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Last Chapter

That night, I went to bed early only to be awakened by the strangest familiar noise. I heard the sound before, around Bella, and Angela. This sound was similar to that of tiny galloping horses. I slowly looked down at my stomach to see Randall's hand resting gently on it. He was wide awake and had the biggest smile on his face, gazing at my stomach as if it were a winning lottery ticket.

Suddenly I was hit with a flood emotions. Elation, excitement, and a little fear of the unknown.

"A baby." He finally exhaled as our eyes met. And just like that; gravity shifted. I had imprinted on Randall.

Chapter 9 – Baby and Shifters and Werewolves...Oh My!

Leah POV

"Did you feel that?" Randall muttered gazing into my eyes, I simply nodded, still utterly speechless. Not only had I just discovered I was carrying Randall's child...our child, but I imprinted on him. A wide grin spread across his face.

"Leah," He slowly moved towards me, positioning himself in between my legs. "Do you realize how happy you have made me?" There was such love and adoration in his eyes, it mirrored exactly how I felt at that very moment. His eyes were slightly misty, I hadn't realized myself I was crying also until I felt Randall's lips kiss my moistened cheeks.

"Just as happy as you have made me." I managed to finally answer, and his lips pressed against mine, kissing me with more passion than I'd ever experienced before. I gasped in pleasure against his mouth as he pushed himself inside me.

On most occasions when Randall and I were intimate, we'd give into what our inner wolf and beast wanted. We were venereal and aggressive, at times we even challenged one another in strength, but not this time. Our love making was gentle and slow, still I sensed his beast and I knew he felt my wolf, they were just as satisfied with the sweet-tempered intimacy as they were with our usual, almost quarrelsome like, sexual escapades.

"You're going to be an amazing mom." He whispered in my ear, hours later. My head was now resting on his chest, listening to the pounding of his abnormally rapid heartbeat. It almost mirrored that of our unborn child's, and for me, it was very soothing.

"You think so?" I asked as I took a deep breath.

"Yes." He replied. "I see how you are with Lucas, it's like a second nature for you."

Suddenly I began to wonder about the woman who gave birth to the man I loved. I lifted my head to look at him. "What was your mother's name? What was she like?"

Randall told me about his father, the scientist, but hadn't really told me about his mother. A small grin spread across his mouth.

"My mother was a magnificent woman." He stroked my hair as he spoke. "Her name was Penelope. She had the most intriguing transparent blue-green eyes." He shut his own for a moment and then opened them again. "They were the perfect blend of blue sapphires and green emeralds molded into one, like the tropical seas of the Pacific. She had a smile that could light the darkest room, just like you." He grinned at me. "When my father first saw my mom, he said time stood still, she was considered a commoner among our species back then, but my father didn't care, and he married her anyway."

"I'm glad he did, because if he didn't, I wouldn't have you." I leaned forward and gave him a kiss. "I just wish I could have met her, both of your parents, see who you came from."

"I really do wish you could have met them too. They would have loved you Leah, just as much as I do, but you can see them." I looked at him inquisitively. "If you could let me up for a moment I can show you." I pulled away and sat up against the headboard as Randall climbed out of bed and walked over to our dresser, I watched as he moved a few articles of clothing aside, he finally retrieved what appeared to be an old jewelry box, before coming back to join me. "My father actually hand made this for my mother in late 1800's." He spoke softly as he opened the box. Encased was a beautiful locket. "I guess one would consider this an antique."

I could tell just by gazing at the locket that Randall's father really put so much in love into this fine piece of jewelry.

The four repoussé flowers had a row of sparkling blue stones running down the middle, suspended from a gold filled chain which was interspersed with small white pearls. Gently opening the locket, I finally got to see the two people who conceived the man who meant everything to me. Both pictures were in black and white, but it did not hinder their appearance at all. Randall and his father resembled one another in great detail. He was very handsome. Penelope, Randall's mother was just as magnificent in appearance. Looking at her photograph, I noticed she had all the features of a supermodel. Her face was square in shape, with a well-defined jawline, high cheekbones, and full lips.

"I can see why your father said to hell with the rules." I smirked.

"I guess." Randall chuckled. "My mother wanted me to pass the locket down to my firstborn daughter." He exhaled. "I never thought I would be able to do that for her, but it looks like I can now."

"A girl huh?" I raised one brow and laughed. "What makes you so sure I'm carrying a girl?" I folded my arms across my chest.

"Call it wishful thinking." He replied, returning the locket to its box and then placing it on the nightstand. "Besides," Randall rolled me into his arms. "Even if this one is a boy, we have eternity to keep trying for girl." I couldn't help but laugh.

~Introverted Stringer~

Lu, Daciana, Taisie and I were on our way to Angela's baby shower.

"What do you mean we can't tell anyone today?" Lu complained from the backseat.

"Because today's all about Angela and her twin girls." I explained.

"How the hell are you going to keep your pregnancy a secret from the pack? Qae Lupus?" Daciana demanded. "I can hear that little guy's heartbeat from across the room."

"Yeah, it sounds like tiny little helicopter propellers." Taisie added with a giggle.

"So I guess Daci's shooting for a little boy." I replied, shaking my head.

"Damn right!" She snorted.

"Duly noted." At that moment, we pulled into Angela's driveway and I put the SUV in park. "You don't have to worry about the pack. I already told Jake, and he gave the guys strict instructions not to spill the beans. Besides, none of them will be here today, this is a girl's only event. I'm just asking you all not tell Bella, Rachel, Kim, Claire, or Angela. Just for today."

"Oh fine." Lu groaned as she got out, but not before grabbing our baby shower gifts. Daciana followed.

"Those two are something else." Taisie laughed.

"They sure are." I looked over at Randall's niece who was twirling a lock of her hair, it was something I noticed she did when she was deep in thought or nervous about something. "What's up?" I asked her. She shifted uncomfortably. "Come on Taisie, you can talk to me about anything."

"I don't know about that." She mumbled under her breath.

"You won't know unless you tell me." I urged her. Taisie stopped twirling her hair and looked at me.

"Uncle Randall is driving me insane!" She blurted out. "He never gives Seth and I any real alone time, meanwhile you two are making babies in the next room, Lu and Daciana are going at like jack rabbits, while I'm in bed with the man I meant to spend the rest of my eternity with, hopelessly sexually frustrated. I'm eighteen damn it! If I don't get to claim your brother soon, I'm seriously going to go berserk!"

I blinked several times with stunned silence. What the hell do I say to some shit like that? "Um..."

"I'm so sorry Leah." Taisie buried her face in her hands. "It just so hard. Wanting to seal the bond but being prevented from doing so. Not to being able to express my love physically while everyone around me does. It's so unfair."

Randall's niece was right. It was unfair. It wasn't like Taisie and Seth were your average teens in a summer fling. They were soul mates. They should be allowed to explore the physical aspect of their relationship just like the rest of us.

"I'll talk to your uncle." Taisie lifted her head and looked over at me, flabbergasted.

"Seriously?!" I nodded yes, a bit shocked at my own willingness to help Taisie.

"You should be allowed to physically express your feelings, even if it's with my little brother." I cringed a little and shook my head.

"Oh my god Leah!" Taisie covered her mouth for a moment. Her eyes grew wide and her cheeks were slightly flushed pink. "This must be the most uncomfortable conversation you've ever been through." Just then Emily's car pulled up beside us, she gave me a nervous grin before getting out of the car and making her way inside.

"I have a feeling I will be having a far more uncomfortable one in the next few minutes, perhaps the Great spirits were prepping me for the real deal."

"Just remember one thing Leah." Taisie unhooked her seat belt, and softly patted my flat stomach. "You have everything you thought you could never have." Once again the steady drumming of my little one's heart beating calmed me down instantly.

"You're right Taisie, but this doesn't mean Emily and I will be going on shopping trips, or joint facials, and getting our nails done together any time soon!"

We both laughed.

~Introverted Stringer~

Kim was the first to greet Taisie and me once we made it inside.

"Leah, you look so pretty!" She beamed, hugging me.

"Thanks, it's been a while since I actually wore a dress." More like I was coaxed into one, thanks to Taisie's insistence.

"Well, either way you look great." Kim grinned before turning her attention to Taisie. "Hey there Taisie!" She gave Randall's niece a quick hug. "Celina is already here, she came with Claire." She pointed them out to us. They were over at the table where the presents were being set up.

Celina and Claire clicked with one another almost instantly upon meeting one another, so it wasn't a surprise to see they came together. They both gave us a wave, we waved back.

"Bells and your mom are in the kitchen, they should be out soon."

The next fifteen to twenty minutes was a little surreal, it had been a while since I really hung out with anyone else besides my pack brothers. Still, everyone made me feel comfortable...a little too comfortable. I was being assaulted with a slew of compliments from the female members of my tribe. Women I hadn't spoken to in years.

Leah you look so beautiful!

How radiant you look!

Your skin is glowing!

And the smiles and enamored expressions on their faces were really starting to get a little awkward. I was starting to wonder if the wolf girls and my mother paid them to be so nice.

"That little guy's beastly charms are something else, aren't they Qae Lupus?" Daciana whispered only loud enough for Lu, Taisie, Celina, and I to hear.

"You mean to tell me my baby is drawing all of this attention towards me?" I murmured softly.

"Oh yeah." Taisie smirked.

"Does that mean I'm having a boy, since all of these women are so drawn to me?"

"No." Celina replied. "Werewolf babies tend to glamor both the male and female human species, the feelings are not lustful. I'm a little surprised Leah, since this little one is only half werewolf."

"But we're talking about royal blood here." Taisie boasted proudly. "No wonder everyone is smitten."

"I wish Randall had given me a heads up. I thought I stepped into an alternate universe."

Soon afterwards, the fun and games commenced. Bella was a great hostess for the shower. The game ideas she game up with were pretty fun even to me. The first game was a little simple, we were each given a pen and pad and told to write down as many baby items as we could think of. I hadn't realized how ill prepared I was. I had tons of things that I needed to purchase. My favorite game had to be Pin the Sperm on the Egg, it was exactly like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, but instead the tail had been replaced with little white tad poles and the donkey was now an egg. I was pretty surprised when I realized I wasn't pretending to be happy around the female members of my tribe and the other wolf girls, because I honestly was. That was until the last game.

"Okay ladies, settle down!" Bella stood in the middle of the living room. "The next game we're going to play is Guess the Baby!" Kim wheeled out a picture projector. "We called everyone's parents and spouses to borrow your baby pictures. Whoever guesses the most right gets an all-expense paid trip to the spa!" I could really use a massage, game on!

By the time we were drawing to a close, Claire and I were tied, it shocked me how she was able to figure out who everyone was. Taisie and Bella had to be the easiest ones to guess though. Bella's pale skin and unique brown eyes gave her away, while Taisie's full head of blonde locks and enchanting blue eyes instantly sealed her identity. I was looking down at my paper and pad when I heard Bella announce the next photo was up. I still hadn't lifted my head, when I heard everyone in the room respond the next picture with a loud, "Awww!"

"Aunt Emily and Leah!" Claire exclaimed with a giggle. I snapped my head up. Emily and I couldn't have been any more than eight months old at the time. We were sprawled on a blanket in the middle of what looked like my mom's living room floor in a deep sleep.

"That's right Claire," Bella gave me a small smile. "But who is Emily and who is Leah?"

"Well duh!" Claire stood up and walked over to the wall were the picture was being displayed, she pointed at me in the photo. "This is Leah, see how long her eyelashes are?" Everyone murmured in agreement. "And you see Aunt Emily...how she's clinging to Leah? She told me whenever she slept over at Sue's house and her mom forgot her comfort toy, she'd just hold Leah instead." I couldn't stop myself from looking over in Emily's direction, she was sitting a few seats away from me. She wore this sad expression on her face as she stared at the photo of us. I promised myself I wouldn't break down.

"That's so sweet." I noticed Angela was crying now. "These darn hormones have got me shedding tears every five minutes." She sniffled as Bella handed her a tissue. "Sorry everyone."

"Don't apologize, its normal." Bella consoled her best friend. "You remember how I was an emotional basket case when I was pregnant with Lucas."

I stood up. "I need to use the bathroom." I really didn't, I just had to get away from the awkward situation. I was feeling a little flushed and splashed some water on my face once I got to the bathroom.

"Mom just had to give Bella that damn picture," I mumbled to myself. "She has tons of photos of Emily and me apart." Suddenly I realized this was all my mom's doing! She intentionally chose that picture to tug at my heartstrings, to make me think of better times with my cousin. She thought if I saw that photo I would just forgive in forget?

My mom had a lot of explaining to do! I dried off my hands and flung the bathroom door open only to be greeted by Emily herself, she jumped, slightly shocked by my abrupt opening of the door.

"Hey," was all she could say as she looked down at her feet for a moment before meeting my gaze. "Sam told me he spoke to you yesterday."

"He did." I confirmed, folding my arms across my chest. My cousin nervously pulled a loose strand of her hair behind her ear before she started speaking again.

"I didn't have anything to do with that photograph, Leah, I'm so sorry, I would never-"

"I know it wasn't you." I unfolded my arms and relaxed a little. "It was all my mom, I guess in her own twisted motherly way, she wants us to be close again." I just didn't know if I could do that.

"I miss you Leah." Emily finally blurted out. "Don't you miss me? At all?" Her eyes started to moisten.

"Sometimes." I admitted. "You can't just erase twenty years of great memories."

"We had some pretty wild times together." She sniffled. Yeah, we did until my ex imprinted on you. "Will we ever have any more Leah?"

"Anymore what?" I asked.

"Great memories...together?"

"Perhaps, one day." I heaved. Emily rapidly blinked her eyes and gave me a genuine smile.

"Can we hug on it?" Her eyes glimmered.

"I'm not ready for all of that." I laughed. Besides, her perfume was incredibly strong and I was worried I'd get sick. "We can shake on it though." I extended my hand out to hers and she took it without hesitation.

~Introverted Stringer

Later On That Evening.

Randall and I sat across the table from Charlie and my mom gauging their reaction to our baby news. "You're pregnant?" My mother repeated for the third time, with a stunned expression on her face.

"Yes, I am." I repeated.

"With a baby?" Charlie added.

"Yes, Charlie, I'm pregnant with a baby. It definitely ain't kittens." I snorted.

"Puppies maybe." Randall muttered too low for my parents to hear, I muffled my laugh by hastily clearing my throat.

"Say something." Anything! The silence was killing me.

"Well," Charlie sighed and then finally smiled. "I guess a congratulations is in order." My step-dad reached over and shook Randall's hand as my mother got up from the table and made her way over to me.

"A baby." She laughed, hugging me.

This is not the reaction I was expecting as my mom pulled away and rejoined Charlie.

"Have you two thought of baby names?" My mom asked.

"I'm sure they have," Charlie chuckled, looking over at my mom.

"So I guess the baby will stay here like Lucas during the day while you two are at work once he or she is born." My mom's eyes flickered with excitement.

"Randall, you're going to have expand the house a bit, I'm sure Jake, Connor, and the rest of the guys will be more than willing to help you guys get another suite built for the baby."

Who the hell are these people and what did they do with my parents? My mom must've noticed my perplexed expression because she proceeded to ask me what was wrong.

"Aren't you two going to yell at us for being irresponsible? Charlie shouldn't you go and get your pistol and threaten Randall with marriage plans?" I stared at both my parents as they both exploded into a fit of laughter. "What the heck is wrong with you two?"

"Leah, it isn't like you and Randall are a bunch horny teens, you're adults." My mom finally answered.

"Successful adults, I may add." Charlie joined in. "And as far as marriage is concerned, I have no doubt in my mind that it will happen for you two on your own time. It's the 21stcentury Leah, besides I'm the last person to pass judgment on someone getting pregnant when they are not married." Charlie and Bella's mom got married because Charlie got her pregnant. "A pregnancy should not be the reason behind getting married. Love is, and I know you two have that."

"Wow Charlie." I shook my head and smiled. "Thanks." His faith in my relationship with Randall meant a lot to me. "Speaking of babies...mom, that little stunt you pulled during the baby shower with the picture of me and Emily?" I gave her a playful glare. "Not cool."

"But, it did the trick didn't it?" She smiled. "You and Emily buried the hatchet."

"And not in each other." Charlie added.

I rolled my eyes and shrugged. "Moving on, so, mom, I know you had plans to give me Grandma Charlotte's cottage, but it looks like Randall's place will be my permanent residence. You should give Grandma Charlotte's place to Seth, he's earned it." Randall shot me an all too knowing look, he didn't seem very happy. "He was valedictorian of his graduating class, he's never given you any real headaches."

"I think Leah's right, Sue." Charlie agreed. "Seth has grown into fine young man."

"We'll discuss it with him tomorrow." Mom smiled. "It's the perfect graduation present."

~XoXoXoXoX~

"I know what you're trying to do Leah." Randall spoke as we drove home.

"Taisie and Seth deserve privacy just like the rest of us. How would you feel if you weren't allowed to touch me whenever you wanted?"

"I suppose I'd go insane." He admitted. "But don't you think they should get married first, before moving in together,"

"Oh no, you don't go all hypocritical on me Randall Lycos, we're having a baby and we're not even married either. Like Charlie said; this is the 21st century."

"They're just kids." He argued softly.

"They are adults." I retorted. "Who love one another the way I love you. Seth isn't some random guy set out to destroy her virtue. He wants her forever, just like I want you." We pulled into the driveway of our house. Randall took the keys out of the ignition, but made no attempt to get out. He slowly rubbed his temples. "Et mulier, quæ faciet homo amat." He mumbled to himself

He finally looked at me. "She's not moving in with him, at least not right away." Randall conceded.

I reached over and hugged the man I loved.

"Thank you for understanding, babe." I sighed happily.

"Thanks for helping me understand."

Translation

Et mulier, quæ faciet homo amat: The things a man will do for the woman he loves.

A/N: Hey everyone, thank you all so much for reading. Please be sure to review, follow, and add to your alerts. I'm working on a new Leah/OC and should have it up the following week. I hope you all enjoy it as much as you do this one.