Blaidd
She fell asleep with my knot inside of her while I remained awake and contemplating our earlier conversation.
It was difficult for me to let go. Control meant order in my life, and adjusting myself for our pups left me disoriented and humbled in ways I’d never imagined.
It made me realise how much my mother had loved me—the regrets I had for not making time for her as I built my empire.
The children had Lielit’s family, but they’d refused the house I’d offered them. I didn't resent their decision since my past actions hardly inspired trust.
If anyone laid a finger on my pups, they’d be headless, Fenrir growled.
Did you remember anything more about these other wolves? I asked, ignoring his threats against our family.
No, but I know there are more like us.
It was difficult to assess whether they would be friends or foes.
No matter where they are or who they are, they would all bow to me.
He spoke with confidence, not arrogance. They were a part of him, so it made sense, but I wouldn't expose my family to an outsider.
Lielit sighed softly in her sleep, and I lowered my hand from her hip to her belly, pulling her closer.
She needs more pups in her belly, Fenrir grunted.
I smiled, settling my head on the pillow.
We don’t control her heat, and the twins are too young. You’re just being a greedy bastard.
No. I just want to see our mate throat punch you again, he chortled.
I closed my eyes, but flashes from that heat still made me rock hard. That was the only time I welcomed the loss of control—because Lielit matched my energy when the rut took over.
Mate, Fenrir purred.
The sound vibrated through my chest as sleep finally claimed me.
**
**
**
Their gurgling and cooing woke me. Instead of immediately jumping up, I kissed Lielit’s bare shoulder before easing myself out of her. It made me glad she’d stepped in when I’d become stuck in my own head.
I pulled on my shorts and padded next door to the nursery, stopping at the wardrobe to choose their first outfits of the day.
As soon as they spotted me, their little chicken legs kicked inside their sleeping bags, tiny hands waving excitedly.
Blue and brown eyes lit up as I unbuttoned the padded cotton at their shoulders.
“Hello, my little pups,” I crooned, drawing them against my chest.
Fenrir began to purr for them, the gentle vibration settling them almost instantly.
My ears pricked at the sound of soft footsteps in the hallway.
“You should have woken me up,” Lielit said as she stepped into the nursery.
“I thought I might have tired you out this morning,” I replied, handing her Owain, who immediately homed in on his food source.
“Please,” she scoffed. “I’m sure it was you who almost tapped out during my heat.”
“We’ll see who taps out for your next one,” I muttered as we got to work.
She laid Owain on the changing table and nuzzled his belly. His kicks intensified as he gurgled happily for his mother.
Anaya reached for her brother at the sound.
I couldn’t get enough of them, and the more I thought about another heat, the faster I wanted it to come.
Work would always be there. Anji had stepped into Lielit’s role, and we both worked from home now, each running our own businesses.
I’d relinquished my stake in her company, and she had full access to my accounts if she ever needed it.
A small gesture, considering how I’d once attacked her livelihood.
“I wouldn’t mind another heat,” Lielit said with a sigh. “Look at them.”
I slipped a fresh hat over Anaya’s head. Her piercing blue eyes blinked up at me for a moment before hunger took hold, her face scrunching as her hands clenched into fists.
“You only have two breasts. It’ll need to wait,” I said with a chuckle as I scooped her up.
Owain wore a navy knitted onesie, Anaya a matching deep red. Lielit was right—they were both unbearably cute.
We carried them into the bedroom and worked together without a word. While she fed them, I made breakfast. The rest of the day settled into an easy rhythm, one that never disrupted the twins’ routine.
Lielit didn’t need to say I told you so. And I learned that accepting help wasn’t a weakness—nor did it lessen my instinct to protect every second of Owain and Anaya’s lives.
**
**
**
I saw the intention in her eyes before she moved—but I was ready. Her hand shot out, and I squirted hand sanitiser straight into her palm. The old woman recoiled, jerking her hand back before glaring at me like I’d committed a war crime.
What the hell, Blaidd? Lielit hissed as I dragged the pram backward.
She probably has three lifetimes’ worth of germs on her, I replied calmly, before turning my attention to the woman.
“I’m terribly sorry,” I said smoothly, “but they have severe allergies. You’re welcome for the complimentary hand sanitiser.”
The look on both their faces was worth it.
I made a swift escape, wheels bumping over the path, leaving Lielit to apologise behind me and the old fart standing there, scandalised.
Why did strangers feel so entitled to smear their stench and germs all over my children?
This is what you get. Didn’t I tell you we shouldn’t go to a public park? I sniggered when I felt her fury spike through the bond.
“Don’t worry, kids,” I crooned, pushing the pram faster. “Daddy’s got your back.”
“Blaidd Prothero, you stop right there,” Lielit shouted.
I briefly considered sprinting with the pram—but I’d need her breasts later, and that calculation didn’t take long. I came to a halt and turned to watch her marching towards us.
“You can’t disinfect random people,” she began to lecture me. “Some would consider that assault.”
“She should be thanking me for the free hand sanitiser,” I said with a smirk. “Did you see the look on her face? I doubt she’ll try that again. Think of how many babies I’ve valiantly saved.”
Lielit shook her head and threw her hands in the air—but the moment she looked down at the twins, her irritation melted away.
“They were lovely and protected inside you,” I said, slipping my arms around her waist. “Now they’re surrounded by vermin and germs.”
“So you’re blaming me for pushing them out?” she shot back—then immediately softened, her voice turning gentle as she spoke to the twins.
I inhaled as the scent of her sweet milk wrapped around us. She was leaking.
Which meant feeding time was imminent.
I checked my watch and gently—but decisively—began steering her back toward the car park.
Conclusion: Family outings required further research, planning, and stricter perimeter control.
**
**
**
The fresh air and stimulation had tired the twins out, leaving the house wrapped in a rare, peaceful quiet. By seven, they were asleep—full bellies, soft breaths, utterly content.
I waited until Lielit finished loading the steriliser before catching her wrist and steering her toward the stairs.
“We might as well practise,” I murmured, closing the bedroom door behind us. “Until your next heat arrives.”
She backed away slowly, eyes dark and knowing.
“We still have a wedding,” she said lightly. “And the twins are too young. It could be months. A year.”
Her voice said restraint.
Her body said anything but.
The scent of her arousal—and the sweetness of her milk—rose between us, thick and undeniable. The bond stirred, a low pulse humming through my chest. Words became unnecessary when her desire spoke so clearly.
“Is my hyena queen going to strip,” I asked, stepping closer, “or do you want me to do it for you?”
Her gaze dipped to my shorts.
“We have approximately four and a half hours until their next feed,” I added, tugging my T-shirt over my head.
The heat that answered through the bond wiped the smile from my face.
Fenrir’s growl rolled through me, deep and reverent, vibrating in my throat.
Bouda answered in kind.
Lielit reached back and unzipped her dress.
I watched her—this woman who had undone gods, broken monsters, and remade me entirely.
The future was bright.
As long as we had our queen by our side.
The End.