Chapter 4
Every year for the Wolf's Moon, which is the Pack's most sacred time of the year, Regina prepares a huge meal for her Pack. With everything they have done for her in the past, she feels it's the least she could do to repay Ruby and Granny for their kindness and guidance. She takes the three days of the Wolf Moon off from work, and spends the first day preparing the meal, baking desserts, marinating meat, cleaning everything from top to bottom to make sure everything is perfect for the women who are the closest thing she has to a family these days.
As soon as she wakes up after the first night of Wolf's Time, she immediately starts cooking her Wolf's Moon dinner, dancing around the kitchen in her bare feet, with her hair wild and loose, her skin buzzing, anticipating the second night of Wolf's Time, when the Wolf's Moon is at its fullest. She can still smell the forest on her skin as she dumps the pot of boiled potatoes, ready to mash them for mashed potatoes checking on her roast in the oven, the smell of sweet potatoes mixing with the other aromas, filling her home with the sweet smell of their upcoming feast.
Three o'clock comes quickly, and the table is set, candles lit, Granny and Ruby securely seated at their usual spots, as Regina carries the last of the food into the dining room, food already piled on their plates. Regina takes her seat across from Ruby, instead of the head of the table, when the front door slammed shut, causing the three women to jump.
"I'm late! I'm so sorry!" Emma said, as she ran into the dining room, stopping in her tracks to kiss Regina, before pulling her coat off quickly. "I'm sorry. My boss called a last minute meeting, and would not stop talking." Emma said, taking her seat next to Regina.
"You're right on time." Regina said, squeezing Emma's hand for comfort. "We were just sitting down to eat."
Plates were piled high with Regina's cooking, Ruby devouring her plate in record time, reaching for seconds before most had even eaten half their first plate. Conversation was light and cheery, Granny explaining the meaning of the Wolf's Moon, and why it was a sacred day for Wolves.
"Back in the times before the modern world, the Native Americans would determine the months based on the full moon. In the winter, when the snow was thick and deep, it muffled the sounds around them, and the only sound they could hear at night was the howling of the Wolves. That was how the first full moon in January was named The Wolf's Moon. It is believed that the first ever of our kind transformed into a Wolf during the second night of the Wolf's Moon, which is why we celebrate on this day, when our connection to the full moon is at its strongest." Granny explained, Emma hanging on every word, as she clung to Regina's hand under the table.
"Can you feel the moon now? Even during the day?" Ruby asked, running her hand up and down her own arm.
"I can, yeah. I can always feel it during the full moon, but it's always way stronger once a year. I never realized it was because of the Wolf's Moon." Emma said, still mesmerized to learn about her Wolf heritage.
"Let's move the celebration into the living room." Regina suggested after a few more minutes. "Ruby, will you build a fire in the fireplace while I clear the table?" Regina asked, receiving a quick nod from Ruby, as she and Granny took their leave from the table.
"Let me help you." Emma said, as she started stacking the plates.
"No you will not." Regina said, playfully swatting Emma's hand. "This meal is my way of thanking my Pack for all they do for me. You are only to enjoy while I do all the work." Regina smiled, taking the plates from Emma's hand.
"Are you sure?" Emma asked, still not ready to let Regina do all the work.
"Absolutely. The dishes will just get piled into the sink to be cleaned in the morning, after tonight's run. It's the only time I allow dishes to remain in the sink overnight." Regina laughed. "Go, sit with Ruby and Granny. I'll be in soon with dessert." Regina said, pushing Emma out the door.
The fire was already burning in the fireplace by the time Emma made it to the living room. Granny was perched on the couch, her eyes closed, while Ruby stood in front of the fire, observing the fruits of her labor. Emma loved the smell of a fire, the crackling wood calmed Emma's heart, as she sat on the couch opposite Granny, snoring lightly. She didn't know what it felt like to have a family, but if she had to guess, it would feel like this.
A little while later, Regina emerged carrying a large tray, as the smell of fresh coffee and warm apple pie arrived moments before she did.
"Regina's apple pie is legendary!" Ruby said, grabbing the first plate and a mug of coffee, all made to each person's individual preferences.
"My secret is fresh picked apples." Regina smiled, as she handed Emma her piece, and the mug of coffee prepared specifically for her.
"It smells amazing!" Emma said, as she took a bite, savoring in the flavor.
Everything was perfect. Emma could think of nothing that would make this moment better, until Regina stood from the couch, and walked over to the small cabinet bolted to the wall in the corner, Ruby quickly rushing over to fill Regina's spot on the couch, an impossibly large smile on her face. Regina carefully opened the delicate latch and opened the cabinet, gently pulling out a silver goblet. As it came into view, Emma could see it was old, darkened by age. A howling wolf was carved into the front, with intricate designs surrounding it.
"This goblet has been a part of our Pack since its creation in the 1800's. It was said that the first member of our Pack drank from it before transforming during the second night of the Wolf's Moon. That night he met his Omega, and upon transforming back at daybreak, they instantly knew it was meant to be, making Love for hours before mating for the first time, conceiving their first child together. He became our first Alpha of our Pack, and their child became his heir, beginning a family lineage which I am the newest addition to. As his Pack began to grow, both with his children and Wolves he had discovered throughout his life, he used this goblet as a ceremonial initiation. A tradition we still hold to this day, more than two hundred years later. Every Wolf who joins our Pack drinks from the same goblet that our founding father drank from." Regina explained, excited energy radiating off the three women surrounding Emma. "Ruby?" Regina asked, as Ruby sprang out of her seat, practically flying around the room, retrieving a bottle of wine from the ledge above the fireplace, opening the bottle quickly with the bottle opener, before filling the cup with the deep red wine.
"Traditionally, this is done with the Alpha and their Omega ushering in the newest member, but since we welcome my Omega into our Pack, the honor falls upon my Chosen Beta." Regina explains, as she and Ruby stood to face Emma, tears beginning to form in her eyes. Granny scooted over, taking the plate from Emma's hands, encouraging her to stand and approach Regina and Ruby.
"Emma Swan, today we invite you to join our Pack. To become a member of our family. Will you accept our invitation?" Regina asked, as she and Ruby held the goblet together.
"Y-yes I will." Emma said, a stray tear falling from her eye. "Yes. I accept the invitation." She said with a smile.
"I, Regina Mills…" Regina said, a tear falling from her eye as well.
"And I, Ruby Lucas…" Ruby said, her eyes filling with tears as well.
"Officially welcome you to our family." Regina and Ruby said together, handing the goblet to Emma.
Emma took a sip, a warm feeling spread through her body, as she handed the goblet back to Regina, who took a sip herself, tears streaming down her face, as her smile spread impossibly wide. She handed the goblet to Ruby, who also took a sip, her tears falling as well, as she saw how happy her Best Friend was. Granny stood and joined the group, taking a sip from the goblet, her eyes filled with tears as well, joy filling her eyes, as she watched Regina share a soft kiss with Emma.
"Welcome to the family, Emma." Granny said, pulling Emma into a tight hug, the young woman crying in her arms.
"I've…I've never had a family before." Emma started to say, as she pulled away from Granny, immediately reaching for Regina's hand. "I've been searching for my family my entire life. I'm so happy that when I finally found it, it was this one." Emma said, a constant stream of tears falling from her eyes. "Thank you." She whispered, too overcome with emotion to say anything else.
"We're so glad to have you." Granny said, the only one still able to speak, looking at the clock on the mantel. "Sunset is quickly approaching. Why don't you two take a moment to yourselves, and get ready for tonight's run. Ruby and I will clear the dessert dishes and meet you in the kitchen in about twenty minutes." Granny added, giving them a slight nudge towards the stairs.
As soon as the door to Regina's bedroom was closed behind them, Regina pulled Emma in for a soft loving kiss, holding her close.
"You have no idea how much that means to me." Emma whispered, as Regina wiped the tears from her face. "I meant what I said. You have no idea how happy I am to be a part of something…part of a family." Emma said, as fresh tears fell down her cheeks.
"You've always been a part of our family." Regina said, kissing Emma's forehead. "It just took us a little longer to find each other."
"I think I knew you the moment I saw you. I was terrified, I still am sometimes, but I've always known one thing…you." Emma said, locking eyes with Regina.
"I knew too." Regina whispered. "I felt it here." Regina said, as she gently placed Emma's hand over her heart.
"I felt it too." Emma whispered, resting her forehead on Regina's. "I'm sorry I have to take things so slow. I'm still trying to process everything." Emma said, her voice sad.
"Don't be sorry. There's no rush. Today was a huge step for you." Regina said, kissing Emma lightly. "I mean it, we take this as slow as you need."
"Thank you." Emma whispered.
"We do have to get going though, sunset is nearly over." Regina said, turning towards the window.
"Ruby will be up here any minute looking for us." Emma laughed, as she unlaced her boots.
"She's probably already walking up the stairs as we speak." Regina laughed, as she quickly pulled off her sweater.
They undressed quickly, as Regina wrapped their blanket around both their bodies, holding each other tightly, as they made their way downstairs, stopping for one last kiss, before joining Ruby and Granny in the kitchen, blankets wrapped around them.
"Granny? You're running with us tonight too?" Emma asked, as she saw the older woman standing next to Ruby, a similar blanket wrapped around her. "I thought you don't run anymore."
"I don't." Granny laughed, waiting for the snide comment from her granddaughter. "I come out of retirement on special occasions." She added, as Ruby led the way outside, cushions set up to protect them from the frozen ground.
The air was cold, but the anticipation of the full moon warmed them, as they watched the last moments of sunset disappear in the horizon. Familiar clouds of smoke surrounded them, transforming the women into their Wolf selves. The Wolf's Moon made their skin tingle, as they stretched, preparing for the night ahead. Regina jumped in the air as she let out her customary howl, the rest of her Pack joining in, as they took off into the forest, a little slower than usual to allow Granny, the dark brown Wolf, to keep up. The snow crunched under their paws, as they ran through the familiar forest, the light from the full moon illuminated the ground, the cold air nipping their noses.
A few hours into their run, they spotted movement off to the side, the tell-tale sign of prey. The winter months made hunting difficult, as most animals stayed hidden in the cold weather. But tonight, a lone rabbit decided to venture out, leaving themselves open. Regina looked over at Emma, encouraging her to go after the rabbit, knowing this could be her last chance to hunt until the spring. Emma sprang into action, chasing after the rabbit, as the others stayed where they were, waiting patiently to see if Emma could catch the rabbit. Fifteen minutes later, Emma returned to the group, the dead rabbit hanging from her mouth, a look of excitement in her eyes, as she presented her first kill, offering it to Regina. Nudging it back towards Emma, letting her know she should have her first kill, Emma quickly ripped the rabbit in half, insisting Regina eat half. Granny nudged Ruby, indicating that she should follow her, leaving Regina and Emma alone for a few minutes to enjoy their shared rabbit together. They sat close to each other as they slowly ate Emma's kill, nuzzling for a few minutes, before they made their way to Granny and Ruby, before taking off into a slow run once again, enjoying the final few hours of Wolf's Time.
By the time the sun began to brighten the sky, the four Wolves walked slowly back to the yard, crawling onto their pillows and under their thick blankets, falling instantly asleep, as they transformed back to their Human forms. Regina pulled Emma close, wrapping the blanket tightly around them, as they slept a few more hours.
Emma was the first to wake up a few hours later, Regina's body pressed against her back, her arms wrapped around her tightly. She pulled the blanket up over their heads to keep them warm, as she peeked her eyes out. Granny and Ruby were still sleeping, their hair the only things visible under their blankets. She had never felt happier than she felt at that very moment. The Love of her life pressed against her, her new family surrounding her. "And it's only going to get better." She thought to herself, as she felt Regina shift behind her.
"Good morning, My Love." Regina whispered, pulling Emma closer to her.
"Good morning." Emma whispered, rolling over in Regina's arms so she was facing her, wrapping her arms around Regina's body, leaning in for a soft kiss.
"HOLY FUCKING FUCK!" Ruby screamed next to them. "IT'S FUCKING FREEZING!"
"Language child!" Granny scolded, as she pulled herself off the ground.
"Whatever! I'm going the fuck inside!" Ruby yelled, as she bolted towards the house, throwing the door open in the process, Granny following behind her.
"We better get up before Ruby freezes to death." Emma laughed, detangling herself from Regina, as they both stood up, making their way towards the house, their blanket wrapped tightly around them.
"Ok! Anyone who wants to shower go ahead and start now, I'll start making breakfast." Regina said, as everyone walked farther into the house.
"Yes! I call shower first!" Ruby said, rushing upstairs to get into the shower first.
"Granny, you take a shower in Regina's room first." Emma said, as they made their way upstairs.
"It's alright, you go ahead. The upside of owning your own business, you make your own hours." Granny laughed.
"Thanks." Emma said, as she and Regina made their way into Regina's bedroom.
As soon as they were alone again, Regina pulled Emma in for a proper kiss, as they cling to each other, the blanket falling to the floor. It took all of Regina's energy to keep from throwing Emma on the bed. She settled with running her hand up Emma's back, the feeling of Regina's soft hand causing Emma to shutter beneath her touch.
"I better get into the shower. Before we are both late." Emma said, her eyes still closed.
"Yes. I should start breakfast." Regina agreed, attempting to pull herself away from Emma.
"Yeah…" Emma whispered, as she mustered up the energy needed to step out of Regina's embrace, stepping towards the bathroom.
"I'll see you downstairs." Regina smiled, as she watched Emma walk into the bathroom, moving to quickly get dressed once Emma closed the bathroom door and the sound of the shower turning on could be heard. She wiped a stray tear from her eye as she quickly made her way downstairs to begin breakfast for her Pack.
As part of Regina's Wolf's Moon tradition, in addition to cooking dinner the night before, she insisted on cooking breakfast after their run, making specific dishes for each person. By the time the others made their way downstairs, clean and warm, the dining room table was already set, plates piled high with food, waiting for their intended. Steak and eggs for herself, a massive bacon omelette for Ruby, a huge stack of pancakes with bacon and sausage for Emma, and a hearty egg white omelette with fresh vegetables for Granny sat at each place, a large bowl of home fries in the center, a full pot of coffee off to the side. Regina was just pouring coffee into their cups when the rest arrived, joining her in the dining room.
"How did you make this so fast?" Emma asked, seriously wondering if increased speed was a secret superpower of Alphas.
"I prepped most of it yesterday while I was cooking. All I had to do was cook everything." Regina said, taking her seat next to Emma. "Plus, it took you guys forever to get ready." She laughed, receiving a dirty look from Ruby, who was already eating her omelette.
"I would like to pause and take a moment to propose a toast." Granny said, elbowing Ruby in the shoulder to stop her from eating, grabbing her cup of coffee. "To the newest member of our Pack. You came into our lives so suddenly, and yet, I feel I can speak for everyone when I say, although we've only known you a few months, we all feel like we've known you for years. To Emma." Granny said, raising her cup.
"To Emma." Ruby and Regina said in unison.
"Thank you. Seriously, thank you. You have no idea what all this means to me." Emma said, tears in her eyes. "My entire life, I always felt like the ugly duckling, never fitting in with those around me. But when I met you guys, I finally felt like the Swan that I am." She said, wiping a stray tear that fell on her cheek, reaching for Regina's hand as she spoke.
"We are honored to have you." Granny added, as she began to slowly eat her food.
"Hey, so let's talk about Emma making her first kill last night!" Ruby said, in between mouthfuls of egg and home fries.
"I knew you could do it!" Regina said, beaming with pride as if it were her who caught their first rabbit.
"It was exciting!" Emma said, pride filling her face. "I can't wait to do it again!"
"Prey is going to be scarce for the next few months, unfortunately." Regina said, eating a large mouthful of food.
"Regina and I always have a bet. Whoever has the least number of kills between now and spring, has to buy dinner." Ruby said, laughing as she piled another spoonful of potatoes onto her empty plate. "You in?"
"Hell yeah!" Emma said, feeling more at home with her new family than ever before.
"I'm not going to go easy on you, newbie!" Ruby said, laughing.
"I expect nothing less." Emma said, glancing at her watch. "Crap. I better get going." She said, jumping out of her seat.
"See you tonight!" Ruby said, picking the last of the potatoes off Emma's plate.
"Definitely!" Emma said, reaching down to kiss Regina goodbye.
"I'll walk you out." Regina said, following Emma into the foyer. "Text me when you get to work." Regina said, leaning in for a kiss.
"Of course." Emma said, kissing her back. "I do have to go, though. I'm going to be late." Emma said, attempting to pull away from Regina.
"I know." Regina whispered, releasing Emma. "Drive safe."
"I will. I'll see you in a few hours." Emma said, pulling on her red leather jacket, rushing out of the house. Regina was thankful that she had a ton of cleaning up to do, so she could keep herself busy until she could see Emma again.
The final night of Wolf's Time seemed to go by in a flash, as three very tired Wolves found their way back to the backyard slowly, the sky lightening quickly. Crawling under their blankets, they quickly fell asleep, Regina and Emma staring into each other's eyes, as they slowly closed.
"Wake up bitches!" Ruby yelled, the moment she woke up. "Fuck this! I'm going inside!" She said, as she bolted towards the house, slamming the door behind her.
"She really doesn't like the cold." Emma laughed, as a sleepy Regina stretched behind her, holding her close for a few more moments.
"We better get up before we freeze to death." Regina whispered, as she untangled herself from Emma, quickly standing. The two rushed into the house together to find Ruby standing next to the heating vent in the corner, rubbing her hands together for warmth.
"It's about time." She said, in a cranky voice.
"Good morning to you, too." Regina said, as she turned the heat up.
"It'll be a better morning when I get a hot shower!" Ruby said, her attitude changing as her body warmed up. "I'm going to head out. See you in a little bit." She said, rushing off to the den to get dressed.
"Yes, we'll see you soon." Regina said, leading Emma upstairs to take a much needed shower.
"Good morning!" Emma said, as she pulled Regina in for a deep kiss, the moment the bedroom door closed behind them.
"Good morning!" Regina said, stealing another kiss, as Emma's body shivered slightly against hers. "Go get into the shower, you're freezing."
"Yeah. I'm so cold." Emma said.
"Take the blanket with you. Meet me back here when you're done." Regina said, as Emma pulled away from her, wrapping the blanket around herself in Regina's absence, making her way to the bathroom down the hall. Regina listened for a few minutes, until she heard the shower turn on, before retreating to her own shower, the hot water warming her.
Emma snuck back into the bedroom before Regina was out of the shower, and was already half dressed when Regina stepped out of the bathroom, a towel still wrapped around her body and hair. Regina quickly got dressed, having already laid out her clothes the night before, and was making her way back into the bathroom to dry and straighten her hair, as Emma began the lengthy procedure of brushing out her long blonde hair.
"Good morning, Mayor Mills." Emma said, as she leaned against the doorframe, watching Regina apply her makeup, her curly hair now straight and falling down Regina's shoulders.
"Good morning, Bail-Bonds Person Swan." Regina smiled, meeting Emma's eyes through the mirror.
"Mayor sounds a lot better than Bail-Bonds Person." Emma said, moving to stand closer to Regina.
"I prefer Regina and Emma." Regina said, kissing Emma lightly, before applying her signature red lipstick.
"Me too." Emma said.
"Don't do that, by the way." Regina said, as she flipped off the light, exiting the bathroom, Emma trailing behind.
"Do what?" Emma asked, grabbing her duffle bag, following Regina out of the bedroom.
"Put yourself down like that." Regina said, turning around to face Emma. "Even just a little bit."
"Sorry. I guess I don't realize I do it." Emma said, shyly.
"It's ok." Regina smiled. "I'll always remind you." Regina said, grabbing Emma's hand, as they made their way out of the house, their stomachs growling.
By the time they arrived at the diner, their breakfast was already waiting for them, Ruby pouring fresh coffee as they walked in, taking their usual seats at the counter.
"Thank you, Ruby." Emma said, as they started to eat, devouring their meal like they haven't eaten in days.
"Slow down. You'll give yourselves a stomach ache." Granny said, approaching the group, a pot of coffee in her hand, refilling everyone's cups, before raising her own cup. "To Wolf's Time." She whispered.
"To Wolf's Time." Regina, Emma and Ruby responded.
"To Emma's first Wolf's Moon, and her first Wolf's Time as an official member of our Pack!" Ruby said, raising her cup once again.
"To Emma." Regina and Granny said, Regina reaching to rub her hand over Emma's back for support.
"Thank you." Emma whispered, her emotions getting the better of her.
"Ok, child. Finish your breakfast and get back to work." Granny said, walking away to tend to customers.
"Granny's kinda a hard ass." Emma laughed.
"That's an understatement." Ruby laughed, as she finished the last of her food. "Well, ladies, it's been a pleasure, as always. Off to work I go. Emma, I'll see you in a few weeks!" Ruby said, grabbing her plate and rushing off.
"I should get going too." Emma said, glancing at the clock on the wall.
"Yes, I as well. I have lots of work to catch up on after being out of the office for three days." Regina said, sliding off the stool, pulling on her coat, waving at Ruby from across the room, before making her way outside to their cars.
"So…" Emma said, as they reached Regina's car. "I have to go out of town for work this coming weekend. My boss is sending me to New York since I used to live there and I know my way around." Emma said.
"That sounds logical." Regina laughed.
"But…I was thinking…" Emma started to say, nervously fidgeting. "Maybe the following weekend I could…maybe come and spend the weekend…with you…" She said.
"I would like that very much." Regina smiled, taking Emma's hands.
"Great!" Emma said, excitement in her voice. "But now I do need to get going." She said.
"Drive safe. Please text me when you get to work." Regina said, kissing Emma softly goodbye.
"Will do." Emma said, pulling Regina in for a proper kiss, one so deep and passionate they were both left breathless, before pulling away and making her way over to her car. She smiled and waved before backing out of the spot and driving out of town.
"It's going to be a very long two weeks." Regina said to herself, as she climbed into her own car, driving to work.