Hello all! Here is the new chapter. Thank you for all the reviews and support for this story! As for the question about same gender relationships, that won't be something I'll be exploring. However, pups are most important in jackal culture. So anyone who doesn't make that most important would be considered selfish and a disgrace to jackals. Hope that clears things up for ya! Enjoy everyone!


Kinnley hobbled along on his crutches. Britany walked beside him. They were on their way to breakfast.

He was looking forward to seeing everyone again. Sure everyone had visited, but it wasn't the same.


Once they reached the cafeteria, he sat down while Britany went to get the food. He noticed Spade sitting with another jackal boy. It must've been Kane. He'd never met him, but Britany had told him about him. She'd told him he'd been through a lot, and how Lilly had taken him under her wing so to speak.

It seemed that the two boys were close friends. Spade was drawing on a piece of paper, while Kane looked over his shoulder. Spade giggled while Kane pointed on the page, making a suggestion. He nodded and added to the picture.

Kinnley smiled.

Britany set a plate in front of him and kissed him gently as she sat beside him. "What's up?" She asked, noticing the smile on his face.

He nodded towards the pups, "it's nice to see Spade has a friend."

"I think it's good for both of them," she agreed.

They started eating and Gaia and Infinite sat with them. Britany smiled at them, "morning."

"Good morning," responded the wolf.

"Don't see what's so good about it," Infinite grumbled while shoving a spoon into his cereal.

Gaia swatted him on the chest lightly. "Will you stop?" She smiled at him in a teasing manner.

He shrugged, then took a bite of his food.

"Having a rough day uncle?" Kinnley asked.

Blue and gold eyes trailed to the cast on Kinnley's foot. "It could be worse," he sighed.

Gaia leaned over and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "It'll be fine."

He seemed uncomfortable at first, but relaxed as she scooted closer.

Britany smiled. It seemed they were official now. They both deserved to be happy.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Asked Kinnley.

"No. There's just a lot on my mind today. That's all." The last two words came out as a whisper.

"It seems like you think too much sometimes," Britany said. "You need a distraction."

"Why don't you see if Jay is training today?" Suggested Gaia.

He shrugged again, then stuck his spoon back in his cereal. He looked up when Keelie entered the room. She was moving slow, but trying to hide her discomfort.

Gaia touched his arm. "What's wrong?"

"Something's not right," he muttered as his brow furrowed. He sniffed the air lightly, "something is off."

"With Keelie?" Worry was evident in her voice.

He didn't answer. Instead, he stood up and went to his little sister.

Keelie looked up as Infinite approached her. She looked tired.

He opened his mouth and then closed it. He didn't know what to say. He wanted to help, but did she want him to?

"What is it?" She asked. She didn't sound mad, just exhausted.

"Are you ok?"

She sniffled, "I don't know."

He nodded towards her stomach, "are the pups ok?"

Her eyes filled with tears, "I don't know. I went to the medical bay, but they said everything was fine. That I'm just being paranoid."

He frowned. "You need to see a healer."

"I know." She hiccuped and a few tears rolled down her face. "I wish mother was here."

"Taja might be able to help. She is mother's sister."

Keelie nodded. Finally, she looked up at his face, "I'm scared Finn, what if I'm right? What if something is wrong with me? Or the pups?" Her vision blurred from the tears, "I can't go through this again. I can't lose my babies again."

He pulled her into his arms the way he used to when she was a pup. "You can Keelie. You will. You are so strong, I believe in you."

She hugged him back. "I missed you so much," Keelie sniffled as she buried her face in his chest.

"I missed you too." His hand softly smoothed her hair. He held her as she gently cried against his frame.

"Why don't you go see Taja after breakfast," he suggested after she calmed down.

She nodded, "I will."


Spade squealed happily when Jay sat down with food. He started to climb across the tabletop to his father.

"Sit down Spade," Tempest said as she joined them.

He huffed in annoyance, but obeyed. He folded up the drawing and took a plate of food.

Kane looked at the two jackals with slight suspicion. He stayed silent though. These were Spade's parents, and he was happy with them. So they must be good people.

"It's nice to officially meet you Kane," smiled Tempest. "Spade told me how much fun you two have together."

He nodded. "Spade is a good friend." He took the other boy's hand and Spade grinned widely.

The black jackal nudged his arm, "you're a good friend too."

Kane ducked his head, he didn't feel that special.

Tempest smiled warmly, "we're glad to have you with us. Things only get better from here."

"If Spade ever gets out of line, you have our permission to set him straight," Jay smirked.

"Papa," Spade protested, "I always do good."

"Sure you do," he grinned.

Spade rolled his blue eyes, "now you're just being silly." He smiled though.

Kane just watched their interaction. This was different. He'd never seen fathers interact with their sons like that before. Certainly not his father, and no other jackals had either.

Jay just smiled and started eating.

Lilly came up with some food for Kane. He thanked her and started eating too.

The vixen glanced at him as he did so. He still ate fast, and he still struggled with utensils some, but he was so much better than the first day she brought him home. He had seemed to realize that this wasn't his last meal. That they would take care of him. He wouldn't be fending for himself anymore. "Is it good?" She asked.

He looked up from the eggs on his plate and nodded. He had it all over his face.

Lilly smiled and gave him a napkin so he could clean his mouth.

After using the napkin, he continued his food. He had given up on the fork, and gone back to his hands.

She decided not to correct him. She just let him eat. He was still so scrawny, so he needed as many calories as he could get.

Kane finished first, then just watched the others. Spade was too busy talking to his papa to focus on his plate.

Wordlessly, Tempest scraped some bacon from her plate to Kane's. He gave her a look of surprise and she winked at him.

That was all the encouragement he needed. He picked up the meat and tore a piece off with his teeth.


Keelie knocked softly on the door to Taja's room. She heard Taja call for her to come in, so she opened the door. "Taja?" She asked softly, "it's me Keelie."

The elderly jackal smiled from her seat in the rocking chair. "Come in child."

The room was dark. Keelie blinked, her gold eyes slowly adjusting to the lack of light. She stepped over to the other jackal.

"What troubles you?" Taja asked kindly. Although Keelie had the feeling she already knew.

Still, she opened her mouth to tell her about her concern for her pups, and how the doctor here thought she was simply paranoid. "Am I just overly concerned?" She asked. "I think I should see a healer, but I don't know of any."

"I do think that would be a wise decision," she replied while lacing her fingers together. "These doctors are not understanding of us and our ways."

Keelie nodded. "My mother was skilled in her knowledge of bearing pups," she said after a moment. "How much do you know?"

Taja smiled. "Nia was very devoted to the purpose of childbirth. She understood the necessity of it, but also the beauty. Having pups is a great honor, and those who have a direct share in it are very valuable. She did share some of her knowledge with me before she left our village to take a mate, but I'm afraid much of what she knew died with her."

Keelie bit her lip as a few tears threatened to fall.

Taja set her hand over Keelie's, "I understand your fears, a mother's children are the most important thing to them. I will do what I can to help, but I'm afraid I don't know of any healers in the area."

"Thank you anyway for your assistance," she nodded.

Taja looked over the other female. Her stomach was slightly large with her children, and she looked exhausted. "Why don't you lay down? I'll do the best I can to help you out."

Keelie did as she asked, and Taja gently prodded her stomach with her hands.

Keelie did not cry out, but she sucked in a breath as pain rippled through her.

"Did that hurt you?"

She nodded with a sniffle.

"I am sorry."

After Keelie caught her breath, Taja returned her hands to her stomach.

Keelie flinched as the other jackal finished her work. "There's just one pup," she said after a moment.

"It feels like when I had the boys," she muttered.

Taja gave her a smile, "probably because the father is a wolf. Their pups are bigger than ours you know."

She nodded while biting her lip. "Is everything ok? Or am I rightly concerned?"

She patted her hand, "I think it's definitely something to keep an eye on. I'll see if I can find a healer."

Keelie gave her a light smile, "thank you Taja."


Soft kisses worked their way along his jawline. He stifled a gasp as her hands rested against his chest, feeling his muscles.

She smiled, "you like that?"

His tongue felt heavy in his mouth. He didn't know how to answer her. He did. He really did. He liked the way she made him feel. But he could only nod.

A grin rested on her face and she pulled his mouth against hers roughly.

The room felt hot, and his mind felt hazy. He hadn't ever felt this way before. Not even with Bella. He wanted her. Needed her. With every fiber of his being.

He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her against him. He heard her laugh, felt it ripple through her chest that was flush against his.

He whined. A weak expression. But he couldn't help himself.

She lay back on the bed, pulling him on top her. "Whatever you want," she whispered heavily. "I'm all yours." Her arms slid around his neck, "take me." Her voice was a heavy whisper.

Then he let his hands wander.


Infinite woke with a start. He was breathing hard and felt heat rushing through his core. He wanted Gaia. He needed Gaia. But he couldn't have her. He couldn't do that to Bella. But it hurt so much.

Curling up, he pulled his knees to his chest. He whimpered softly. He was so pathetic, reduced to shambles over a female. A female.

Maybe it was because he'd been alone for so long. His body wanted a woman. He squeezed his eyes shut. Who was he kidding? His mind and heart wanted her too.

He sniffled as he sat there, trying to calm down. He'd never dreamed of loving another before. He'd jerked awake before he could mark her, but he'd wanted to so badly. He still did.

The male rubbed his face with a groan. This wasn't helping.

Kicking off the blankets, he padded into the bathroom.

He turned on the sink and splashed cold water on his face. His cheeks were flushed and he sighed. What was he going to do?

He made his way back to bed after tying his hair off his neck. Then he slipped back under the blankets.

But he couldn't sleep. He tossed and turned, trying to get comfortable. Finally, he sat up, frustrated. He slapped his hands at his sides.

His gold and blue eyes looked at his alarm clock. It was two-thirty. He sighed heavily. This was ridiculous.

He swallowed, trying to calm down. It wasn't working. If anything, he wanted her more.

Pushing the blankets back again, he stumbled to the door. He had to see Gaia, just for a minute. Then everything would be fine.


The red wolf was jerked from her sleep by a sharp knock on her door. "Huh?" She mumbled while rubbing her eyes.

Another knock sounded as she climbed out of bed and fastened her robe. This had better be important.

"Finn?" She yawned as she opened the door. "What's wrong?" He looked upset. Somewhat unsettled.

He swallowed, this wasn't a good idea. "I needed to see you."

"It couldn't wait until tomorrow?" She raised a brow, "Finn, don't you have any idea what time it is?"

He nodded, not making eye contact. "I just need you Gaia."

"Need me for what?" She was confused, but also concerned.

He glanced up at her, embarrassment plain on his face.

Understanding spread across her features. She opened her door wider, "why don't you come in."

Before either of them could change their mind, he slipped into the female's room.

Gaia took her robe off and sat on the bed, beckoning him over to the mattress.

He closed the distance and she gasped as his mouth captured hers. But she smiled as she lay back, tangling her fingers in his mane.

"Gaia?" He whimpered as his hands trailed along her sides.

"Yes?" She whispered.

"Will you be my mate?"

She nodded, and let him take control.