AAN: I am really in a writing mood with this story I guess lol. Gotten love writing moods. Please R&R.

Hardships in Motherhood

Genki smiled as he felt Holly and the pup snuggled close to him. It was an hour after dawn and he was unusually awake. Silently he looked to the ceiling and began to talk with his God. Father last night was hard. I want to help her but I don't want to break my covenant with you by bedding her. Please help me to stay strong as I help her. Lead Holly into understand both me and You, Lord. I know her beliefs now and you protected my heart as I read of them. Please help Holly to see the Truth of your love, mercy, and grace for her. In Jesus name amen. He felt her shift in his arms; his gaze met hers gently.

"You're awake rather early."

"Yeah. How are you feeling this morning?" she leaned forward to briefly kiss him,

"Fine. Much better then yesterday."

"Any pain still?"

"Yes, a little but its nothing I can't handle."

"I could alleviate that too…" his voice grew soft and semi embarrassed as they both blushed.

"It's alright. I want to talk for awhile right now."

"Alright… what about?" a moment of silence transcended before her answer came,

"Your holy book. I have a few things I don't understand."

"Go ahead."

"Why would this God of yours care enough about this world to send his son to death for it? Wasn't he angry with us as he was the Israelites? Why not just kill all the sinners off?" Genki weighed his words carefully before answering,

"Well, though He was angry and hurt by our sin, He never stopped loving us. If He destroyed all the sinners, as He did with the great flood, then very few, if any would be alive. This is why His Son came. He paid our debt for us, by His own will, which we could not pay." Holly seemed to ponder this for a moment, before leaning into him seeking comfort in his prescience. Genki held her closer, protectively hoping to sooth her fears.

"Genki, if that is true then why does it matter what we do?" her voice just above a whisper.

"It matters because we not only have to accept Christ's help in paying our debt, but we are indebted to Him. Therefore we should want to walk with Him in our journey. If we don't walk with Him, He will never truly know us on a personal level, nor will we know Him. In the book of Revelations it speaks of the penalty for those who believe but do not walk with him and know him. He will tell them 'I never knew you, depart from me you who work iniquities'. Knowing him means to listen and talk with him, to do as he asks of us like a servant rather then serving ourselves for some gain."

He felt Holly shiver in his arms and automatically pulled her closer trying to comfort her. Even the pup clung to her and nuzzled her feeling her discomfort and possibly her pain. She began to cry softly, alarming as it was he calmed himself, holding her as she cried whispering, "It's alright, Holly. You're safe here with me and your family."

"Are you and this pup really my family?"

"Yes, Holly, we are, this pup, Marie, our friends, and me. The pack will consider you family soon and I know this village cares about you." He kissed her forehead holding her closely. "I will never leave your side. You are my soul mate and the only woman I will ever love."

"Genki, How can I ever completely understand you? You're more complex then I ever thought you'd be…"

"In time, Holly, things will become easier. Just take it one thing at a time, one day at a time. Don't worry about the future. You will know all you need to about me before I ask for your hand in marriage, I promise." Holly's cheeks turned colors as she stared into his eyes.

"You truly wish to marry me?"

"Yes, I truly do." She kissed him deeply for a few moments. Then broke the kiss to whisper, "Thank you… you don't know what this means to me."

"I think I have an idea." He winked at her. "Let's get up and get some breakfast going. I'd like to have you meet the pack before I head off to work." She nodded. Genki rose first politely turning his back to her as she changed her clothes. He dressed quickly and waited for her ok to turn around again.

Holly prepared breakfast for everyone as Genki took care of feeding the pup and entertaining Marie. Genki noted that during breakfast Holly seemed very nervous. He guessed she wasn't sure about meeting the pack yet. After breakfast Genki took Holly's hand and walk with her, the pup, and Marie to the packs makeshift den. The eldest of the pack noticed them first most of them were laying in the sun relaxing. Cloud Berry was the first to come over, bowing to them both. She took time to greet Marie too. The beta male from before Night Singer was the first male to come over and greet them. He bowed to Genki then took his time looking over Holly. Genki made gestures toward Holly indicating she was indeed his chosen mate. Holly seemed uneasy but with a little reassurance stood her ground as one by one each wolf came over to meet her. The young females and males not providing much of a problem. The last was Raging Flight the previous alpha male. He lunged for Holly only to be force to his back again by Genki. Genki had evidently read his movements. Surprising even Holly and Cloud Berry with the speed in which he reprimanded the male. The young male approached Holly again this time showing his submission, much to Holly's relief. Though nervous she never showed fear, much to Genki's relief. When it came to the pup Genki had to give a rather punctuated growl to Raging Flight to get him to put his hackles down and lay down. Finally he licked the pup and retreated away from Genki's gaze. Genki noted that some of the villagers were up on the hill watching them. The Garou paid them no heed. He let two of the younger members baby sit the pup and Marie. A young female named Lily fur and a male named Sage Ears. Holly noted the two kept and eye on Raging Flight. Genki made notice that Night Singer seemed to have an affinity for Cloud Berry. In the corner of Genki's eye he noticed Raging Flight lunge for the pup. The younger baby sitters though frightened both blocked him. Receiving wounds in the process, but allowing Genki enough time to ram him and knock him out of range of the pup. The wounded Sitters brought the pup and Marie to Holly and safe guarded her. Genki knocked the young male down over and over. Still he refused to relinquish. It wasn't until the wind blew that Genki caught a strange and startling scent from the male. Distracted he was bitten in the face. His hackles raised his teeth bared that Raging Flight. On his next lunge though Cloud Berry knocked him down. A group of the eldest formed a ring around him with Genki, each helping subdue him. Holly seemed shocked by this display, as did the villagers who now all gathered with the monsters at the top of the hill. The younger members had formed a ring of protection around Holly with Lily Fur next to Holly and Sage Ears protecting both Marie and the pup. Genki called some orders in high-pitched yips and yaps and a few growls. The others pulled their ears back baring there fangs at Raging Flight. He didn't relinquish though. Instead he attacked. The elder pack members worked together attacking, making sure any more injuries were slight. Genki feared for the pack safety now. When he realized the young male was not going to back down even though he was exhausted and he seemed crazed he moved to kill him. But when Raging Flight tried to attack and fell to the ground he ordered the others away. He knew the male would not get up. Holly looked to her protector and asked softly,

"What's going on? Why are they attacking him?"

"He is refusing to back down. He is breaking pack law. But… something is wrong… and I think the Alpha knows that. He is being very cautious with the attack." Holly looked at the now heavily breathing male on the ground, his wounds were minor but he could not rise though he tried several times. Genki backed the rest away from him and the all seemed to go and clean their mouths of the young males blood in the stream. Genki paced near the male but dared not go near him again. When the male let out a sharp yip that hurt everyone's ears, Cloud Berry lunged to kill the male. Genki knocked her away, growling and speaking with her. Only then did she stop and take her place with the rest of the pack. The male died soon enough, foam on his lips caught Dr Harvey's attention. Only after he was dead did Genki approach his corpse and sniff it. He returned with the others and joined their mournful howling. Dr Harvey approached the body but did not touch it. He then looked at Genki and the others. Genki seemed anxious; it was obvious he knew what was wrong with that male. He rose to his hind legs and walked over to Dr Harvey.

"Genki… he was…"

"Yes, He was rabid." The Dr nodded. "If you can find a vaccine it will be greatly appreciated." He moved back to the pack and called them together explaining the situation to them all. The pup yipped a few times but the adults and juveniles ignored his input. Cloud Berry who was also injured sat next to Holly.

"Holly, I know that was confusing to you. But that male was sick… he was crazed with rage. I do not know how long he had been sick though. Genki sensed it as we all did, that's why we helped with the fight, delaying and wearing Raging Flight down until he was killed by the illness… Genki stopped me from killing me with a punctual reminder of how contagious the disease is. Any who were bitten… could be infected." Holly looked at the pack noting almost all the older members were injured… and looking at Genki shot fear into her heart. He had one of the worst injuries besides the two members who had protected her, the pup, and Marie. Genki and the other wolves caught the scent of her fear but knew she feared for them and their alpha. The pack seemed as anxious as their leader, Genki let them go off and relax best they could as he walked to a near by bluff to think. He paced the entire time; Holly had never seen him do something like that before. Rising she went and spoke with Larry telling him and the villagers what she had been told. Dr Harvey confirmed it was indeed rabies and it could transfer to humans. When Holly tried to approach Genki, Cloud Berry and Night Singer stopped her.

"Leave him be he must think, only he might know of a cure." She looked to the two wolves who had saved her children and moved to thank them. They seemed startled by her approach but as she sat with them and gave them both hugs they understood. Her tears surprised the pack though. But were greatly appreciated. The villagers had left to have a meeting as well. Wondering if the pack and Genki should be allowed to stay now. Tiger decided to stay near Holly but the rest of the monsters dispersed to soak in the possibly of Genki dying. Tiger was easily accepted into the pack, and enjoyed playing with some of the younger wolves. Holly noted that he seemed to understand them rather well. As she watched the packs movements she noticed they we easier to read then she had originally thought. She visited each wolf speaking with them or just sitting with them. All seemed sad; some mourned the male's death while others seemed fearful for the alpha. When Genki returned he also seemed sad, he spoke to them then walked over to Holly. "Go back to the house, the pup will need his food soon. I will be there very soon. I must speak with the villagers. Then I will tell you what I have decided to do." She obeyed and took Marie and the pup back to the house with Tiger.

The villagers seemed shocked when Genki walked in; some feared him even more now. "Relax, I am not ill yet. I do have an announcement though."

"We are listening," The headman assured quieting everyone down.

"I have decided I will take every injured Garou with me to find an elder of my race, only they would know if a cure exists. Dr Harvey, I know you have no cure but if you have a vaccine it would be appreciated, it may prevent some of us from getting sick since this virus does remain dormant for a time before it harms its host. I have the pack burning the male's body to prevent it spreading from him anymore. Those not wounded will remain here to protect you. They are younger members and I doubt they will be much trouble… they will be mourning our departure and his death for a time." He looked around to see approving nods.

"Are you leaving as well?"

"Yes, head master… As my face shows I too have been bitten. I will not allow any member to return as long as I live until I am certain they are not sick…."

"And Holly?" Larry asked.

"Larry, If I give you a bunch of knowledge on my race and on the wire wrap jewelry before I leave can you give Holly my pay for a it? Also Athena and Dr Harvey… please watch over them and the younger pack members. Humans you may be but you are still older then them. They will respect you." He received more approving nods. "Thank you all. I must go now… I have to tell Holly and my friends my decision. The pack already knows." With that he left for the ranch house.

Holly and the monsters were waiting for him when he returned, the pup asleep in Holly's lap and Marie up stairs in bed. Holly's eyes showed deep worry and fear in them. He took a deep breath and sat down with them.

"Genki… are you… infected…" Holly chocked out.

"I might be Holly. He did bite me. I have done a lot of thinking…"

"And?" Tiger interjected for Holly.

"As hard as this is I must take the others who were bitten and leave. Only an Elder Garou would know of a cure… and I can't risk any of you becoming infected. The remainder of the pack will stay here. Holly they will look to you as leader in my absence."

"Genki… No… What if you…" She trailed of tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Holly, please. This is hard for me too. I will not remain here with them and risk the whole village. Dr Harvey will give us a vaccine before we leave. It may buy some time. If I do not return in 6 months time…. Then more then likely I will be dead. We'll leave in the morning."

"What about this pup and Marie…."

"Holly, you know everything you need to take care of this young one. Marie trusts you now. And she loves the younger pack members." She looked away from him angry with him, he merely sighed and walked up stairs. He did not come down again for dinner; instead he stayed upstairs writing information of his kind down and even drawing images for Larry's book. He also documented more of his wire wrapping and made a few more unique pieces.

Holly came to his room to find him up late still writing.

"Genki…"

"Holly." He rose and walked over to her, she slapped him in anger then buried her head in his chest. He merely held her knowing she was in pain. "I must do this. Please… I promise I will do everything in my power to come back to you. And I will howl my love to you each night. If you no longer hear my howls or the pack doesn't… then…"

"Don't say it… please."

"That pack cannot hunt without its elders… I have already spoken with the villagers. And the younger members will probably hang out around you. Please try to be patient with them."

"I'll try."

She tried to kiss him on the lips but he differ it and kissed her cheek. She sighed and settled for his cheek instead of his lips.

"I will not risk you catching this."

They lay down together to rest, he made sure to take in every sight, sound, and scent about her. It might be the last time he would be with her this way.

When morning came, Dr Harvey gave all the wounded Garou vaccinations; Holly packed Genki a light pack of supplies. Genki handed over his work to Larry who shook his hand. Everyone in the village saw them off. Genki reassure Holly again and introduced her to Feather Foot as her new helper. Genki nodded to them and with a howl lead his wounded pack members off to find an elder and a cure. The younger members seemed distraught but knew why he was doing this. The young male Feather Foot came over to Holly bowing to her.

"He will come back. He is wise and he will be well looked after." She nodded, then turned to walk to the house, tears trailing down her cheeks. The pack followed her; the monsters weren't sure what to do with them. Tiger howled and lead the members off to learn to hunt with Greywolf, after Holly seemed to ignore all but Feather Foot. The pup greeted her making her smile momentarily.

"Feather Foot, how do Garou get their names?"

"We get them from our traits."

"What about this little one?"

"He is still too young for a name."

"Will you help me name him?"

"Yes, when he earns a name." She nodded, not really understanding that but respecting their way. When she walked into her room for some time alone to think, Feather Foot watching the pup for her, she found two books on her bed. One was Genki's Bible, the other a very worn leather bound book. A note with them from Genki.

Holly,

By the time you find these I shall have left… I want you to have them in my absence. You haven't finished reading your part yet; keep the bible until you do. This other book is an old family heirloom. I decoded its text for you. Please read it, it will help you lead the young pack while I am gone. I love you more then life its self, I shall always be with you in your heart and in your dreams.

-Genki

Holly began to cry holding both to her chest. She knew she would suffer though these next few months alone. Without her true love to help her through the pain.

AAN: Yeah I know it's a cliffhanger. I shall update again very soon, promise.