Little Red

by Trista Jaszczak

  “How do you like the house?” Aaron asks

  “This is amazing,” I say.

  “I can’t believe you guys really did this.”

  “Well, we just built it.

  James helped Ethan with the plans, but this was really all Ethan.”

  “Did Ethan tell you our plan?” James asks.

  “About not being here alone?”

  I give him a nod.

  I can’t help but wonder if I actually need protection, or if they’re completely over-worrying.

  I guess first-born children in the family would make them more on edge, but I don’t quite see the need of having a bodyguard.

  I am capable of caring for myself, pregnant or not

  “I will be here with you this week,” Ethan says.

  “I don’t have to be back to work until Monday.

  My guys have control of the shop fairly well,” he tells me.

  “That’ll give me time to show you around town and get you to the doctor.”

  “Which will be Maggie,” James smiles.

  “You’ll love her.

  She’s great.”

  I grin.

  “She’s the O.B.?” I ask, tucking my hair behind my ear

  Ethan nods.

  “She and Eli both love children.”

  I give him a smile.

  “I can’t wait to get to know her.”

  “Don’t forget to show her where all of us live,” Ian adds

  I laugh softly as Ethan begins clearing the table.

  For some reason, I have a feeling that it’ll be a good week but a tad overwhelming.

  I have a home.

  A real one.

  And somehow I gained not only six brothers but a potential husband.

  I shiver at the word.

  I take the last drink from my glass and stand to bring my plate to Ethan.

  I’m quickly ushered out of the kitchen and taken to the fireplace, where I’m told to rest.

  Ethan starts a small fire, and I pull pillows from the couch and lay by the warm glow of the fire

  As I stare at the flickering balls of flames, I try to run through a series of events in my head.

  Meeting Ethan and his brothers in the woods on the night of a full moon.

  Having the most passionate and wildest sex I’ve ever had before in my life against a tree.

  Josh finding me and dragging me straight back to Kentucky.

  Ethan and James finding me only to have Josh end up dead.

  Finding out that I’m pregnant by…by…the Big Bad Wolf.

  I make a face, not that he’s actually bad.

  The twins having the moon curse does explain my feelings towards the moon as well as the weird feelings I get, like feeling Ethan’s sexual need for me and the undeniably strong connection that I feel with him

  But, what exactly happens next? I’m pregnant by a man I’m still getting to know, and now I’m suddenly living with him.

  I am currently cursed by the moon because of the pregnancy, and I honestly have no idea how to start living with Ethan.

  Is it weird if we share a bed? Do I cook for him? How will we divide chores? Do I plan a life with him? If I’m his “mate,” what exactly does that mean? I let out a sigh as the dancing warm flames have lulled me into a state of relaxation.

  I think it may be best to take things one day at a time

  The last thing I remember before dozing off is Ethan draping the blanket over me and receiving a small kiss on the lips, followed by someone murmuring the phrase, “We have another sister”

  * * * * * *

  5 weeks later

  Fifteen weeks pregnant and counting, and despite finding ourselves in the most awkward positions, Ethan and his brothers have been more than welcoming to me

  I find that his brothers, though crazy at times from the curse, are just big kids with even bigger hearts.

  They’re protective, caring, and already in love with their nephews.

  Ethan and I are slowly managing to build a solid and loving relationship.

  He constantly reminds me that no matter what happened in the woods, he still would have come after me when I left, because he didn’t want to be without me.

  I’ve admitted to him that I was leaving Josh to find him again.

  Getting to know one another and become romantic can be challenging when you’re already pregnant by the man.

  He’s sweet and quite charming, despite him referring to himself as the “Big Bad Wolf.” He’s protective, and I have yet to see him lose himself in the rage that he speaks so often about, but I have a strong feeling that Ethan is just hard on himself.

  I’ve also learned in these past five weeks that Ethan is an incredible kisser and manages to take my breath away with every lip lock.

  It’s quite nice knowing that I’m not just the girl that he “knocked up.”

  It’s also clear that I am very much affected by the moon curse.

  While it is not as strong as it is in Ethan or any of his brothers, it is there.

  I feel the odd pull of the moon through the twins.

  As we near the full moon, I feel the hostility and sheer craziness that Ethan and his brothers do.

  Luckily due to the pregnancy, it’s easy enough for me to pass anything off as a wild range of pregnancy hormones.

  Which, if I am being completely honest, is just as bad as the entire wolf curse

  Today has been a slow day.

  Ethan is now off work and is relieving Ian from “guard duty,” as I call it.

  When they said that I would never be alone, they weren’t kidding.

  I don’t mind it much, since the company is nice and I do enjoy getting to know them.

  I have noticed that as my normally flat belly is beginning to poke out more, they all seem to be in awe.

  It’s actually both funny and cute seeing such big and tough men fall all over themselves for a pregnant girl

  I smile up at Ethan from the couch, and he greets my lips with a kiss and a hand to my belly

  “How are you feeling?” He asks

  “Great,” I say, offering him a smile and then glaring at Ian, who I’m sure told him I was sick today

  Ethan laughs.

  “Nice try.”

  I shoot Ian a look.

  “Thanks.”

  Ian laughs.

  “Hey, you get sick.

  I’m not about to lie.”

  “You all keep forgetting I’m pregnant,” I say.

  “It happens.”

  Ethan plants his lips to mine again.

  “I hope you’re comfortable, because you’re pretty much stuck relaxing.”

  I laugh.

  “Oh, whatever shall I do with myself?”

  “Supernatural marathon,” Ian teases

  I laugh.

  “Not a bad idea.”

  Ethan shoots me a pretend jealous look.

  “Think you could eat?” he asks

  I purse my lips and think for a moment

  “She hasn’t eaten much,” Ian confesses.

  “Says she’s been too sick.”

  I groan.

  “Thanks, Ian.”

  Ethan gives me another look.

  “Red, you have to eat.”

  I nod.

  “I know; it’s just hard when I feel so sick.”

  “I tell you what,” Ethan says.

  “Everyone is coming over for a cookout.

  Let me shower.

  You take your medicine so you can eat dinner.”

  I give him a nod as Ian laughs.

  I shoot him a dirty look; I’d like to see him feeling this sick.

  Ethan kisses me once more before trailing into the bedroom to the master bath for a shower

  Ian continues to laugh.
r />   I pick up a couch pillow and whack him with it.

  “You’re supposed to be on my side,” I cry out

  “And lie to my brother?” He shakes his head.

  “Uh-uh.

  I may be crazy, but I am not stupid.”

  I grumble as I begin to sit up.

  Ian tenderly pushes me back.

  “You sit.”

  “I’m not going to break, Ian,” I tell him

  “Not on my watch you won’t,” he says

  I laugh.

  “Ian, I’m pregnant, not helpless.”

  He shakes his head.

  “You could fall or something.”

  I groan again.

  “Ian, why is it that when you’re here, all I do is sit on the couch?”

  He laughs.

  “Because you’re safe there.”

  I laugh.

  “Right.

  And if you ever try following me in the bathroom again, I might hit you.”

  “Ethan appreciates just how watchful I am over you,” he interjects

  I nod.

  “You just better stay out of the bathroom with me.

  And I do need my medicine.”

  “Where is it?” he questions, finally letting me sit up

  “In the bathroom,” I say.

  “With Ethan.”

  “Well, I don’t want to see my brother naked and you already have, so have at it, Red.”

  I laugh as he helps me up, though I don’t need it, and I trail into the master bathroom where Ethan is showering.

  I quietly get a glass of water from the sink and pull my medicine from the cabinet.

  I pop one of the tiny white pills in my mouth, chew quickly, and chase it with the glass of water.

  I notice the sound of running water has subsided, and I see Ethan’s outline through the steamed over door of the shower.

  I look down and away a moment as I begin slipping from the bathroom

  “Red.” I hear the smile in his voice as I turn to find him wrapping a towel around his waist

  I smile and feel myself blush at the sight of him.

  He’s as handsome as ever.

  His dark hair is wet, and his scruff is just how I like it.

  His upper body glistens with droplets of water and showcases his perfect set of abs.

  “My medicine,” I tell him.

  “I had to take it before we eat.” Something inside me ignites and I let out a breath that I had no idea I was holding.

  The urge to grab him is embarrassingly strong

  He gives me a nod as I find myself unable to stop starting at him.

  It’s when he speaks that I realize my mouth is gaping.

  I feel my cheeks beginning to turn a whole new shade of red as I look down a moment.

  Something deep inside me feels as though it’s on fire.

  I want and I need him.

  It’s strong, wild, and it’s the most alive I have ever felt in my life.

  I get this way whenever I’m around Ethan, and lately it’s increasing.

  As strange as things may be…the connection that I have with Ethan is the strongest connection I’ve had in my life.

  And right now, I want him…all of him.

  I need to feel his hands on me, his lips on mine, and I would be lying if I said that didn’t embarrass me at times

  “Are you alright?”

  I laugh.

  “I’m just…” I pause.

  “I’m just really attracted to you.”

  “Little Red Riding Hood is attracted to the Big Bad Wolf?” He winks

  I laugh.

  “I told you that you’re not bad.”

  He smiles and steps closer to me as he draws my body to his.

  “You know, dinner could wait a little while.”

  I feel my cheeks blaze with heat.

  “All of your brothers will be here.”

  “They won’t know a thing.”

  I feel the fire in me start to become hotter.

  He pulls my body closer to his, and I feel my legs give a little shake

  “You feel it as much as I do, don’t you?”

  I look at him, confused.

  “What?”

  “That want, the need…you feel it too now.” I feel his hand on my cheek as his thumb caresses the corner of my mouth.

  “Somehow, you can feel that I want you.

  I can feel that you want me.

  It’s all a part of the curse, being able to feel things the way we do.”

  His hand moves to my neck as he tugs me in for a kiss.

  I feel my body jolt as I grab onto him.

  His tongue flickers teasingly over mine, and he yanks away from me.

  His lips curl up into a wicked grin that nearly makes me stumble over.

  His lips hurriedly find mine once again, this time his tongue working slower over mine to deepen the kiss.

  I push my body to his only to have him pull away.

  I let out a huff of air and pout.

  He lets out a slight laugh.

  My body trembles lightly and I steady myself on my two feet.

  I feel Ethan beginning to push me backward, walking me very slowly until I feel my butt hit the long his-and-her sink vanity.

  For some reason, when he is so dominate, my body can barely handle it.

  Surprising for me considering my past.

  I open my mouth and I hear a little moan release

  He smiles and I feel his hands reaching for my shirt, raising it slowly as his finger grazes my belly.

  Both of his hands latch to the top of my jeans, using his strength to yank them apart.

  Another moan escapes my lips as he looks up at me.

  He can feel what I want…he can feel what I like right now.

  He pushes my jeans down just enough to expose my black lace panties.

  His lips curl up again as he lifts me onto the vanity.

  I feel my body shake.

  His lips find mine as he leans me against the large, well lit mirror.

  He pulls away to make me whimper for more.

  He’s doing it purposely.

  My body can’t take it, and he knows it.

  He pushes my legs open and my shirt up more.

  I push my head against the mirror and let out a little groan as he nestles between my legs.

  His lips tenderly find my neck as his hands find my breasts.

  As soon as I moan, he releases a growl that nearly makes me jump from the sink

  “Ethan…” My breathing has become ragged and unsteady while his kisses have turned to bites and nibbles.

  His hand rubs at the front of my panties, and I immediately push myself closer to him.

  I feel my thighs begin to shake violently.

  I bite down hard on my lip so no one can hear.

  Suddenly, I have no control, and I know Ethan doesn’t either.

  There’s no going back.

  I feel his hand move only long enough to find its way inside my panties.

  I arch slightly as he tenderly explores me.

  I close my eyes tightly enough to feel my eyelids quake

  Ethan’s forehead rests on mine lightly.

  “Look at me,” he commands

  I force myself to open my eyes to see him smiling.

  His finger tenderly begins probing me, slowly at first and then faster.

  I begin panting hard as he makes sure that my eyes stay on his.

  My toes curl, my body stiffens, and within a few quick moments, I feel myself climax hard.

  I open my mouth to let out a scream, but Ethan’s mouth latches onto mine, kissing me so deeply that I find myself whimpering into his mouth.

  As my body begins to relax, he pulls away, smiling, pleased with himself. />
  He gives my spent body a bit to recover before unburying his hand from my panties.

  He kisses me once more and helps me off the counter.

  “That feeling…that need that you feel…that we both feel, I think that means you really are my mate, Red, that somehow we’re just right for each other.

  It may feel stronger for you since you have part of the curse.

  I know it’s been said before, but we’ve never openly admitted it.

  Red, you’re my mate.”

  I look at him, trying again to figure out just what that means and give him a nod as I take a few moments to freshen up and make myself look less disheveled.

  I pull up my jeans and fix my wild hair

  “I think it’s the most incredible thing I’ve felt…that want and need.

  And then the gratification of giving you what you want.” He smiles, fixing a patch of hair that was messed up

  I can’t help but to blush and can only imagine how red my cheeks are.

  He leans in and plants his lips to mine as he presses into me.

  It’s then that I’m rewarded with something so amazing that I yank my mouth from Ethan’s and smile at him

  “What’s wrong?” he asks

  “I felt them.” I smile, letting my hands fall to my belly.

  “Oh, Ethan,” I sigh.

  “I felt them.

  They’re like little butterflies moving in there.” For some reason I feel tears beginning to poke at my eyes as I stare up at Ethan happily.

  “I feel them,” I sigh again

  He grins wide, and I feel his hand on my belly as well

  “Maggie said I should be feeling them soon,” I tell him.

  “I didn’t think it would be this quick.” I blink the tears from my eyes as he places his other hand on my cheek

  “Are you happy here?” Ethan smiles at me

  I give him a nod.

  “Of course I am,” I tell him.

  “You really make me happy.

  I feel for the first time in my life that I have what I have always wanted.

  That something has finally gone right in my life, and I get the happily ever after.

  Maybe you’re right.

  Maybe I’m your mate or match or whatever you want to call me.

  Either way, I think it makes me yours.”

  Ethan gives me a bright smile as he presses his lips to mine.

  “You have no idea just how happy it made me to hear you say that,” he says.

  “You make me feel like the good guy, and like I deserve all this.