Apprehended

Apprehended: Twenty-Four

Pregnancy is defined as the quality of being heavy with important contents, issue, significance, etc.; unusual consequence or capacity; fertility.

Currently, my capacity was reaching its limit. It was in every nauseas episode, every bought of indigestion and every hormonal imbalance that afflicted me to the point of insanity.

Annnnnddddd...it was also my birthday.

Which was a day I never really celebrated. Jerry would treat it as any other day of abuse. Before I met him, I had no one to celebrate it with. Now things were different. I acquired Ethan...friends...people I

wanted

to share it with.

And Ethan was more than-

"Hey there, dream-cloud." Lily waved a small hand in front of my face to get my attention.

"Oh. Sorry," I mumbled.

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Yeah...yeah." I pointed above my head, attempting to steer the conversation away from my thoughts. "Are the balls really necessary?"

She nodded vigorously. "Absolutely."

"But pink?" I pointed out. "Other people are going to be here."

"It's your day. Not theirs."

I glanced around and shivered in my coat. "Why are we doing this outside again?"

She began stringing some pink and white lights from one thick tree trunk to another, forming a large circle and shrugged. "It wasn't my idea. I thought it was yours."

"No. Just because it stopped snowing and the wind calmed doesn't mean I wanted it outside. It's going to be freezing tonight."

She continued decorating, moving around the clearing. "I'm sure Ethan will build a small fire or something." She glanced at the time on her watch. "We only have about an hour of light left. You want to head in?"

"Will you be alright here?" I asked.

"Of course I will." She pointed a finger behind her. "Gavin is here."

I laughed lowly. "Alright then. I guess I should get ready?"

"That'll be great. I'm almost done." She turned. "Hey Gavin?"

The male's eyes lit up as he focused on her. "Yes, sweet rose?"

Lily blushed. It was quite endearing to witness from an outside perspective. "I need to string these last lights up here but I can't reach."

Gav was on it, excusing himself from Richen and Jared as he approached and the two began talking intimately. I politely excused myself and walked away to make my way back to the cabin.

"Where are you going?"

I turned, catching sight of Richen. "Oh. Hello."

He didn't greet me. Instead, he began to walk beside me, his eyes straight ahead.

"I'm just going back inside."

"You're not supposed to be walking out here alone."

Puffs of heated breath rose from my mouth, mixing with the icy air. "Everyone is busy," I said.

"It doesn't matter."

Well...alright then.

His odd eyes scanned the woods swiftly. "There are dangers out here. The light of day doesn't provide protection. You and Lily must be with a male at all times outside of the cabins."

I stepped over a particularly large rock. "Well, is Ethan back yet?"

"No."

"Did he call you?"

"No."

"Do you know what time he'll be back?"

"No."

Wow. So informative.

"Did he tell you where he was going? He only told me that he would be back before the party."

Richen didn't answer. Which wasn't a surprise. The male was difficult to communicate with; always tense and rigid. Like a tight band on the brink of a firm snap. One I didn't want to be around if he so happened to lose his shit.

We walked the rest of the way in silence. Which was fine. Richen creeped me out a bit. I stole a couple of glances in his direction as we moved along. Him: steady, silent and sure. Me: awkward, clumsy and noisy.

By the time we made it to the cabin, the tension was so thick, it was nearly visible. I gave him a nod. "Thanks for walking me back."

"Don't leave again without a male." That was all he said before turning around and heading back.

I entered the cabin and exhaled deeply as the heat of the fire licked at my frozen skin. It felt great to be indoors again. I wasn't sure why we were celebrating my birthday outside in the cold but I welcomed the heat like an old friend.

I peeled off my coat and tossed it on the couch. "Ethan?"

No answer.

I moved to the stairs and made my way up. "Ethan?"

Once more, no answer.

The bedroom was derelict. I glanced at my phone on the dresser and wondered if I should call his cell. I didn't want to appear desperate or anything. I only wanted to know where he was. I considered it me being nosey. Not needy.

Ugh.

I grabbed my phone, took off my shoes and sat on the disheveled bed. I sifted through the screen, tapping until I found his number and called.

It rang twice.

"My female. You alright?"

"Uhhh...yes. Where are you?"

"Just buying some last minute things, Luna."

I rolled my eyes. "Ethan, stop. It's not that big a deal."

"It's your birthday," he said. "The day you were given life. I'd say that's reason enough to celebrate."

"It's just another day."

"Not for me. I fully intend to celebrate you. Whether you agree or not. Are you ready?"

I glanced at my clothing. "Do I have to get dressed up? I really don't want to."

"Wear whatever you want. Just shower and be dressed. I'm on my way."

"How long will it be until you arrive?"

"Twenty minutes."

I looked at the time. "Twenty minutes?" I got up and walked into the bathroom. "I'm going to shower. Just let me know when you're here."

Before he could respond, I hung up. I didn't particularly want to get dressed up and be outside in the cold again, but I wasn't going to hurt Ethan's feelings by turning it down. That would be rude of me. He wanted to celebrate. The least I could do was indulge him.

I made quick work of my shower and popped out soapy fresh and clean. I brushed my teeth and combed my hair, knotting it on top of my head as I made my way to the closet...

Where I slammed into a massively wide, burly chest that sent me ricocheting into a spin that made me dizzy. I nearly toppled over but was steadied by hands on my shoulders.

"Whoa."

Breathing hard, I brushed hair away from face and looked up. "Jesus, Ethan! You almost killed me!"

He winked. "I saved you too."

I pushed at his shoulder. He didn't budge. "How the hell did you get here so fast?"

He lowered his head to drop a kiss on my lips. "I'm a wolf."

I looked him over. He was nakey. "Indeed you are."

He tugged on my towel and it almost slipped off. "What are you going to wear?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. The entire closet. It's cold outside."

"You don't need to worry about that," he said. "I'll make sure you're warm and comfortable."

I moved around him and began going through my clothes on the rack. "Are you going to shower?"

He approached and shoved his large body into mine, smothering my nape in kisses. "Yes," he murmured. "You want to join me?"

"I already showered." I tilted my head to the side to give him better access. Despite being out in the cold, he was insanely warm.

"Take another one with me," he said in between kisses. "I can make you wet all over again."

I laughed. "I'm sure you can. But the longer we take, the later we're going to be outside and I don't want to be a human popsicle once night falls."

"I told you, I got you."

In a swift motion, he licked a path along the side of my neck that made me shiver. "Ethan."

He chuckled deeply. "There's more where that came from. I intend to make you scream."

I moved a little to get away from his overpowering masculinity but he didn't move. "Ethan."

"Yes?" he said, licking my skin again.

Without meaning to, I leaned back a little, my body molding into his like a warm glove. "You know," I murmured, "if you keep this up, we may have to cancel the party."

"Tempting offer," he said, nibbling on my earlobe, "but I intend to give you a celebration." He kissed my jugular and pulled back to lightly swat my ass. "I'm going to shower."

I went through my clothes again, deciding to wear a pink, chunky, glittered sweater with a pair of maternity leggings. My bump was rising a little more each week and it felt like carrying around a small ball. I chose a pair of furry boots with pink socks, making quick work of slipping everything on without fuss.

A few moments later, Ethan emerged from the bathroom naked, grabbing a pair of jeans and a black sweater. He looked me over appreciatively. "You look gorgeous, baby."

I lightly tugged on my sweater. "Do you think this is okay?"

He pulled on his jeans and the sweater, his hair thick and wet from the shower. "Everything you wear looks beautiful on you." He glanced at my stomach. "Even more so when I can see your precious bump." He smiled and approached, engulfing my belly with his large hand to press a chaste kiss to my lips.

"Are you done in the bathroom?" I asked.

"Yes."

I lifted to my toes for another kiss. "I'm going to toss on some makeup."

He smiled against my mouth. "Alright."

I pulled away reluctantly and headed into the bathroom to grab mascara, lip gloss and glittered liner. After application, I added some blush for color and highlighter for definition. When I finished, I headed out and made my way downstairs, where Ethan was drinking a bottle of water by the counter.

"Are you ready, dulzura?"

I nodded. "Yes...you look great."

And he did.

His hair was drying, the thickness framing his beautiful face as his eyes sparkled in the kitchen's overhead lights. His black sweater was similar to mine-chunky and thick. But it did little to hide his definition; his muscles flexing underneath the fabric.

"Thank you, ma cherie. You look stunning." He winked and tossed the bottle before grabbing my coat from the couch. He draped it over my shoulders before we headed out. As always, he wore no coat. But he wore boots, which was a step up from being barefoot.

"You ready?" he asked, locking things up.

"I think so," I mumbled, looking down as we walked. Darkness already descended, which made walking through the woods a little difficult.

Ethan moved closer, wrapping a thick, steady arm around my waist to hold me. "Be careful," he said quietly. "I don't want you getting hurt."

I smiled. "I don't think that's possible with you around."

"True," he agreed. "But I don't like taking unnecessary risks. Especially when it concerns you."

We trotted through the thin layer of snow, the only sound that of our feet crunching through the sparkling blankets of white. "Will everyone really be there?" I asked.

"Yes, love." I stumbled a bit and Ethan's hold on me tightened. "Easy."

We walked on further, the trees closing in on us and rising higher into the darkened sky; stretching like skeletal fingers towards the heavens for purchase. It was a little eerie. "Hey Ethan, how do your people usually celebrate birthdays?" I asked, trying to distract myself from the shadows.

He thought about that. "Well, it's tradition to go on a hunt once night falls."

"As in... hunting animals?"

He nodded in the dark. "Yes. Once the entire clan partakes, we each offer the pack member we are honoring for his or her birthday with a fresh kill."

"Why?"

"It's considered something well-earned. Each wolf had to have taken the time and necessary measures to ensure the kill. Therefore, the prize is given as a gift. After which, we share in a feast of said kills and enjoy a good drink."

"That's interesting." Ahead, the light of a large fire pierced through the darkness and the sounds of voices could be heard. "Did you build a fire?"

He smiled, his face ignited in dancing flames. "I did. Several, actually. Look."

We passed through parted trees, entering the clearing...

And I gasped.

Bonfires were lit in a circle, spaced evenly between logs where clan members sat and congregated. The lights Lily had meticulously placed were glowing, adding to the golden glow of the fires. Due to the heat, the snow had melted, forming a perfect circle of dirt in the large clearing. "This is beautiful," I whispered.

"I'm glad you think so," he said, "because this is all for you." He raised his voice to shout, "BIRTHDAY GIRL IS HERE!"

Everyone quieted and all eyes went on me...

Followed by a loud, booming cheer as everyone raised their cups to holler.

I laughed and buried my face into Ethan's chest, feeling my face grow hot amongst the mass of whistles, screams, whoops and words of celebration.

Then we were on the move.

Ethan directed us to the outer rim of the circle, greeting everyone and thanking them for coming until we finished. We settled by Gavin and Lily, who were sitting side by side on a thick log and drinking.

"Thanks for everything, Lily. It looks amazing."

She smiled. "I'm glad I could help. Are you hungry? Ethan bought a whole truck's worth of food."

I looked at him in surprise. "You did?"

He smiled. "Of course I did. It's your birthday."

"What kind of food?"

"Come. I'll show you," he said, grabbing my hand to pull me along.

We arrived at a long table set between two logs. The entire surface are was lined with...

"McDonalds?" I laughed, my eyes going wide. "You got an entire table's worth of McDonalds?"

"A truck's worth," he amended. "An entire truck's worth."

I giggled. "Why did you choose it?"

He gave me a look. "Tell me that you don't want nuggets? With barbeque sauce?"

"Of course I do," I replied.

"Exactly. Now choose whatever you want."

Without warning, I launched myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck for a hug. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

He kissed my ear lightly. "Anything for you, sweetheart."

When he pulled away, I dug in, grabbing a burger, fries, nuggets and several sauces for dunking.

Ethan grabbed a couple of burgers, fries and two large cokes. "Where do you want to sit, mea vita?"

I glanced around. "Ummmm...can we sit next to Gav and Lily?"

"Yes."

We made our way over. Gavin scooted over, clearing a spot for Ethan and I. I sat between their large bodies and placed my plate on my lap, feeling a little warm. "It's sort of warm from the fires," I pointed out.

"Unzip your coat," suggested Ethan. "But don't take it off. You can get sick."

I exhaled deeply as I let in a blanket of cool air. With my sweater on, it rendered my coat hotter than usual. The added fires didn't help.

"You ate already?" I asked Gavin.

He snorted. "You know I did."

"What'd you choose?"

"Six burgers, two twenty piece nuggets, seven fries and three large cokes."

I laughed around a mouthful of nuggets. "And your female?"

"A burger and fries." He watched me eat and nudged my shoulder. "Happy birthday, my Luna."

I smiled. "Thanks, Gav."

A small, red box appeared in front of my face. I dropped my nugget and my eyes widened. "What's this?"

"Open it," said Lily with a smile.

I placed my plate on my lap and popped the lid of the narrow box, opening it with a gasp as a sterling silver tennis bracelet gleamed in the firelight. "Oh my god."

It was stunning. I didn't really know what to say. So, I settled on, "you guys...you shouldn't have."

"Yes, we should," said Gavin, snatching the box and taking out the bracelet. "Give me your wrist."

I lifted the sleeve of my coat and watched in awe as he wrapped the delicate jewelry around my wrist and clasped it. I turned it over, noticing the diamonds that were set in the band. "This is beautiful. Thank you. Both of you. So much."

"You're very welcome," said Gavin.

"No problem," said Lily.

I turned to show Ethan, who was chewing and watching us. "Look, Ethan. Isn't it beautiful?"

He too smiled. "Very. Just like you, my female."

I left my sleeve rolled up just to stare at the bracelet as I finished eating. It was a thoughtful gift. One that would be greatly appreciated since I loved anything that sparkled.

"My turn," said Ethan, dropping a small, black bag in my line of vision. He grabbed my empty plate, put it to the side and placed the bag on my lap.

I pulled gently at the silky ribbons that formed a beautiful bow and parted the bag. Inside, there were three velvet boxes. I grabbed a random one and noticed that it matched the box Gavin had given me that housed the bracelet. My head whipped to Ethan. "You didn't," I said in astonishment.

He was beaming. "Open it, love."

I opened it...and gasped again. There was a matching necklace with a delicate sterling silver chain. A teardrop diamond dangled gloriously at the end, spinning and catching the firelight as its sister bracelet did just moments before. "Oh my god, Ethan. This is...amazing."

"Like you. You want me to put it on for you?"

I nodded my head vigorously. "Oh, yes please."

He grabbed the dainty necklace with careful and sure fingers, lifting it to put over my head and wrap softly around my neck, where he clasped it.

I fingered it, looking down at the expensive gift. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. But there's more."

I grabbed another box enthusiastically, opening it with trembling fingers and released another gasp.

Matching earrings.

I put them on and tilted my head to the side. "How do I look?" I asked Ethan.

"Like a sparkling beauty. There's one more in there," he said.

I went for the last box and held it up to the light. I expected another velvet, but noticed that this one was matte and black.

"Open it," he urged.

I snapped back the lid...

And inhaled sharply.

"Ethan..."

It was a single slip of paper. One with words that were so meaningful, I teared up again.

He leaned in and pointed as he spoke softly. "This is a celestial map of our galaxy, The Milky Way. Now, we don't really know what it truly looks like from a distance, as we don't have the capacity to leave and observe from Andromeda, our neighboring galaxy. But the one thing we can chart are stars. There are an estimated 100 thousand million stars in our galaxy. Beautiful giants, dwarves, neutrons, sequence and super giants. All thriving and dying in the vast universe. But also guiding." He leaned in even further, his bulky form pressing against my side. "Now, my ancestors were very dependent on stars to guide them when separated from their pack during crucial times. Times of war or illness. Times of detachment and clan troubles. The stars were always there. Constant and unfailing. Like the moon, we honor the marvels of the night. The celestial embodiments that are so closely linked to wolves."

He pointed to the paper and continued, "this star-a binary star-is gifted with a system that is shared with another. Its neighbor revolves around it; always within reach. Sticking together until whatever end befalls the two magnets. The star who is idolized so diligently has been named after you. And this one," he said, pointing to its shared star, "has been named after me. You see, I revolve around you in quite the same way. I thrive when you thrive. I protect you. Love you. Idolize you. Watch over you. And until the day arrives when your star no longer shines, my star fades out alongside yours. A shared system of eternal lovers that shine brightly in the universe for however long they can; grateful to be in one another's orbit. Just as I am so grateful to be in yours."

Wow.

I didn't know what to say.

It was a gift beyond measure. It was beautiful and magical. Quite like Ethan himself.

I wasn't sure how long I stood there, simply sitting on the log staring at him with fresh tears streaming down my face...but eventually, Ethan asked, "are you okay?"

I launched myself at him again, wrapping my arms around his neck in a tight hold that I never wanted to release. "Thank you, Ethan. This is the best gift ever."

He laughed lowly and wrapped me in his arms, encasing me in his strength. "You're very welcome, baby. I'm glad you like it."

"I

love

it," I corrected, burying my face into his neck. "Just as much as I love you."