When Seraph was finished, silence was his answer, it was heavy and foreboding. His tone was grim and severe as he looked at the Alphas without flinching. He couldn't afford to show any weakness before them.
Drogo narrowed his gaze and his body shifted to stand between Seraph and Luna. The mana flared brighter as his anger intensified. "He gave you this prophecy?" he asked incredulously. The steel in his voice sent a shiver of apprehension down Seraphs' spine.
Seraph folded his hands in front of him as he leaned forward, head bowed low. "He did indeed. He said we need to train your son for the war to come," Seraph responded. Seraph's voice was stern and impassive.
"War, what war?" Luna's mana exploded out from her as she whipped her head to face Seraph, the force of her mana was like a harsh wind that ran through the tent. She had no plans on her son leading a force to war. She would protect him, guide him and nurture him always. There would be no damn war.
"According to Koray, within the next thirty years, there will be a war for survival. Between what remains of the Alpha shifter clans, and the extremists that wish to eradicate us for good," Seraph said calmly. Well, honestly this is a better reaction than I feared. Both of them are taking this much calmer. I have expected to already be on the ground bleeding by now.
Luna shook her head vehemently, her mana swirling around her and Fenrir as a protective shield. Even Drogo turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow and took half a step forward.
"No! My child will not lead an army. There will be no war!" Luna glared at them both, the fire in her gaze daring them to contradict her as she clutched her son to her breast to try getting him to latch on and feed.
Drogo, who had stayed silent in thought, and looked between Seraph's calm cool expression, and Luna's face, contorted with anger and fear. "It's alright, Luna. What he said may not even come to pass. A lot can happen in thirty years. Let us just take this time to bask in the joy of our son." Drogo walked over slowly and deliberately, as he leaned down to cup her cheek tenderly, his callused palm gentle against her soft skin.
Luna closed her eyes and for a moment a look of peace washed over her face. She nodded and let out a soft gasp as Fenrir finally latched on.
Luna smiled apprehensively as her son latched onto her nipple for the first time. It was a strange sensation, having a child feed from her body. The feeding filled her with warmth, love and adoration for the tiny being in her arms. Like a connection between souls was forged by the act.
Luna knew, even then, that her son had her wrapped around his tiny little pinky. She was lost in those beautiful blue eyes. They were just like his fathers'. He was so perfect. She would rip the throats out of anyone that dared to hurt her son or force him to lead in a war.
"I won't let it happen. I won't," she promised out loud as she felt her son continue to feed from her milk. She glanced at Seraph and flashed a fang at him. "Leave. Now." Her voice contained a deep rumble that allowed for no arguing. She didn't want any part of prophecies, gods, or wars to come.
Seraph knew better than to ignore the command. Female wolves were highly aggressive as a rule, and even more so right after delivery. "As you command, my Alpha," he said as he bowed low, backing out of the tent. As the tent flap was lifted Drogo was able to look out and see the rain was over. He walked over and peered out into the night.
With the storm appearing to be at its end, members of the clan came out of their tents. Several of them did checks around the perimeter, examining the barrier poles for any weaknesses or broken devices. Other members began stroking the flames in the pits as they gathered around.
The atmosphere that just felt ominous, angry and foreboding quickly became a source of life and rejuvenation. Conversations were struck up between small groups here and there as they turned and waved at Drogo when he stepped out of his tent. They wouldn't bring it up first, but they were all anxiously awaiting news of the new heir.
He took out a pack of full-flavored cigarettes from his pocket and pulled one out. He placed it against his lips as he pulled his lighter out, cupped his hand around the cigarette and struck his lighter, igniting the end of the cigarette.
So much has happened in one single night. But there is no use in worrying about the future that might not come pass. Drogo allowed the nicotine buzz to fill his head and quiet his racing thoughts for a moment.
Seraph was waiting for him a few feet away as Drogo took a long, appreciative drag of the cigarette and felt the smoke fill his lungs. He felt his body relax as he blew the smoke back out. "Thank you, for bringing the prophecy and words of the god to us, regardless of what Luna may say," Drogo said, his rich deep voice sounding loud in the quiet after the storm.
Seraph nodded as he listened to Drogo. "I am truly sorry for the fate he has in store for your son. It does not appear to be an easy life he is fated for," Seraph said as he kept his hands folded in front of him.
"All we can do is raise and train him as a Lykos pack member, and as a were-wolf," Drogo said. He would ensure his son was strong enough to survive whatever life threw at him. No matter what. He would stand by his son in the future however he was needed.
Seraph stepped closer and offered him his hand, "Regardless of what the gods decree, I am so happy for you Drogo," Seraph said, joy filling his heart over the birth of the new heir.
Drogo gripped Seraph's hand. "Thank you, my brother. My Luna is a strong, tiny little thing. To go through so much pain bringing our son. It's a wonder she hasn't reached out to rip my balls off already," Drogo said in laughter as he remembered the threat she screamed out in pain.
Seraph laughed as Drogo took another drag, the red cherry bright against the white paper. "Yeah, I don't think you're getting laid anytime soon my friend," he jokingly said to his Alpha.
"Probably not ever again, unless she wants another child," Drogo agreed as he exhaled, the cloud of smoke floating in the air, illuminated by the camp lights nearby and the dim fire in the pit a few yards away. Other members of the pack were outside listening in. They had all known today was the day for Luna's birthing. They were hopeful and thrilled about the birth of their child.
Drogo looked around at all the anxious faces that awaited an update on the birth of the next heir and leader of the clan. All the conversations suddenly died off. The entire pack could feel the apprehension; heads turned, bowed low as they watched their leader and friend.
Drogo paused for a moment as he took in his family, his pack and kin. This would be his legacy to Fenrir; his greatest gift he could give his son in the future. He threw his head back and shouted out to the heavens for everyone to hear. "Fenrir is a happy, perfect, handsome baby boy!" Drogo shouted to the camp, throwing his fist in the air. His mana ignited as he blasted a powerful stream of fire towards the heavens to punctuate his sentence. His cry turned into a full howl as he let loose his joy and personal frustrations at the blackened sky covered by clouds.
Jubilant cries filled the night sky as the first rays of dawn began tearing over the horizon. Wolf howls filled the forest as the clan members let loose all their worries and anxiety. The boy was born safe and healthy!
Mugs filled with potent ale were brought out as the celebration had begun in earnest. Drogo had a wide grin on his face as he watched his clan, his family celebrating in earnest his child's birth.
His Beta, or second in command, Julian, walked over with two mugs of potent ale, his short blond hair spiked up on his head. "Congrats boss," he said as he handed over a mug. He smacked his glass enthusiastically with Drogo's before they each took a long, deep drought of it. Drogo exhaled in satisfaction as he took the final hit from the cigarette and tossed the butt into the fire nearby to burn up taking with it his worries for another time.
"Thanks' Jules," Drogo said as he nudged his Beta. "I think he has his mother wrapped around his finger already," he said with a grin on his face as he remembered the fearsome look on her face as she snapped at Seraph.
"That sounds like our Luna," Julian said, his voice filled with mirth. "Is she recovering alright?" Julian's voice was soft as he cast a worried glance towards the tent.
"I'm fine Julian, damn worrywart." Luna's voice came from the tent. It was laced with exhaustion and pride as she laid on their cot with Fenrir.
Drogo chuckled as he took another drink and let the cool ale slide into his belly and fill his blood with warmth. "She is exhausted and in pain. But determined to stay awake with him for now," Drogo said. She was always so stubborn when she set her mind to something. No one, and nothing short of death could change her path once it was started.
"Of course. Did you really expect anything less from your wife?" Julian asked, he had one hip cocked as he stood on his left leg. His right one still bore pain from an injury years ago that never set right.
Drogo shook his head, pride in his eyes, "Hell to the no. I may wish she would take it easy and get the rest her body needs, but I know better than to try forcing her. I like my body parts attached to their current locations." His laughter was deep and infectious as Julian joined him. He was aware of how dangerous a she-wolf she could be when she was wound up.
"What I am worried about, is the prophecy delivered by Seraph, during a storm as severe as what just came through. It's a bad omen and sets me on edge." Drogo surveyed the area. Most of the ground was a mud pit. Thankfully, there were plenty of rugs, carpets, and mats placed under and around all the tents for this very reason. They were all water resistant so the flooding of the ground under them didn't soak through. Sure, they had the fresh rainfall flooding to walk through, but at least it wasn't mud on top of that.
"Yeah, being born under a storm like that is an ill omen they say. Apparently, they were right," Julian said as he shook his head. He looked around the camp and noticed a few females were heading over to check on Luna. One was a very familiar brunette that stole Julians' breath. "Excuse me for a minute boss," he said as he sat his mug down and went to go over and talk to the breathtaking brunette. She had an odd stride to her walk as she followed the other females.
"Allison, love, you should be resting," Julian said as he joined his wife, and Luna's Beta, the second female in command. He checked her over to make sure she was alright as he placed a hand over her belly.
Allison turned to her husband and glared at him; her swollen belly evident of the impending birth. "Do not think you can boss me around now that I can't chase your slow ass around the camp," she said to him, her voice was high and sweet to his ears.
"Nope, I would never dream of bossing you around. It was merely a recommendation, which you are fully right to ignore if you want," he said, immediately throwing his hands up in a surrendering gesture. He learned from watching Luna plant the mighty Drogo on his ass while pregnant just how irritable and quick to anger a female nearing her due time was.
Allison's brown eyes lit up in humor as she reached out to take his hand. "I just want to check on my sister, our Luna, and my nephew, future boss, then I will go lay down as you ask," she said as she leaned in and placed a tender, chaste kiss on Julian's cheek.
Julian smiled as her lips touched his skin. "Alright baby, I'll be waiting for you to tuck you in," he said teasingly. She gave him a derisive scoff as she pulled back the tent flap and entered while her own midwife waited outside the tent respectfully to avoid crowding the space inside.
Luna looked over and smiled as her Beta walked in, her own distended belly leading the way. "Allison, baby girl you should be resting," Luna chastised her sister softly with affection as she reached out a hand towards her.
Allison smiled and said, "We both know how horrible I am at following orders; yours, Julian's, even the doctors," she said with a laugh. Both, however, knew that truth. When it came to following orders without fail, there wasn't a wolf among this clan better at it than Allison. Her loyalty and dedication to her older sister were without reproach.
"Yeah right. You only ignore orders when Julian gives them," Luna joined her laughter.
Allison looked on at her newborn nephew and sister in the bed. "You look like shit, but you have a glow around you." Allison sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to gently stroke the little one's head.
Luna glared at her little sister and best friend. "Oh, shut it. Let's wait until you go through hours of painful labor without any medication or assistance and see how perfectly put together you look," she said in challenge.
Allison's eyes narrowed as she picked up on the hint. "Is that a challenge, my Alpha?" she asked quietly. If someone was going to call her out, she would show them up every single time.
Luna laughed and shook her head. "No, even I am not that heartless to force you to do that," she said, smiling warmly at her. As she spoke, Fenrir let out a soft quiet burp and unlatched from Luna's nipple.
Allison leaned over and gently stroked the back of his barely covered head. His soft hair tickled her fingers. "Grow big and strong little Fenrir, you have all our hopes and dreams resting on your shoulders," she said.