Touch

@ estival

Zacky shook his head, running a hand down his face as they continued to place their bets on his unborn children. He had to make a mental note to make sure he did the same for whenever they had kids. He was pretty sure they didn't do this with Leah and Aubree, only because the situation was entirely different when their mother got pregnant. Zacky sighed softly, not really wanting to think back on those times right now. "Thanks, Aubree," he said as sat down his beer in front of him. "You're the best." He popped the top and took a sip, licking over his lips. "I dont care how many I have as long as they're happy and healthy. I'll be happy with just one if I get that." Zacky twirled the bottle around in his palm, staring down at it. He really needed to go home soon and talk with Leah, make sure she was okay. But this booze was really tasting good. The sound of the back gate opening broke him away from his thoughts, his eyes widening when he saw Leah walk through. Why was she here? She didn't come to yell at him did she? He sure as hell hoped not because he was pretty sure he would crumble and give in by now.

---

Aubree looked over and saw that Matt probably needed another beer too, biting her lower lip and making a face. She really didn't want to get him another, but getting him one and doing things for him kind of increased her chances of getting laid later. Aubree snorted to herself and shook her head as he walked away to get Matt a beer. Who was she kidding, she didn't need to increase her chances of getting laid later, they already went at it like a couple of rabbits in heat. She sighed and shook her head as she grabbed his beer, popping the top and taking a small sip of it before setting it infront of him. She smirked and kissed his cheek, squeezing his shoulder before continuing to clean up. She hadn't paid attention to her phone to notice that she had gotten any messages from Leah, she had been to busy paying attention to the hardly sober men that needed refills. Aubree looked up when she heard someone come through the back gate, smiling big when she saw her sister. "Hey!" She greeted, rushing up to give her a hug. "I'm glad you decided to come. I was hoping you would. I can't deal with these baboons by myself," Aubree said with wide eyes, lettting out a small giggle. "How are you feeling? Do you want something to drink? Eat? You didnt run to heavily on the way here did you?" She said, not sure if it was the slight maternal instinct that had kicked in from being pregnant before or the fact that she didn't want anything to happen to Leah's babies like what happened to hers, even though Aubree knew there wasn't anything she could have done to prevent that.

Leah sighed as she pushed open her dad's back gate, now starting to wish she hadn't come over. Zacky had definitely told everyone that she was pregnant and she didn't want to deal with the congratulations or the questions. Maybe they would all see how bad of a mood she was in and leave her alone. Leah didn't look at any of the guys as she walked into the backyard, only barely glancing at Aubree as she gave her a hug. "Aubree, I'm fine," Leah huffed. "I can get my own food and drinks. I'm pregnant, not helpless." Although, Leah did feel pretty helpless right now. She still hadn't totally accepted that she was pregnant. She was pregnant. She was going to have pups. "I think I might apply for a job at the bank," Leah said softly to her sister as the idea came to her head. She fixed a small plate, getting a glass of water. "I mean, it's not nursing school but I guess it's better than nothing."

---

Matt smiled when Aubree handed him a beer. "Thanks, babe," he said, taking a sip. He glanced back when he heard the back gate opening, seeing Leah walking into the backyard. Aubree must've asked her to come over, because judging by the look on her face, she hadn't come here to chat with the rest of them. She obviously still wasn't taking the news very well and it made Matt feel a little angry; Aubree wanted pups more than anything and she wasn't pregnant while Leah was and didn't even want to be. He just hated seeing Aubree cry and be upset over something her sister was taking for granted. "Are you going to go talk to her, Zack?" Matt asked, nodding his head over at Leah, who was deep in conversation with Aubree.

Zacky never really took his eyes off of Leah, watching her every move. His wolf was extremely intrigued by his mate right now. It had this overwhelming need to be beside her and to protect her since she was carrying their pups. Zacky sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes. He didn't open them again until he heard Matt speak, furrowing his brow. "Why? She doesn't really want to talk to me right now, I'm sure. Besides, she's really deep into conversation with Aubree," she said, pointing out the obvious. He might go and talk to her in a bit but she still looked like she needed to cool off. Plus he didn't want to ruin any sisterly bonding time. Zacky took a couple sips of his beer, drumming his fingers along the armrest of his chair. He had no idea what to do at this point. He wanted to be happy and ecstatic about the pups. He wanted Leah to be as well, but he didn't know how to make her feel that way. How was he supposed to know that the moment he decided to use a condom she was going to get pregnant?

---

Aubree bit down hard on her bottom lip as she frowned, sighing heavily. "I know you're not helpless, I just don't want anything to happen," she said softly, crossing her arms over her chest. She cleared her throat a bit as she followed her sister to get food. "You want to apply at the bank?" She asked, furrowing her brow. Apparently just being a stay at home mom and taking care of pups wasn't the title she wanted. "Who's going to watch the pups while you work? Or is it just for while you're pregnant?" Aubree asked, scratching her temple. This whole situation was completely fucked. "I mean, I'm not saying it's a bad idea of anything. I think it's great." Even though she didn't, Aubree still wanted to be supported for her sister. She but down on her bottom lip as she walked over and sat down at a table with Leah while she ate her food. Aubree looked around, sighing softly while she watched Matt talk with the guys. She just couldn't imagine not being happy that she was pregnant. But she didn't have any other plans for her future either like Leah did.

"Yes, I want to apply at the bank," Leah said, trying to keep the aggravation out of her voice. She knew her sister was trying to be supportive, but Leah could tell that Aubree didn't exactly think that her getting a job was the best idea. "No, it wouldn't just be while I'm pregnant," Leah continued as she and Aubree sat down at a table. "And I'm assuming Zacky would watch them, since he's their dad. I just...I can't just sit at home with the pups all day. It would drive me crazy, Aubree. You and the guys, you get to do important things for the pack. If I don't get a job or something like that, well...well then I'm just Zacky's bitch." Leah sniffled as she looked down at her plate of food, suddenly not all that hungry anymore. She'd known all along that once she and Aubree were mated, her position in the pack wouldn't be that great. It was why she wanted to go to school, so she could feel like she actually mattered somewhere. And now she was pregnant and everything was ruined.

---

Matt just shrugged his shoulders. If he were in Zacky's shoes, he would definitely be talking to Aubree, trying to figure out what was wrong. But then again, Aubree probably wouldn't be sulking the way Leah was. Aubree was usually pretty upfront with how she was feeling and if she was upset, she would let Matt know. He took a sip of his beer, glancing around as he listened to Jimmy and Johnny have some sort of drunken discussion about something he didn't really understand. "I'm tired of sitting around, we should do something," Matt said, finishing off his beer. He glanced around at everyone with a grin. "It's been awhile since we've been on a pack run. And the girls have never been." Going on a pack run was the best way to bond as a pack in Matt's opinion, following their alpha's lead as they ran through the woods. "If you think Leah is feeling up to it, I mean."

Zacky sighed heavily, finishing off his beer. He decided that he definitely didn't want to get another. He was cutting himself off for the night. He raised a brow when Matt said something about a pack run, chuckling and looking over at Brian. "I think the question here is if Brian is ready for it," he said with a smirk, watching as Brian huffed and stood up out of his chair.

"I'm an excellent runner while I'm drunk," he said, finishing off his own beer. "Let's do it. Leah should be fine. Leah!" Brian called out, trying to get his daughter's attention.

Zacky shook his head, standing up. It was definitely an idea he could get behind. He could use a good run to make any frustrations he had go away, plus it was an amazing bonding experience. He was sure the girls would love it, especially with how much Leah loved to run.

---

Aubree frowned as she bit down on her bottom lip hard. She knew this was really hard for Leah and she didn't know what she could do to help. Of course Aubree and Matt and the other guys had their certain things to do in the pack but really Aubree didn't have anything to do until their dad stepped down. Just a lot of preparing. She wanted to create a place for Leah though, since she was going to go to nursing school and be a nurse. But now that that's changed she wasn't sure what. Aubree sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "Don't cry, Leah," she said, noticing the change in her voice. "Everything will be alright." Aubree looked over at their father when he began yelling, raising a brow. Her eyes lit up at the mention of a run, smiling big. "Oh that sounds amazing," she said, bouncing in her seat. "Come on, Leah. Let's go for a pack run. Im sure it'll make you feel a bit better." Running always made them feel better. Growing up whenever they were upset they would always go for runs to make them feel better, this time should be no different.

Leah scoffed, wiping at her eyes. "Easy for you to say, you actually want pups," she mumbled under her breath. She didn't know if her sister heard her, but luckily their dad's shouting seemed to be enough of a distraction even if she had. Leah had to admit, the idea of going on a pack run did cheer her up a little. She and Aubree had never been on one before and she'd been waiting for this day ever since she was little. Abandoning her plate of uneaten food, she got to her feet and transformed into her wolf form. She felt so much calmer in this form, although the feeling of being pregnant was also a little stronger. Her wolf was so much more in tune with the pups she was carrying. Once everyone was ready, her dad led the way into the woods, letting out a loud howl. The other guys mimicked him and Leah tried to as well, although hers came out sounding a bit more unsure than her dad's or the other guys'.

---

"Runner?" Matt laughed. "Are you sure about that, Brian?" Matt laughed again when Brian flipped him off, calling for Leah and Aubree. The other three of them all stood, quickly transforming into their wolf forms as they waited for Brian, Leah, and Aubree. When they finally left, Brian led the way, Matt a close second behind him. Whenever they ran, they moved fluidly but also in a very synchronized way. Brian was always in the lead and as second in command, Matt was close behind him. Jimmy and Johnny helped bring up the rear, acting as the eyes and ears should some sort of danger approach them from behind. Zacky usually lingered somewhere in the middle, helping to keep watch from the sides. As females - and with Leah being pregnant - the two girls would likely be in the middle as well, protected on all sides by the males of the pack.

@ estival

@ estival

Zacky could definitely use a run right about now and a good pack run sounded amazing. He got up, stretching and rolling his shoulders. He grimaced when he heard some of his bones crack, shaking his head. He really wasn't old, werewolves aged much much slower than humans. He just needed to get himself back into shape a bit. He was definitely slacking. Zacky smirked go himself and changed into his wild form, looking over at Leah and watching her change. There was an obvious scent about her, one that told him that his mate was pregnant. He trotted over to her, rubbing his snout against hers before he ran and took his position. When they finally left you could feel the energy radiating off of all of them and it felt amazing. Running with your pack was a feeling like none other and he hoped Leah loved it as much as he did. It was a special time for both her and Aubree that was for sure. When Brian broke out into a howl, so did the rest of the pack. Zacky howled at the top of his lungs, feeling like he was just letting all of his frustrations out.

---

Aubree frowned a bit at her sister, but her frown quickly turned into a shit eating grin when she heard her dad. She shot out of her chair, bouncing around. She'd always wanted to go on a pack run. She always heard her uncles talking about it and how amazing and energizing they were, also how much of a bonding experienxe it can be. Aubree quickly turned into her wolf, hopping around and waiting to be told what to do. Since no one really told her to do anything, she just went with her gut feeling and followed everyone else's lead. She went right to the middle, where it felt like she needed to be, surrounded by all the men who loved her. As they ran, Aubree felt this amazing energy coursing through her and it was something like no other. She couldn't believe she had waiting this long after her change to do this and the rest of the guys had to be drunk to do it as well. The ground shook and roared under them as they ran, making her smile. It was a sound she loved. She couldn't wait to tell Matt how exciting this was. She didn't want to bother him now since everyone was so in tuned with running and frankly she just wanted to focus on that as well. It was also strangely relaxing. She hoped her sister was enjoying it as much as she was and she hoped it wasn't putting to much strain on the baby.

Leah had no idea where they were going, but she was sure that her dad did and she trusted him more than anything. This was definitely something she'd needed, with the stress the pregnancy was causing her. She knew that soon she would have to make an appointment to go to the doctor and start planning for the pups, but for now, all she had to do was concentrate on the ground beneath her feet as they ran and the way her howls shook her throat. It was exhilarating. And Leah felt completely safe surrounded by her dad and all the others. Even though it was unlikely they would stumble any danger, if they did, she knew they would protect her and Aubree. Leah wasn't sure how long they'd been running when her dad slowed to a stop, everyone else following suit. "Everybody should drink something," her dad said. He motioned with his snout towards a nearby river. "And then we'll go exploring a little."

---

Running with the pack was one of the most exhilarating feelings and knowing it was the twins' first one made it even better. There was nothing quite like running alongside the other wolves in your pack, moving fluidly like one cohesive being. When Brian slowed to a stop, Matt did as well, taking a second to shake out his fur before trotting over to the river. Running like that definitely worked up a thirst. After he'd had enough to drink, Matt walked over to Aubree, pressing his fur against hers. "So what did you think of your first run?" he asked her. "Did you enjoy yourself? One of these days I'll have to take you on a run, just the two of us. And maybe I can start teaching you how to hunt." Matt couldn't wait for the day when he got to take Aubree for a run by themselves, because even though running with the pack was an amazing bonding experience, there was also nothing quite like running alone with your mate.

@ estival

Zacky slowed to a stop, getting himself something to drink. Once he had enough, he looked up and over at Leah. He made his way over to her, nudging her with his snout. "How was your first run?" he asked her. He wasn't sure if she was still upset with him or whatever the hell she was or not. He was scared to asked about the baby first so he figured he would let her bring it up instead. As much as he wanted to talk about it and ask if she was okay, he figured that right now she might want to take this opportunity to forget what was going on and have a relaxing run. Which he wouldn't blame her if she did. Zacky himself was already feeling so much more at ease from running with his pack. "Did you drink something?"

---

Aubree panted heavily as she went over to the river, lapping up some water. She felt so energized from running with everyone. She wished she had done this sooner. She looked up when she felt someone rub against her, seeing mad. She rubbed up against him and all around him before eventually getting herself tangled up with him, making them fumble to the ground. Aubree laughed, nipping as his ear. "it was amazing!" she told him, tugging at his ear as she tried to get him to play. "I can't wait for you to start teaching me how to hunt. I'm sure that's going to be a lot of fun, along with going on a run just the two of us." Aubree giggled as she licked his snout, rolling on top of him and rubbing her snout against his. She was a pretty big wolf for a female but Matt was still a giant compared to her.

Leah padded over to the river, lapping up a bit of the water. She startled slightly when she felt something touch her, relaxing when she realized that it was Zacky. "It was fun," she answered, rubbing her snout against him. The feeling of his fur against her was a comforting one. "Very relaxing. And yeah, I drank something." She would've thought that Zacky saw her drinking from the river, but she supposed he was probably getting something to drink himself. Once everyone had rested for a little while and gotten something to drink, her dad led them further into the woods, with the pack falling into the same formation as last time. They moved at a slower pace this time, allowing Leah to take in the sights, smells, and sounds of the forest. It was amazing to her how much more she could see and smell and hear in her wolf form.

---

Matt laughed as Aubree started to rub against him, twisting herself around the body. He was only a little surprised when they tumbled to the ground, shaking his head when he felt her nipping at his ear. He was a grown wolf, he wasn't too interested in playing. "Well we can start whenever you want," Matt told her. "You've graduated now so you've got all the time in the world." He let Aubree roll around on top of him until Brian said that it was time to leave, nudging her off and getting to his feet. He rubbed his snout against hers before he took his place behind Brian in the pack. "Pay close attention to the things you hear," Matt said quietly to Aubree. "When you start hunting, your hearing will be your most vital sense and since you're still a new wolf, you need to hone it a little."

Zacky rubbed his snout against Leah's, sighing contently. He was glad that she was enjoying herself at that she was feeling alright. He was going to have to sit down and actually have a talk with her later. He had this need to apologize to her, probably for leaving and going back to Brian's when he should have stayed home instead. He was only trying to give Leah some space but who knows if that was really the right thing to do. Zacky looked up when Brian said it was time to go, getting back into his position with the pack. They were going at a much slower pace which gave them the opportunity to take everything in. He loved the scenery of the forest. He loved the smells and the sounds. He just loved everything about it. Zacky slowed to a stopped when he heard a twig snap in the distance, though it seemed like Aubree had heard it before him since he almost ran right into her. He looked into the direction of the sound, not moving a muscle. Zacky could see a shadowed figure in the distance and he just prayed that it wasn't what he thought it was.

---

Aubree was disappointed when Matt wouldn't play with her, just reminding her how much older he was compared to her. He was a grown wolf, he wasn't as exited and playful as she was. She sighed, plopping to the ground. No sooner had she done that did her father tell them that it was time for her to go. She groaned, getting up and getting back into pack formation. Aubree tilted her head to the side as she listened to what Matt said about paying close attention to the things she heard, her eyes widening at how easily she could hear everything. It was like she had a high def megaphone straight into her ears. Aubree could feel herself geting excited once more but she had to contain herself. She needed to be adult about the whole situation. Aubree froze mid sprint as she heard something in the woods, her head snapping in its direction. She grunted as Zacky ran into her, though it didn't even effect her balance. "Did you guys hear that" she said as she took a couple steps towards the sound. Aubree knew better though, her dad would kill her if she even dared to go see what it was. Whatever or whoever it was, she could smell that strong metallic smell that she was all to familiar with.

It seemed like everyone the sound at the same time. Everyone stopped except for Aubree, who took a couple of steps in the direction the sound had come from. "Aubree, don't you take another step," their dad warned, his voice low. The sudden change in dad's voice and posture made Leah nervous and as soon as the familiar metallic smell hit her nose, her stomach dropped. No. Not again. Matt somewhat gently shoved Aubree back into the middle of the pack, and the guys packed in closer around them, with only enough space for each of them to move. "It's time to go home," her dad said, in a tone of voice that left no room for argument. "Aubree and Leah, under no circumstances are you to leave the center of the pack. I don't care what you see or hear or smell. Stay where you are." Leah had no desire to stray from the center of the pack. She had a good idea what was out there and she knew that her dad and the others would so everything in their power to protect her and Aubree. After all, protecting the females was one of the main priorities of a pack, because without females there could be no pups.

---

As they walked, Matt could tell that Aubree was getting more and more excited. It was certainly a new experience the first time you realized just how strong your senses were in your wolf form. Matt was instantly alert when he heard the sound of the twig snapping, growling softly when he saw something moving in the bushes. Whatever it was, it wasn't an animal. He moved forward only to shove Aubree back to the center of the pack with Leah, moving close against her side. Whatever was out there would have to go through every single one of them before it got to Leah or Aubree. And with Leah being pregnant, Zacky would be absolutely vicious protecting her. They moved forward at a deliberately slow pace as they headed home, eyes and ears alert for anything suspicious. The lingering metallic smell told Matt that they were still being followed and Matt just hoped they made it home before anything happened.

Zacky snarled, moving up close to Leah. He would rip any vampire to shreds that even dared to try and mess with his mate and unborn pups. He stayed as close as possible to her as they headed back, keeping an eye out and staying as alert as possible. Zacky was always afraid for the moment that Dracula would make his appearance once more since he just decided to disappear out of thin air after coming back. It seemed like it took a decade before they finally got back to Brian's, the metallic smell of vampires, growing faint but it was still lingering just slightly. They were still nearby. Zacky sighed heavily as he turned back, running a hand through his hair. That definitely killed whatever buzz he had. "Are you okay?" He asked Leah as she changed back. "Did you enjoy your first pack run?" Even though they had a bit of a run in with some vampires, he really hoped that Leah still enjoyed her first run with the pack. The first time was always the most special and such a bonding experience.

---

Aubree huffed when she was pushed back. She just wanted to see what it was, even if the metallic smell told her exactly what it was. She continued to walk, listening to her dad when he said for her not to move. She knew better than to disobey him. Especially when he was in alpha mode. Aubree sighed and continued to walk, not sure why she was in such a hurry to fight with a bunch of vampires. For all she knew they could be out to get them and have some sort of secret agenda that she didn't even know about. She kept herself alert the whole walk back, an unsettling feeling staying in the pit of her stomach the whole way. Something just didn't feel right. Aubree changed back as soon as they got to her dad's, wrinkling her nose. She could still smell that nasty metallic smell and it mad her confused. She thought vampires couldn't get on their property. Her dad had told her that he had a witch cast a spell years ago that orevented them from doing so to protect her and Leah while they were growing up. "That was fun," she told Matt with a smile, biting her lower lip. "I can't wait to do it again. Maybe without the whole vampire blood smell though."

The metallic smell of the vampires followed them all the way back to her dad's house, although it grew faint. Leah swiftly changed back into her human form, using her fingers to work some of the knots out of her hair. "I'm fine," she told Zacky. "Yeah, it was fun. Other than the near encounter with the vampires, of course. Could definitely have done without that." She sighed as she went over to sit down on her dad's couch. The pack run had been fun, but it had definitely worn her out a little more than she realized. Maybe it was because she was pregnant. "Are we going to go home?" Leah asked Zacky. "Or is everyone staying here?" The last time they'd had a run in with the vampires, she, Aubree, Matt, and Zacky had all stayed here. But that was when Leah and Aubree were still living with their dad, so she didn't know what the situation called for this time.

---

Luckily, they managed to make it home without any further incident. But the vampires were still out there; Matt could tell by the lingering smell. He quickly changed back into his human form, checking to make sure the front door was locked securely before he went into the living room with everyone else. Smiling as Aubree approached him, Matt slipped his arm around her waist. "I'm glad you had a good time," he told her. "And we'll do it again soon, I promise. Definitely in the middle of the day, though. Less chance of a run in with any more vampires." Matt wondered if Brian even let him take Aubree out alone with the looming threat of vampires and Dracula's return. Matt was a large and powerful wolf, but he was still no match for a horde of vampires. "I think it's just about time we headed home, don't you think?" Matt suggested to Aubree. "But if shit goes down, we're coming back here. You're always safer when you're with the alpha."

Zacky was glad that Leah enjoyed herself. He could tell that it had definitely worn her out though and when she asked if they were staying here or going home, he shook his head immediately as soon as the words left her mouth. He wasn't staying here unless he absolutely had to, like a dire need situation kind of like before where they all needed to be in one place. But then again both girls lived here so it just kind of seemed that way. "No, baby, we can go home. We don't need to stay here unless something happens," he told her with a small smile. "Do you want to stay here though? We can if it makes you feel better." Zacky wasn't sure if she actually wanted to stay here or go back home. For all he knew she might feel safer with her dad nearby while there was a vampire threat. "We can always walk home with Matt and Aubree. They pass the house on their way back, so we won't be alone."

---

Aubree smiled as she listened to Matt, nodding at everything he said. She was excited to start doing all of these wolfy things with him. At the mention of going home she nodded and yawned, rubbing her eyes. She was definitely exhausted. It'd been one hell of a day for sure. "Yeah, let me just say bye to everyone," she told him, pulling away and making her rounds. She had gotten up to Zacky just in time to hear his suggestion of walking home with her and Matt, smiling and nodding. "Yeah! Why don't you guys just walk home with us? Triple the protection for your precious cargo there," she said with a small laugh. Even though Aubree might not be much help in the protection department, she was still massive in size and was slowly learning her strength, so she was eager to kick some ass in her wolf form. "Okay, lets go. I'm sleepy and just want to cuddle up with my mate and my dog," she said with a pout.

"Wow, it's not nice to refer to him as a dog, Aubree," Jimmy said with a shake of his head. Aubree rolled her eyes, clearly talking about Bella. Jimmy was such an idiot.

Leah shook her head. "No, let's just go home," she said. "I'm tired." She nodded at Zacky's suggestion to walk home with Aubree and Matt, although she made a face at her sister's comment as she walked up to them. It still hadn't truly sunk in that she was pregnant and until it did, she would hate to be reminded of it. When everyone was finally ready to leave, Leah followed them outside, quickly changing into her wolf form. This time it was a bit harder to enjoy it as they made a quick dash through the woods, since Leah was convinced that a vampire lurked behind every tree. She paused to tell her sister a quick goodbye before she followed Zacky inside their house. Once Leah was in her human form again, she went around and checked every window to make sure it was locked. "Will you come upstairs with me so I can take a shower?" Leah asked, turning to Zacky. "I don't want to go by myself."

---

Matt was fine with the idea of walking home with Zacky and Leah, since it offered more protection for all of them. Hearing Jimmy's comment, Matt flipped him off. "Fuck you, Jim," he said. "And you seem to be forgetting that we're both wolves, so if I'm a dog, so are you." Once Aubree had finished her goodbyes, the four of them headed out, setting a fast enough pace that Matt didn't feel like they could be followed but slow enough that Aubree and Leah could keep up. "Let us know if you need anything." Matt said to Zacky. He paused only long enough to make sure that Zacky and Leah made it inside before he nudged against Aubree's flank, urging her onward to their house. Matt locked the door behind them and flipped the deadbolt shut before going around to check the windows. If a vampire was going to get inside this house, they were going to have to work hard.