Cody: Hey, everyone! We're SO sorry it's been so frickin' long since we last updated LWL here! Everything's been pretty hectic, but it's finally starting to get better. I've just been so distracted all the time, I haven't been able to really work on any of the stories. Which leads me to one thing I wanna say...I can't promise there will be a third part to LWL. I'm working on getting in the the Army right now (yes, my profile still says Navy. I've gotta fix it...) and I don't know how long I'd have until I ship. If it's enough time, I'll do part 3...But again, I can't promise anything except I will try my absolute hardest!
So, nothing really too special about this chapter, other than a little bit with Crystal. I'll let you all figure out what that is... :)
The annoying buzzing of Cody's alarm broke the calm, cool morning in the bedroom, jolting him awake. He quickly reached over and turned it off, quietly cursing to himself for even turning it on. He stretched a little before turning onto his back, looking next to him to see Lilly sleepily smiling at him. He chuckled a bit and said "Woke you up too, huh?" She nodded and let out a quiet yawn before asking "Why'd you set it anyway?"
"There's some stuff I need to do today….One being getting the Jeep up from Mom and Dad's house. After that, got laundry, bills, some yardwork….Normal day." He said, yawning himself as he finished. She giggled a little and said "Well, okay then. What do you think the rest of us should do today?" He shrugged and said "Whatever you guys feel like, honestly. Probably this evening, we'll have that little party we want to." She smiled again and said "Good, I can't wait! Will your parents be here?"
"Possibly, I'm not sure. I'll have to call and ask." He said, leaning over and kissing her cheek. She softly purred and they looked down at Serenity still sound asleep, both of them smiling as Lilly said "If your parents come, I'd really appreciate it if your Mom wouldn't mind taking Serenity for a bit so I can relax a little…." Cody chuckled and said "I'm sure she'd be glad to." She giggled a little and laid her head back down, letting out a happy sigh and enjoying the nice morning.
It was short lived as there was soon a light scratch on the door, followed by Dakota quietly asked "Mom, Dad? Are you guys awake?" Cody smiled and said "Yep, we're awake. Come on in, we're decent." Lilly quietly giggled and a second later, the door handle dropped down and the door nudged open. Dakota stuck his head in and Lilly asked "What's up, honey?" He smiled a little and said "Just uh….Need to ask you something, Dad…." Cody sat up in the bed and asked "Something wrong?" Dakota tried his hardest not to even chuckle as he said "Well, not exactly "wrong", I think….Crystal uh….Had a bit of an accident….In our bed." Lilly couldn't help but giggle and asked "Dakota, what'd you do to her?"
Ten Minutes Earlier – Crystal's POV
"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME!?" I screamed as I ran through the pitch black forest, panting my life away as I tried to outrun….whatever was chasing me. It wasn't a wolf, or even a human, but more like a….shadow. It just seemed to glide across the ground, encompassing everything around it in just pure blackness. It'd been chasing after me for what seemed like an eternity after it's presence woke me in my den. It didn't talk, just made odd noises like heavy breathing and screeching, which only scared me even more. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, pounding across the dirt and dodging around trees.
I glanced back over my shoulder to see it had gained on me, my eyes wide as I commanded my legs to go faster, even though they were burning like nothing I'd ever felt before. I could hear running water ahead of me that gave me some hope. "Maybe the water will slow it down…." I thought to myself as I ran, looking back ahead of myself, but it was too late. I screamed again as I tried to stop, but couldn't and slid right off a cliff. There was a creek down below, but I knew from how small it was it wouldn't break my fall any. At best, I'd get away with a broken leg….I couldn't do anything but scream as I plummeted down to the water, closing my eyes and taking a breath at the last moment before hitting the water.
As soon as I felt the water, I felt a sharp pain in my side, making me go limp. I floated to the surface and looked up to see the shadow thing up on the cliff, glaring down at me and I could SWEAR I heard it almost whisper "Crystal…." I closed my eyes and just let the creek carry me, hearing over and over "Crystal…." I started to cry to myself as I floated along, trying to keep as still as possible so the stabbing pain would lessen. My eyes creaked open as I started to hear the roaring of a waterfall ahead and just hoped the sudden stop at the bottom would bring relief. It slowly got louder and louder and soon, I was right at it. I closed my eyes again and weakly smiled, saying "Take me…." I felt my body start to go over the edge when something grabbed me, yelling "Crystal, wake up!"
My eyes shot open as I screamed, my eyes darting around to see Dakota over me and holding my shoulders. I looked around and realized we were in our bedroom at home, my chest heaving from being so scared. "Crystal, are you okay!?" Dakota asked, looking me in the eyes. I sniffed and said "I-I think so….What happened!?" He let go and sat down next to me, saying "It looked like you were having a nightmare….You were almost running and you just about screamed at one point! What was going on in the little head of yours?" I couldn't help but crack a smile as I said "Nothing good….I don't know WHAT that was!"
He chuckled a little and asked "Did any of it involve water by any chance?" I nodded and said "Yeah, just before you woke me up….Why?" He smiled more and said "Well, the water did it or you were REALLY scared….You sorta….peed yourself." I looked at him in confusion and he motioned to my rear, so I moved a little and sure enough, there was a big wet spot in the bed….My ears dropped as I blushed madly, saying "Oh my god, I'm SO sorry! I-I didn't know…." He shook his head and nuzzled me, saying "It's alright….Shh…." I closed my eyes and let out a small whimper as I nuzzled him back, feeling horrible and embarrassed.
"Dakota, I d-didn't want-" I started when he nuzzled me more, saying "I know you didn't, it's okay….Just hush…." I buried my face in his neck and fought back my tears, feeling him put his forelegs around me. "I said hush….Don't cry, it wasn't your fault." He softly said, pulling me to him and I happily accepted it. "I'll ask Dad in a few minutes if he could run the bedding through the wash….I'm sure he won't mind." He said with a light chuckle. I smiled a little and said "Thank you, Dakota….I don't know why I had that nightmare…."
"Nobody does, they just happen. Don't hang on it….Don't let it torment you." He said, kissing my cheek. I softly purred and nuzzled against him more, feeling all the fear from that nightware just wash away from his embrace. "I love you, Dakota…." I whispered, hearing him chuckle a little as he said "I love you too, Crystal….If you'll let go of me, I'll go ask Dad about the bed…." I giggled a little and let go of him, letting him sit up. He kissed my forehead and said "I'll be right back…." I nodded and kissed him back before he walked over to the door, opening it and going out toward his parents' room. I let out a sigh and got up, looking back at the mess in the bed and thinking "What a way to start the day….."
A few minutes later, the door nudged open again and Dakota came in with his Dad, who asked "Had a bad dream, Crystal?" I blushed a little and nodded, saying "Bad is an understatement…." They both chuckled a little and he said "It's alright, I'll take care of the bed. I've gotta get some laundry done anyway, so perfect timing!" I couldn't help but giggle, even as I blushed more. He came over and took the bedding off, bundling it up and saying "Okay, I'll go get some more stuff and get it washed. Anything else you guys need?" I shook my head, along with Dakota and he said "No, I think we're good. Thanks, Dad!"
"Don't mention it, buddy." Cody chuckled as he walked out, pulling the door almost closed behind him. Dakota went over to the bed and laid down, saying "Crystal, come lay down with me….The bed's dry!" I giggled more and rolled my eyes, walking over and laying down with him. I cuddled against him again and he put his forelegs back around me, saying "There….Much better…." I nodded and said "Definitely….My stomach's hurting a little, though."
"Do you feel okay?" He asked, running his paw up and down my back. I let out a quiet moan and cuddled against him tighter, saying "Yeah, I feel fine, just hurts a little bit." He nodded and said "Well, if you start to feel any different, tell me….Don't want you getting sick…." I giggled a bit and said "I know, I know….What time is it, by the way?" He shrugged and said "Early, I know that. The sun is still coming up. Why do you ask?" I lifted my head from his chest and said "After while, let's go have some fun in the pool! I think it'll be a nice warm day, so it should feel really good!" He smiled and nodded, saying "That sounds great! Also be a good way to clean up a little."
3rd Person POV
Cody closed the door on the washing machine and started it before going back inside the house from the garage. Lilly was in the living room laying on the couch with Serenity and she was still fast asleep, snoring a little, too. Lilly looked up at Cody coming in and smiled, saying "So, that's all taken care of then?" He smiled back and nodded, saying "Yep, taken care of. Baby girl wake up at all?" Lilly shook her head and said "No, not yet. Pretty much as soon as you laid her down, she was back asleep." He went over and sat down on the couch, reaching over and gently picking Serenity up.
It must've woke her up by how she nearly started crying, but he cradled and kissed her forehead, quickly quieting her. Lilly smiled and said "I'm guessing she was comfortable there…." He chuckled and laid back against the arm of the couch, letting Serenity lay on his chest and she happily accepted it. Lilly crawled over and laid at his side, resting her head next to Serenity's and licking her cheek. She squeakily purred and shifted around a little before seemingly going back to sleep.
Lilly happily sighed and closed her eyes, asking "How long until she's actually up, moving around and playing?" Cody chuckled again and ran his hand over Lilly's head, saying "I've got no idea….I'm gonna guess a week or so, but considering she's more human like than wolf, it could be much longer." She softly purred and moved her head to his shoulder, saying "Well, either way, I can't wait for that….Oh, another question. When do I go to get my stitches out?"
"I think….either tomorrow or the day after. I'll have to call Donna later and ask." He said and she nodded, getting more comfortable against his side. He put his arm around her and started slowly running his hand up and down her side, causing her to purr more. She slowly drifted off to sleep, still purring and also snoring a bit. Cody quietly chuckled to himself and closed his eyes as well, not going to sleep, but just resting. Serenity kept squirming around a little until she apparently found her comfortable spot. "That work for you, little girl?" Cody quietly asked when she stopped moving around, lightly rubbing her back.
Down the hallway in Alexis and Chase's bedroom, she was comfortable laid on in the sunlight on her back, smiling to herself as she enjoyed the warmth. Chase was still asleep in their bed, which she didn't mind at all. Just meant she'd have some time to enjoy herself before they thought about what they'd do for the day. The sun was shining bright through the window and felt really good to her, making her warm and also sleepy again. She was starting to doze off when she heard Chase yawn and groan as he woke up.
She looked over to see him stretching out and then he looked around to see her laying in the sun. He smiled and asked "Taking in the sun?" She giggled and nodded, saying "Feels good….How'd you sleep?" He got up and stretched again, saying "Pretty good, actually. You?" She smiled and said "I slept great! New question….What do you wanna do today?" He chuckled and shrugged, saying "No idea….We DO have that nice pool outback now, so maybe if it's warm enough…."
"Sounds good to me! Until then, what do you feel like doing? Other than have breakfast." She giggled as he walked over beside her and sat down. He smiled and leaned down, kissing her on the nose and said "I think I could go without breakfast today….I've got one hell of a feast for the eyes right here in front of me." She blushed red and giggled more, playfully pushing his shoulder and saying "Oh, stop….Just because I'm laid out like this means you get to drool over me?"
"Well, you're the only that always looks so sexy….Can't exactly help myself…." He chuckled, leaning down again and kissing her stomach this time. She let out a soft moan mixed with a giggle, saying "Chase….You know what that does to me…." He smiled and kept kissing up and down her stomach, making her moan and sigh more. She glanced over and saw the tip of his wolfhood peeking out, causing her to get a little more excited. "I think I've got an idea what we could do…." He said between kisses, taking in her amazing scent. She smiled and leaned over, licking his tip and causing him to groan a little as she said "So do I…."
Back out in the living room, Cody was cooking breakfast now in the kitchen while Lilly and Serenity still slept on the couch. Eve, Kevin, Naomi and Todd were all curled up in the living room as well in two big balls of fur. He'd been cooking for about ten minutes now and was almost done when he heard a yawn from the living room. He looked over to see Naomi stretching with a groan before lifting her head and looking around. He smiled and said "Morning, Naomi!" She looked back at him and smiled too, sleepily saying "Hi, Cody….I take it you're cooking breakfast?" He nodded and she giggled a little, saying "Great, because I'm STARVING!"
He chuckled as well and said "I'll bet. Being pregnant does that to you….How long has it been so far?" She thought for a moment before saying "I think about two weeks. Maybe three?" He nodded and said "Sounds about right. How's Todd been since you got pregnant?" She smiled and said "He's been great! A little overprotective, though…." He chuckled again and said "Well, he should be! He can't let anything hurt his mate and pups…." She giggled again too and said "Yeah, but it's kinda over the top….He won't even let me take a nice dip in the water if it's at or over my shoulder."
"Okay, fair point. You know he only does it because he really cares for you, right?" Cody asked, smiling at her. She was too and said "I know….And don't get me wrong, I absolutely love how much he looks after me, but….I feel it gets to be a little much at times." Cody nodded and said "Well, just ask him to let up a little when you feel like that. He'll understand, I promise. I was pretty much the same way when Lilly was pregnant….Both times." Naomi giggled and said "Really?"
"Really. I was always nervous she'd get hurt somehow….But, looking back, I know I was a little too strict sometimes." He said, putting the last of the cooked eggs onto a plate. Naomi took a deep breath of the smell of food and her stomach loudly growled, making her giggled again as she said "Seems they're pretty hungry this morning…." Cody chuckled and brought a plate in for her, setting it down and saying "Well, you better make them full before they get mad at you, little Mama." She giggled more and dug into her breakfast, savoring every bit instead of wolfing it down like she so wanted to. Cody went over and woke everyone else up before going down the hall and doing the same.
He woke Lilly up as he came back out and distributed all the remaining plates as everyone came to breakfast. It was rather quiet as everyone ate and soon enough, they were done, so he took the plates back and put them in the dishwasher. He sat down on the couch with Lilly and took his phone out, dialing the vet's phone number. It rang a couple times before Donna answered it, saying "Hey, Cody. Recognized the number….What can I do for ya?"
"Morning, Donna! Just wanted to know when you think Lilly should come in to have her stitches taken out." Cody said, chuckling a little. "Hmm, let's see….It won't be for a couple more days. It's only been, what, three days?" Donna asked. "Yep, about that. So, about the seventh day is good?" Cody said, leaning back on the couch. "That sounds about right to me. I wanted to ask you something while I've got you….Think today would be okay for me to come up and finally see you two's little girl?" Donna asked with a giggle.
"Of course it'd be okay! In fact, there's someone else that would really like to talk to you as well….He's a pretty good friend." Cody said, smiling. "Oh, okay! Any idea what time would be good?" Donna asked. "I'd have to say around noon or so. He hasn't called yet to let me know when he's coming back up today, so I'm just guessing noon." Cody said. "Okay, sounds about perfect to me. One of the girls I've been training for assistant manager said she's got it enough I could take the day if I want." Donna said and Cody smiled again, saying "That's great! Maybe now you'll be able to get a day off once in a while…."
"Yeah, maybe! Okay, I've gotta let you go now, Cody. Got a couple that just came in that I've been expecting. See you all pretty soon!" Donna said. Cody nodded and said "See you later, Donna!" They shared their goodbyes and hung up and Lilly asked "So, she's gonna come up later today?" Cody smiled and said "Yep, sounds like it. Can't wait for her to finally see little Serenity here…." He reached over and gently picked her up, kissing her forehead as he did. Lilly giggled and said "And in a few more days, I can get theses stitches out….Sounds good to me!"