Tilting the Hourglass

The shade of red she chose to paint her toes was slowly becoming something she regretted. It took on the looks of blood as it dried, turning that rusty brown color when the glass bottle had promised a beautiful cherry red. Maybe it was just old or a mismatching of tags, she wasn’t quite sure. She didn’t have time to stress out on such a thing as nail polish, especially with the little miracle that was growing inside of her. Teimhnin’s hand rubbed over her lower stomach as she stood, disgusting nail polish in hand, and walked to the bathroom. The alphess dropped the polish into the trash can before she went to her polish basket and took out some blue as well as some remover. She skipped back to her room and sat upon her bed once more, bending one of her legs at the knee to bring it up in order for her too see her pale toes. The movement didn’t hurt her any, for she was barely even showing any evidence of her pregnancy. The smallest of bumps graced her lower abdomen, only noticeable if one looked at her for a number of hours. It’d been nearly a week since she had gotten sick a few mornings after her intimacy with her mate and gazed upon the positive sign she received from the test. Unlike most others in this age, she was overjoyed to know the stirrings within her own womb. Though she knew, her mate did not. It was going to remain her secret for as long as it could be, and that was that. Teimhnin shrugged as she painted her toes the deep navy color she had selected. It fit her complexion somewhat, not that anyone would notice the color of her toes. The fae sighed and finished up her paint job, waiting for them to dry as she slipped from her bed and waddled on her heels to her closet. The outfit she chose was loose like she liked her clothing to be, retro but cute in its own right. She looked herself over on the mirror and added a layer of cherry red lipstick to her mouth, brushing the crimson waves that fell to her shoulders. Teimhnin gave a nod of satisfaction and slipped her coat on before she walked out of the house with adventures on her mind. She left a note for Jace on the garage door and it read: “Went out for a little adventure. I’ll see you when I get home. Love you ;).” The alphess was in her sparkling white Nova SS within a few minutes, listening to the engine start at a low purr with satisfaction. She peeled skillfully and was out on the road within seconds, interested with what she might find.

~Lots of driving, yadda yadda yadda~

She happened upon Wonderland from a glance towards the window. It looked to be giant chunks of metal coming out of the ground like some twisted version of a forest. It took her a few moments to register it as an amusement park, one that was very much out of use no doubt. It’s aged appearance made her park her car in the greenery-ridden parking lot. She sat outside and felt her stomach quietly before stepping from her vehicle and closing the door. Teimhnin made her way carefully to the abandoned pieces of metal, wary of the life blossoming inside of her. She walked around for a while but was drawn back to the ferris wheel. It interested her that it was still standing when gravity demanded it to fall. It was for that reason she was scared to touch it, for it might end her life when it was just beginning with her future. The alphess took a step away from the contraption and went to look at the other things. She knew she would’ve been the first on the drop machines, feeling the rush or the air and the dropping feeling in her stomach that gave her enough adrenaline to laugh upon. Tei used to go for the thrills, the kills, and the spills. Though now it wasn’t quite safe for her little miracle, she could remember the good times and how it felt to be free falling through the air at a breakneck speed or even doing anything with anyone just for the pleasure. She didn’t feel as if it was her time to settle down, just simply a time to feel that fun within other people. On that last thought, a breeze passed her nose that she couldn’t deny smelled of another. It wasn’t human, humans were too stupid to have a sense of even the smallest adventures being the sheep that they were. Teimhnin followed the scent cautiously and tilted her head curiously. It was female, and definitely was not in her pack. From the hormone scents this female was also pregnant, but the potency told her that this was a fae of high power like Tei herself. Once the dark frame of a woman came into sight, she was sure it was the alphess of Eternal Darkness. They had a truce with this pack, no harm done with freedom to do whatever they liked. In Braveheart, she would have been rivals with this fae though not anymore. Teimhnin cleared her throat to get the attention of the other and leaned back against a concrete slab. “Hello, Alphess... Noctavia is it?” She kept herself to the point though she was curious as to how this meeting would go.

Hues of chrome looked at the dark female with a blank expression within them as they met evergreen orbs. Teimhnin leaned and relaxed back against the concrete, her slender shoulder blades differentiating themselves from the muscles in her back to poke against the slab. She took note of the smirk upon the other alphess’s lips but made no comment upon them for she had expected it to be there. The pack in which she reigned was, after all, supposed to be evil and vile in the first place. As Noctavia turned around, she could practically see the leather chair and cat that was most likely being stroked as it was in more movies. The image was quite comical and she would have laughed if the female had not spoken and quieted her mind first. Teimhnin gave a curt nod in response as to who she was but gave no more than the other was giving. Of course she had heard of the infamous Noctavia, all things good and bad or unreasonable at all. She didn’t particularly care and figured she would find out herself one day, and it seemed that day had come around. Teimhnin slipped her fingers in her pockets and let her arms hang relaxedly from their joints as her eyes followed Noctavia’s movements. The small silence that had spanned out was broken as her own pregnancy was addressed, and she confirmed the question. “No, you’re not wrong. But this coincidence is interesting, no?” She asked and shrugged, making the least bit of small talk to simply not be standing there awkwardly. Her silvers flicked over the dark alphess and decided she looked the part to be a ‘queen of the dark’ as per say. Quite the coincidental cliche, but one must look the part to play it well she guessed. Teimhnin eyed the tattoos on the other alphess’s arms and figured she might’ve had a few herself if she ever bothered to happen upon a tattoo shop or was extremely bored. Either way she wasn’t judging, just simply taking note of what woman she was allied to was all about. She was slightly curious, though showing such would give satisfaction to the other wereling when one was more or just as curious of the other. Teimhnin ran her tongue over her teeth within her mouth and looked around the abandoned wasteland that was once called an amusement park silently.

It was quite interesting how her viewpoints changed along with packs. In Braveheart, Eternal Darkness was the enemy and nothing more. She was to kill them on sight and treat them as if they had no emotion though she knew that such could not be true. Just simply having no emotions would be quite boring, and she pitied the poor soul who couldn’t even entertain themselves.Their own blank state would not allow them. The only ones she could see as emotionless machines would have to be vampires, but she her pack killed those pests easily. Bloodsuckers were quite fun to play with unless, of course, they were biting you and you had no experience in fighting them. In her case, she had been helpless and nearly torn to pieces. The memory wasn’t a good one but one that frequented her mind often. She could see the flash of razor fangs sinking into flesh followed by a fire of pain over and over, repeating in her mind as if it were a vine of a video. The blade would come next in opening her flesh and practically pouring her hot blood into it’s mouth like a heavenly buffet. Her analogies of her own near demise amused her, for she had gotten to become numb to the memories besides the yearning need for revenge that lay buried within her. The glassy reverie was broken and crumbled away from the fae as Noctavia asked her a question. Teimhnin shrugged and answered nonchalantly. “There isn’t much to tell for me either. I got bored and decided I wanted to go on an adventure. I found myself here and just went along with whatever I wanted to do. What would your reasons be exactly? Like you said, you don’t have much to fight for your side and I would want to know whether there was much to add or not.” Teimhnin’s eyes flicked to a piece of red that had been shining and bothering her to see a shard of stained glass. The single shard was surrounded by others that formed a type of jagged and bloody star. Teimhnin wondered what could’ve been a piece or an art form would be laying around this place for, then she remembered the possibility of it being a broken beer bottle. Humans, such fickle creature that didn’t know to do as much as pick up after themselves. Maybe it was the fact that her bloodlines were pure that gave her arrogance over such a weak race, but it was a fact as simple as the sky was blue. Her focus had been on the other alphess the entire time, but she’d rather stare at other things besides what was in front of her. She caught every movement, every breath even as another question was asked upon her person. Not this, this was a subject she could have some fun with. Pushing herself to stand from her leaning position, it was her turn to smirk as she thought over to word exactly what she had been told. “Well, Noctavia, I’ve been told things both logical and completely blasphemous. Since you are asking me personally, I would say I know nothing of you besides what I’m learning in this little meeting. But, if you must know, I’ve heard that you are supposedly evil. Gabriel had strict orders to kill your members on sight but you were obviously not stupid enough to send members of your pack to the territory. He didn’t speak much of you, but the rumors say you are a completely emotionless demon.” Teimhnin’s tone was light and airy, as if she couldn’t care less. It more like she were relaxing in a lawn chair than anything, but her tone evened as her next words were spoken. “I choose not to believe what they say until I see it for myself. So I ask you now, Noctavia. Are these rumors true?”

Work. Work. Work. Not in his pack, but in the lands controlled by the humans. Jace worked hard to keep money flowing to the couple, allowing them to live happily and Teimhnin not being forced into a slum job. For her, Jace would do anything. He wished for her happiness, her joy. That was it. Typing away at his computer for hours, he looked to the bottom right portion of the screen. It was lunch time. Of course lunch time had lately meant going home to his mate and engaging in activities he rather enjoyed. Grabbing his coat, he wrapped it over his shoulders and grabbed his car keys. Starting up his truck in the parking lot, he drove home, speeding past the posted limit. As he walked to the driveway, he started taking off his tie, but soon found a note resting on the garage door. Stepping closer, he examined it closely. Pulling it from the garage, he pulled out his phone from his pocket moving to the house. "Cara, hold my calls for the day. My wife is in the hospital and I shall not be returning to the office today." Running up the stairs, he changed to more appropriate clothes for an adventure. Hanging up his suit, he straightened it on the hanger, making sure it was perfect and clean. Jace moved out of the house, leaving the truck in the driveway as he sniffed for her scent. It was colder than when he first arrived and fading. But luckily for Jace, his nose knew her better than even his own scent. With a snarl, the great ashen wolf shifted to his aggressive form. Green eyes stared out as he caught the trail of her scent. Four paws padded over the ground, dropping the note to the floor. As he raced around the territory, following her scent, he found it leading away from their homelands. He was curious as to why she was leaving and heading out there, as well as plenty worried for her.

Running as fast and hard as he could, he finally came to the broken down carnival. Growls escaped from his lips. This was not the place for a pleasantly pregnant fae. Especially not with such dangers lingering near neutral lands. It was in this terrain that evil happened. Out of Venantium borders, dangerous wolves lived, trying to limit their numbers to none. Jace could not allow such a thing, continuing on his run towards his mate. As he approached, he noticed two figured near the Ferris wheel. A stench attacked at his nose, trying to mask that of Teimhnin's. It was familiar and yet foreign to him. He knew the pack smell, he had scented it before. Garrett. Releasing a snarl, he moved faster than before, but Jace knew the bastard was killed, he committed the act himself. This character must have been from his pack. But why was Teimhnin speaking with yet another member of Eternal Darkness? Finally making it to the females, he stood between the two women. His wolf gaze stared upon the Eternal. His tail curled aggressively over his spine while his lips curled back to bare blood-stained fangs and black spotted gums. Alert ears perked forward atop his head, the fur along his spine stood up, while his muscles tightened. Viciously he snarled, "what brings you here? Whatever your purpose is, I suggest you leave now before you do something you shall regret. I shall not let another of your kind harm Teimhnin!" The Alpha stared at her, knowing he would do anything to keep his love safe from anything and everything. He recalled the time he had first been to Finaqua and the last time. He could not bring himself to go back. He would probably never go back there. The memories haunted his nightmares and his deepest thoughts. If she was anything like the Warrior, he would take pleasure in finishing her life.

Teimhnin froze and her body tensed minimally as the smell of her mate reached her nose. She groaned internally as she realized that it was here, of all places, that he would find out about her pregnancy. The groan turned into a silent wanting to yell at Jace as he arrived in the form of his wolf, threatening looks and all. Her wolf wished to snap at him for breaking the peace of their meeting. It was dangerous to come in swinging for more reasons than one, though it seemed he took no knowledge of that. She knew that was simply how her mate was, but it couldn’t help her from being angered for a few moments. Teimhnin’s expression remained blank as her eyes turned to the ashen wolf who had claimed her heart. It was like he didn’t even see her or read the situation, those hazel eyes she loved so much were locked threateningly on the alphess of Eternal Darkness. Her rosy lips hardened into a thin, straight line as she stared at Jace and placed a hand in ashy fur. The fae’s small hand gently stroked the side of the wolf as she waited for him not notice her and not what he saw as a threat. Jace was protective of her, is was simply a fact that she knew and loved at some moments. As her mind touched his, she tried to send him her love and give him as much calming signals as she could with her fingers running through his fur.“Jace, stop that this instant. Noctavia is doing nothing to harm me, can you not see that she is with child? Not only that, but she isn’t the only one carrying life within her womb. Please, my love, calm down. She is not Garrett and was not working beneath her orders, I could’ve told you this from the start. Calm down and shift back, she was here first so if anyone should be leaving it would be us.” As her mind left his, she purposefully put telling him of her carrying his children as an afterthought. He’d be able to smell it anyways, for she had not masked it on this day. Teimhnin looked from her mate to Noctavia as she listened to the other alphess snap at him. She had a right to after all and Teimhnin wasn’t going to deny that. The fae placed her hand over her own stomach in a replica of the stance the other female had taken, feeling the tension change to something dangerous. Her tone was flat as she replied to Noctavia’s question, refusing the internal panic that was going on inside of her. “Please forgive my mate, Noctavia. Certain events have caused him to be rather protective of me, especially with me being in my current state. He meant you no harm and was just protecting me from a possible threat. Isn’t that right, Jace?” She did not look but kept her eyes on the other alphess, gauging her movements warily.

As Noctavia spoke, Teimhnin turned her focus to the female but kept stroking her fingers through Jace’s fur until he decided to turn back. Then she would he taking and holding his hand. The other alphess’s reasonings for being in Wonderland were logical enough, and the fae wasn’t about to question the matter any further. Instead she chose to listen as Noctavia answered her questions, nodding along to what the other alphess said. “I do not know what was going through Gabriel’s mind, it was not my responsibility to look. If he feared you then he kept that fact well hidden. Gabriel had told me some of the story, with me being his trusted beta and all. But yes, I have encountered some of your members but have not found them to be particularly vile in any way. They did not attack me on sight, a fact that I am pleased enough with. If it is Garrett you are addressing, then yes we have had a rather unpleasant encounter with him. I assumed he wasn’t under your orders due to the others in that encounter. If you’d like to know the story I am willing to tell you. I was injured, nearly killed in fact. I am here now though, and I can assure you that I am completely fine.” Teimhnin’s silvery hues flicked to Jace as he was called irresponsible, waiting to see his reaction quietly until Noctavia spoke again, this time addressing her mate. She chose this time to remain silent with her hand over her stomach, fearing to know whether Jace was angered about his coming young or not. They had never addressed the matter of children and she knew there were couples that didn’t want them. Teimhnin did not know if her mate wanted them and she was quite terrified to find out the result in all honesty. It could only go one of two ways, but she could only hope it went for the better.

Standing between fire and ice, Jace was keen to keep his eyes on the ill-tongued female before him. He had half a mind to attack her then and there, surely her stomach would prove to be a downfall for her. He could end this quickly, going for her stomach, killing the young which rested within her womb. But as he thought of his options, he felt a soft hand to his body. The fur moved from her touch, allowing her skin to touch his flesh. He knew it was Teimhnin, that much was obvious and soon her words flowed through his mind. As he words started to make sense, his nose sniffed the air around them. The soft breeze blew her scent to his now aware nose. Before he had been blinded by his hate for Eternals, only wishing to keep his mate safe from harm. But she did not need protecting, not here or now. He looked over the Alphess once more, eyeing her stance. She did not look like she was planning on attacking either of them, not unless Jace was going to force her hand. He could hear the want in her voice for him to stop and he knew better. But he would not allow the pains she suffered to occur once more. "I understand," he thought back to her. Starting a war was not a good idea. He did not know the extent of the eternal pack, but he knew his lands were not filled with the best wolves to aid them. As he thought on this more, he finally found himself shifting to his human form. Standing beside his Alphess, his hand laced his fingers with hers, holding it tight in his grasp. When he was standing closer to him, when his protective walls had lowered, he could finally smell her scent. She was carrying his young. His eyes flickered down to her frame, watching her hand trace over her belly. He wanted to smile, he wanted to be proud, to show he was so glad to be having children with her, but not here. Not now. His eyes looked up to the evil Alphess once more. "That is right, my love. Just trying to protect the baby."

But then the slanderous words came to his ears. They attacked him, reminding him of the happenings only months prior. Jace clenched Teimhnin's hand hard in his own, but he would not feed the vile creature as she pleased. She wanted a rise from him, but it would not occur. Not this time. Jace was not a complete fool, no matter what the other party thought of him. "As it turns out, yes I did kill Garrett. He did some unspeakable things I would rather not like to discuss if this meeting is to stay civil. But he is gone and we can move on with our lives. I am Alpha Jace of Venantium and I assume you to be Noctavia, as I have heard of. I will not apologize for my previous actions, but I will tell you this... I can be civil and I shall be but if you give me a reason to attack, don't think my civility will stay. You may proceed with your issues you wished to discuss." Jace did not take his eyes off her, only held Teimhnin's hand and smelled her scent. The feeling was overpowering of his senses. His wolf wished to howl a victorious call to the pack, alerting them of the new addition to the pack. He could not imagine a time when he was happier than now. Teimhnin was everything he wanted, but after discovering he was to be a father, it was probably the proudest moment of his whole life. From that moment on, he vowed he would protect the kids, just as he had with his Alphess. But the kids would find themselves a very intrusive father.

Teimhnin visibly relaxed as Jace complied to what she had told him. She couldn’t have been more thankful for the connection between their minds, even stronger than normal because they were bonded as mates. The alphess changed her stance so she could lean back against her love casually, slim shoulder blades resting against the broad expanse of his chest while she listened to Noctavia. There wasn’t much for her to say to the Alphess in all honesty, so she continued to be silent even as she agreed with the comment of pregnant women. If Jace had attacked the other fae with a growing fetus, Teimhnin wouldn’t be able to look at him the same way. What they carried were miracles, and no doubt Noctavia’s already had a heartbeat. Not only that, but if Jace had majorly hurt Noctavia and nearly killed that baby, he wouldn’t be able to live with it himself. Her hand traced her stomach as she looked to Noctavia’s, knowing hers would look similar within a matter of time. The thought almost brought a smile to her face, but she restrained it. Later she would have to tell Jace of what was in her genetics of pregnancy, but she wouldn’t then for fear of either getting his hopes up or making him faint. She knew that such things happened to men when they found out about their young, her own father had admitted to such things. A family lost, and a family coming was just simply the way the world worked she supposed. Teimhnin caught Noctavia watching her and Jace with what looked like longing. Maybe her mate was gone, if so she could understand such an expression upon the other Alphess’s face. If Jace was taken from her, she would be sure to have that look upon her face as well. Teimhnin wasn’t the kind to exploit suck weakness and kept quiet to herself until the other fae’s eyes had turned away.

Listening to Noctavia speak, she knew the words were quite true. Her pack would put up a brave fight, but they would fail if war was raised. Their pack had only just started, and she hoped for it to be something to contend with. But, for now, she couldn’t take the risk of breaking an alliance. At least Noctavia had the decency had the decency to be polite about it. “Yes, Noctavia, we know that. As for the rumors, I don’t particularly care. We wont mess with you if you wont mess with us. Garrett may have brought prejudice to my mate about your pack, but only hold a grudge against the dead warrior himself. Gabriel’s death was a tragic time for me, for he was a dear friend. Though he tried to make me feel so, I do not hate you unless there is good reason. I do not even know you, so rumors are rumors and a duck is simply a duck in my opinion. Until they become something else, there is no need to argue and point out weaknesses.” She sighed and rubbed her thumb across her mate’s knuckles. There was so much she wanted to say to him, but not now. She was relieved to not see his reaction in case he was angry, like she suspected. Or he could be joyous, which was what she was hoping for. It was quite terrifying really, to feel such suspense though it was also exciting. She knew that after this day, she was going to be put to bedrest by Jace for her own safety if not the child’s. Savoring it while it lasted would be her best option, maybe she would even go to a nice cafe and enjoy herself. Teimhnin didn’t know but put her focus back to where she was at that time.

(Sorry it's short.)

"Alphess Noctavia, I can assure you that no more blowed shall be spilled from mine own hands. It is unfortunate that such means had to happen, but I am not sorry and if I could go back in time, I would have done it before he even touched Teimhnin or got close to her. I wish for peace between our packs for I see no need in killing our own kind anymore. We have too many incidents with vampires and some clever humans already as it is. As long as your pack keeps their word, ours shall keep our word." Jace held Teimhnin's hand tight in his own. Many things crossed his mind now. He was surprised by he secret, curious as to why she had told him this way. Surely she did not think he would be angry. But he was not sure on the whole matter. He was glad she was pregnant, that his lineage would be spread and his name of Valentine would carry on with a great strength. He imagined if he had a daughter, she would be beautiful like her mother, forcing the brute to stand protective over her. If they had a boy however, he would have to watch his mischievous levels closely. Jace recalled when he was a young boy. He broke lots or rules, hearts, and promises. He was a thrill seeker, looking for anything to pump adrenaline through his body. He was addicted to the feeling. He hoped his boy would not be like him, but karma was a bitch. He was sure he was a handful for anyone and everyone that interacted with the young lad. But for now his mind was on the importance of this meeting. Why were the Alphesses of each pack meeting and why here of all places?

A smooth, composed mask of indifference locked itself in place across the Venantium alphess. Her infatuation with Gabriel was something she did not feel would be wise to bring up at the particular moment. Hearing that the Braveheart alpha had died and his pack was obliterated had hurt for a little while, but the feeling slowly drifted off. Any story she could tell of Gabriel wouldn’t be that interesting, and she knew her mate would have the look of jealousy in his eyes. She watched as Jace was addressed about Garrett and remembered the details of that night in perfect clarity before her coma. Teimhnin never thought of rape as something that would happen to her at any time of her life. That is, until she woke bruised and bloodied by the violence of Garrett’s desire. She had hoped her past wouldn’t have ever caught up with her, and yet her family was obliterated. What she had was what was left, as well as Jace and their growing new family. As for the vampires, well they would not last long. They were the one thing she could get revenge on because there were so many. She had looked into those flat, soulless eyes and felt the sharp fangs sink deep within her veins. Their poison burned though at first she thought she had gotten sick and was having a fever. Her hatred for the bloodsuckers was rooted deeper than it had been before, and she had the urge to hunt. Teimhnin felt her canine’s lengthen behind her lips until she forced them to retract and settle the festering wound deep within her soul. The alphess spoke in a decently pleasant voice, keeping control of the emotion within, “Disturbances from those pests should not last long, one would hope. As of recent -or not so recent- events, vampires are to be hunted by my pack and executed on sight without any questions asked. As for the topic of Garrett, it was not hard to see he was under the orders of other leadership. Would that not be betraying and deserting you, Noctvia? If he had lived, I’m assuming there would’ve been a drastic punishment for betraying his alphess’s rule. Insignificant warrior or not.” Teimhnin watched her breath carry through the air in a white cloud, her words visibly disappearing into the air like the whispers of the maids in a castle. The larger conflict had already passed, everything was said and done. She was not one to delay on past subjects anymore than she had to, but she spared herself for speaking to her ally.

Noctavia’s sneezed caused a crimson brow to raise upon Teimhnin’s face, watching with slightly amusement. She had no chance to laugh when the other female launched into the story of her rivalry with the previously living alpha. The fae listened closely and found the story to quite.. well, petty on Gabriel’s part. Their families being enemies was understandable, but a death of a friend to cause an all out war between two people was not so much. Simply a quarrel that was overly dramatized. She was sure Noctavia already knew this, so she did not bother mentioning it. Instead, she listened to the story until it was finished and found herself thinking about the children that were to come. Her moon-like hues traveled down to the other alphess’s stomach in curiosity, observing the bump that was visible. Figuring that they would be done with the topic, Teimhnin switched to one of more brighter events. “Tell me, Noctavia, do you know what you and your mate would like gender wise? I can’t help but be curious, with me carrying young myself. You must be much farther along than me though, so I am going to be honest. How is it going so far? I have never had this experience before and would like to know what may or may not be in store for me.” Truth be told, Teimhnin was worried. There were so many things that could go wrong, that her mind slipped from everything that could go right. She tried not to stress because she heard that such things could harm a child, but her constant fears played like a non-stop movie in the back of her mind. Teimhnin gave a slight smile in return to Noctavia’s though it did not touch her eyes, keeping a hand on her stomach in concern of what the future would hold.

Holding her hand firm in his own, he wanted nothing more than to leave this neutral place, to spend time with his mate and relish in the joy of their news. He did not care for her story, her pack, or anything that was not matters of Venantium. He wanted to be with Teimhnin, to show her the increased joy he was feeling, how his life seemed to be almost complete. He wanted her to know the truth of his feelings for her and the baby. He loved her for more than an eternity, and he adored the thought of her being gifted to carry his young, which he would love just as much, if not more than he did for her. She had blessed them with the perfect gift, one he could not see himself without now. But as the other Alphess spoke of Vampires, his blood ran hot through his veins, forcing his hand to grip slightly harder. "Our Beta, Natasha Capulet, is very skilled and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the fuckers. I would offer her aid to your pack in time of need, or just a little information from her grasp on the subject. She is very wise, knows all kinds of methods for killing them, potions to cure their toxins if a werewolf is bitten. She is also a hunter of their kind, knows their living arrangements, where they like to live, how they blend in around them. If we do agree to this 'alliance', I think she would be more than happy to help in any way she can. Why not help each other out in a situation with a common enemy?" As he finished, he lifted Teimhnin's hand to his lips, placing a single kiss to her skin. As the talk of Gabriel continued, he wished to end it immediately, but he knew it was a sensitive subject for his love. She had, at one point, liked even loved him, which had forced the Alpha to push harder for her affections. He loved Teimhnin from the beginning and did anything he could to keep her. In their nights of solitude and togetherness, they spoke secrets to one another, rolled in the sheets as one, and were completely themselves. Jace did not have to hide his feelings for long, which pleased him greatly. She was the best thing to happen to him, until finding out about his young. Deciding not to speak of the deceased Alpha, Teimhnin finally changed the topic to the children. As much as he would love to speak of them, he did not want to do such intimate things with another present, especially not Noctavia, perhaps with the Doctor, Sanaa or Natasha. "I think this is where I shall take my leave, unless you wish for me to stay?" he said as he looked to Teimhnin, her bright eyes shined to his, entrapping the green orbs to keep on her features. "As much as I would love to talk about babies, I do not wish to be around when you start speaking of pain or cramps or the lot. I don't think it is my place as a male to be on such private discussion between women. It was a pleasure meeting you Alphess, and I apologize for my assumptions when I first arrived. I shall be civil from here on out, no matter what the two of you decide."

I kinda rushed this, so sorry if it seems jumbled.

Falling into her silence, she focused on her hand pressed to Jace’s. The rough but gentle skin she felt was skin she recognized as something she loved. It calmed her, gave her solace when she would find none. Their fingers twined like the permanent lovers of their people. Such love between those hands, such a connection should have been visible. Little glowing tendrils wrapping around the hands, sinking into the flesh and setting her veins aglow as the light traveled up her arms. It was not there, but she could almost feel the light vanishing like a warm honey into the small bump of her stomach. She smiled slightly at the thought, raising her shoulders to take in a deep breath. Her whole body seemed to lift with such a breath, bones that were well hidden becoming defined and pronounced until the intake was let out once again. Everything settled back once again, returning to its warm home until yet another breath as deep would be taken in. A small breeze swam along her skin like a playful dolphin. It threatened to invade her skin, to turn her ice cold from the inside out. Heat and cold became a war, lining up to prepare for battle. Cold struck first though it was a battle for it to lose. The ice nipping at her skin vanished a few moments after it had come, the beast within keeping her warm and protecting the little life growing within her womb. From the moment her pregnancy had been realized her wolf had become a protective creature. Maybe it was instinct, or maybe this was unique for herself in particular. She couldn’t and wouldn’t ever be sure, but the animal she knew so closely as herself was just as determined to hold such life dear. Teimhnin rested her hand on her stomach absently, thanking her wolf more than anything for watching over her young so fiercely. Another rush of warmth was her response, a welcomed feeling of security and love. Teimhnin’s moonlike hues looked from her mate to the other alphess, curious as to why Jace would offer Natasha’s services so willingly without her consent first. It was very true though, the beta was a greatly valued member to the pack. Her expertise had made themselves known upon just a simple greeting, since the very first ‘hello’ and ‘who are yous’. Natasha was a life saver in the literal sense, without her the alphess would have failed in the game up life. Her poisonous death would have brought its ways through her until she was floating in black. Cloaked in it like a thick coat was she, though she had left as soon as she had came.

Alliances understood and all things aside, she found Noctavia’s attention on herself. Quite curious to her seeming that Jace and the other alphess had more to discuss than she did. Silver met evergreen, and unnatural color that Teimhnin would have liked to see in all kinds of lighting. Not quite the color of antifreeze but not quite the color of the freshest green grass either. Somewhat like the male beside her, but not close at all on the same note. Dwelling somewhere in-between had Teimhnin guessing at the mystery in front of her. She listened to the voice with genuine interest, her brows slightly raising in surprise that her mate was not told as of yet. The fae wasn’t going to be skeptical, her own mate had just found out and she had hidden it for the most ridiculous of reasons. She couldn’t help chuckling as Noctavia spoke of the moods of pregnancy, moreover how it was dangerous for Jace. When the man in question spoke of leaving, she only squeezed his hand tighter and shook her head. “No, Jace. You’re the father, so you have to listen to these things. Unless you’d like to find out all these little surprises on your own.” Teimhnin gave a slight smirk and went back to nodded along with Noctavia’s words. When it was her turn to speak, she did so. “You have my sympathies about your mate’s absence. I know Daiken, I’m a friend of his in fact. But yes, birthing the child will be the task now wont it? As for genders, I’m sure your child will strong as will mine whatever they may be. In all honesty, I’m happy with whatever I get. Whether it be a girl or a boy. The emotions I’ve been expecting, my doctor Sanaa has told me so.” She watched as Noctavia addressed her mate, apparently not the only one wishing to scold him for the offer of leaving. What was said seemed reasonable enough, all going right along with her doctor’s words. Teimhnin listened with all seriousness, curious as to what her pregnancy would bring.