Beneath a Moonless Sky - Book One (Moon Child Series)

Chapter Eight

“Huh? What the hell is Huh?!” I screamed. 

Her and a nurse turned around with their arms full of my little ones and walked them over to me. 

“I present to you two very healthy shifter babies.” I almost didn’t hear her as she and the nurse placed a baby in each arm. They were so beautiful, I was mesmerised. Then what she said hit me. 

“I beg your pardon?” I must have looked like a stunned mullet. Did she just say what I thought she said? “No, no. That’s impossible. Both the father and I are human.” Dr Murphy shrugged and sniffed at my son’s head. 

“Definitely a shifter.” I looked at Fergus incredulously and saw him nod. 

“It’s true Elle, I can smell it too.” I gazed down at the little bundles in my arms and shook my head. Lucian was a shifter. He was a shifter. And I just had his babies. I had shifter babies. 

“Fergus. What do I do?” His confused look would have been comical if I weren’t about to have a panic attack. Seeing my breathing pick up the nurses took my babies and placed them in bassinets next to bed. 

My arms now free I leant forward and began to hyperventilate. Fergus calmly rubbed my back as I tried to catch my breath. 

“Fergus. I don’t know the first thing about shifter babies. 4 months ago, I didn’t even know shifters existed!” 

“Love. It is ok. I have an idea. If you’re willing to calm down and listen, I will tell you. But you have to breathe.” He talked me through the breathing and soon I was laying back on the bed breathing normally, Fergus sitting on the edge of my bed and holding my hands. 

“Ok. So, I’ll have to make a few calls before I can say a definite on this. But it’s possible that because your little ones are shifters, you could join my pack.” I looked at him confused. “I will talk to the Alpha and ask his permission to meet with you. You are part of my family, therefore so are you little ones. Would you like me to do that for you, love?” My head was bobbing up and down so fast it would have fallen off if I’d kept going. 

“Yes, please Fergus.” With a soft smile and a squeeze of my hand he hopped off the bed and pulled his phone out his pocket, dialling a number. 

“Alpha? Fergus here…... good…… yes, she is well, we’re actually at the hospital right now…... no she’s fine. Twins. Shifters…… yes sir……... yes sir……… will do sir, see you then.” He hung up and gave me a wide smile. “The Alpha has granted you permission to meet with him. We’ll head down to the pack territory on Saturday for the meeting.” I opened my arms up and hugged him tighter than I’ve ever hugged anyone. The moment was broken by two soft little cries. 

“I think they’re hungry love. And they’ll be needing their names too.” He bent down into the first bassinet and handed me my son 

“Luca. After his father.” Then he picked up my daughter and bounced her gently to calm her while the nurse helped me to get Luca to latch on. 

“And that little Princess is Mia. After my grandmother.” Fergus was a beaming proud uncle as he gazed down at my little Princess. 

“Luca Jaime Callaghan and Mia Anne Callaghan. My treasures.” 

***

“Wow. This place is humongous.” Brick buildings like little cottages passed by my window as I sat in the back of the car with the twins. We were driving through the pack village to the pack house where we would have our meeting with the Alpha about initiating the twins into their pack. It would be safer in the long run for them being part of pack instead of lone wolves. They were more likely to be attacked by rogues, Fergus told me, if they didn’t join a pack. It would also be better for their development to grow and learn with other pups. 

The pack village was more like its own town, just as big as Middleton. Surrounded by acres of forest that belonged to the pack, they had to cater to the many pack members that lived on the land. The Blue Moon Pack was the biggest and strongest pack in the country and had a lot of members. Hence the need for such a big village. Families went through their day as we drove past, some waving at Fergus as they drove by. 

“Alright. We’ll make a pit stop here really quick and then walk up to the pack house from here.” We pulled into one of the driveways of a quaint little house with dark bricks and two stories. “The twins are probably due for a feed anyways.” As if on cue a soft little cry came from both their carriers. A soft smile on my face, I detached the carrier from its base and took Luca inside while Connor grabbed Mia. 

“Oh, I know little one. It’s ok. Shhhh” I pulled Luca from his car seat and sat on one of the couches latching him to my breast. 

“Hush little Princess. Let mummy feed Luca and then you’ll get your turn.” It was funny watching Fergus, big tough Fergus, talk to a baby in such a sweet voice. The voice worked though as Mia quietly hiccupped then gurgled in his arms. 

After Luca had been fed, we handed off to each other and I fed Mia while Fergus burped Luca. We’d built a routine the three of us over the last week and were working like a well-oiled machine.

After they were fed and burped, we changed them and then started heading towards the pack house. I had Mia, who gazed up at the trees and the sky as we walked her cute little mouth open. She was a miniature version of me, of that I had no doubt, whereas Luca was exactly like his father. From his soft hair to his deep blue eyes. He was going to be a heart breaker when he grew up. 

As we approached the pack house, I couldn’t help but gape. It was like a castle. Turrets and gargoyles included. Fergus snapped my jaw shut with a finger under my chin and headed to the front door. Connor was too busy cooing down at Luca to notice my expression. 

I followed them into the house and was instantly welcomed with warmth. The cold, domineering appearance of the castle outside did not translate into the inside. It had been decorated with a mixture of modern taste and hominess. Decorated with tones of blue and grey made me feel calm and grounded. Fergus lead us through an archway to what appeared to be an entertainment area. Couches, bean bags, and love seats were scattered around the room. But it didn’t look crowded and random. Each chair was placed with a purpose. A giant fireplace crowded the far wall, unlit, but decorated with little Knick knacks. 

I was so busy with my observations of the room I didn’t notice the young couple that rose from their seat by said fireplace until Fergus was nudging me with his elbow. 

“Elaina Callaghan meet Alpha Magnus Cane, and his mate Luna Emma Cane. Alpha, Luna this is Elaina, Mia and Luca Callaghan.” I held my hand for the Alpha to shake. He gently pushed it aside and pulled me into a hug, careful not to crush Mia. He stepped back and I got a chance to look at him. He was a very handsome man. Mid length black hair, bright blue eyes, and a cheeky grin. His body was well taken care of with bulging muscles and an obvious six pack. I was engulfed in another hug by the Luna and when she pulled back, I also observed her. Chocolate brown hair cascading past her shoulders, kind brown eyes and beautiful plump lips. She had a figure that a girl would kill for and she didn’t hide it either.

They both had welcoming smiles and ushered me into the room to sit on one of the couches. 

“Fergus has told us so much about you, but we were surprised to hear that you had shifter babies. And didn’t know!” Magnus spoke animatedly and it was hard not to hang on his every word. Emma smiled and squeezed her mates’ hand. 

“Calm down Magnus, you’ll scare the poor girl.” She turned her smile to me giving me a wink. 

“Sorry my love, but it’s just unheard of. You had no idea the father was a shifter?” I shook my head sadly as I gave Mia a soft little kiss before turning to Luca and stroking his cheek softly. 

“No Alpha.” 

“Magnus, please.” 

“Magnus.” I looked into his kind eyes as I spoke. “I was best friends with their father since we were in nappies. He never told me or even gave me a sign that he was. I only found out when the twins were born.” 

“Wow.” An awed expression on his face Magnus sat back. “So where is the father?” 

“Magnus!” Emma scolded as she smacked his knee, nodding her head towards me. I hadn’t realised it, but tears were slowly running down my cheeks. I wiped them away softly. 

“Oh shoot. Sorry Elaina. I didn’t realise it was a touchy subject.” I laughed softly. 

“No, it’s ok. Um, the night we… you know, he left. I haven’t seen him since and I don’t know where he went.” Mia whimpered a little in my arms and I bounced her softly to settle her. 

“Could I...?” Emma pointed at Mia in my arms and I smiled, nodding. 

“Of course.” She stood and gently took Mia from me before sitting back next to her mate. 

“Oh my, she is precious. Look Magnus.” She cooed holding her out to him. “Look at those little cheeks.” His finger softly stroked her little cheeks and she gurgled, making him break out in a Cheshire Cat smile. 

“Let us show you to your house.” He announced, scooping Mia from Emma with much protesting from her. I stared up at him, gobsmacked. 

“E-excuse me?” He smiled sweetly down at Mia then at me. 

“You didn’t think I’d let the new love of my life leave did you.” He joked. A joyous laugh escaped me as I covered my mouth with my hands, happy tears spilling from my eyes. 

“Really?” Emma pulled me to my feet and with linked arms we walked back towards the village. Magnus seemed to be enjoying holding Mia’s little form in his big arms, so I left them and enjoyed the walk with Emma. While we walked, we got to know each other. Where we came from, how old we were, etc. By the end of the walk we were the best of friends and already planning a spa night and sleepover for next Saturday. We walked up to a dark brick, single story house a little bigger than the one Fergus and Conner had. 

My heart almost stopped when we stepped inside. It was fully furnished and so homey. When you first walk in there is a little seating area with a wooden coffee table and a soft rug. Behind is a large kitchen with an island splitting the room up. Through the first door to the right was the lounge room. Long plush sofas faced a big screen tv mounted above a welcoming fireplace. The door next to it led to a hallway with three bedrooms and a toilet and bathroom. The one at the end of the hall being mine. Big queen four poster bed with light blue covers, soft wooden bedside tables, deep blue curtains covering a window settee that looked out at the gorgeous garden and the trees. Two doors led to my own bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. The second bedroom next to mine was the nursery with a double crib and all the necessities needed for little babies. The third was just a spare until the twins grew up and needed their own space. 

When I walked back into the front room my cheeks were wet with happy tears. 

“Thank you so much. How can I ever repay you?” 

Magnus grinned and pulled me into a one arm hug, kissing my forehead. 

“Heck, let me babysit Mia and Luca whenever I want and call it even.” We all laughed, and I stepped into the kitchen turning on the kettle.

“Tea anyone?” They all nodded. 

“Let’s just put these little ones down for a nap and then we can chat logistics of you guys joining the pack.” Magnus and Connor left to put the twins in their crib, walking out a minute later empty handed. 

“Behind you on the bench is a video monitor. It’s removable so you can take it anywhere with you.” I turned to see a video of the nursery, my little ones sleeping soundly. 

“Thank you, Magnus. You have all been so kind to me.” Magnus shrugged. 

“Fergus considers you family, so we do too.” He threw an arm over Fergus’ shoulders and squeezed. The bond they shared made me think of how Lucian and I used to be. “Woah. What’s with the sad face? Please don’t cry again.” I chuckled softly as I turned to make the tea. 

“Sorry. Just seeing you guys reminded me of my friend.” I shook off the subject and turned to them with their teas. “Let’s not dwell on that though. Let’s focus on our future.” We all made our way to the seating area and got comfortable. 

“Ok,” Magnus began, “just a few ground rules to remember. First, no violence. Any disputes or grievances are brought to me and settled with our words. The only fighting we do is practice when we’re training. That’s it. Secondly, if you plan to leave the pack territory always inform the patrolling warriors, that way I can keep track of who is on the territory if we are ever attacked. And thirdly, we always help each other. That’s what a pack is for, if we can’t support each other we’re not doing our job right.” I nod at his every word, intent on not missing anything. 

“Ok, next. There is no rent. The company my family has owned for centuries has earned enough for us to comfortably allow all pack members to live rent free, even bill free. The only thing that you’ll have to provide for yourself is clothing, food, and anything else that is a nonessential pack item.

“I know that you work with Fergus and Connor at the art studio and I’m more than happy for that to continue. We do have a day care for all the pups for the parents that work so after this Emma will take you down and show you where it is. We have highly trained nursing staff and doctors on standby in the pack clinic should any injuries happen to you or the twins.

“If you need anything Fergus and Connor are just two houses down, if they’re not available there is always someone running around the pack house that can help.” Magnus took a long sip of his tea and sat back in the chair. 

“Um, honey... aren’t you forgetting a few things?” Magnus looked at her questioningly. Rolling her eyes, she turned back to me. 

“One important thing that my mate neglected to tell you was the ranking of the members in the pack house. Depending on the situation is who you go to.” 

“Oh right.” Magnus blushed as he sat forward again. “So, as you know, Emma and I are the Alphas. We’re the ones you come to when you have a serious dispute that will ultimately lead to violence if not dealt with right away. Next is our Betas. Now we only have a stand in Beta at the moment as the official Beta is helping me by being my eyes and ears during a pack merge. I’ll explain that in a minute. His stand in Mason who you go to if you can’t find either of us. Next is the Gamma. Julius and Mary. You go to them if neither the Beta nor Alpha are available.

“Now as for the pack merge, an Alpha who shares our northern borders is retiring and due to no heir, he is passing his land and his pack over to me. This is to protect his people from a rogue challenging him and attacking them. Pack merges usually take about 10 years to finalise for big territories, the shifter council is like any government and require a lot of permits and paperwork. I don’t envy my Beta.” He chuckled. Emma pat his knee as if to say good job. 

“Your initiation into the pack will be next Sunday on the night of the full moon. Once we have done the ceremony, which is just a cut of the palm and pressing our palms together, you and the twins will have been initiated into the pack. Easy peasy.” 

He smiled at Emma as he sat back, happy that he’d covered it all. Emma sat forward and smiled at me. 

“There is one thing that he might not have thought of yet, and I just thought of now. Even though you’re a witch and can defend yourself magically, you will need to learn to defend yourself physically in case something happens to your magic. You are part of a pack now and we are only as strong as our weakest link. So, if you would like, and if Alpha will permit, you may join the pack training sessions. It’s every morning at 5:30.” Magnus nodded. 

“I will warn you though,” he said, his voice stern “Colin will not go easy on you because you are a woman and a human. He will train you just like a wolf.” 

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I stated. And it was true. I wanted to get strong and be able to hold my own and protect my family. 

“Great. Let’s take you to meet everyone.” After checking on the babies and being reassured by Fergus and Connor that they’d be fine I followed the Alpha and Luna back to the pack house. When we arrived, there was a line of people already waiting out front of the house. 

“Everybody this is Elaina. She and our twins will be joining our pack on Sunday.” He led me down the line as he introduced everyone. “This is Mason, the stand in Beta,” he gestured to a tall man with sandy blonde hair cut short, piercing brown eyes and strong chin. His muscles bulged against his shirt. He softly shook my hand with a soft smile. “Happy to meet you Elaina.” Next was another tall muscular man with blonde hair and piercing brown eyes, I could tell they were related somehow, probably brothers. Next to him stood a petit little blonde woman with kind green eyes and a soft smile. She was so tiny next to his hulking form. 

“These are my Gammas, Julius and Mary.” They each shook my hand with a kind welcome, and we moved on. A middle age woman was next. Her greying blonde hair was pulled up into a neat bun, her rosy cheeks and sweet smile made me feel at home and safe. 

“This beautiful lady is the head cook for the pack house, Mrs Jones. Her pancakes are to die for.” I could see him practically drooling at the thought of them and was jealous I’d never had them. 

“The Alpha is too kind. If you every need any help with food or need to use any of my ingredients, don’t be afraid to ask me.”  She pulled me into a warm hug, and I felt my body relax in her embrace. Like being home. 

The last person I was to meet was Colin. I could tell he was the pack trainer just by the look of him. Hard muscles, his black hair cut short, intimidating height and focused green eyes. His smile looked out of place on such a harsh face. His hand extends and I shake it firmly. 

“I hear that I’m to train you with the rest of the men. Hope you’re ready to get your butt whooped.” He chuckled at the end letting me know it was a joke and I chuckled too. 

“I can take anything you throw at me.” 

“Challenge accepted.” He cheekily replied and I blushed. 

I turned back to all of them. “Thank you all so much. I really look forward to getting know each and every one of you better and being part of this pack.” 

“Group hug!” Magnus shouted and crushed me into a tight hug and soon I was surrounded by everyone smothering me in a giant group hug. I didn’t even fight it. It felt good to be part of something like this. Part of a family. I thought I’d lost my family when my mother disowned me and my father not wanting to go against her doing the same. But this was my new family and I would do everything I could to prove I deserved it and to thank them for their kindness. I was finally home.