"Ruby." Regina whispered, pushing her mate away. "No more." She closed her legs, preventing her lover from getting back in between them and rolled over onto her stomach. Ruby left a trail of kisses down her spine, making her ache for more, but she was far too spent for another round. Ruby chuckled to herself as she started massaging her mate's shoulders and back. "What's gotten into you?"

"I'm with you. Can't help but be happy." She heard Ruby say softly. "Careful about being on your stomach."

"I know." She smiled, letting out a sigh as Ruby worked out a few kinks making her entire body go limp with relief. She rolled onto her side and Ruby laid down behind her, wrapping an arm around her. She pulled Regina against her and placed a few kisses to the back of her neck. Her lover was so much more attentive all of a sudden, whereas just days ago she was running herself ragged attempting to keep the Dark Wolf at bay and take care of their family. She liked the attention though, having Ruby dote on her like this.

"Comfortable?" Ruby asked.

"Perfectly so."

"Can I tell you something personal?" Regina rolled over to look at Ruby. "Promise you won't think I'm crazy?"

"You know you can tell me anything."

Ruby seemed to hesitate so Regina slid closer to her and pecked her lips. "Okay… I want you know that I...You are a dream to me. One I've had and wanted for a very long time. You know that even before I became the Dark Wolf that I knew you and I had an interest in you."

"I do." Regina said, searching her lover's face for a reason for her words. There was nothing besides uncertainty and fear. "Is something wrong, dear?"

"No, I just...The Dark Wolf told me something. Some things actually that I've been thinking about. Now that I mention it, it talked about you a lot when we were together."

"Such as?"

"The first time it saw you. You were crying under your apple tree. The night before your wedding, it saw you and something happened. It wanted to protect you. It wanted to kill Leopold, it wanted to kill Snow, your mother, your father, everyone who lead to that night. To those tears you shed. I felt it, Regina. That anger, that protectiveness, that love. It was almost...overwhelming."

Regina swallowed. "How? How could it see me when it was tied to Gold? Why would he be spying on me?"

Ruby shrugged. "It does make sense. Stupid thing claims to love you. I mean, it was obvious who it really wanted to be tied to when Emma and I got in the way to save you. Maybe that's what it really wants...for you to be the Dark One, so it can be with you."

At one point Regina considered darkness just that, darkness. It would seem that this darkness was an actual being, with its own thoughts and desires and it didn't really surprise her. They didn't know how the Dark One came to be or how the darkness was tamed. They knew that Merlin had crafted Excalibur and by extension the dagger to compel the darkness to answer its call when it infected his true love, but the darkness already existed before then. That was the part of the story they didn't know. Now that she thought about it she supposed that Ruby was right. The Dark Wolf could have left when it separated from Ruby. It could have done anything, but it chose to stay here, to pursue her, to keep track of their son. Now that it doesn't have to follow anyone else's orders, it still only wanted them. But that wasn't good either since Regina nor Jack had any intention to leave. And it wanted her to be the Dark One? Why? Gold made no mention of ever watching her. Was it possible it had happened without his knowledge?

"I don't understand." Regina shook her head. "And I don't want to think about it. Mal will be back by the end of the week so we won't have to worry about it."

"She will?"

"Yes. She contacted Mulan earlier."

"Oh...that's good." Ruby said quietly, her thoughts seemed to drift off and Regina was starting to do the same. After the last few nights with Ruby she was exhausted. Not only did they find out that they were having twins, but Ruby celebrated with another party and a Run through their territory, followed by about 5 hours of lovemaking. Even being tired, she didn't mind. It had been surprisingly peaceful since her deal with the Dark Wolf, but that only made the pack more alert. She could just sense that it was plotting something. But for now she would just have to rely on the pack because being heavily pregnant wasn't helping.

/

"Go to bed, I'll be home tomorrow." Emma said, leaning against the doorway of Lily's room.

"Where are you? With them?" Henry demanded.

Emma rolled her eyes. "Go to bed. Your dad's on his way to watch you." She hung up and walked back into the room, closing the door behind her. Lily was laying in bed, looking through her phone when Emma approached. "You okay? Need anything?"

"I'm fine. I just feel fat." Lily scoffed, rolling over onto her side.

"You're beautiful." Her lover was hardly much bigger than usual, besides her stomach. Whereas in wolf or dragon form she could hardly walk without her belly dragging the ground. Both pregnancies seemed to be magical ones again and the babies were growing fast. Maybe a little too fast for Emma's liking. There was another knock at the door and she turned to answer it. Jack dipped his head in greeting.

"Sorry if I'm interrupting, I was just making sure everyone was okay. Does Lily need anything?"

"Um, no, we're good. Thank you."

"How's Henry?" He asked with a smirk.

"Still being difficult." She admitted, crossing her arms. "But uh, he'll get over it."

"Well, regardless of that," He said, glancing at Lily to let her know that his message for her as well. "Even if he continues to be a brat or anyone else decides to be rude or disrespectful, I just want you both to know that your pups will be safe here. They're a part of the pack and we will protect and defend them with everything we are."

"I have Henry under control. It'll his decision on whether he will be in their lives at all. And thank you again." Emma replied.

"Of course, but just so you know, the pups will have plenty of big brothers here and a big sister. Plus more aunts and mothers than they will know what to do with. You guys won't be alone."

"Thank you, Jack." Emma smiled.

"Look at you," Lily grinned, coming to the door. "Sounding like a little Regina."

Jack smirked. "I am the Pack Prince. I want to act like it. Good night, ladies."

"Good night, Jack." The women said in unison as he turned to leave, continuing down the hallway. Emma stepped back and closed the door, taking Lily's hand and leading her back to the bed. Lily climbed in and Emma got in behind her, laying a hand on the belly that held her children. Lily purred softly, seemingly content for the moment. The dragon's quietness made her think of the usual craziness that came with pregnancy, and how Lily had experienced almost none of that. If anything, she was much calmer, displaying a close change to the one Maleficent had undergone. Regina had once described Maleficent as fire incarnate, ready to burn, unpredictable and irritable. Now, she just radiated warmth and wisdom. When she was around her family of course. According to the older dragon, young dragons were often restless and fiery, something akin to a wild fire, a blaze that would not be contained. When it came to children, especially for females, things changed. That all consuming fire traveled within to warm the egg, so to speak, calming down the dragon, giving them a new kind of peace that could be compared to a hearth. Emma could feel that from Lily now and it concerned her because she was trying her best to take care of her and these changes could be happening without her. She couldn't be here every single day, but she checked in when she could and left work early sometimes to get here as quickly as possible. Dividing her time between being the mayor, the savior, Henry's mother and Lily's mate was difficult and exhausting, but she wouldn't change a thing about it.

"Lily?"

"Hmm?"

"Am I around enough?"

Lily rolled onto her back and looked up at her. "What do you mean?"

"Am I around enough to help you and be with you."

"You are. Why?"

"Because I don't feel like I am and when the kids do come, it might get worse. And I want to be there. I want to be with my kids." Emma said.

"We'll make it work, Emma. We always do." Lily kissed her cheek before pulling her head down for a kiss on the lips. Emma relaxed under her touch and her worries melted away. At least they did for the moment. Lily made short work of their clothes and pulled her close for another kiss, using the caress of her lips to assuage the blonde's fears. It was working rather well too. All too soon for Emma, she leaned away. "How about we make a deal for the future." The dragon said. "On the days you can't get off work or have something to do, why don't I go see you? Not as a distraction, but so you can be around."

"I'd like that." Emma sighed as Lily started kissing her neck. "I'm not going to work tomorrow."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I can just call in my parents. I want to stay in bed all day with you tomorrow."

Lily grinned at her, purring again. "So be it."

Meanwhile, Jack finished making his rounds and peeked in on his parents to make sure Regina was okay. He knocked, but after waiting a moment he could hear soft music playing and cracked the door to stick his head in. The sight made him smile. Ruby was dancing around the room with a rose in her mouth while Regina watched from the bed through half closed eyes and a sleepy smile. After a few moments, Ruby noticed his presence and motioned for him to come in and dance with her. He had no choice but to oblige. Regina laughed at their antics and shook her head when Ruby took her hand.

"No, dear, I'm exhausted."

"We should let her rest." Jack grinned, climbing onto the bed to kiss his mother's forehead. "Go to sleep, Mom." Ruby cut off the music and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Believe me, I will." Regina pecked his cheek and feel back against the bed. "Good night, you have school tomorrow."

"Good night." He leaned against Ruby, who gave him a hug and kissed the top of his head.

"Good night, my wolf prince." He hopped off the bed and made his departure, still smiling. He was happy that even in these dark times his parents still managed to make each other smile. He only wished that everything would work out and soon.

Xxxxxxx

Mal's deadline came and went again, with no sign of the dragon's return. She didn't try to contact Mulan either. Another week passed...then another...and another… The panic set in long before that however. Ruby was able to keep it to a minimum but her own mate was starting to worry more and more and it started to impact her pregnancy in the worst way.

"Mom, please eat." Jack whispered, nuzzling his mother. Regina groaned softly.

"I can't. It won't stay down. Besides, my stomach hurts." She said softly, laying her head on her paws. The nursery was completely done and it was where she lay for almost the third day in a row. She knew something was off about this pregnancy because her stomach was almost as big as she was and Lily, who'd gotten pregnant around the same time as she had, wasn't nearly as big. Anything she ate was thrown up almost immediately. She was exhausted and stressed and worried about her family that couldn't make it home. On top of that, winter was closing in. Every day brought fresh pain and cold winds. Every night brought some comfort when it came to Ruby, who was doing everything she could to help Regina. It just wasn't enough. She knew she would never be at peace until her family returned. Zelena was hardly sleeping, only managing to do so when she had exhausted herself during the day. Because of her, the tunnels were completed and the bridges inside the divide were elegantly crafted from stone and she had grown vegetation and trees around the fissure, as if it were part of the forest and had always been. Mulan did anything and everything to keep her mind off of Mal, usually training with the kids or helping the rest of the pack with repairs. Everyone else simply followed Ruby's lead as she worked to fix their home before winter finally hit. Working was all the pack seemed to do these days. Anything to keep their minds off of their loved ones.

After a few minutes, Jack went to find his other mother, hoping she could help. He found Ruby in the kitchen, mixing some stew in a giant pot. "What's this?"

"Something for your mom. I did some research and talked to Zelena, and found some herbs and spices that have healing properties and went to town and bought their finest cuts of beef. Mixed in this with some vegetables and a dash of health elixir I stole from Mal's vault, should be a meal she can eat." Ruby said, meticulously stirring the stew and adding in herbs. "Hopefully this works. Get some water for her, would you? Make sure it's cool, not cold. Ice cold water shocks the senses."

Jack smirked at her overprotectiveness and went to get the bottles of water. He poured 5 into a large bowl and waited for Ruby to carefully spoon some of the stew into another bowl. "Do you think the Dark Wolf is going to give up?" He ventured to ask. "What do you think it wants?"

His mother paused for a moment. "No, it won't." She said. "Because it thinks you're its son and Regina is its mate. Apparently it loves the both of you." She put down the ladies and picked up the large bowl with both hands. "It doesn't matter. Everything will be fine. I'm not going to let anyone or anything take you or your mother from me. I promise."

Jack smiled. "I know. You're a lot stronger than you think you are, you know?"

Ruby nodded. "I know it now, but trying to match your mom is a little daunting."

"You two are freaking perfect together." He picked up his bowl and lead the way to the nursery, that had never been changed since he and his cousins were young pups. Regina was laying on a small mattress, her head still on her paws and her eyes closed. They slowly opened when her son and mate stepped into the room and put the two large bowls in front of her.

"Eat." Ruby said.

"I'm not hungry."

"Of course you are. So are our pups in there. And I'm not asking you." Ruby crouched down in front of Regina and kissed her forehead. "For us and for them, please just try to eat something." Regina growled softly. She slowly got to her feet and Jack narrowed his eyes in concern at how stiffly she moved. She ate a few mouthful of the stew and paused to see if it would stay down. It did. "See? Eat up, there's plenty more." Ruby encouraged with a smile as she stroked Regina's back. Regina ignored her as she accepted that she was starving and could finally sate that hunger. She downed the bowl of stew in seconds and drank some of the water, before looking at Ruby. "I'm guessing you want some more?" The she-wolf grinned when Regina wagged her tail a little and licked her cheek. While Ruby went to get her some more food, Regina shifted into human form and sat down, putting a hand over her stomach.

"You okay, Mom?"

"Not as well as I'd like to be, but I need to ask you something. Is Ruby acting strange to you?" Regina asked.

Jack thought about it. She seemed a little more attentive, but that didn't really mean anything, so he shook his head. "Not really. Aunt Z's the one acting weird. She won't even let you out of her sight."

"I've noticed."

Jack moved to her side. "Why?"

"Just...something is off." Regina said. "Can you do something for me, Jack?"

"Anything, Mom."

"I need you to take a little walk. Patrol the entire forest. Do it quickly and quietly."

"Why?"

"Because I have a bad feeling that Mal and the others aren't back yet because they can't come back. Do you remember when we told you about the thing shooting into the sky before you were born?"

Jack nodded. "You said it stopped time and sealed the borders around Storybrooke. You think it creates a magic border too? Like between worlds?"

"Yes. The only thing powerful enough to do that would be a magic crystal. You can feel when it's near. Like vibrations, like a pulse. You'll feel it on your fur, in your paws, through the earth. See if you can find it. Tell as few people as possible."

"Why?"

"Because if I'm wrong, I can just blame it on the pregnancy and the feeling that I'm just going crazy. If I'm right, that means someone planted the crystal."

Common sense would say it was the Dark Wolf, but his mother's caution made him think it was something else. One of the pack maybe? Why would someone betray them? They were a family. Regina gave him a soft nudge and put a finger to her lips for secrecy. He nodded as Ruby returned with another bowl of stew and his other mother dug in. He got up and went to do Regina's bidding. He went to Marie's room first, knocking before waiting for her answer. She called for him to come in and he stepped into the elegant dragon's lair. Marie was already in wolf form, sitting on some kind of pedestal, one paw delicately raised while one valet filed her claws and another brushed her tail. When Maleficent joined the wolf pack, she brought with her a few conjured servants called valets. Just people that she could conjure and send away at will. A broad golden collar with more diamonds than he could possibly count was being fitted around Marie's neck. The young she-wolf glanced over at him as he leaned against the doorwalk.

"You dragons are such divas." Jack commented with a smirk.

"We like comfort and to be pampered." Marie replied. "If that means being a diva, so be it."

"I need your help with something. Out in the forest."

"The forest? I just had a bath and brushed my fur. You better give me a good reason to mess it up again."

He walked into the room, closing the door behind him. "I might know why Mal and the others can't come back." That drew Marie's attention immediately. The valets disappeared in clouds of white smoke and Marie jumped off her pedestal, landing silently on soft paws. "I'll explain it, but not here. You got to trust me." Marie nodded quickly and followed him. They managed to sneak out through the secret path behind the mountain and set off into the forest. Jack explained the situation once they were a good distance away.

"Mom thinks someone planted a magic crystal in the forest and it's stopping Mal from getting the others home. It's a long shot, but I think it's worth investigating."

"Then why not tell the others?"

"Because Mom said to tell as few people as possible and you are the person I trust more than anyone else." He replied, sitting down in the frozen grass. Marie sat down as well, curling her tail around her paws.

"You'd need a pretty big crystal for something like that, right?" She asked. Jack shrugged. He hadn't given it much thought, but a giant crystal would be noticed by the pack. The only place he would know to even begin finding one of them, was in the dwarf tunnels and that was a lot of ground to cover. "Regina said 'someone'. Not the Dark Wolf? She thinks one of us did it?"

"She doesn't know, but it's worth looking into. Regardless of who planted it, if there is a crystal blocking the border, then we need to find it and destroy it."

Marie nodded again. "Alright then, let's go. We can take half the territory and if we don't find anything, meet up at the dwarf tunnels. That's where crystals grow, right?"

"Let's do it."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Zelena was one of the few who knew the truth about the creature masquerading as their alpha and every moment it was here, in their den, it made her more and more angry and she only wanted to get it away from her sister. Mal seemed certain that it wouldn't hurt her, but it didn't help the situation. She knew that when Regina found out she was sleeping with the Dark Wolf, she would be mortified. She nor Mulan had any clue where the real Ruby was...or if she was even alive. They went to where the landslide had occurred, but by then, any trace of her was gone. They tried to sift through the rubble but found nothing there either. She even worked extensively to try and open a portal for Belle to get home, but that didn't work either, not even the ruby slippers. All of this added to their false leader just made her seem like she was going crazy. To make matters worse, the Dark Wolf was just...amazing. This creature, who had made their lives miserable for the past half a year, was acting like the perfect leader. It calmed down the rest of the pack when they started to worry about those who had left, it helped the kids with their homework, helped them with their training, cooked dinner, lead Runs and hunts, assisted in repairs to the mountain and the forest. But even that was nothing compared to how it took care of Regina. It fixed her meals, ran her baths, massaged her feet, any and everything the former queen needed. All she had to do was call and it was done.

Zelena tried not to watch her sister constantly, just a few checks here and there. She walked through the living room, finding Regina and "Ruby" cuddling on the couch. The former queen was almost asleep in her lover's arms, while "Ruby" was cradling her to her chest, one hand placed lovingly on Regina's extended stomach. Zelena was trying to be inconspicuous about it, but it was also the third time she had walked through and when Regina called her name it didn't exactly surprise her. "Yes?"

"Is everything alright?" Regina asked.

"Yes, why wouldn't it be?"

Regina sat up and looked at "Ruby". "Can you give us a second? I'll be in the bedroom soon." "Ruby" kissed her cheek and got up to leave the room. Zelena resisted the urge to snap her neck as she passed and walked over to Regina, taking a seat at her side. "What is going on?"

"I don't know what you mean." Zelena replied.

Regina's reply was to cock one of her eyebrows. "You're watching me. Why?"

"I-"

"Don't lie to me, Sis."

Zelena glared at her, letting out an exasperated sigh. "I can't tell you, and even if I did, I think it would make things worse." With Regina's pregnancy progressing so quickly and with her sister already as stressed as she was, the last thing she needed was this. Maybe Mal was wrong about this. Regina should know.

"Hey," Regina waved her hand in front of her face. "Talk to me, Zelena. What is it? You can tell me anything."

"Not this. Look, maybe another time. I'm just...worried out of my mind." She bit her lip, attempting to look pitiful. It wasn't a complete lie, because she was, but she couldn't have Regina thinking it was anything else. "You should go lie down and rest. I'm fine, I promise." Regina nodded slowly and put her arms around her, kissing her forehead.

"Everything will be fine. Mal will bring them home. Belle, Tink, Merida, they'll all come home. We will get rid of the Dark Wolf and we will have peace again."

"I know." Zelena swallowed. Eventually Regina let her go and the witch helped her up so she could make her way to the bedroom. Zelena instantly made her way to the training room, where she knew Mulan spent her time nowadays exhausting herself by swinging a sword at a practice dummy. A dozen had already been broken already. The warrioress was sitting on a box when Zelena walked in, looking at her phone. She walked forward and glanced at the phone, finding that she was looking at pictures of her and Mal. "Lani, you okay?"

Mulan sniffed and shook her head. "No. And I don't think I will until she's home. Shang is so quiet now… Marie barely leaves her room…" She put down her phone and let out a heavy sigh. "This is the longest we've ever been apart."

"I know. Us too." Zelena touched her shoulder, giving her a comforting squeeze. "But I think...we should tell Regina the truth."

"Mal said not to. She said she would take care of it."

"And she should've been back weeks ago." Zelena pointed out. "Regina doesn't know that her mate isn't her mate. The woman she's been sleeping with, the woman she kisses, is not the woman she loves. We don't even where Ruby is and the Dark Wolf is walking around wearing her fucking skin. It's disgusting and disturbing and when she finds out…" Zelena glanced at the door and quickly walked over to peek out of it. Finding no one there, she went back over to Mulan, pulling a bench in front of her to sit down. "Tell me you wouldn't want to know the truth."

"I…" Mulan looked conflicted for a moment. "It would be easy for us to say yes because we know the truth. What if the Dark Wolf hurts her?"

"It won't. Regina's carrying children. And the pack will protect her. We should've never hid this from her."

"You agreed, just like I did." Mulan suddenly snapped.

"I'm not blaming you, but...Regina will blame the both of us."

"You're damn right she will." Both of them looked at the door, still finding no one there. A faint ripple passed nearby, revealing that Regina had been using an invisibility cloak.

"Shit. Regina-" Zelena got to her feet and walked towards her.

"No! Don't." Regina pointed at her. "Just don't." She teleported away and Zelena sighed.

"Damn it. We have to find her." Mulan stood up and both of them took off for the master bedroom.

/

Regina placed a powerful spell on the bedroom as she walked in and closed the door, locking it behind her. She had felt that something was off, but not this. Her stomach threatened to reject her last meal at the thought of the past few weeks. Everything she had done with the Dark Wolf. Every night she spent with it, feeling it touch her, opening her heart to it. She felt violated, she felt betrayed and she felt angry. No, angry was an understatement.

"Regina, is that you?" Ruby came out of the bathroom, drying off her hands. Those hands… "Regina?"

Regina put an arm across her stomach, feeling a sharp pain there. Ruby instantly rushed to her side and Regina lashed out with her magic that sent the impostor flying across the room. Ruby landed hard on her back, but Regina didn't care about that. She straightened up, glaring at the creature across the room. "I know what you are. Where is Ruby?" She demanded. Ruby got back to her feet slowly, cautiously, seemingly reading Regina's eyes. Seeing that the former queen wasn't playing around, it reverted to its Dark Wolf form.

"I don't know." The Dark Wolf answered. "But will you let me ex-"

"Explain? Explain how you tricked me? You're not Ruby! You're not my mate, you're not the mother of my children, you're not even a fucking wolf! You're darkness and you've done nothing but tear my family apart."

"I gave you this family. I did all of this for you!" The Dark Wolf growled. "Please, I'm-I'm sorry. I love you, Regina."

Regina fought back the tears that burned her eyes. She conjured a bag and threw it on the bed. She walked to the closet and started pulling out clothes.

"Regina, what are you doing?" The Dark Wolf followed her as she threw the clothes in the bag. She needed to get out of here. "Regina, don't do anything rash."

"Get away from me!" Regina snapped. "I can't stay here." She went to her dresser and grabbed some toiletries, tossing them in as well. And with that, she teleported away. There were few places in Storybrooke that she could hide and she knew exactly where the pack would check first. There was only one place she could go where she wouldn't be found for a while and that was Ruby's old apartment that her mate had kept and maintained out of sentiment. She knew no one would immediately think of it since they hadn't used it for almost a decade. She appeared in the small living room and threw her bag across the room. Too many emotions were swirling inside her right now, and she knew this feeling. She hadn't felt it in years, but she knew it. She grabbed her phone and texted Emma before the seizure began. It was like being bathed in liquid pain, her muscle seizing up, her very bones aching. Her magic reacted without her control, fire making her palms burn and singing her fingertips. There was nothing she could do but endure it.

When she awoke from the painful experience, she was lying in bed, something cool pressed against her forehead. Emma was nearby. She texted on her phone and proceeded to pace around the bed. Regina reached up to move the ice pack. "How bad was it?"

Emma whipped around and let out a sigh of relief. "Regina, you scared the absolute shit out of me. What happened? Did you have a seizure? You haven't had one of those since before the pack was created. Do you need a doctor?"

"I'll be fine." Regina whispered. Emma rushed out of the room, returning with a glass of water for her. "How long did it last?" She asked, downing the water in seconds.

"About 10 minutes. I got here as soon as I got your text. What the hell is going on? Lily called me about some fake Ruby and you disappearing. Everyone is going crazy trying to find you."

Regina rolled her eyes. She felt drained and enraged all at once. She didn't know that she was crying until Emma moved onto the bed and wrapped her arms around her. Regina softly explained to her what was happening and why she didn't want to go back to the pack.

"I know you're upset, but it seems they were just looking out for you." Emma said.

"By letting me live with that thing? Thinking its the woman I love?"

"Well, Mal was the one who told them that and she expected to be back in a couple days to kill it. They didn't know."

"It doesn't matter. I don't want to be there. What if Ruby...What if she leaves me because of this-"

"No, don't even think like that. Ruby loves you."

Regina sat up and shook her head. "Miss Swan, I appreciate the sentiment, but right now I don't need someone just telling me that things will be okay. They won't. I called you because you're good at finding people. I need you to find Ruby."

Emma nodded. "Of course, I'll get right on it, but at least let me tell Granny where you are. She can bring you some food and make sure you have enough clothes and stuff. Maybe Whale can do a home visit too? That seizure couldn't have bee. Good for the babies."

"Tell no one else."

Emma nodded again and got off the bed. "I'll get started on finding Ruby. You get some rest. If I see Jack, I'll send him your way too."

Regina sighed and fell back on the bed. She couldn't even register how exhausted she was before she fell asleep.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Wow." Jack whispered, looking up at the giant blue crystal ahead. He and Marie had found it, hidden deep within the dwarf tunnels. It pulsed, unleashing waves of power that made his fur crawl and his teeth ache. The sooner it was destroyed, the better. He and Marie both shifted into human form and he handed the dwarf axe they stole to her.

"Why me?" She asked.

"Because you're a dragon."

She rolled her eyes and took the axe. He took a step back as she raised it. That's when he heard the scratching. He grabbed Marie's arm and put a finger to his lips. Both of them ducked down behind a rock as the scratching got louder. They waited until the figure came into view. It was the Dark Wolf, dragging a dwarf pickaxe in its teeth, the sharp metal leaving a long score in the earth beneath its paws as it walked. Jack narrowed his eyes at the sullen form of a creature they once feared. The dark ebony of its fur was now a lusterless gray and its eyes were a dull yellow, a stark contrast from the piercing gold they had come to know. It even..seemed to be...crying?

"I know you are there." The soft growl came from the dark creature. Jack slowly stepped out, keeping Marie close but behind him in case they needed to fight or flee. The Dark Wolf let out a deep sigh. "What are you doing here?"

"Destroying this crystal that I'm sure you put here." He replied.

"You're right, I did." It shrugged. "Doesn't matter now though." It reverted back to its human form and picked up the axe.

"Why'd you do it?" Jack asked, hoping to get answers to bring to his mothers.

"You haven't been told yet?" The Dark Wolf chuckled darkly. "I was masquerading as Ruby. She's been gone for over a month now."

"Gone? What do you mean gone?!"

"The landslide pushed her out of Storybrooke. I used this to seal the border so she couldn't get back in or call you-"

"Is that why my mom is stuck in another world?" Marie demanded.

"She would have known the truth." Jack curled his lip in disgust and the Dark Wolf nodded slowly at the expression. "I wouldn't expect for you to understand." It sighed. "I know I was wrong and that I hurt your mother. Seeing the look in her eyes a few moments ago...I regret it."

"Regret it?! You nearly tear my family apart for half a year and now you regret it?!" He wanted to kill it, but Marie held him back, knowing it would do nothing.

"I regret hurting you and her." The Dark Wolf picked up the axe. "No matter what you may think of me, Jack, you are my son and I do love you. Just like I love Regina."

Jack growled. He wanted to rip the Dark Wolf apart, but it struck the crystal before he could move. Light started spreading through the crack and a moment later, the entire thing exploded, sending tremors through the earth and shaking the tunnels. "Run!" Marie grabbed Jack and pulled him towards the exit. They shifted into wolf form to move faster. The shaking grew worse as showers of dust and rocks rained down from above. Then the entire tunnel started to come down around them. He followed the scratch marks they made on the walls on the way here that would lead them to freedom. When they saw the exit and the light shining out of it, he put on a burst of speed. The frame over the door started to crack… They weren't going to make it. That's when he felt it, the soft wind of something rushing by him. It was the Dark Wolf, speeding ahead of the fleeing pair. It slammed right into the collapsing roof, blasting it outwards. Jack and Marie dove through the opening it made and hit the grass with twin gasps. Jack dropped to the ground, panting and Marie fell onto her back, doing the same as the tunnels fully collapsed, pelting them with the dust and rocks it exhaled.

Thunder erupted among the clouds, making both children rush to their feet. They looked up at the sky as a hole opened up and a great, dark shape fell through. "It's Mal!"

"Mom!" Marie took off for the den and Jack followed after her. They crossed town and entered the forest at breakneck speed. He felt the earth shake and knew Maleficent had landed somewhere. They arrived at the lagoon to a beautiful reunion as the pack was reunited. Marie didn't even stop, she just slammed right into Mal for a big hug. Jack wagged his tail and went to welcome everyone home, but he soon realized that their alphas were missing.

He looked at Zelena. "Where's Mom?"

/

Regina was sleeping when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her. She opened her eyes and instantly grinned at seeing Tink in her bedroom. "You're back."

"Me next." Jack wormed his way between them and kissed Regina's cheek.

She kissed them both and sat up in bed, noticing that Merida was standing near the door. She raised her hand and Merida smiled as she came for a hug as well. "What are you guys doing here? I would've thought you'd be at the den. Did you get the sword?"

"Yes, we got the sword, but what's been going on here? Why are you here instead of the den?" Tink asked.

"Long story."

"One I want to hear from you." The fairy said firmly.

Regina sighed. She recounted the last month or so as best as she could, excluding anything she didn't need her son to hear. Repeating all of it just made her feel worse about the entire situation. "I felt that something was wrong and I ignored it. I should've acted sooner."

"Hey," Merida shook her head. "This isn't your fault. Once we find Ruby and explain it to her, she'll say the same thing. We have the sword, we can go kill the damn thing and find Ruby."

"It might know where Ruby is." Tink reminded her.

"It doesn't." Jack added. All eyes turned to him. "The Dark Wolf destroyed the magic crystal it hid in the tunnels. It told us before it did. The landslide pushed her out of Storybrooke and it activated the crystal so she couldn't get back in or call us. It blocked Mal and the others from getting back too."

"What do we do now?" Merida asked. "Wait to kill it?"

"If it's smart, it'll go into hiding." Regina sighed. "I doubt it'll show its face right now, so finding it could be impossible."

"Let's focus on you then." Tink glanced down at her stomach. "You should be home, resting. With how fast your pregnancy is progressing, we don't even have a due date."

"I'm not going back there." Regina replied. "I'm going to build a birthing den and give birth there."

"Regina-"

"My mind will not be changed, Tink."

"Then let the pack build it for you."

"No."

"Fine." Tink rolled her eyes. "How about a select few? Kathryn's just outside the door. We can have one built by tomorrow. Even get the kids to help. Will that suffice?" Regina nodded. Tink stood up. "Go back to sleep then. We'll take care of it." Regina nodded again. Tink moved towards the door and took Merida's hand. Regina and Jack both narrowed their eyes at the action.

"Hold on a minute, you two are together?"

Tink and Merida both started blushing, but they nodded. "It just kinda...happened." The fairy said.

"Congratulations, guys." Jack smiled.

"Congratulations indeed." His mother agreed. "Full details when you return."

Tink rolled her eyes again, this time with a smile and pulled Merida out of the apartment. Jack climbed onto the foot on the bed and collapsed at the same time Regina did.

"Today's been crazy."

"It has. Get up here." Regina commanded. Jack moved up to the top of the bed and laid down on his back. His arms and legs were shaking with fatigue after all the running he did today. "Get some sleep."

Jack was quiet for a while. "You know Mom, I'm going to make sure everything works out. You focus on staying healthy and taking care of the babies. I'll see to the rest." Regina opened her eyes and looked at her son. "I promise."

"You don't have to do that, Jack."

"You know how you used to say that I was your miracle?" He asked.

"I do." She whispered.

"Well, you're mine. You and Mom are my miracles because I consider it the most amazing thing that I was born to you. It's an honor to have you as my mom. You guys took care of me for the last 13 years, I can take care of things while you're pregnant."

Regina smiled. "As you wish, my wolf prince." She leaned over to kiss the top of his head. She was really in no position to argue anyway.

The next day yielded many changes for the pack. The largest of which was a split. A den was built across the divide for Regina. Built into a hill, it was almost like a hobbit hole. A beautiful home underground made of polished wood and stone. 6 trees had been magically moved to form a tight circle around it to keep out any harsh winds and snow. The walk there was long and the snow blanketing the ground made it harder. Hansel and Aaron carved a walkway through it so Regina could walk unhindered. Once she had arrived, Tink lead her to the large nest of soft blankets and furs they had already placed next to the roaring fireplace. Regina instantly laid down and a pillow was placed under her furry head. The pantry was stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables already, but they would have to go hunting to make sure there was enough to eat. With Regina, came Tink, Merida, Kathryn, Hansel and Gretel. With them there, Jack knew Regina was safe and in good hands. They spent the early morning hunting and bringing over Regina's toiletries and clothes and anything else she needed. He was just bringing in the spoils of his hunt with Hansel and Gretel when he heard the arguing. He dropped the meat at the small building where Merida was preparing the meat to be stored and walked to the front door, stepping inside and wiping his paws at the door. He thought it might've been the Dark Wolf, but it was Mal, arguing with Regina. His mother was still laying on her nest, trying her best to ignore the dragon.

"Ignoring me is quite childish." Mal growled. Her eyes softened when she knelt next to the pregnant she-wolf. "I'm sorry, I thought I would be back soon enough to kill it. Don't be mad at Mulan and Zelena because they did what I told them to do. If you want to be mad at anyone be at me."

Regina snapped around, her teeth bared. "I am mad at you." She said, getting to her feet. "It might be easy for dragons to just cut off their emotions but it isn't for me. And you know that." She flattened her ears against her head, the shiver in her voice betraying the rage she was trying to project. "Answer me this, Maleficent, how would you feel if you spent a month with Mulan, dancing together, eating together, sleeping together, relishing every moment as you wait to bring children into the world, enjoying every fucking second of it...then finding out that Mulan wasn't Mulan. How would you feel if Mulan turned out to be Stefan?" Mal's eyes narrowed instantly at the name, her lip curling slightly as well. "How would you feel if your sister, your friends and family knew this but didn't tell you?"

"I would be angry." The dragon conceded.

"Yes, but angry doesn't begin to describe what I feel. Okay, we don't even know where Ruby is, I am pregnant and hormonal, I feel like burning down the entire town and that's just the beginning." Said Regina. "I don't want to talk to you, I don't want to see you. Not you, not Zelena, not Mulan. I just want to lay here until I can finally get these pups out of me. Or until Ruby gets home. Whichever one happens first, because for now...I'm done." Regina turned her back to Mal and laid back down. "Show yourself out."

Mal turned to leave, admitting defeat. She paused and conjured a long sheathed sword in her hands. She turned around and laid it next to Regina before teleporting away. Regina kicked it away from her with a huff.

"You okay, Mom?" Jack asked, stepping into the room.

"I will be." His mother answered.

"I'm gonna go check on the others. I'll be back soon." Regina waved her tail in reply. He stepped back outside and told Gretel where he was going. He started off back to the main den, a bit annoyed with how cold it was. This would actually be his first real winter. Since Ruby controlled the temperature around the main den and almost always kept it warm, they never really experienced winter like this. At least not to this capacity. In a single night snow had covered everything, turning their forest into a winter wasteland with almost no signs of life except for the pack. If everything wasn't going to hell at the moment, he would probably be playing in the snow right about now with his family.

"You shouldn't be working so hard." The Dark Wolf appeared nearby.

Jack started walking and it didn't surprise him to find he was being followed. "You're lucky you're a female or at least acting like one, or else I would claw your eyes out."

"I'm not acting." Came the soft reply.

"So what are you then?" Jack turned back around. "You're a female what then?"

"Wolf-"

"No, you're not." He frowned. "I don't get you. I don't know if it's just because you don't know what you're doing or if you just don't care, but you just split up my entire family. How in the world could you possibly think this was a good idea? Why am I even talking to you?" He growled and started trotting towards the den.

"Jack." The Dark Wolf said softly. He paused. "None of this was my true intention. Hurting Regina is the last thing I wanted."

"Well, you missed the mark because that's exactly what you did. Now that you pulled this stunt, I would imagine she won't even hesitate to carve out the heart you claim to have now. I have to go try to repair the damage you caused, so if you don't have anything productive to add to this conversation, goodbye." When there was no reply, he resumed his trot to the main den. There was no point in wasting his energy on attacking it. There were more important things he needed to focus on. Per his request, Marie had gathered the rest of the pack in the living room for a meeting. When he walked in, he was happy to see Mal almost flanked by her kids, just pleased to have her home. Zelena was almost holding Belle while they sat on the couch and their sons sat on the floor nearby. Mulan, Dorothy and Aurora were on the other couch, all three silently waiting. He walked into the room and moved to the front and changed back into a human. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen." He said. The women replied in unison, waving at him. "I know the last few days have been...awful and wonderful for us. Um...Mom's not coming home." His statement instantly sparked outrage and confusion.

"Hey!" Belle snapped. "Let him speak. Relax guys."

Jack dipped his head in thanks. "In all honesty, I feel as if you all need to have a talk, because I don't know the complete story, and secrets and bullshit will not tear this family apart. One of our alphas is missing, and the other is close to giving birth. Alright, everything falls on us. I know there are betas who would usually step in right now," He looked at Zelena and Belle. "But I also know you guys just got back together and you would want to spend some time together." He looked at Mal and Mulan. "You guys too."

"Whatever you need, Jack, we can do. We're happy to be back together but sitting around isn't going to help one bit." Mal said. "What's the plan?"

He nodded, straightening his back. "The plan is to go hunting and shopping and fill up the pantry, because we haven't really prepared at all for winter. We need fresh wood for the fireplaces and then we're going to clean this den from top to bottom. Blankets and pelts in storage need to brought out for extra warmth at night. Any repairs that need to be made, should get done. The others are coming here to help. Is that alright?" There were nods of agreement and everyone started to get to work. Mal took care of most of the hunting in her dragon form, Dorothy and Aurora took the kids to the store for shopping, when they got back they cleaned every room in the den and made sure everyone was properly equipped for the cold nights. Extra wood was brought in for the fireplaces and by that evening, the den was spotless.

"What next, Jack?" Aurora asked.

"Now, you relax." He replied. "Granny's been hard at work just like you guys have. I've rented out the diner just for the pack and a feast awaits for you all." To a chorus of cheers, the pack headed out but he stayed behind, going through his room for some clothes.

"You're leaving?" He looked up as Marie walked in. She was dressed immaculately as always, just like her blonde mother.

"I have to stay with Mom, make sure the Dark Wolf stays away and there's someone always around if she needs it." He said.

"You really think the Dark Wolf will try to hurt her?"

"Physically? I don't know, but I'm not taking any chances." Jack sat down on his bed.

"Us either." Aaron said, stepped into the room with his brothers and Shang.

"We won't let that thing hurt Gina, not after everything she's done for us. She's our leader," Shang added. "And our friend. Tell us what to do, Jack."

"I don't know what to do." He sighed. "We can't kill the Dark Wolf without the sword and since it knows we have the sword, it's not going to show its face. At least not to any of you."

Marie frowned. "It talked to you?"

"Yeah, but it didn't say anything important."

"Try us." Spencer said. Jack touched his forehead, pulling out his memories so the other children could see them. "It said it was female?"

"Probably because Ruby is." Benjamin shrugged.

"Maybe not, what if it is?" Spencer asked. "We think of the darkness as a thing, but what if...it was a person?" He cast a smug smirk around the room.

"That sounds stupid." Aaron replied.

"Think about it, we have no idea where the darkness actually came from. Who would be old enough or powerful enough to know that?"

"Someone older than Mom apparently." Shang commented.

"I know!" Benjamin grinned, hopping up and down. "We're probably going to have to steal some stuff first though."

Jack shrugged. "Okay."

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