out of her chair and over to her mother. Her hands reaching out to touch her mother, shaking her but the woman wasn't responsive. Avery stood beside her sobbing as both were scared, not knowing what was going on. Lifting her eyes, she noticed her father standing above her mother's frame. Everything faded and Laney eyes opened she sat up in bed, wondering why she was having that dream now. Feeling the tears on her face she quickly wiped them away, before looking down beside her. The mass of fur meeting her, her lip tremble as she wished her mate was able to be human now more than ever. She wanted nothing more than for him to hold her and tell her everything was going to be fine.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Avery grinned as Jake made sure she could stand before fixing himself up. She grinned watching him as she slowly pulled on her own cloths and trying to comb out her hair with her fingers. Avery smiled and took her shirt from Jake placing a kiss on his lips before putting it on. "Thanks love." she said and knew that Jake truly knew she loved him so much and her love would only ever get deeper for him. Avery looked up at him after buttoning her last button. She grinned as he looked at her with such love and devotion. He reached into his pocket fiddling almost nervously. She giggled and bit her lip as he moved closer to her. She pressed her hip to his as she looked at the necklace he dangled in front of her. She bit her lip her eyes tearing up. "Jake..." she choked out and looked up at him before kissing him. "It's perfect." she said and hugged him tight to her reaching on her tip toes to be close to him. When they parted she turned and pulled her hair to the side looking back at him. "Put it on me?" she asked sweetly. When he had fastened the ring onto her neck she touched it and turned to him looking at it then up at him. "I love you Jake so much." she said and kissed him deeply. No it had not been the ring she had been hoping for so everyone knew she was his but it was just as meaningful to her because it was from him and he had put the effort into finding and getting it. Avery could not ask for better.

---

Haden woke feeling the pain inside of Laney. He whimpered and looked up at her sitting and putting his massive head over her shoulder. His paw pulled her back closer to him pulling her into the closest thing a wolf has to a hug. He could feel her pain but did not understand and it worried him. 'What happened Laney? Are you okay? Haden spoke to her mind and licked her cheek. He hated that he couldn't shift. It hadn't seemed like a big deal until now when his mate needed him and he couldn't be there for her in the way she needed him to. Haden would have gave everything to be able to shift for her and he was half tempted to try anyways and face the consequences later. His mate needed him.