☽ Chapter 46 - Life Goes On ☾

?Chapter 46 - Life Goes On?

"Destiny, stop! You're going to hurt yourself." I sigh as I lift my three-year-old pup off of the pile of boxes that contain the rest of her playhouse materials. With Ariven off on patrol and Lizaria on her first vacation in thousands of years, I am left alone to build the gift Mika and Lace sent for my pup’s birthday, as the two went off to help spy on Alexander for Crystalline and I. A war is brewing, but today, I just want to enjoy the warm weather with my pup. “Gem, do you need help?” My mother walks outside carrying a tray with lemonade and finger sandwiches, placing them on the small café table with my father following behind her, arms full of food ready to be grilled. “If you don’t mind, could you hold Destiny while I put this wooden playhouse together?” I ask, seeing my mother chuckle as she takes the squirmy three-year-old from my arms and steps back to stand beside my father. With a smile, I close my eyes and focus on the boxes in front of me, picturing the built playhouse as the pieces fly out from the boxes and slowly begin to piece themselves together into a large, log cabin-style playhouse. Finally, the small replica of the pack house stands before us, Destiny squealing in delight as she claps her hands in excitement. “Again! Again!” Her little voice calls out, and I oblige, waving my hand where a limestone pathway slowly emerges from the ground and winds its way to the patio. Small gardens with wildflowers surround the playhouse and, as a last touch, I carve a large rock into a bench, fit for a growing child. “Yay, mommy!” I chuckle at my daughter’s excitement, my mother walking over and handing my pup to me. I promptly kiss her forehead and hug her tight. “Would you like to go play, baby girl?” I ask, seeing her nod enthusiastically. Smiling, I set her down and watch her toddle down the path towards the playhouse. “When will Amberle and Dominic arrive with their own pups?” My father asks. I sigh, taking a seat at the table while my mother hands me a drink. “Soon, I hope. Alex and Missy should be here soon with their pups as well.” I state, chuckling as my father tries and fails to get the grill going. “You have to turn the valve open for the gas tank first, dad.” I chuckle, seeing Maverick’s confused face before he finally gets the grill lit. “Crystalline unfortunately can't make it. But she did say she sent a gift all the way from Toronto." My mother states as she too watches my father try to get the barbeque working. "Connor is also on his way with his mate. I cannot believe he is going to be a father soon.” My father adds, a triumphant look on his face when he creates a large flame. “Geez, these things get harder and harder to light. What happened to a nice fire pit or charcoal grill?” he mutters, causing my mother and I to laugh. “Speaking of fathers, did you tell Ariven yet?” My mother asks through laughter, taking a sip of her own drink. I sigh, placing a hand on my flat stomach and shaking my head. “Tell me what?” I jump, turning my head in the direction of my mate’s voice as Ariven appears through the trees, his long black hair a mess from his patrol. Trailing behind him are Amberle, Dominic, and their three pups. “Well, if my mother didn’t say anything, I had this big plan to tell you tonight, but I guess I have no choice now.” I mumble, watching as Destiny tries to climb onto her father. “If you think Destiny is a handful, wait until her little sibling comes along.” I state with a wide grin, a look of shock on my mate’s face and happiness on my friends. “You… You’re pregnant?” Ariven stutters, handing Destiny to Amberle before making quick strides to where I sit and scooping me up into his arms. Letting out a surprised squeal, my lips are covered by his as he kisses me passionately, the sparks from the mate bond still strong even after three years of being together. “Damnit! Ariven, that’s our sister!” Someone protests, causing Ariven and I to pull away and see Connor and Alex standing just inside the door, a look of disgust on my brothers faces. “Oh, shut it, Alex. Gem just told me we’re having another pup soon.” My mate fires back playfully. “Doesn’t mean you need to give us a preview of how this one was made!” Connor exclaims as he points to Destiny. I giggle, resting my head on my mate’s shoulder. I may have gone through hell as a child, but I wouldn’t change a thing if it meant the life I have now would disappear. Looking at the friends I have made, the family I have, and the pack that I love which loves me back, I couldn’t wish for a happier ending to my life. No matter what is thrown my way, I will always remember that life goes on and that good days are ahead of the bad.