1.5 - A Wolf in Our Midst

Illdrid knew, intuitively, the following morning that she was carrying a child. She hoped that it was James’ child. It seemed a bit soon for it to be his, but she didn’t really understand how this whole pregnancy thing worked. Especially where vampires were concerned. She had lived in a different realm for so long, a realm where pregnancy was not discussed. She knew that only certain women were given the position of “Breeder.” They were responsible for birthing and raising young fae.  Her mother had been one. But she never learned more than that. She and Shae had been expelled before they received their assignments, before they could even learn what the various assignments meant.

Instead of dwelling on the potential father, Illdrid decided she’d share the good news with her sister. Maybe their plan was coming to fruition sooner than they thought. She traipsed into Shae’s bedroom chanting, “We’re gonna have a baby! We’re gonna have a baby!” Shae squealed in delight and clasped Illdrid’s hands, pulling her on the bed.

They lay together in silent contentment for a few moments, before Shae turned to her sister. “Oh, Illie. I can’t wait to go home. To show all our peers that they were wrong about us.”

Illdrid frowned, “But Shae, they weren’t wrong about us.”

“Well no, not really. But they were so mean. They didn’t have to be so mean. And you were always the strong one. It was like their little barbs didn’t even affect you. You just kept going on with your life like nothing was wrong.”

Illdrid giggled. “Shae, I wasn’t strong. I just didn’t really notice what they had to say about us. I just figured if they wanted to be friends, they would. If they didn’t want to, they wouldn’t. Childhood friendships don’t matter once you’re given your assignment. And we didn’t even get to that point! Honestly, if it was so horrible, I don’t know why you want to return so badly.”

Shae looked shocked at her sister’s reply. “Don’t you remember what it was like there? Everything so green and full of life. Heirlefr and Brynhildr constantly playing tricks. Remember the time they convinced mama that the tree sprites had kidnapped them. She was so angry! I miss our siblings. I miss mama.”

Illdrid hugged her sister. “I know, sweet one. But mama is no longer in a living realm. Going home will not bring her back.”

Tears sprung to Shae’s eyes. “Why didn’t she mask us, like she did papa? He was able to live among the fae, and they all thought he was one of them. If she had just disguised us, we would be home and she and papa would still be alive.”

“Her power was not strong enough. I’m sure she hoped that we would develop our powers as we aged, but it seems we were much too human for that. I don’t think we would fit in there, any more than we do here. But for you, I will keep trying.”

“Oh sister, I do adore you. I’d never be able to survive this horrid place without you.”

Illdrid grinned and kissed her sister’s forehead. “Now off to work with you. I’m going to return to 

 bed. This baby is using up more of my energy than I’d like to admit.”

Usually her job in the military was just a long, grueling affair that Shae regretted ever signing up for. But today, today something was different. She had a new co-worker. His name was Derek. He was tall, handsome, and apparently, he really liked music. Shae also sensed there was something about him that wasn’t quite human. She felt a spark of electric energy when she was in his presence and knew she just had to take the initiative. He immediately agreed to a date, and the two met up at The Chalk and Gown, the local dive bar.

“So, what brought you to these parts?” Shae asked while the bartender, dressed as a witch, mixed them up a volatile concoction.

Derek grinned as he was handed his flaming drink. “It was just time for a change.” His answer was mysterious, but Shae didn’t press any further. It was none of her business why he was there. “What about you?”

Shae smiled mysteriously. “Oh, you know. Just about the same – time for a change and all that.” Derek barked with laughter and gulped down the rest of his drink. He sauntered over to the shuffleboard table and motioned for Shae to join him.

Even though she had never played before, she discovered that she was rather good at it. Well, either that, or Derek was letting her win. But somehow she felt that his pouting and posturing wasn’t all pretend. “Man! How could get that score?” he grumbled as he walked away from the table.

Shae followed him, feeling a little bit tipsy and adventurous from her drink. “Don’t I get a reward for besting you?” she asked, her voice low and husky. She brought a hand up to stroke his face. Something dark and dangerous flashed in his eyes as he drew her closer.

“Come, love. Let us rent a room. I will give you the prize you request,” Derek's voice was a sultry hum in her ear. Shae knew getting involved with a coworker was a bad idea, but it was a little bit late for those thoughts.So she allowed him to purchase a room for the evening, and she crawled onto the bed.

It was her first time. Her kisses were a bit clumsy, but, they dove beneath the covers and sent the bed a-rocking. When they finished, they held each other, and he lightly caressed her hand. "Short story is, I inherited."

Shae looked down at him, confused at his sudden outburst before remembering his mysterious answer at the bar. "Okay. Why did you feel like you had to keep that a secret?"

“Well  I guess that’s where the long story comes in. I received a letter from a lawyer indicating that I had inherited a property here from a great uncle. I was, apparently, his only living relative. I wasn’t particularly close with my family, so I wasn’t surprised that I had a great uncle I didn’t know about. But I was content where I was. I had no plans to move. So I turned down the house, told the lawyer the state could have it.

But that’s when the weird stuff started happening. First, I was jailed for a crime I didn’t commit – a robbery. In retrospect, I’m not sure there was even a crime to begin with. But they kept me in jail for a month, before releasing me with no explanation. By that time, I had lost my job and my home was repossessed. I had no choice but to get in contact with the lawyer to see if I could get my uncle’s house back. The lawyer informed me that it was still mine and he was exceedingly pleased that I had decided to take it. It was all very strange.

So when I got here, I decided to join the military in the hopes of getting to the bottom of the mysteries here and in Moonlight Falls and to figure out how the towns relate. And now…here I am…with you. I didn’t know, at first, if I could trust you. I guess I still don’t know. You’re just so sweet and soft and lovely…”

Shae nuzzled against him and sighed into his arms. She felt honored that he had shared so much with her. They barely knew each other, but she felt a bond forming. “I will share a secret with you,” she said, “but you probably won’t believe me.”  Derek tensed in her arms and grew alert. Shae giggled.

“Don’t worry. It’s nothing sinister. And certainly nothing to do with your story.

I have a sister. I hope you’ll meet her some day. We were banished from the Realm of the Fae for not being fairy enough. We had a human father,” Shae said and went on to relay the entire story, all the way up to her sister’s recent pregnancy announcement.

Derek raised his eyebrows, “Oh. She’s already pregnant?”

Shae narrowed her eyes and replied, “Yes. Do you have a problem with it?”

Derek shrugged. “No, no problem. I just don’t want you rushing off and deserting me here.” He pulled her closer and kissed away any of her worries. They fell asleep in each others' arms.

The next morning, Derek pulled out his cell phone while Shae got ready for work in the bathroom. He dialed a number, glancing up every few seconds to make sure Shae hadn’t returned. “I’ve infiltrated the pair. The dark haired one is already pregnant. The child is likely a human.”

A female cackled in reply. “Good, good. Don’t let them out of your sight.”

“I know my mission,” Derek snarled into the phone before hanging up. Shae returned to the room and saw the dark look on Derek’s face.

“Is everything okay?” she asked, worrying that maybe he was going to humiliate her like Michael did to Illdrid.

The dark cloud passed over Derek’s features and he looked up with a smile. “Yes, darling. Just some complications with the lawyer I told you about. Let’s go to work, and I’ll sort it out later.”

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DUN DUN DUN!! Suspense! Will the shenanigans never end for these ladies? Anyway, the lovely Derek was not created by me, but he can be found Here!.