Time for a plan

Time for a plan
“Yes, but we will soon have two of our own. I just hope they will be as happy and easygoing as Mavis,” Bella smiled.

“And we can sit back and let Logan and Mickey make all the mistakes. We will then do the opposite and be perfect parents,” Graham smiled deviously. Bella laughed and kissed his cheek.

“That plan won’t get you out of reading the books I have ordered,” she said.

“Bring it on. I will read every book you put in front of me,” he told her.

“Have you talked to Logan after he got the news?” Bella asked.

“I have,” Graham laughed.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Because I have never heard anyone try to report the latest progress of a search operation and at the same time ask what type of toys a two-month baby likes,” Graham chuckled. “It was quite an interesting conversation,” he added.

“I take it he is excited,” Bella smiled.

“Oh, he has passed excited a long time ago. This little pup will be the most spoiled pup in the pack,” he said.

“I think she will have competition once the beans get here. I have a sneaking suspicion they will get spoiled as well,” Bella said. Graham smiled at her and placed his hand on her belly.

“You might be right. When all of this is over, I think we should take Mickey and Logan and go shopping,” Graham said. “You and Mickey can shop for winter clothes and things for the pups, and Logan and I will carry the bags,” he said.

“Gray, have I done something wrong? Why are you trying to punish me?” Bella sighed over dramatically.

“It will be fun,” Graham promised.

“I’ll remind you that you said that,” Bella told him and gave him a kiss.

They had all agreed that Mavis’ adoption wouldn’t be announced to the pack until after the funeral for Thomas. Mickey had wanted them to wait until Logan got back home. Graham had agreed as long as it didn’t drag out.

As Mickey and Bastian were done with the paperwork, they all went down to eat. After dinner, Graham and Bella went with Mickey to get him and Mavis settled in.

Graham helped Mickey to arrange his nightstands in the same way he had done the previous night for Bella. Both Mickey and Bella were adamant that it was necessary. As Bella and Graham were about to leave, Mickey grabbed hold of Bella’s hand.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” he said nervously. Bella smiled at him.

“I know you can. But if you feel overwhelmed, I will stay with you for tonight,” she smiled. Mickey glanced at Graham.

“Oh, don’t mind Gray. He won’t object,” Bella reassured him.

Mickey looked at Mavis, that were now sleeping. He then looked at Bella with a small smile.

“You think I can do it?” he asked.

“I know you can. How many times haven’t you babysat your siblings? Mavis is one pup, one calm and happy pup,” she said.

“And we are only a mind link away,” Graham added.

“Yeah, I can do this,” Mickey nodded.

Bella smiled and kissed him on his cheek.

“I wouldn’t have asked you if I didn’t think so. We’ll see you in the morning. Just mind link if there is anything,” she told him. He nodded.

The next day Bella sighed as she realised she would not be able to wear the white dress that had become her funeral dress. Her belly had grown to where even the stretchy fabric wouldn’t let her zip it up. Fortunately, she had ordered some more accommodating dresses from Carlotta’s.

As she shimmied out of her dress, Graham came walking into the closet. He watched her with a smile.

“You are supposed to be getting dressed, not taking the clothes off. Normally I wouldn’t object, but we have a limited time,” he commented and continued to study her now half naked body.

“Funny. It won’t fit,” Bella pouted as she walked over and hung the dress on a hanger and took out the other white dress.

Before she could put it on, Graham had stepped up behind her and placed his hands on her belly.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I’m just having a bad moment, with the funeral and me being worried about Logan and the warriors and the pack in general. I’m just feeling a little down,” she said. She felt him kiss her neck and lean into her.

“That’s understandable,” he told her. They stood like that for a while.

“Gray, will you still find me attractive when I get enormous?” Bella asked.

“What are you talking about, sweetheart?” he said.

“I’m carrying twins. I’m already getting too big for my regular clothes. Before this is over, I will be huge. And even after, my body won’t be the same as before,” she told him.

“I don’t care, Ellie. First, I love you for who you are, not how you look. That will never change. Second, no matter how you look, you will be sexy. If I’m being honest, I find it very hot that you are growing because we have made two pups together. It makes me feel very manly,” he chuckled.

“And even when the pups are born, your body will be sexy and the changes to it will only be evidence of our love. There is no way that’s not sexy,” he said, letting his hands wonder over her body.

“If we didn’t have to be downstairs for a funeral in fifteen minutes, I would show you just how much I love you and your body,” he whispered in her ear and nibbled on her earlobe.

Bella felt the love from him, and she couldn’t help but let out a soft sob.

“Ellie, why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?” he asked, sounding worried as he made her turn around to face him.

“I love you, Gray. Thank you for being so wonderful to me,” she smiled with tears in her eyes.

“You are killing me with the crying, love,” he said, wiping the stray tears away.

“Sorry, can’t help it. I’m just so happy,” she said, and had to laugh at the confused look on his face.

“I guess it’s good then, but please stop crying,” he said, kissing her.

“I’ll do my best. Now help with this dress, it has a zipper in the back,” Bella said as she pulled the dress over her head.

The funeral was just as sad as Mikka’s. As they all stood watching the pyre burn, Bella leaned into Graham and prayed to the goddess that this was the last pack member they would lose in a long time. It was never good when funerals became everyday events.

Mikka’s parents were huddled close together and Mickey stood with Mavis in his arms. Bella looked out over the pack and worried how much more they would have to endure before they could feel safe again.

‘Stop worrying, sweetheart,’ Graham mind linked her.

‘It’s my job to worry,’ she told him. He sighed and rubbed her arms.

‘I wish I could give you a life of peace and quiet,’ he said.

‘I know, love. We will get there,’ she told him.

‘Do you think so?’ he asked.

‘I know it. I have faith in you and in our friends,’ she reassured him.  

When the pyre had burned down and they had gotten back to the pack house, Bella felt like she wanted nothing more than to take an early night and curl into bed with Graham and just have one of their nights when they lay in bed talking about whatever popped into their minds.

As she was about to suggest it to Graham, his phone buzzed. He looked at it and then at her.

‘Logan want’s a call. Why don’t you go up to bed and I’ll join you as soon as we are done,’ he mind linked her. She smiled at him.

‘Do you really expect me to do that, Gray?’ she asked.

‘No, but I thought it was worth a try. Let’s grab Bastian and head up to my office,’ he smiled.

The three of them settled in, and Graham called Logan.

“Hi boss,” Logan answered.

“Hi, Logan. I have Ellie and Bastian here with me. How are things?” Graham asked.

“We have located the base. The Mistvally have sent in their best information gatherer. Well, let’s be honest, their best spy. Man, is she skilled. Anyway, she reports Devon is there and that they are very much aware of our efforts to find them,” Logan reported.

“The luna’s assumptions were right. Devon is choosing to stay and pull back all the rogues to the main base to defend it. According to our information, he has put out a reward to anyone that can kill Delilah. He has deemed her a traitor to their cause,” Logan continued.

“Okay, thank you Logan. We will talk to the other alphas and decide on what to do next,” Graham said.

“Good work, Logan. How are the warriors? Are the Blueridge pack treating you alright?” Bella asked.

“Thank you. We are all fine, they are being good hosts, we aren’t lacking anything, luna. In fact, we have two matings. Both Anya and Samuel have found their mates,” Logan said, and Bella heard him smile.

“That’s wonderful news. Let us know what they decide to do,” she smiled.

“Will do,” he promised.

As they ended the call, they got the message that there would be an emergency meeting between the alphas. Bastian left the office to tell Charlotte and Mickey about the news.

Bella and Graham prepared for their meeting. Bella smiled. It felt good to finally be able to put together a plan for taking down the rogues.