Mother and father told us that they were going to go on a little trip, and would be back before the mating ceremony for Alford and Zoey, Antonio and Fawn, and Clark and me. Ardwolf was told to act as alpha so he could gain more experience before he had to actually take over from father. Ardolph was told to have fun and go find his mate, as was Ardwolf. As for us mated couples to be, we were told to stay together with our other half to get to know each other better.
Clark and I went for a walk to be alone. The den seemed to be overrun nowadays with so many getting ready for what's to come when mother and father came home. After a few minutes, Clark slowly stopped walking.
"Clark?" I asked, turning to look at him.
"Belle love, I need to know what you want to do after the mating ceremony." Clark said as he took both my hands in his. "I've been waiting for you a long time. I knew you were my mate. I just held off until you were nearer your 20th birthday, and for a time when I could get you a way from your family, seeing how they have always sheltered you from most other wolves."
"What do you mean? We are going to be together as husband and wife." I replied with some confusion. "I was a little slow understanding the depth of my attraction to you, but I've never had feelings like this for anyone."
"Yes Belle, we will be together as husband and wife, but that's not what I mean. Belle, you are human. I could turn you into a werewolf right after the ceremony so you could be like the rest of your family, or I could get you pregnant with OUR cubs, and wait until after you have them to turn you. I told Ardolph it would be up to you what you want to do." Clark said, looking into my eyes.
"Pregnant with our cubs, or turn into a werewolf." I said, "Both, I want to do both."
"Belle, love I don't want to tell you what to do, but may I tell you what I would like us to do?"
"Go on Clark; I want to know what you think my mate."
"I want you to have my... our cubs. I don't want to go looking for a human woman to have my cubs, just to take them away from her, and she never gets to see the cubs grow up. I understand that's what needs to be done for werewolves to keep being born, but I don't want to make you feel like I love someone else." Clark told me, his eyes looking intently into mine.
"But Clark, what happens after I'm turned? Don't you think you would want more cubs? And if you do, I will not be able to give them to you." I said, concern lacing my voice.
"No, I would be happy with the cubs you can give me. Not everyone can say their mate gave them cubs. If you choose to have my cubs, that will be the most wonderful gift of life ever that you or anyone can give me my love." Clark said with a warm smile.
I couldn't believe my soon to be mate was asking me to have his cubs. I knew I could have four or more cubs like the woman who had my brothers and me, but if I was lucky I could have just one cub. I knew what I wanted even more than to be a werewolf. I didn't say anything to Clark but I kissed him so hard so he knew my answer.
"I love you my Belle. I have since the first time I saw you." Clark said, his warm arms wrapped around me.
I never knew Clark was in love with me. I had always thought of him as a good friend, but deep down I knew I had stronger feelings for him. Could it be love, or just the mating pull to each other? No, I had feelings for him before he said I was his mate.
"I love you too Clark. I never knew how much until now, and not just because of the mating pull. I always had feelings for you." I said hugging him tightly.
"Belle, by the time the mating ceremony is here you will be in your fertile time. I could get you pregnant then my love." Clark said.
"Yes." was all I could reply.
This time it was Clark who kissed me hard. We walked hand-in-hand back to the den. I couldn't wait to be mated to him.
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"Sweetheart, are you going to be all right for the mating ceremony?" Antonio asked.
"I don't know Antonio. Your mom has been telling me what is going to happen. But to do something like what your mom said in front of the whole pack? I just don't know." Fawn said worriedly.
"Fawn, I want you to know I would never do anything you are not ready for. Maybe it would be best if we pull out of the mating ceremony for now." Antonio said gently.
"I knew it! You don't want to mate with me. Well you don't have to worry about me anymore. I'll leave you and your family's house tonight. I have taken care of myself since I was six years old, and I can keep doing it." Fawn stated.
Fawn got up to leave. She got to the front door, and she had it open when an arm from behind her closed it before she could get out.
"Sweetheart, where are you going?" Antonio asked.
"What do you care?" Fawn snapped.
"Fawn, what's gotten into you? You've never acted like this before."
"Let me go! I will not stay here any longer. I'M SORRY I WAS SO MUCH TROUBLE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR PACK. I'LL FIND A WAY TO PAY YOU ALL BACK. NOW LET ME GO! " Fawn shouted.
"Fawn, I won't let you go out of this house, or onto the pack's land." Antonio said, worried for her safety.
Her wolf was getting mad. Fawn could feel her trying to come out. Suddenly she couldn't hold her back any longer. The next thing Antonio knew he was holding her front paws. Antonio couldn't believe Fawn's wolf came out because she wanted out of the house and away from him. He wondered what he did to make her go to her wolf form. That was something she hated.
Fawn pulled her front paws away from the man who was holding her. Fawn knew the only way out was where the man was standing. Fawn's wolf was a warm red color with black highlights, but Antonio barely had time to notice before she was trying to lunge at him, her jaws at his throat.
"Fawn, stop this now!" Antonio ordered loudly, hoping to get through the wolf to the woman inside.
Just then Antonio's parents and his brother came out of their rooms. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. They had never known a wolf to attack their mate before; but with Fawn anything could happen.
Shane saw the wolf on his brother and acted as fast as he could to help his twin; but she swiped her sharp claws at him, slicing a cut on his chest, forcing him to jump back. Fortunately the cut was not too deep; he would heal with minimal scarring.
"No Shane, stay back. It's Fawn. She's just upset about something." Antonio said.
"Man, I would hate to be you right now." Shane smirked.