The Runaway Breeder

by Alana Dyer

  "I know that even in a paper bag you will be the most beautiful girl that day." He says, taking my hand and kissing the ring. I giggle with his words taking the time to snuggle into Tate’s side with his arms wrapped around me. The fall sunlight filters into the room through the large windows falling onto Julia giving our child and ethereal glow. The quiet and cozy atmosphere warming my heart as I watch my little girl sleep soundly.

  "I could stay here and watch her forever." I whisper looking to Tate who nods and smiles at me before our attention return to our baby girl.

  "I could too." He whispers back kissing the top of my head, making my smile grow. It felt nice having my small family here with me.

  Deciding on waiting for Julia to wake up to watch the first movie Tate and I turn the T.V. on surfing the channels until we decided on Murdoch Mysteries. Food shortly arrives and Tate leaves me in the living room while collecting the delivery from the teen. I smell the scent of Indian cuisines as Tate rounds the corner with a large bag setting the contents out on the table as I run into the kitchen to bring out plates and silverware. We continue our show while eating. Something about the Victorian era always bringing out my love for interior design especially with how Murdoch Mysteries is set and designed. Sometime into our second episode with the food eaten and dishes cleared away Julia decides to voice her complaints.

  "I got her." Tate says, getting up and walking to the swing where he lift our child up, swaying side to side as he soothed her. He takes her upstairs for a diaper change while I make my way to the kitchen to prepare a bottle for our hungry baby. Making sure the bottle is at a perfect temperature I walk into the living room just as Tate does, handing him the bottle to let my mate feed our daughter.

  “Why don’t you set up the snacks while I feed our little princess and we can turn on the movie.” Tate suggests. I agree returning to the kitchen to grab the bag of snacks left on the counter and the Neapolitan and Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream form the freeze. Setting the snacks out on the coffee table Tate continues to feed Julia as I bustle about choosing the movie Onwards and placing it into the Blue Ray player before settling into the sofa beside Tate who cradles a wide awake Julia in his arms.

  The movie slowly begins with some laughter coming from me with how the siblings act together and Tate rolls his eyes.

  "This movie is so basic." He grumbles and I shush him, my eyes taking in everything.

  "I like kid’s movies this includes Pixar and Disney films so shush." I warn, pouting playfully as I snuggle closer. Movies like these always bring out the child inside everyone leaving a lasting message that shapes children. I much preferred these types of movie than horror or thriller movies.

  "Okay, okay." He says in surrender wrapping his arms around my shoulder pulling me closer to his body. I smile and focus back on the movie, small noises from Julia every now and then coming from Tate’s arms causing us to laugh. As I watch the colourful memories float by my own heart wrenching when they turn sad as life changed. It reminded me slightly of how mine had changed drastically from losing my parents, to becoming an illegal breeder, gaining a mate worth loving and becoming a mother to my babies even is all I have is Julia to raise. I stop paying attention to the movie as I fell into my own thoughts, thinking about every last memory I made, all the pain I have been through, and all the happiness that found and lead me to where I am now.

  "Baby? Babe? Baby girl?" I blink as I turn to stare at Tate, blushing slightly as I realize that the movie had finished.

  "Sorry." I mumble, smiling sheepishly at my mate.

  "It’s okay. So where did you go?" He says, detangling himself from me to put a sleeping Julia in her swing, setting it on a gentle speed.

  "I was thinking about my life. Watching the movie made me realize how much I have been through to get to where I am today." I say quietly, scooting over so that Tate could sit back down, having him pull me close so that our legs were spread out on the couch, his slightly wrapped around mine.

  "Want to talk about it?" He asks, one hand playing with my hair the other rubbing my back.

  "I guess." I sigh out, taking a deep breath of his intoxicating scent.

  "I never told you much about my parents." I whisper, clutching his shirt.

  "No, but I knew you would in the end." He says, kissing the top of my head.

  "I was six when they were murdered. My father was the Beta at the time and a rogue pack attack us when we were celebrating his birthday. I was still too young and hadn't shifted yet so I was rushed into the panic room with the wolves that couldn't fight. When it was over they were gone." I shuddered as a few tears fell from my eyes and I bury my face into his chest, taking deep breaths to calm myself.

  "I'm sorry baby." He whispers, kissing my head.

  "So am I." I mumbled.

  "I never got to say I was sorry to them. That morning I had fought with them about the dress I was wearing, wanting to be in jeans and a tank top so that I could play sports. But my dad argued saying that the daughter of a beta should be proper and look like a lady. I ended up saying I hated them and those were the last words I said." By now I was fully crying as I clutch Tate's shirt. No one knew that the last moments me and my parents had is one I regret.

  "And you wish you could take it all back." His words were a statement and I look up to see his face full of understanding.

  "Every day of my life." I agree resting my head in the crook between his shoulder and neck. He nods and hugs me tight as I sniffle, my tears now staining his shirt.

  "The last time I saw my parents I said the same thing, even told them their plane would crash." He admits and I look up to see him watching me.

  "They were on their way to make a treaty with a European pack and they were missing my first soccer game in high school. They never missed anything when it came to Eeva but every time something important to me came up they were busy. I felt neglected and I grew to hate them, truth is I still do.” I wait silently while Tate clutches me tighter to him, his eyes gaining a faraway look while I wait for him to continue.

  “One day the beta came to our house, said the plane was shot down by an Asian pack and there were no survivors. I vowed that day that I would never miss anything my children do. I want to make every day and every memory count." His eyes went cold as he talked about his parents, but softened at the end and I smile, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him close for a kiss.

  "I love you." I say when we pull away smiling, our foreheads against each other’s.

  "And I love you too." He says, nuzzling our noses together. Tate later goes to explain that Eeva took over as temporary Alpha until he finished school. At the age of nine-teen he became the youngest Alpha ever. It explains why Tate is so ruthless when he needs to deal with other packs at nine-teen. We decided to continue our movie marathon in bed, Tate bringing the snacks into the room while I settle Julia in bed. I felt our relationship growing closer with our confessions about our parents and sigh. Both of us had the same vow to always be there for our pups and that thought brings a smile to my face.

  Chapter 24

  I shiver slightly as my body slowly comes to consciousness my eyes scanning the room to see the sunshine falling in through the open window curtains. This morning the bed felt colder than usual and my hands search for the warmth Tate always brings. Worried I turn around to face Tate's side of the bed only to notice him gone and - judging by how cold his side of the bed is - he's been gone a while. Frowning I slowly sit up, my body sore once again from spending the night with my mate. Wrapping the blanket around my naked body I search for any clue that my mate might have left indicating his where about when I spy the note folded neatly on his pillow.

  With a soft smile my hand reaches out to pick the note up careful to unfold the paper to see Tate’s neat handwriting on display. The note tells me that Tate decided to go to the pack house to take care of some business and to catch Rex for a check-up. Chris and Jack took Julia for the day wanting to give me some time to res
t and sleep in. Warmth fills my heart with the wonderful family I have. I smile and kiss the note, placing it on the night stand stationed on my side of the bed before getting up for a quick shower and dressing in a warm baggy knit sweater, fleece lined leggings and a grey scarf before heading down stairs. Entering the kitchen I make a quick light breakfast and take the time to scroll through my phone. I knew I had projects due soon for my courses in college but those can wait. I wanted to do something fun for myself first.

  Taking a look on the calendar I see that Tate has changed it from September to October and an idea came to me. Grinning like the Cheshire cat I finish my breakfast and make my way to the garage. Texting Tate I ask where he hides the decorations for Halloween. A quick reply comes and I giggle first at the picture of him bored out of his mind in a phone call and then with the information that the decorations are where I am heading. Pressing the button on the side by the garage door I watch the wind blow leaves across the yard. Deciding on my first chore I get to work grabbing the rake from the wall and slowly rake the leaves into the middle of the yard on the left side of the house. It took a lot longer than I thought it would but eventually all the leaves were piled high. Part of me wanted to enclose the area around the leave pile and so I lean the rake against the sturdy oak tree and make my way into the large garage. Rummaging around I find some large fences about a meter tall that can easily be hammered into the ground. Deciding on the next step I make a couple of trips going back and forth until all the temporary fences are laid out in a large enough area.

  Quickly I fence in the leaves taking a break once the fencing is done to make a sign with some old wooden boards, paint and nails that read Leaf Jumping Pile that I found in a box by Tate’s work bench. I never knew how much of a handy man Tate is until now and it makes me smile knowing that I had tools readily available for decorating and building. Hammering the sign at the entrance of the fencing I take a moment to admire my handy work. The garden I noted would need some work done. It’s obvious that the plants have been neglected since first arriving here and I put myself up to the challenge. Not many people like gardening but I found the rhythmic actions soothing and relaxing. Finding a yard waste bag and some gloves I set to work on the garden, trimming the bushes and prepping each shrubbery for the winter that is fast approaching.

  My phone is blaring music from Spotify as I work outside enjoying the easy exercise gardening brings. It felt nice moving my body again after having a baby and being cooped up waiting for Tate to wake up from his coma. With a smile I lean back to rest when my ringtone cuts my music short. Only a few people have my number. Rushing to pick my phone up, I by pass looking at the caller I.D. and just swipe the answer icon.

  "Laina here." I greet heading onto the rocking chair that Tate and I had bought just after being released from my hospital trip.

  "Hey baby how is your day going?" I smile at Tate's voice, closing my eyes and relaxing as the chair rocks.

  "It’s going good. I'm decorating the house for Halloween." I answer. My finger slowly moves to play with my engagement ring while Tate chuckles at my enthusiasm.

  "There are more decorations in the basement and some in the shed behind the garage once you finish using the ones I usually keep year round in the garage. If you need anything else we can go shopping.” I grin at the idea of shopping for more Halloween decorations. I had a feeling that there will be more than enough here at the house but we could probably have the scariest house on the block if I find things I like.

  "That sounds like fun. We can get some costumes too." I agree giggling. I love Halloween and the idea of dressing up in costume just being carefree for the day. Part of me preferred going to haunted houses instead of trick or treating like most children would do growing up. It just felt more fun seeing what humans consider scary.

  "And what would my Baby girl want to be?" I blush at his words and think of Julia, him and myself, an idea forming.

  "Why don’t we dress up as a King and Queen and dress Julia as a princess?" I suggest, hearing another chuckle.

  "Okay but we are not getting cheap Wal-Mart costumes. I have an idea of what we are going to get." He states. We talk for a few more minutes about dinner plans, how the pack business is going. Unfortunately, his break comes to en end too soon and with a promise to see each other soon we hang up. The garden is almost cleaned and ready for winter. Finishing the weeding and trimming I face two large yard waste bags filled to the brim. If I remembered correctly tomorrow is garbage day so doing the gardening today lined up perfectly. Hauling the two bags to the curb I double check the front yard before deciding that now will be a good time to start decorating and make my way to bringing each and every decoration box out starting from the basement and working towards the ones left in the garage.

  It took another hour before I had each box in the garage, a total of ten lined up in a row. Rummaging through the contents of each box and organizing the decorations I find myself with many ideas and categories I can do to make the house the best one on the block. Take a moment to decide I notice that three boxes contain grave yard materials and an idea came to mind. A cemetery themed house would be perfect for children coming to the house for trick or treating.

  I soon realized that each headstone is made with a Styrofoam martial covered in concrete as I move them into place. Couldn’t help but take the time to read each one when I notice they have a theme. Each headstone contains the name of a book character some I recognise and other I did not. I found more temporary fences that help me create a path zigzagging from the entrance of the cemetery to exit that stops just before the front porch where I set up an automatic coffin that opens with motion sensors to a zombie jumping out. The final touches were solar power lights that will light up the path for the cemetery in a red and orange glow. Taking a step back I take a picture of the house and send it to Tate. I loved how it came out and knew that Halloween this year will be the best one yet.

  Satisfied with my productive day I make my way up the driveway intending to go inside to start dinner. Suddenly the street turns eerily quiet and unease fills me. Getting ready to run into the house I feel strong arms wrap around my midsection as another pair presses a cloth with some form of drug to my face covering my mouth and nose over my face. I try my best to hold my breath in order to not breathe in the drug that threatens to take me into unconsciousness. My hands claw at the ones binding me trying my best to fight for freedom and getting a few curses of pain from the two men holding me captured. I needed help and fast.

  [Tate help-] I start mind linking my mate but everything soon turns dark as I take a deep breath of air for my burning oxygen depraved lungs. My body goes slack against the attackers, my arms falling to my side and tears forming in my eyes as I get one last look at the place I call home with my blurry vision.

  "Good girl." The attacker whispers in a familiar voice caressing my hair and supporting my limp frame. The last thing I felt is his lips on my temple as my consciousness slips away.

  Chapter 25

  I feel numb as if there is no connection between my mind and body. No emotion, no wave of energy from the pack link and barely a hum from the mate bond. I am floating in a blissful sleep, or so I think with how the darkness envelopes me. My body is numb, yes, but as I open my eyes I soon learn that I am tied down to an all too familiar bed that I thought I left behind months ago, my body naked once again.

  "No!” I cry out in a despaired whimper trying to free my limbs before anyone can walk in. I am back in the cottage the one I was sentenced as a breeder to about five months ago. The one where the twins were forcefully conceived and where my life was a nightmare because of Sam for a full week. I was trapped with nowhere to go. The bed is still as comfortable as I remembered it, but it held so many horrible memories that disgust rushes through me in waves.

  "Well, look who's up." I bristle as a voice I could never forget floats to my ear and I growl. I wanted to shift, needed to shift to protect myself and I tried so hard to will my bo
dy to cooperate but nothing worked.

  [Tate?] I reached out through the bond, trying to reach my mate.

  [Please Tate answer me.] I beg looking around to find some way of escape once again.

  "It won’t work Laina." Sam's voice cuts through my attempt to link Tate, to get help.

  "There is currently a low dose of wolfsbanes coursing through your veins." His voice is filled with humour as he steps into my line of sight. I see the triumphant smirk on his lips as his eyes glide over my naked form, lust and greed evident in his brown orbs. I hate this vile man.

  "I am a Luna and leader of a pack. You have no right to treat me this way." My voice comes out strong and authoritative as I try to buy time to keep this man away from me. But my outburst only causes a chuckle of amusement from the wolf before me. He steps closer to my body, his hand running from my neck, over the swell of my breast where he plays with my nipple and lower to trace the entrance of my women hood. Fear envelopes me but I do my best to hide my emotions. I refused to give him any satisfaction knowing I am afraid.

  "I can do anything I want to you; you're my breeder, my property." He growls out possessively, his voice low and threatening as his head hovers above mine. He licks his lips as he hooks a finger just inside me and it takes everything in me not to wince from pain and discomfort.

  "I am a free person." I spat out, forcing my head to collide with his as I hear the satisfying crunch of bone. Watching Sam pull back and curse I catch sight of blood starting to trickle down from his nose. He glares at me, his hand balled into a fist as he raises it into the air and I brace myself for the impact. "You little-"

  "Sam!" He stops as another voice fills the room, turning to snarl at the newest arrival.

  "If you want her to produce pups, she needs to be uninjured." I recognize the voice, but I couldn't figure out where, my mind racing as I try to match this voice to a face.