Beauty and the Beast

Chapter 21

I don't know if it were my hormones or not, but I had been wanting Kieran in more ways than one. It was like I couldn't get enough of him. I grinned, relaxing my breathing as he kissed his way back up my thigh and across my abdomen slowly.

I laughed as Kieran kissed my neck, his jaw covered in a light stubble that I was growing to love.

We have to wait until I reach three weeks for an ultrasound to be accurate since mates of an Alpha carry for at least twelve weeks, so one more week and we get to see our growing pup.

My belly wasn't obvious to the human eye, but my stomach wasn't as toned as it was two weeks ago, it was only slightly protruding. It was more than obvious to wolves because my scent change.

After showering and changing, we headed downstairs.

I chuckled as Kieran carried me outside, the sun shining on my face as he set me on the porch table next to my father and mother, my mother resting against my fathers chest as he sat.

My father finally ended things with Emma. It was a mutual end, my father revoking his claim and Emma running off immediately with my fathers old Beta. My brothers were more than welcome here, but they spent majority of their time traveling.

I smiled, seeing the claim mark that now sat upon my mother's neck. It wasn't faded as it once had been. It was how it always should have been.

Things were good. We were happy.

Kieran paused to kiss my lips.

"We're going to run down the road to get some things from the market. I'll be back in a half hour." He said.

I smiled and kissed him again.

"Today, tomorrow, and forever ." He whispered to me before kissing my head as he and Daniel left.

I smiled as I watched him walk away, admiring my mate and his beautiful backside until he got into his truck.

I chuckled when Alina sat down in front of me, her big hazel eyes blinking widely at me.

"Have you picked out a name yet?" She asked me.

"We don't even know if our pup is a girl or a boy yet." I said.

"Oh, it's so exciting!" She said clapping her hands together.

I watched as James came striding up to us quickly and my father in law greeted us warmly.

"There's a small group running along the southern part of the territory, they don't seem threatening at all but for extra precautions and since you are carrying Charlotte, I request you both go inside." James spoke before shifting and bolting behind the house.

Alina nodded quickly and we both moved inside, ushering the stray pack members, mostly teens and children, inside our house for safety as we drew the blinds closed.

I immediately caught the scent of blood, coming to a slow halt as I analyzed my surroundings. I nearly jumped when a loud thumping echoed from above us. The young girl of the pack I recognized as Sasha, cried out in fear, I growled lowly.

"Into the coat closet. Now." I ordered, knowing they would only put themselves in more danger out in the open.

Alina ushered the few of them into the closet, shutting it quietly.

She stood with her back against mine as we walked slowly up the stairs. Instructed her to go down the opposite end of the hallway, and check that side of the house where we were building the nursery.

The scent was coming from Kieran and I's room and I opened the door quickly in one swift motion.

I gasped in shock, seeing who I momentarily thought was Kieran, bloodied and barely alive, but his scent was different, and his features were softer and his hair was visibly shorter.

I knew who it had to be, it I couldn't believe it.

"Ezra?" I whispered in disbelief.

I jumped when his eyes popped open and he growled, thrusting himself up quickly, but staggering as he held his leg. His eyes scanned me quickly, on alert and full of fear of what was to come next.

"I'm not gonna hurt you Ezra, I'm Charlotte." I whispered.

"H-How do you know my name?" He whispered.

"I'm Kieran's mate." I said.

I watched as he froze at the mention of his twin brother, his eyes searching for deceit.

"You lie." He snapped.

I pulled the hem of my collar down, exposing my mark and I watched his eyes widen in awe.

"Come on. I'll help you." I said and wrapped my arm around him as we began to walk, him still hesitating, but not when I opened the door, revealing Alina.

She gasped in disbelief, her hands shaking as they flew to her mouth in awe and i could see the tears in her eyes forming.

She launched herself at her brother, and I stood to the side, allowing them to reconcile.

"You're so big, Lina Bug." He told her, smoothing her her down in disbelief.

"Come on, mom needs to see you." Alina responded as tears poured from her eyes.

Alina smiled as we helped him downstairs.

Once downstairs, I hurried to the kitchen, grabbing a water bottle which Ezra thankfully chugged before I handed him another.

I jumped when Elise and James ran in, both freezing at the sight of the son they thought they had lost so many years ago.

Elise didn't wait a second more until she wrapped her small frame around her son.

"My boy." She whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

I watched as Kieran came rushing in alongside Daniel, eyes on full alert, still thinking we were being attacked.

"What's happen-

He too was lost for words as Ezra broke from his mothers embrace and revealed himself, limping towards his twin brother.

I watched how Kieran moved slowly in awe, his eyes unbelieving as he looked wary.

"There's no way. No, no, no, no." Kieran said quietly.

"Kieran, my brother, I am every bit as real as you are." Ezra spoke quietly.

I watched in disbelief as Kieran's face broke and he catapulted himself into his brothers arms. It was a while until they pulled away, Kieran smiling at his brother in disbelief as his hand found the side of his face.

"You've met my mate, Charlotte?" Kieran asked grinning.

I smiled as Ezra grinned at me.

"She carries? " Ezra asked his eyes dropping toward my stomach and he leaned forward as he inhaled my scent.

I nodded and Ezra grinned, clapping his brother on the back.

"Congratulations." He said and leaned forward, surprising me with a light hug.

I watched as his smiled faltered slightly.

"Brother. We have many things to discuss." He said.