AN: I'm not going to leave y'all waiting any longer. Thanks as always are in order for Annette Curtis Klause, and thank you all for staying loyal to this distracted writer. Now, let's hope this chapter is rich enough to keep y'all satisfied for a little while.

Chapter 12: Part Two

Time slowed down to a relentless crawl. Minutes passed by, then an hour. But the wait was unbearable. It seemed as if the minutes became whole hours, and hours became days. He wondered at the state of his beloved wife, and hoped that her strength would serve her well.

He looked around the living room, at the specific chairs, tables, and book cases. Vivian was specific. She knew what she wanted, and no one was going to get in her way. She was solely responsible for the warmth of this room, and the whole inn. The walls were beige and green because of her, and the furniture had that air of effortless rustic comfort because that is what she wanted. The furniture was driving him mad. He needed to find something else to focus all of his energy on.

Gabriel decided to rearrange some of the picture frames on the shelves. He moved his favorites to the front. There was the picture they took at the fair. There was the picture she took of him on his motorcycle. There was the one he took of the whole pack, minus a few new members. The intimate pictures were in his room, but he couldn't bear to look at them now. Now, when he felt so useless, he couldn't bear to look at the pictures they had of each other. Like the one he took with Vivian sleeping in one of his oversized shirts. Or the candid shot Tomas took of them while they sat outside on the hammock.

"Gabriel, please! You're making us all nervous. Vivian's going to be fine. She's strong, you know."

"I know," he said, sitting down on one of the couches.

Meanwhile, Vivian worked hard to control her breathing. Oh moon goddess, give me strength. Never before had she experienced such an acute pain; pain that came in waves, and then subsided, allowing her to think, and then robbing her of her thoughts.

A few hours ago, she had woken up as usual, but for some reason, just knew this day was the day. Gabriel was at once ecstatic and nervous as he helped Vivian get to Aunt Persia's house. They kissed once, quickly, and she made him leave. Tradition didn't allow males to witness childbirth. Everything was going smoothly, but as she watched Aunt Persia enter the room with supplies in her arms, Vivian had become suddenly nervous. "What if I don't know what to do?!"

"You don't have to know, baby. Mother nature has already taught your body what to do," Esmé said fondly, tying her hair back and propping Vivian up on the pillows in Aunt Persia's room.

Her mother was right. Somehow, Vivian's body knew just how to push to get that baby out. As she breathed in and out through her mouth, she caught the smells of lavender and vanilla as they permeated the hot room.

Esmé held on to her daughter's hand, willing her to just give that extra ounce of effort, while Aunt Persia made sure nothing went wrong during delivery. A human in the room might have been scared to see the razor sharp claws and feral fangs of the mother-to-be, but the few pack women that were allowed in the room barely took notice of them.

Another half hour passed by.

"She's taking too long," he growled.

"Patience Gabriel." He looked around the room once more. They were right, he needed to be the rock for the pack. Gabriel was reassured again and again his mate would be fine. He needed to believe in Aunt Persia. But the delivery had taken such a long time.

"I'll be back in a few minutes, Will's in charge."

All three of the triplets chimed in at once. "Gabriel! You can't go in there! Men aren't supposed to be around during these kinds of things."

"I don't care. I know where I'm needed."

From her training as a healer, she knew soothing thoughts helped relax the muscles. So Vivian thought. Gabriel's eyes are blue. -- They're deep blue when he's happy. -- They're ice blue when he's angry. -- How I wish those eyes were here to calm me now. Her thoughts were interrupted by another strong push. As the wave passed over, Vivian got back her breathing.

Just then, the door swung open, and the owner of those blue eyes she longed for walked over to her side. Esmé had no choice but to move so the pack leader could be with his mate. She half smiled, and moved to Vivian's other side, to put cool cloths on her daughter's head.

He didn't speak. Gabriel just stood there, looking intently into her eyes, holding her hand, happy that she was squeezing it so hard. She was strong. Vivian smiled a small smile, and pushed again.

A few more minutes passed, but they seemed more bearable now that they were together, defying tradition once more.

"Alright, here it comes," Aunt Persia called for more cloths and hot water. "Come on Vivian, just one more time, you can do it." Vivian's breathing became more ragged. Her eyes grew wide; she tossed her head back onto the pillow, and gave the biggest effort of her life. Every muscle in her body was taut, and instead of a yell she let out a howl that could've reached the moon goddess.

Afterwards, one of the happiest sounds permeated through the room. The tiny baby's incessant wailing brought on happy tears to those who heard it. Gabriel held onto Vivian's slender arms, more in love with her than he thought he would ever be with anyone. She had given him a son, a beautiful boy with a full head of spiky dark hair and golden eyes. Vivian reached her arms out and held on to her child, instinctively counting fingers and toes before handing Jacob back to Esmé. The older women fussed over the newborn, leaving Vivian and Gabriel alone for a moment.

Vivian looked worn out, but proud all at the same time. Her eyes searched for the sapphires that gave her strength, and found they were clouded. For a moment, neither of them knew what to say, so they didn't say a thing. Gabriel cupped his hand under her chin, stroking the strands of hair plastered on her face. Her cheeks burned bright red. His face inched closer, but stopped just short of her lips. Gabriel, for the first time in his life, didn't know exactly how to kiss her, to let her know how much she loved him. Vivian felt the anticipation, felt the swell of her tired heart as she longed for him. It hurt to love someone so much at that moment. She reached her lips up to meet his, and for a moment they lingered, not asking anything of each other, just taking in the warmth.

"Now, Gabriel. She needs to rest." He pulled away for a second, punch drunk with happiness. Aunt Persia had his son in her arms, and handed him over to Gabriel. "Gently, now." Vivian's eyes brimmed with tears she couldn't control, as she caught a glimpse of what most people barely saw. Most people saw Gabriel as one of those tough guys that get whatever they want, no questions asked. She had misjudged him once, as one of those guys. But now that she knew him, really knew him, Vivian knew she had chosen the best person for her. Past that tough exterior and natural confidence, Gabriel was a genuine, thoughtful man. And it was this man that held their child as if he had always had a child in his arms to hold.

As she put her supplies away, Aunt Persia looked to the future. In a few months, Jacob would start getting the changes that made them wonderful beasts of the night. And Delilah was months older, so her changes would be coming shortly.

While Vivian rested, Gabriel kissed his son on the forehead, gently, and Jacob made the strangest, best sound. Jacob cooed like a human child, but also yipped like a pup.

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A week had passed, and not since the arrival of Delilah had the pack felt so much excitement and energy. Some pack women, like Esmé, and the half-child's mother, were allowed to take care of Vivian's children for a while, to give her a little break. Until the sun went down. Then her loup-garou mother instincts kicked in and she asked that the children be returned to her, so she could take care of them. At least, until Jacob woke up in the early hours of the morning, then Gabriel would step in and take over.

That night, Gabriel was walking up the stairs to bring Vivian a glass of water, when he heard a soft melodious song. Vivian was softly humming Delilah's lullaby. He silently entered the room, and watched his wife with their son in her arms on the rocking chair, while their daughter was fast asleep in her crib. Vivian looked up at him, and smiled, still humming. There were no signs of lack of sleep on her face. She had been well taken care of.

"You're going to have to make up a new song for Jacob," he said, kissing her gently and sitting beside her at the edge of their bed.

"I know. I've got some ideas, but I'm not sure he'll like them."

"Of course he will." Even though it was ridiculous to ask, he wondered when he would hear either of his children speak real words, and watch them take their first few steps under the full moon. "So, how long do you think-"

"Six months. Two months for Delilah. And yes, I'm already counting down the days. Delilah's going to be a fast learner, especially since social interaction speeds up learning."

"Well then its good they're getting so much social interaction here," he said, never noticing he had dropped his voice to just barely above a whisper. Vivian grinned, and felt Jacob's stillness as a sign that he had fallen asleep. Since his birth, he hadn't communicated with her through visions. Aunt Persia said it was all a matter of timing. In the womb, he had the strongest connection with his mother. She could hear the old woman's encouraging words in her head, once he realizes this person taking care of him is the same person from before, the strong mental powers should come back.

"Como estás?" she asked, happy to bring that roguish smile to his face.

"Ridiculously happy." Vivian got up from the rocking chair carefully, and placed the tiny child faced down in his crib, adjusting the cushions that kept him from rolling over accidentally.

"Why?"

"Do I need a reason?" he murmured, pulling her close. "I have everything I've ever wanted, right here. I have you, two beautiful children, and an accepting pack." Vivian glowed from all of the compliments, especially the part about their pack. Even Gabriel understands how blessed we are to have so many new members, and a half child amongst us. "But..."

"But?"

"It's just… you know the feeling you get when everything is going right? The feeling that something has to go wrong? That's what I'm worried about."

"Don't worry about it any longer," she said, placing both of her hands on his face and drawing him to her. Gabriel purred contentedly, happy to simply hold his wife in his arms. That was all he needed for a little while.

Later that night, as the sounds of soft breathing from his wife and children filled the room; Gabriel realized what he had been worried about. Nathan still wasn't back. And there was still the possibility that he could be alive.

His conscience fought against itself. Leaving the children so soon would be wrong. Leaving a pack member behind would be wrong. Pack law stated he was responsible for all of its members. But, his wife had just had children.

He paused as a whisper played in his ear. "You're thinking about Nathan, aren't you?"

"How did you know?"

"I know you Gabe. I know you haven't forgotten about Nathan. And I know you care so much about other people you can hardly find time for yourself."

"That's not me. That's you."

"I am this way because of you."

"So you think I should…"

"You know what you have to do. I will be right here to support you, whatever your decision may be." He nodded and kissed Vivian tenderly. She was more precious to him than he would ever be able to admit.

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That morning, before the sun rose, Gabriel was on his motorcycle while his wife held both of their children in her arms. Vivian refused to cry. And she refused to say goodbye to him before he left. "Be back soon. And be safe."

He leaned in and whispered in her ear while she stared straight ahead at the slowly rising sun. "Te amo."

She kissed him once, and watched as he rode off towards the reserve. Gabriel would take care of himself. He had to.

Willem and his girlfriend greeted her as she reemerged from her room; the shed that was now a healer's den. "I went ahead and reopened the inn."

"Thank you, Willem." Despite the mysterious opening and closing of the inn on several occasions, there was a lot of business to be had, from such a fine location.

But she regretted Willem's decision as more guests piled in, asking to see the other owner of the inn. "Yes, he had to go see some relatives at the hospital." Only members of her pack got any real explanations. "He went to go find Nathan. Don't tell Adam though. I don't want him to think he's in any way responsible. You know how Gabriel is, this is something he has to do, or he won't be able to live with himself."

Gabriel made his way through the forest, remembering what Vivian had told him about where she had seen Nathan last. There was a campfire. The trees were thicker. There was a small stream by their campsite. He's injured, but not very badly. There was still a possibility Nathan had been infected by the Wendigo, but that was a risk he had to take. If he came home empty handed… Well, at least he had to try.

This time, it was Vivian who was playing the waiting game. She busied herself while she waited, mixing up new antibiotic ointments, and watching some pack women as they held her children. But Gabriel was constantly on her mind. She paced around the inn, hoping Gabriel would return soon. It was about to rain.

"Drink some of this child. It will calm your nerves." She thanked her aunt, and drank down the tea.

At seven in the afternoon, the pack and some human guests gathered around the television in the living room, hearing the announcement of some breaking news.

"Vivy, isn't that-"

A man appeared on the television, offering some advice to those who had offered an eye witness account of what they thought was animals mauled by wild cats or bears. His face was familiar, if a little aged. Vivian blinked a few times. It seemed unlikely that now, of all times, Aiden would barge into her life again. And on TV no less. She snatched the remote from one of the triplets and turned the volume up. "There are things in this world we cannot understand. And I just want everyone to be on the lookout for anything suspicious. Please call this number." Then he handed the microphone back to the reporter, who relayed the story back to the news anchor.

"Paranormal expert?!" Shit. If Gabriel finds out about this he will not be pleased.

"You know him?" Vivian looked at one of the guests, aware that her pack wasn't alone.

"Uhh, yes. He and I used to go to high school together."

There was a ringing sound all through the forest, which made the birds in the trees cry out and leave in a hurry. Someone was in the forest. A lot of someone's were. They were all armed.

Gabriel cursed and loped off, looking for some cover. He hadn't yet reached the campsite, but was aware he wasn't alone. Someone had alerted the Reserve Guard about suspicious activity, and now they were going to investigate. But what did they shoot at? He realized he had to get to Nathan in time, before they did. So he waited for nightfall. When their scents wouldn't overpower everything else.

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The pack gathered in the backyard, away from the ears of their human co-inhabitants. Then they began their furious arguments, choosing to stay in their human form. Vivian tried to listen to them all, but they needed more than guidance. If only Gabriel were here, he'd silence them and make them see rationally.

"We have to leave. There are probably guards looking for us now."
"What makes you think they know about us?"
"That human boy probably told them about us!"
"We don't know for sure!"

"People, please-" Vivian was ignored as the arguments raged on.

"If we leave, they'll have more of a reason to suspect us!"
"Willem has a point. But where would we leave to?"
"We can't just leave! Think of the children!"
"The children and women will be the first to leave. They can go back. Uncle Bucky will know what to do. We'll go into the reserve and look for Gabriel."

"Oh, so Gabriel is going to solve all of our problems, is he?" Vivian winced at Adam's remark. He had respect for the pack, but obviously missed his brother.

"Shut up, boy. He's out there looking for your stupid ass brother." Adam's face blanched.

"People!" No one heard Vivian, and she began to lose her temper.

Delilah's cry rang out above all the others. The woman holding her blushed, and looked at the ground, as if she was embarrassed at her decision to bring the baby outside. Vivian held her daughter, and rocked her gently back to sleep while she talked. The pack quieted down, and were forced to listen.

"First of all, when I speak, you listen. I am your alpha-female still." Several members of the pack looked down at the ground, ashamed. Vivian had rarely called on her rank for power. "Secondly, no one is leaving to anywhere. This is our home. This is where we will be safe. If you want, we can ask the human guests to leave again. It's not like they haven't in the past." Some nodded. "I want a few men to go to the reserve and look for Gabriel. Stick together at all times. Volunteer yourselves because I am not about to pick you and start another petty argument. The rest of you have to stay here. Just in case."

Vivian and the pack females left the men to their deliberations, and walked back towards the inn. Vivian consulted with her aunt as they made their way inside. "Did you see this coming?"

"No child. You know already my third eye is slowly leaving me."

"But do you think we'll have yet another battle on our hands? A battle against humans, with guns?"

"I hope it doesn't come to that. But we should prepare just in case." Vivian nodded, and put her daughter back into her crib upstairs in their room. Jacob was already in his crib, asleep. She picked up the picture of Gabriel she took once when they went to the beach, and prayed for the best.

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"Gabriel? Is that you?" Gabriel held back, and took assessment of Nathan's wounds. There were several deep gashes that looked half healed, and some that had split open again. As he took a step towards his pack member, he remembered what Adam had said once, about a Wendigo's eyes, and edged closer towards the moonlight. Nathan's eyes caught a beam of the light, and shone yellow, like a dog's. He wasn't infected. Wendigo had red reflections in their eyes.

"I'm here to bring you back, Nathan. There's some strange stuff going on."

"I know. There are Guard's out here."

"Yeah. I don't know why though. It doesn't make sense." He slung the pack he had brought with him forward. Inside was a jar of healing ointment, splints, and a lot of bandages. Nathan cringed as he applied some ointment onto the deepest wounds, and looked up at Gabriel.

"Look Gabriel, I'm-"

"You don't have to say anything."

"No. I do. That was shit. I had no right to do that to you guys, especially after you welcomed me into your pack with open arms."

"Maybe that's the problem. We're not selective enough"

"No. That's not a problem. That's a blessing. How many packs do you think would have accepted my brother? How many do you think would have much rather killed him on the spot, to protect their pack."

"Good point. And that's why I'm here. You're strong, Nathan. An idiot, and a coward at times, but strong nonetheless. Our pack needs more strong members, especially if we are to face whatever's going on right now." Nathan nodded, and force changed back into a loup-garou.

Just then, two Guards strayed from their search team, and stumbled upon an abandoned campsite. There was a lot of blood, and strange footprints on the forest ground. They radioed their supervisor, and one of them pulled out a small slip of paper with a phone number on it from his pocket.

"What's that, Jim?"

"Do those tracks look like anything you've ever seen?"

"They sort of look like wolf prints, but-"

"Exactly. We need to bring in an expert to check these out."

"You don't really believe in that quack Aiden or whomever, do you?"

"Those tracks beg me to differ."

From a safe distance, shrouded in shadow, two loup-garoux watched them. The one with bright blue eyes bared his fangs. Aiden. He knew he needed to get back to the inn as quickly as possible, but also needed to hide the tracks. Nathan forced back a growl. Those were his tracks, and that made him responsible. He looked over at Gabriel, and both knew what they had to do. Leave as little evidence as possible.

AN: So? Did you like it? Please review! And, sorry AGAIN for the ridiculously long wait.