True Nature

Hello my beautiful readers!

And we're back!

(As always. Skip my long note if you don't care to read it.) Remember how last chapter I said I couldn't possibly do more than 10k words because of editing?? Well this chapter clearly said "hold my beer" so I hope you enjoy it because it's my longest chapter ever. That being said, please please please do not expect all chapters going forward to be 30k+ word's because I won't be able to handle the pressure and forgive any mistakes. Also, I know I said there were 1-2 chaps left in my last note? Lies. True nature will officially be 15 chapters long.

This chapter is actually kinda a bonus chapter because I hadn't actually planned on writing Cain's punishment. Which I'm sure is a shock, considering all the comments I got wanting to read it. So, it's for that very reason that this chapter exists. Plus I thought it would be fun to show Fae's Pov for some things in my other two stories. The new additions did change the previous ending a tiny bit but for the better I think.

I'm currently halfway through writing a chapter for the only exception and it'll be posted in November. (Earlier if possible but I don't want to be unrealistic) After that, I'll be writing chapter 14 for True Nature possibly followed by 15. In any event, True Nature will be the first of the stories to be completed. Sorry it's taking forever but I hope this really long chapter makes up for the delays. I want to say thank you to everyone that left comments, for they were my inspiration. Thank you to those of you that have waited for 2 years(!?!) For this chapter! I appreciate you so much! Also, special thanks to anonymous for the most recent comment, without you this chapter would still be sitting in drafts. I had most of this written this summer but I was sorta getting discouraged about this story for some reason. However, that comment boosted my spirits and here I am, submitting my completed, current longest chapter ever, 13 days later :)

Happy reading ya'll!

Much love, xx

Ps. Quick summary for those that don't want to reread:

Cain finally woke from his coma and sees Fae for the first time in a few weeks. Fae is bonded to Frank. Cain and Fae mate and Cain's bite overcomes Frank's, freeing Fae once and for all.

The Shadow King (Maxwell) went feral and killed Frank. No one knows why. Fae has an ultrasound and they find the pup is curled in on itself because of Cain and Fae not being properly bonded when pup was conceived. Pup suspected to be an alpha and both gender markers are present. Possibility of disability at birth is very high. Fae is on bed rest. Cain and fae come to an agreement about Cain's punishment. Cain admits to wanting to serve Fae. Fae agrees to this and therapy.

***To understand the timeline, please note: This chapter begins on the same day as the ultrasound sound/Max going feral/punishment agreement. Several hours later.***

****Notes about omega Ben: (also see: The Only Exception)

He's a member of Lotus Pack. (Fae's pack) He went as Cain's date to Frank's game and wouldn't let Fae do anything sexual with him. He saved Cain from an overdose. He helped Fae when he was coming to in the hospital and Fae attacked him. Fae hates Ben because Cain took interest in him and Ben saw him at his lowest. He believes Ben is the superior choice of mate.

****Notes about Luna Willow: (also see: Ice Melts, When it's Hot)

He is the Luna of Shadow Pack, mate of the King (Maxwell who is Cain's newly discovered half brother) and Fae feels drawn to him/wants to befriend him after seeing Max and Willow at Frank's.

*******

Fae's Pov:

I don't know when I fell asleep but when I woke I was so hungry and thirsty! Now that Cain was bonded to me, I found that my appetite had come back in full force. Then there was the fact that I was, thankfully, still pregnant and already starting to get cravings. Since I woke up this morning the need to have freshly squeezed orange juice mixed with mango's and a side of pickles had begun to make itself known. I'd momentarily forgotten what I wanted, given checkup and then the events of that morning and after but now it was three in the afternoon and the cravings were back, stronger than ever. I rolled over and gently nudged my mate awake, giving him a tender kiss when he smiled at me.

"Daddy, do we happen to have any oranges.. or mango's or pickles?" I asked shyly.

Cain might be my mate now and he did say he didn't mind if I was bossy but I couldn't help the fact that I wasn't used to requesting certain things, especially when it came to what I ate. I hadn't gotten to make choices about that in quite some time. Besides, when I was with Cain before, he hadn't exactly asked me for a grocery list of everything I'd like.

"Um.. let me check," Cain answered as he got out of bed and left the room. He returned a few minutes later and started to dress. "Looks like I'm headed to the store. Already getting cravings, huh sweetheart?" He asked adoringly.

I blushed and nodded but couldn't help the twinge of disappointment I felt over the fact that Cain was leaving. I really didn't want to be left alone so soon, when I'd finally gotten my alpha back, and it did not occur to me that I could go with him. Freedom and control were not forces that I felt I possessed right now, despite my drastic change in circumstances.

"Why so sad little wolf? Won't you be joining me?" Cain asked when he sensed my feelings through our bond.

"I can do that?" I asked in disbelief.

I couldn't remember a time when I'd ever been allowed to go to the grocery store or.. really anywhere in public. Before I was taken, I was always in my basement apartment, either on my own or with Ms. Luna. After Owen got to me, I was always at his place until Frank took over. Frank rarely let me out of his sight but at least he wouldn't stare like his brother had if I was using the backyard as a bathroom. The only other times I wasn't under his or his friends watchful eyes, I was being covertly shuffled to a human, alpha or beta's dwelling for the night.

My mate looked pained for a moment as he read my thoughts but then he smiled softly. "Of course baby. I just got you back. You really think I want to spend even a second away from you if you're not with your moms? Besides, you're free now. You can go anywhere, anytime, within reason for your safety of course. Please understand this Fae, I'm not your owner or your prison guard. You get to have a life now, in whatever way you choose. I'll be by your side the entire time but I won't get in your way."

I smiled happily up at him and allowed my alpha to help me out of bed, thrilled with the new possibilities I suddenly had at my fingertips. Then I had an idea.

"After the store could we go get sex toys Daddy?" I asked sweetly as I dressed. "I want to start your punishment. I'm feeling inspired all of a sudden," I continued playfully.

Cain blushed deeply, "Y-yeah. We can do that. I still have one last paycheck I can cash but we'll have to drive for a bit. The closest shop is Jenny'a and we obviously can't go there." I tried and failed to hide the way my body flinched back in response to hearing the evil red haired beta's name. "But I promise you," he continued fervently, "She will be taken care of soon! I've already informed Sophie of her involvement."

We were both silent for several long minutes before my alpha cautiously spoke again. "Fae, I could take her out myself if you would just let me-"

"No!" I commanded, all my previous playfulness forgotten. "We've talked about this! You're staying right here and I'm not changing my mind about it! The Shadow King can take care of her when he gets around to it. She's his problem anyways being from his pack and all. Besides, I don't want to take the chance of you going feral when I'm pregnant. I can't handle that so don't ask me to!" I demanded yet again.

I knew Cain just wanted to avenge me. It was a perfectly natural alpha instinct but he'd just have to deal with containing it and maybe that would end up being his true atonement in the end. The very idea of Cain in a fight right now was disturbing to my wolf when the last fight he got in landed him in the hospital. My heart couldn't take the stress. To my dismay, the memories of the evil red haired beta came back to me. I only had one night with her. One long, hellish night. I scrunched my eyes shut in hopes that I could banish the memories by force but her abuse still lingered in my mind. That bitch was truly cruel. What she had done to me was nothing short of torture and I refused to speak about it to anyone. She made sure I could feel every bit of her resentment, even though I didn't understand why she resented me. Every touch was done with the intent to hurt me for that's how she found her pleasure. What she did was something I would never subject my mate to, although, it seemed as if my memories were already having a punishing effect. I heard Cain's sharp intake of breath as his eyes watered. Then he stepped close and wrapped his arms around me.

"It's over," he promised. "Nothing like that will ever happen again, not to you or our pup. I swear I'll protect you this time and I'm so sorry for my part-"

"If it's over for me then it's over for you too." I interrupted gruffly and I forced the memories into a little box in my mind. I refused to let them ruin the ending of my first full day as his mate. "Now.. let's get me and this pup fed before I become most unpleasant," I replied in what I hoped was an off-handed, teasing manor, though I still felt terribly shaken.

I smiled but Cain could sense my true feelings through our bond. Thankfully, my alpha chose to respect my desire to not talk about it. I knew I might have to one day but that day wasn't today. I quickly finished dressing, then I followed my mate out of the apartment and to his car, allowing the fact that I was outside in the sunshine to boost my mood.

*******

The store was amazing! There was food everywhere! Some of it I didn't even recognize. I was quickly drawn to all the different types of colorful packaging but Cain led me away, saying all that stuff wasn't good for me or the pup, as if the ice cream I eventually talked him into buying later that night somehow was, but I didn't argue. I followed along willingly, too excited to experience more of the store to be disappointed. We started with my first request, pickles, but when I realized how many kinds there were I made up my mind to try them all. Cain winced a little over my suggestion but he didn't say a word to stop me, letting me pile everything I wanted into our kart.

Next was oranges. I gleefully followed my alpha around the corner when I was suddenly stopped in my tracks, spying the last person I ever wanted to see again, aside from Frank. He was standing right next to the fruit, looking very pretty in his uniform even though it consisted of nothing but a pair of kaki pants with an orange polo shirt. The omega was the vision of perfection. The shirt, though an ugly shade, made his bright blue eyes pop. Every strand of his shiny blonde hair lay perfectly in place and he moved with a gentle grace as he smiled happily to each customer, helping them where needed. I sighed helplessly when I caught sight of his pearly white teeth and my good mood soured with envy. The omega was so attractive, especially out in the daylight. Even his teeth were perfect because of course they were. It wasn't fair. Of course my alpha had wanted him a little bit and though Cain chose me in the end, I couldn't help but to feel insecure in this omega's presence.

I hated myself for caring but I hated the omega even more for ever being involved with Cain. So what if he hadn't been chosen the end. He still went out with my alpha! Cain was adamant that nothing had happened between them and now that I was privy to my mates thoughts, I knew his words were true. It's just, why did the omega have to look so good? Why couldn't he have been average? I was completely unprepared to have to deal with my preconceived competition and it made me feel uglier than ever when I compared myself to him. I couldn't help but to glare at him and made no attempt to even try and control the intensity of my scent.

He had no right to be this damn pretty and alluring in the presence of my alpha! It might be different if he were mated but he wasn't. Would he try to hit on Cain in front of me or had he truly accepted defeat? The first time he ever saw me, I had begged on my knees to serve my mate and him together. Did he think that made me less worthy of Cain? I knew he wanted Cain too, didn't he? Actually, I wasn't sure. My knowledge of his attachment to Cain was hazy at best but I felt that if I wouldn't give up on my alpha, then why would this omega back down?

I didn't want to get oranges anymore if he was going to be here. No, I wanted to get my alpha as far away from the tempting omega as possible. I couldn't hold a candle to the pretty blonde and my wolf knew it. We could not handle the close proximity to our rival but then, just as I was about to tug Cain away and to my utter disappointment, the omega spotted us.

"Good afternoon my prince. Can I help you with anything?" He asked politely with a small bow.

Fuck, even his bow was perfect. I hated him so much! I had to physically grab on to the hem of my shirt so that I wasn't tempted to claw his eyes out. Not that I had claws anymore but whatever. The only thing stopping me was that I didn't want to make a scene in public. I was afraid that if I did, it could lead to me not being allowed to go out anymore.

I knew the omega wanted me to speak but there was nothing I could say that would be considered civil so I held my tongue.

He flinched a little before desperately turning to my alpha, "O-oranges, like normal Cain?" He asked looking almost terrified to be addressing my alpha. My eyes narrowed in recognition as I studied his body language. The pretty omega looked like he wanted nothing more than to drop down to his knees. The outright audacity! Of course he wanted to seduce my alpha in front of me!

"Yes that's-"

Cain started and my head whipped round as my brain began to connect the dots. I finally registered the omega's words. Cain always got oranges? Since when? And this omega was deeply familiar with that fact? I didn't even know Cain liked oranges but my rival did??

"Wait. You see him all the time?" I interrupted with what I hoped was a fierce growl.

I was just as furious as I was mortified. How could I not know that my alpha liked oranges? I was supposed to know his every thought but I'd missed this??? Had I already failed as his mate? Did this omega know Cain better than me?! I didn't know what to do so I dug my battered nails into my palm as I tried not to panic.

"Not intentionally pup. There's nothing to be worried about. The omega is just doing his job," Cain tried to explain as he sent me calming reassurances through our bond but I was way to upset for that to work.

"Well. WE don't like oranges," I loudly announced, finding my courage as I wrapped my arms around my belly in a show of dominance over the entire situation. This omega needed to back the fuck off before I made him.

The omega smiled slightly before timidly offering, "I can get you something else. I've heard mangos can be really good for pregnancy."

"What would you know about pregnancy?" I hissed dismissively. His pretty, slender neck was clearly unmarked by an alpha. He obviously knew nothing, unless he was a slut... like me.

"I-I don't personally.. but my mother-," he started looking utterly humiliated.

However, I was in no mood to hear about how his mother had taught him things! He was just so special and so perfect, wasn't he? Well some of us didn't get to experience having a real mother until recently! Did he have to rub everything in my face like that?!

'Good to know your life was perfect!' I almost screeched out but I refused to embarrass myself with an emotional outburst.

"You know what? I can serve myself. You don't have to put your hands on anything," I interrupted, attempting to make my voice and scent as cold as possible. I even shoved the taller omega, as a warning, when I walked past. He had better stay in his lane.

"As you wish, my prince," he muttered in a shaky voice with his head bowed but I ignored him and the tiny bit of guilt I felt over snubbing one of my kind.

I grabbed a bunch of bananas, which I most certainly did not want, and then kept walking until I could turn down an isle far away from the omega. I did not look back to make sure Cain followed me but when I turned around he was right there, looking beyond guilty as he stared at the floor with his head bowed.

"What was that?" I asked flatly.

"Ben just-"

"Don't! Don't you dare say his fucking name!" I hissed jealously. "Did you seriously apologize for me when you thought I couldn't hear?" I continued heatedly. "I didn't even say anything mean! I didn't make a scene! I was polite! I was good!"

"I'm sorry little wolf. I understand that you might feel threatened by the omega but that's no reason to-"

"How can you defend him! You're my mate! Not his!" I argued angrily as I cut him off. "You're such a-a-I! I'm definitely punishing you now and I changed my mind! You can't cum!" I threatened after a moment of consideration.

I'd almost called Cain a bad alpha and that thought startled me enough to realize I wasn't behaving rationally. I was too emotional about this and I threatened to hurt my mate over it. I instantly felt sick. I knew how it was to be demeaned as an omega and I could only imagine how bad it would feel for a fragile alpha to hear. I instantly knew those words would be going a step too far and I felt horrible for even being tempted to say them. Cain already looked stricken by how furious I'd gotten. I mean, I was full on yelling at him in public. Me, an omega, was chastising an alpha and causing him to adopt submissive body language. Impressively, I could feel his remorse coursing through our bond rather than contempt towards me for my behavior. I didn't like being so angry at him but seeing that omega had my emotions all out of control. My wolf was acting as if we'd just been threatened by the omega even though I knew we hadn't been. It was all in my head. I was the problem here.

"Yes Sir. I know it deserve it," Cain spoke softly, interrupting my self loathing. He surprised me when he then bared his neck without further attempt to defend his actions.

I felt most of my anger and self hatred melt away when he called me Sir in public. It was arousing to hear him say that to me and out loud too, where anyone could hear. Sure, we were among humans now but we wouldn't always be. Then I wondered if he would say it around our pack and could feel my cheeks warm over my imagination.

"I think.. you should address me like that in public more often, even after our mating ceremony. Possibly even when we're in the company of other alpha's," I informed my mate, almost daring him to assert himself but Cain only shuddered and blushed hotly, which served to soothe my irrational fears.

"Yes Sir, anything else?"

I smiled a little, thrilled to suddenly have so much power over an alpha that he'd willingly embarrass himself for me, especially when being alpha enough was something he struggled with. For that reason, I would take care to never go too far with this but it was nice to know all the same. "I'll let you know as we go along," I promised teasingly, unable to be mad at him anymore as when he looked so submissive. It was a very cute look to see on my alpha.

Cain nodded in acceptance though his cheeks stayed red. "Do you still want fresh orange juice? We can go somewhere else or we can get the bottled kind?" He shyly offered in an attempt to change the subject.