The whole truth

[Lovely]

June 23, 2010
4:45pm
Follows: Not alone


The ride home hadn't taken long and Aless was sure she was speeding but being so close to Kain again and finally accepting his proposal as it were, the ride felt like it was forever. Glances, a few caresses, and alot of teasing torture was all that they could have until she finally parked. With a giggle and a blown kiss, she challenged him to chase her into the house. She was caught and the two of them shed their clothes on the way to her room, tumbling to the cushions wrapped in each other. Aless was unbelievably happy and scared at once, so many questions needed to be answered but right now all she wanted was to spend some time tangled with Kain. "Don't look at my fat." She teased in a whisper to his ear, trying to get beneath the covers so he couldn't see the swell of her belly that she'd been blaming on over eating and not enough activity. He'd seen and felt it below her shirt before but now she felt shy.

Kain didn't let her get far out of his reach. He bit gently at her nose then kissed it. "You're not fat," he insisted in a whisper, rubbing the small swell and showering her in kisses. He paused for a moment, perhaps in thought or hearing something he couldn't discern, but ignored it a moment later, burrowing into the covers with her, not wanting to wait or waste another moment apart from her.

The boy's senses were sharp, he gave him that much. He heard the pause in their rustling and chuckled to himself. Guess I'm not as stealthy as I used to be, he thought as he waited for the pair to resume their tossing and tumbling. It was sweet to hear and the scents of true adoration almost made him turn back. He couldn't force his feet to move away from the door he slowly pushed open. He glanced up at the pair and took a seat beside the window where he looked out and fiddled with a cigar he reminded himself not to light. He waited to be noticed by the boy, or he was going to need to interrupt them. As much as he loved that part, he really liked this girl and didn't want to make her heart stop when the boy had just gotten it started so nicely.

"Ooo!" She giggled as he nipped and licked at her nose, she felt relaxed and free despite her concerns, she'd accepted him and they were together and that was more wonderful than words could describe. She stretched and pushed her belly up into his hand as he rubbed it. "Am so.." She insisted back, helping him burrow beneath the covers with her. "I really like when you do that.. it feels.. really nice." She wrapped her arms around him and leaned up to kiss his shoulder, her eyes lifting toward movement and she froze, her fingers dug into Kain's skin and she let out a small yelp of surprise and fright as her gaze fixed on the strange man in her room.

Her frightened cling to his shoulder made him growl and turn toward the source of her upset. Had it been any other intruder he already would have leapt from her side to begin ripping him apart. Instead he issued his warning and clung back to soothe her. "Excuse his rudeness. He doesn't understand knocking first," Kain sighed.

"If I knocked, would you have answered it? No. So, I let myself in. Nice night," Mitch added.

[Lovely]

Once she realized that Kain knew the intruder, she relaxed but only a little, considering what his brothers had nearly done to her earlier and the fight that ensued. "Who is he?" She asked Kain softly, trying to keep the covers around them and herself hidden from view. "I really think I should be dressed if we have a guest.." She hinted, hoping Kain might hand her her shirt at least.

"I really think this won't take long and he'll see himself out," he said, not wanting her to feel she needed to hide anything, though he pulled the sheet around them both.

"Is that what you think? First thing you should learn, boy, is that she is your partner and when she asks you to do something for her - you listen. I'm not going anywhere until you both do that. Let her cover up if she doesn't have her fur yet. You did talk to her about all that before this, didn't you?" He wasn't being mean, yet, but he wasn't sugar coating his visit this time, either. Mitch saved them the trouble of getting up and picked up the trail of discarded clothes for them, dumping the pile in their reach. He returned to the window, giving them the slight bit of privacy his turned back would give them.

Aless was taken aback by his gruff demeanor and she kind of shrank further into the blankets, watching Mitch warily as he gathered thier clothes. "Who.. are you?" She asked him directly since Kain hadn't answered that question, he was acting differently than the brothers had but mentioned fur and she wondered about how Kain reacted to him as well. She reached over for Kain's hand and for her clothes with the other. "I'm causing trouble for you again.. aren't I?"

"No. You're not causing me any sort of grief. He is. That's Mitch. He's... more or less my father," he said with a sort of twitch as he tried to find a way to explain the man. "Our father... um, the one who is in charge of me and my brothers - usually only at home which this obviously isn't."

Mitch chuckled and turned slightly, sure that Kain wasn't dressed yet as he hadn't heard him move from her side. He kept watch out the window. "Home is where my boys are, Kain. You're welcoming her in to the fold, so.. her home is our home, too, at least for a little while tonight. Don't worry, I'll just say my peace, get your seals of approval, give you mine and you can... carry on with your carrying on. Just as long as you tell her everything tonight before she earns her paws."

"Your father!" She exclaimed in a whisper and her expression was one of subtle horrified embarrassment. "I definitely need clothes on to meet him." She darted to kiss Kain's cheek and pulled her items beneath the sheet, she was actually pretty quick and skilled in getting them back into place. She came back up and felt a little better at not being naked while discussing whatever Mitch had come here to discuss. "Now.. what everything do I have to be told?" She asked looking between both men and hoping to at least clasp Kain's hand again, if not settle into his comforting embrace.

Kain didn't bother with the clothes, but gave her the moment to wrestle with her own. Her fingers sought to tangle with his and he clasped them to help comfort her. "She's already earned her paws. She saw almost everything tonight. What more does she need? She knew the very first night what we are, what I am, and where I want her to be - which is right here, though without the interruptions," Kain added pointedly. "She accepts me, and I accepted her desire to wait and decide, which she has. If that's all you need, then we're done here, aren't we?"

[Lovely]

Mitch turned from the window slowly. How dare he think it was that simple, he thought, the temper building behind his eyes. The flare of red caught the light, making them shine clearly for the pair to see from their bedside refuge. He came up to the edge of the bed and put a foot up on the railing, leaning on his knee. "We are never done. Every day is a fight. Right now we have a bigger fight than ever before. You know that, but does she?" Mitch took a deeper breath and looked at Aless, the anger fading to a distinct worry behind a prideful smile. "Alessandra, my dear, you're on a ride you've never dreamed you'd be on. Hope you've talked about names, some."

Aless gently squeezed Kain's hand as he took his turn to reply to Mitch and she smiled a little, watching his expressions. She felt a bit of pride swell up in her at hearing the words spoken about them accepting each other and how she belonged with him. She wasn't angry, though she'd been frightened when she first saw Mitch in the room, it was easier for her to calmly listen to what each man had to say and understand it a little better without being clouded by such anger. "That's for sure.. meeting Kain and everything that's happened since, I never would have even imagined anything like this.. or anyone like him." Her thumb brushed over Kain's hand as she spoke and she turned to smile softly at him. Her other hand went to her tummy and she looked down, then back to Mitch with a small shake of her head. "We haven't talked about names yet.. we only just found out.. or at least I did.. like an hour ago.."

Kain felt a strange tickle at the back of his neck and leaned his head back. Mitch was upset and that very fact made his own fur stand on end. "If this is going to be a speech about straightening priorities..," he started, easing the chilling itch.

"Kain, don't challenge me. Not tonight. Aless, you're a darling, sweet girl and I like you. I welcome you and I think you're going to do just fine in our strange little family. I'm also glad that you're already sitting down and you're in a... well, a good mood, though you were in a much sweeter one a few minutes ago. Hours may be all you will have, days at most. Pups sprout up fast and if he didn't tell you, I will. Pretty mama-to-be has only two months to say yes and get your claws in straight. That's um... two months in human years if you're thinking I'm joking," Mitch chuckled slightly, slipping the unlit cigar into his mouth. He then did something he hadn't done in years, pulling out a billfold from his pocket and sliding a small, cracked photo out to look at. He ran his thumb over the faded black and white image. He glanced up at Aless and the faint things that reminded him of the girl in the photo. "You can't turn back. He has to make you one of us and the sooner, the better."

Aless was shocked, she'd expected the time to be short but the length he gave was much sooner than she felt ready for right now. She was quiet for a few minutes, looking down to the tummy which was already swollen and much bigger than she thought it should be. Kain had started to explain but they'd gotten distracted with celebrating and reuniting. "Two months.." She let out a long breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. ".. from now or total from when I concieved?" If it was the latter, she was already halfway there. "He has to.. why sooner? What about the baby?"

"Don't say 'no'," Mitch said, a wealth of wisdom shining behind the sad smile as he put the picture away and retrieved his cigar. "The sooner you learn, the stronger you'll be and you'll make it through just fine. You all will."

Kain was quiet a long moment, understanding a great deal in Mitch's scent and tone that he couldn't describe in only a few words for Aless to grasp as clearly. "Total," he whispered, almost not saying the word at all as he leaned to kiss her cheek.

[Lovely]

Aless did notice the picture he had taken out and now put away, she wondered about it but didn't feel it was her place to ask. She had enough of her own to deal with at the moment and let go of Kain's hand to let both of hers cup around her belly. "Total.." She echoed in a whisper and leaned slightly into the kiss on her cheek. She fought the overwhelming wave of emotion that crashed over her and took a few deep breaths, biting at her lower lip. The tears shimmered in her eyes and she tried for a smile to Mitch, her head nodding a little. "I'm sorry.. excuse me.." She apologised and turned to crawl into Kain's lap, curling around him and burrying her head in his shoulder if he would allow her to. "That's so soon." Her arms sought to wrap tightly around his shoulders.

Mitch nodded and pulled his foot from the railing, reaching down to smooth the blanket. "I trust you'll take care of it, Kain. Take care of them. Scared or not, she can't say no," he said, his voice nearly cracking before he turned to leave. He stopped at the door, trying to smell beneath the sudden wash of fear that filled the room. "Bring her home in three weeks. You're going to need the help."

Three? Why then and not now? Kain was confused but wouldn't protest or push his luck with the man's emotions that spun strangely in the last few minutes. He'd never seen Mitch stirred up over anything before and simply agreed. "Of course," he said, grinning slightly and curling Aless against his chest where she trembled with her shock.

Aless lifted her head, looking from Kain to Mitch, it was clear she was more confused now. "Why in three weeks? Didn't you say he had to do it sooner rather than later? Isn't three weeks later rather than sooner?" The panic crept into her voice as she asked questions, seeing Mitch leaving as if it was all settled and was supposed to make perfect sense, but none of it did. "Isn't that cutting it really really close to when.. I mean.." There was just too much she didn't know right now and she felt more scared than she had moments before. How was she supposed to do and learn everything that she would need to in one week.. maybe two? She was supposed to move that close to giving birth and who knew what having a baby in that short of a time would do to her physically.. look what it did to women with normal pregnancies that lasted nine months! Her fingers started to dig into the back of Kain's shoulders as she fought harder against the stronger pull of tears which stung her eyes. "I can and will say no to that! A week is not enough time! Four might not be enough but I can't cram everything into a week.. I can't.."

Mitch turned slowly and the anger at himself began to slip out. "Do you -want- this to kill you? There is a train heading straight for you and you have one choice. Don't make it the wrong one, Alessandra. If you need more time, then pack now and stay at the den."

"Enough! You're terrifying her. Stop it. I understand, alright?" Kain's voice wasn't loud, but it was strong and direct and could well have been a harsh growl as well as it had been clearly spoken. He curled around the girl and tried to protect her from the words Mitch had said. "I'll take care of her if it kills -me- to do it. She's said yes already, so there's your peace, hers and mine. Take it and go. We'll be there when she's ready."

[Lovely]

It was too late to protect her from the words that were already spoken and that she'd heard very clearly. If either of them bothered to pay attention to her, they would see the color had drained from her face and the fear was shining bright in her eyes, her head slowly shook. "No." She whispered, barely able to get her voice to have any volume at all. "I don't want this to kill me.. how can I make the right choice without asking questions? How am I supposed to understand if you two don't explain things to me? I'm not like you.. I don't know anything about this.. I'm scared and I'm confused. You say one thing and then you say another and I can't even ask a question without you barking at me or each other!" Her heart was racing and her breath coming in uneven pants as her anxiety and fear rose. The tears finally broke free and started to run down her cheeks, she set her head to Kain's shoulder, trying to curl up and be small in his lap. This was so much worse than almost being eaten by his brothers.

Mitch's shoulders fell and he leaned against the door. There hadn't been time to explain anything to her apparently. "You're human, he's not, not anymore. You're carrying his babies.. more than one," he said, looking at her becoming a tighter ball. He promised not to sugarcoat it, but he tried to be less harsh. "I can't change time, neither can he, but he can change you. I know you need more than a week, or three, or a month or even a year to fully understand any of this, or I wouldn't be here now. That's all the time I can give you. Let him change you tonight, or tomorrow, but soon, and you'll have decades, maybe centuries to figure it all out. Me and the others, we'll help you, but I want you at the den no less than a week before you deliver. No hospital in this town has ever seen one of our kin born and it's not going to happen in my lifetime."

Kain took a deep breath, trying not to choke on the fear himself. His own was thickening at the prospect that she might die if he didn't change her even if she wasn't ready for it, yet. He'd made a promise to wait and now he couldn't. He nodded now, understanding a little more what Mitch was saying about time. They were free to do whatever it would take until she was nearly ready, whether Kain taught her alone or brought her home to the others' help as long as they were safely situated in the caves before the pups arrived. "We can come get your things, whatever you want or need as necessary."

She shook her head looking at Kain with a heavy sigh as she tried to shift away from him and off the other side of the bed. "How am I supposed to know what I'll want or need and how are we supposed to find that out and come here and back to wherever with only a week to do it all.. and with me being in who knows what condition by then since I'll be about to explode with babies? If I have to wait that long to go there.. I'm not going at all. We only have a month as it is.. that's not alot of time to get ready for this if we were staying here. How are we supposed to prepare anything ahead of time? One week to move and get ready for it when I could have the baby anytime during that.. it's insane.. and I don't care what he wants, I'm not doing that. I have so little time to get ready for this baby or rather babies, I need to start now. I can't sit here for three weeks doing nothing cause he doesn't want me in his house till then and only wants me there then so I don't have the baby in a hospital. Did I mention insane?" her hands rubbed over her cheeks, wiping away the dampness from her tears as her head shook again. "I already have the big picture about what you are and what you eat, about you being able to change me and wanting to.. I understand all that, I got that the first night when you explained it. That's not the issue.. what I need now are the answers to the questions I'm asking now.. the specifics about what's going on right now, about this pregnancy and me and all that crap. I mean.. after the set up you had that first night, I kind of thought we couldn't stay here when or after you changed me.. so if we can't where are we going? Do you have to change me now or in three weeks? I was a bit confused on that too since he keeps saying do it soon but tells us not to go to your home for three weeks." Her shoulders shrugged and she let out a sigh of frustration. "I don't even know what we need for the baby, is it normal baby stuff? or I don't know.."

[Lovely]

"He said no -less- than a week," Kain reiterated gently, taking a tissue from the box at her bedside to help with her tears at least. "He doesn't want to rush you, nor do I, but you're right. We'll go. In the morning. You need to rest tonight and he needs to go home," he added sharply, setting his sights on Mitch as he gave Aless the tissue.

"I'm going, but not until I have your word, Kain. Putting it off and defying me in the meantime isn't doing her any favors. Consider changing her tonight and pack everything while she sleeps," Mitch suggested. He wasn't falling prey to the defiance or the hysteria, only stating what he knew and what he feared. "The pups... babies... will fare better and so will she the sooner you get it done."

Her hands clenched at her sides for a moment before she reached to take the tissue and then stood up, slowly turning to face Mitch. "You have my word." She promised quietly, looking to Kain with a soft smile though the fear still shone in her eyes. "I would never ask you to defy or choose between me and your loyalty to your family.." Her hand went to her belly and she realized they would soon add to that family, she and the babies were not something seperate but joining the family he already had. She took a deep breath and counted to five, letting herself calm a little bit.

"She's a beautiful and strong girl, Kain. Protect that every way you know how," Mitch said with his voice getting softer and shakier. "We'll be waiting," he mentioned to Aless, not sure what reassurance she would take from him. If there was nothing more to be said, he was ready to leave and pulled the door open.

He was more than aware of that himself. That was, afterall, part of the reason he chose her over the others. Kain stared sharply at the man a long moment before relenting and finally agreeing. "You have my word and hers. She'll be as ready as she can be," he said. Now go, he thought as he moved the blankets aside and stood to stretch and ensure the door would be locked for certain once Mitch left.

Aless opened her eyes as Mitch spoke and she offered him a slight nod and the grace of her soft smile but she was still guarded with him. Her gaze washed over Kain as he moved the covers and stood to follow Mitch to the door, she wondered if she'd ever look at him and not think he was beautiful. Every inch of him was simply gorgeous and she was amazed that he wanted her.

Mitch had turned and didn't need to see Kain rise up and follow him out. He heard him well enough moving in his huff that would be resolved later if not the moment the two came to the den. "I can lock a door as well as you can. We have thumbs just like normal people," Mitch quipped as he stepped into the hallway, sure the Kain would hear him clearly although Aless might not.

Kain chuckled dryly. "Deadbolt's on this side," he reminded the man as he slipped through the doorway as well. "Can't take any chances on Miss Manners happening by, now can we? Maybe she'd at least knock and perhaps bring a dish, hm?"

"Your private life is as private as it's ever going to be. We're a pack and she's part of it. Get used to it," Mitch reminded him as they flowed down the stairs to the door.

[Lovely]

Kain had nothing more to say and nothing he could say would ease Mitch's humor until the showed up with Aless at the den. He made sure the stoop was cleared of Mitch's presence before he secured the door and checked the windows as well. If someone truly wanted in badly, there would be no secret of their entrance now that would require breaking or bursting something to get in. He chuckled to himself as he returned up the stairs to Aless's side. "Or to get out," he sighed, wondering how easily she would metabolize the effects of the transformation in her state. He could only speak for himself from a faded memory that it had been brutally painful and sickening. He closed the bedroom door tightly and looked around for something to brace it, but knew it would do little good from the inside of the room. He quickly gave up that idea and came up to her now that they were alone again. "I think... we should lay back down for a while, don't you?"

She paced to the window and around the room as she waited, hoping she wouldn't hear the sounds of fighting since she felt that she'd already caused enough conflict with his family. She was leaning against the wall looking toward the door when he came back through it, she reached out to him as he came up to her. "Alright.." She nodded to his suggestion, pulling herself closer to him, she was nervous and scared, but not of him of course.

"Are you?" He teased a little, the grin returning to his lips and his eyes as he put one hand to the mound of her belly and his other behind her in a gentle embrace. "It gets easier after the first few weeks, becoming like us. I'll never know whether the rest gets any easier or worse... only a mother will know that. I will do what I can to help you. First, we both need rest or the change will be that much harder on you."

"No.. but I'm getting better." She smiled gently and tipped her head to his shoulder, she blew her breath gently over his skin. "With you, everything is better." She brought her hand over his on her belly, trying to get him to rub it a little and laughing softly. "I'm so scared right now but I'm so distracted by you being naked." Aless shook her head and turned to kiss his neck. "Can we wait.. just till you take me to the den? Wouldn't it be better to change me there?"

"Mmm, it might be, since you're distracted which might distract me from remembering tonight," he said, moving his fingers under hers across the growing bump. "Long time left until morning. We could pack, or...," he paused and left the ideas to create themselves in her mind as she leaned against him and he took in her scent more deeply, calming him and enticing things to distract them both.

"I'm serious." She laughed softly and nuzzled into his neck, her hand stayed with his on her tummy and she let her other arm come around his shoulder. Like he had earlier when she'd been upset over the meeting with his brothers, he distracted and calmed her. "I love you." Her words were softly sighed as her fingers brushed over his skin. "We can pack later.. there is still a long time till tomorrow.. you mentioned going back to bed.. think we can continue with what we'd started before Mitch showed up?"

"I am being very serious. Yes and absolutely yes," he said, offering her a kiss and a nudge back toward their covers.

[Lovely]

*****************************

(The next morning)


Mitch had said all he'd needed to and the job needed to be finished. Kain had every intention of it from the moment he'd arrived but wanted to take his time, not be told. Damn parental overbearingness, he snorted in his sleep, still aware of Mitch's scent in the room. It disturbed him enough to make him too restless to sleep long and return to pacing and packing while Aless slumbered fitfully, no doubt aching from the nibbles and lappings he'd bestowed, some harshly, some adoringly, but all passionately. She wanted her things, so be it. Into bags and any box he could find he'd begun to cram as much of the recently used items he could find by her scent, assuming them to be the most important and wanted, mostly her clothes, but some small pieces of jewelry, a couple of books she'd thumbed through and some items of memoribilia she had on her shelf that were certainly hers and not the boyfriend's. The activity and anxiety pulled at his stomach. Hunger - pure, base and intense. He stopped packing and clutched at the belly of his human form, growling back at his stubborn insides. His mouth watered from the teasing taste of her blood that still graced his lips and he held himself firmly from any thought of returning to her side in this state. Human food would have to suffice and if they were leaving, why waste what was in the pantry? Food was food, though he preferred his warm, soft and richly flavored of recent life. In lieu of such a dish, he went to search the kitchen for whatever variety of items he recognized and liked enough to heat for breakfast that also wouldn't turn her stomach in her state. Eggs were simple and he'd found some waffles and frozen meat that was soon sizzling in a pan and smelling glorious as far as he was concerned. They would both need to eat well today, her especially once her metabolism began to change.

She was exhausted from the stress, her condtition, and more pleasntly by making love with Kain for hours. All of it together was enough to hold her in a deeper slumber than he had been and she continued to sleep fitfully even as he rose and moved around. He was quiet so it wasn't him packing that woke her, or the cooking, though as she woke she could faintly smell the aroma that was slowly filling the house. It was the bed growing cold beside her and the lack of warm solid form to snuggle against and around that opened her eyes. "Kain?" She called out, sitting up in a rush when she didn't see him right away.

His ears perked to the sound of his name and he stepped away from the pan to be sure he'd heard it. It must have been Aless waking and the disturbed tone drew him back to the room, hoping Mitch hadn't decided to return to pester them more, or worse that anyone else had managed to find a way in. He growled out his caution then burst back into the room. He'd not bothered with clothes of his own and the spectacle of his gaunt and bare form attempting to appear menacing was at best comical. He much preferred his fur sometimes. He saw no one but Aless and relaxed only a little. Her own stance was alarmed where she sat. "What happened?" He asked cautiously, looking to the windows, then moving to them to ensure they were closed and covered well.

Seeing him appear like that, gorgeous, bare, and ready to protect her from whatever was not comical to her - it was beautiful and she relaxed with a shy smile. "I.. I woke up.. and you weren't here." She started to explain, chewing at her lower lip. "I didn't know where you were.. I was scared.. that you were gone."

"Sleep escapes me, so I'm being useful. You'll need to eat," he explained, tugging the curtains more closed than they already were. He came back to the bedside with a kiss. "Packing, saving you some time and worry. You should sleep some more."

[Lovely]

Aless leaned up to the kiss, sighing softly as they parted, her hand lifting to his cheek. "Why can't you sleep?" She asked, ignoring his suggestion that she get more since she was sure that wouldn't happen right away.

"Blaming him," he smirked, nuzzling against her fingers and turning to kiss them. "And breakfast is almost ready," he said. He wasn't sure what time it even was, but his stomach growled a little again. "I'll bring it to you."

"Blaming who.. for what?" She was completely confused and thried to reach for him but hearing his stomach growl, she wasn't sure if that was the wisest choice. "I guess you can explain that over breakfast.." She watched him with a worried gaze, wondering what was bothering him and if it had to do with her.. again.

His eyes rolled a little. "Father dearest, our Mitch who art in not very good graces with me at the moment," he seethed quietly, trying to keep the hunger pangs to a dull roar. They were scaring Aless enough, and likely with good reason. "Better eat soon," he said, smelling the air that was becoming rich with the scent of meat and toasted bread, making his mouth water. The hunger was clear in his gaze as well and he found it difficult to pull away from her. "Wait here. I'll be back, okay?"

"Alright." She murmured quietly, brushing his cheek again and letting him go though it left her wondering what he was blaming Mitch for? Hopefully he'd be able to talk about it after he'd eaten something. She did understand the importance of that for him. Come to think of it.. for her too, she looked down at her bump and brought one hand against it with a shy smile. It was still hard to believe.

He was quick to return with steaming plates with browned meat, gently flipped eggs and buttery waffles drowning in syrup. He set the tray on the end of the bed and licked the syrup from one of his fingers, offering her the other. "Messy, but smells good, hm?" To him it did, but he'd never been pregnant with pups, either.

"You smell good." She teased him with a nip of his fingertip before she licked it clean of the sweet syrup. her eyes gently burning with desire for him, she couldn't help it - he just had that effect on her. "Come on.. let's eat." She smiled more sweetly and beckoned him up beside her and beneath the covers to warm her up again while they enjoyed the breakfast he'd prepared.