《The Claim ✔️ *Editing*》27. Calm Before the Storm
Advertisement
The females chatted in the dining hall while waiting for the males to arrive so we could begin lunch. I was starving and ready to dig my teeth into just about anything. The plate of food directly in front of me wasn't helping my case either. I felt Lily's gaze on me occasionally, I just ignored her and continued chatting with Alex and Maci.
I was just about to walk out to the pack grounds and demand they hurry up, when the doors to the dining hall opened up. I eased in my chair and let out a sigh of relief. Maci and Alex stood and moved to their own seats.
The males crowded into the dining hall, eager to fill their stomachs. My father took his place at the head of the table with my mother to his right. He grabbed her hand and placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
Owen made his presence known by kicking me underneath the table. I snapped my head across the the table, glaring daggers at him. His lips twisted into a smirk. I was about to throw food at him when my father cleared his throat. He shot us both a stern look. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest.
I felt him before I saw him,Titus took the seat to my left. I felt my face heating up, when he casted his gaze down to my stomach. How's my pup? His words invaded my mind.
I rolled my eyes. Fine now stop staring at my stomach. You're going to draw attention.
He made a grumbling sound but switched his gaze elsewhere. We were so focused in our own conversation we didn't even notice that the whole room had already started eating.
My stomach growled, reminding me of my evident hunger. He narrowed his eyes at me. Eat. I want our pup to be strong and healthy. He demanded.
I scowled at him. I was about to. You don't have to worry about me eating...ever.
"What are you two talking about?" My mother asked curiously. I stuffed the burger into my mouth to avoid her question.
Titus shrugged, "Nothing." She eyed us suspiciously, but eventually dropped the subject.
We should tell them soon. I stared at him waiting for a response. After a few seconds in thought he eventually nodded in agreement.
***
After Lunch the warriors headed back to the training grounds to train. My mother and I were sitting in the living room watching a movie. My mother was focusing most of her attention on the book in her lap, but would occasionally look up from the book when something dramatic happened in the movie.
My mind was somewhere else. I played with a strand of hair while I stared outside of the window, debating on if it was good good time to inform my mom of my current "situation."
My mom sighed, "Okay, what's bothering you." I snapped my head in her direction. She closed her book the pushed it to the side, then grabbed the remote and muted the tv.
I shrugged, "Nothing." She tilted her head to the side, calling bullshít. "Brinnley..." She trailed off.
I stared down at my lap as a stray tear fell down my cheek. I heard her deep intake of breath. "Are you pregnant?"
I stared into her eyes through my cloudy vision. I took a deep breath then finally nodded. She sighed then scooted closer. "Brinn this is a good thing."
My tears turned into full on sobs. "I'm s-so scared momma." She brushed a stray strand of hair out of my face. "I know you feel like you aren't ready right now, and that's okay. You have a whole family full of support. You're going to be just fine my pup." She pulled me into her warm embrace.
Advertisement
Brinn?! Titus's panicked voice entered my mind.
I pulled away from my mom and wiped my face. I'm fine, sorry.
My mother gave me a confused look. "Titus was mind linking me." I explained. She nodded.
I'm coming. He stated.
No! Titus I'm fine, really.
"He's worried?" My mom asked.
"Yeah." My Mom rubbed circles into my back. I pulled her into a quick hug. "Thank you momma."
"For what?"
I quickly stood and walked towards the door. "For telling daddy because I'm too scared to." I said as I walked away.
"Brinn!" She yelled after me.
I sped walked down the hallway, occasionally looking behind me to see if she followed me. I looked behind me one more time before I ran into something...or someone.
I stumbled backwards, but before my body met the ground Titus steadily placed me back onto my feet. I stared up to meet his gaze. He held a look of annoyance. "Brinn you have to be careful." He said sternly.
"I'm sorry." He sighed then ran his hand through his hair. "Taylor wants to take a look at you."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "I'm fine."
"Brinn please, I don't want to fight." He looked me in the eyes, pleading that I'd go along with it.
"Fine." He grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the front doors of the pack house. "She just wants to check on you and our pup to make sure everything is okay." I rolled my eyes, "Yeah whatever, that's what they all say." A scowl appeared on his face.
***
Taylor met us at the guest house Titus was occupying. She gestured for me to lay onto the bed while she played around with a machine next to the bed. Titus sat in a chair at the foot of the bed. "How are you feeling Luna?" She asked.
"Never better." I replied dryly.
She furrowed her eyebrows, "Hmm. Can you lift up your shirt?" I lifted my shirt past my stomach.
Taylor placed two blue gloves on her hands with a loud 'smack,' causing me to sit up. "Oh héll no I'm out of here!" I bolted for my the door only to be lifted off the ground and placed back onto the bed. "Luna I'm just checking the pup, it won't hurt I promise."
I tried squirming under Titus's grip, but that only caused him to tighten his hands around my arms. "That's what they all say!"
"Brinn calm down please." Titus pleaded.
"This is all your fault ásshóle! I just wanted to go about my day peacefully, but no you had to ruin that!!" I shouted in his face.
He growled at me showing me his canines. His eyes turned their typical golden color when his wolf was taking over. "You will be still and you will allow her to check on our pup!" He ordered.
Angry tears ran down my face. I was getting sick and tired of him ordering me around. Alpha or not, I am his mate not a doormat. I bit my lip and nodded. He let go of me then sat back down on his seat, not taking his eyes off of me.
I lifted my shirt up then glared at Taylor, daring her to break her promise. She was completely unfazed by my glare. She placed a cold blue gel on my stomach, then ran the device over my stomach, while focusing on the screen. This went on for a couple of minutes before she spoke. "Okay you are almost three weeks an-"
Advertisement
"Is the pup healthy? She was drinking around the beginning of the pregnancy?" I narrowed my eyes at him. Seriously? He focused his attention on Taylor, ignoring my stare.
Taylor smiled, "Yes the pup is healthy. But no more drinking Luna." I nodded.
She removed the gel from my stomach then packed up the equipment. I threw my legs over the bed and watched as she finished packing her things. "If that's all, I'll be on my way."
"Yes that is all." Titus said.
She bowed then left.
I stood to my feet, Titus quickly followed. I turned to face him. "You better stop ordering me around." He crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm just trying to do what's best for you and the pup, but you make things so difficult sometimes."
I scoffed. "You should be getting on my good side, because I'll leave your áss in a heartbeat. Did it before and I'll do it again. Only this time I'm taking my pup with me." I said confidently.
He walked closer to me, invading the little space I had left. I had to cram my neck up to get a view of his face. His canines elongated as his eyes gazed over to their golden color.
His wolf had taken over.
"Try again, because you aren't going anywhere." I let out a shaky breath as I stepped back.
"If you try to leave me again all héll will break loose. You thought I was bad this time, you just wait. I will kill whoever stands in my way. You are MINE! Do you understand?" I nodded quickly.
He stepped to the side then left the room. I flinched as the front door slammed closed. I balled my hands into fist, my nails digging into the palms of my hands.
So much for making progress.
***
By the time dinner came I was starving. Titus sat next to me, unusually quiet. I wasn't sure if he was still mad at me about earlier, or if it had to do with the talk he had with Dad my prior to dinner. Either way he was paying me no mind.
I sighed and dug into my food. The table was filled with chatter and laughs, along with the occasional side eye from my father between Titus and I.
Could he tell we were arguing?
I pushed my nerves aside and did the unthinkable, I reached for Titus's hand under the table. This could only go two ways, but for my sake...I needed the reassurance that things were fine.
Right before my hand landed in his I pulled away, too nervous of the outcome. He grabbed my hand as I pulled away and placed our conjoined hands in his lap. I closed my eyes and let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.
Things weren't perfect between us, but it let me know there was hope to fix our problems. He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, all the muscles in my body relaxing.
I ended up having to tell my dad, he wasn't too happy about me being pregnant, but he understood and gave me his full support. Which was honestly all I wanted in the first place.
My father asked to speak with Titus and Ryan after dinner. I wasn't worried, I knew it was just pack business. "Can you stay in the guest house with me tonight? I'll sleep in the other room if you'd like. I just want you close by." He asked as we exited the dining hall.
I rolled my eyes, "Okay."
"I'll walk you." I instantly shook my head. "I'm capable of walking myself thank you very much." He shook his head in disapproval.
I threw my head back and groaned. I saw Seth leaving from the side of my eyes. I straightened and smiled. "Fine, Seth can take me." Seth stopped in his tracks at the sound of his name.
I shot him a tight smile. "Yeah I can take her...Where am I taking you?" I rolled my eyes as I grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the door. I glanced over my shoulder to see Titus with an irritated expression on his face. I shrugged it off and turned back around.
"So how are things going?" I asked once we were away from curious ears.
He sighed, "I don't know what to do Brinn. I try everything to get her to want me, but she doesn't allow herself to. It's so frustrating." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"I think you should let her go." He studied my face for any trace of humor, shaking his head when he found none. "I can't. The moon goddess put us together for a reason. She doesn't make mistakes-"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know, but hear me out." He sighed, but nodded for me to continue on.
"Let's say she put you two together for a reason. Maybe she did it for you to grow and become stronger, and in order to get to that point you had to go through these obstacles." His eyes lit up at my reasoning.
"You're forcing something that's not there Seth. Just think about it okay?" He nodded as he shoved his hands into his pants pockets.
We stopped in front of the guest house's front door. He stood in front of me with an questionable expression. "Everything is so fúcked." I nodded in agreement. "You can say that again."
He crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against the brick column. "I sometimes wish I could just live in a cabin in Antarctica. Just raising my pups in complete isolation." I chuckled lightly, "Antarctica huh?"
He nodded eagerly. "Yup." Our laughter filled the night air.
"I better get inside." I said as I composed myself. He nodded then pulled me into a tight hug.
"Thank you." He whispered into my ear.
I smiled as he pulled away. He took a step back then turned on his heel. I turned around, unlocking the door. I stepped inside and sighed. After closing the door behind me then walked towards the bedroom.
I kicked off my shoes before I climbed onto the bed. Sitting there with my legs crossed, I leaned my back against the headboard and sighed. I turned on the tv and flipped through the channels. Thunder, drew my attention away from the tv. I snapped my head towards the window and frowned.
I'd hate to be outside right now. It's freezing and it's wet, those two don't go together.
My wolf nodded in agreement, causing me to smile. I switched off the tv and grabbed the grey throw blanket on the foot of the bed. When I was comfortably bundled in the blanket I laid on my side, facing the door and away from the window. I tried my hardest to stay awake for Titus, but eventually sleep came.
***
💙
Advertisement
- In Serial77 Chapters
Medusa and the blind woman
Update: * Volume 1 & 2 of the novelization of Medusa and the blind woman are available on Amazon Kindle under the name Bryn D. Estelle. * All chapters from Volume 1 & 2 on RoyalRoad have been cleaned up and tweaked. New Interlude was added to Volume 3. * Three new chapters have been added to RoyalRoad that are marked 21.1, 21.2 and 21.3 which are original content from Volume 2 of the novelisation. Volume summaries: Volume 1: The legendary Gorgon, Medusa, spends a solitary life on her island Sarpedon. The only interruptions to her monotonous life are the occasional expeditions of foolish humans that try to slay her for fame and riches. This story begins on the day that just another of these expeditions brings along an unusual woman. A priestess of Athena that was born blind and is not afraid of the Gorgon. Soon those two are forced into an unexpected coexistence on the small island. Will those two unlikely life partners learn to get along? Volume 2: The great goddess of wisdom and war, Athena, realizes that her priestess is prisoner to the Gorgon and makes a bet with the monster. The human expedition returns to slay the Gorgon and Eugenia is caught between the front lines. Typhos reveals his true goal and his machinations corner Medusa. What choices will the dissimilar duo make? Who will come out victorious? Volume 3: After Eugenia awakens in the city of rowers, Eretria, she finds herself separated from Medusa who is receiving punishment for leaving her exile. Still recovering from her injuries and desperate, the priestess sets off on a journey to make a return to Sarpedon. On her way she meets many strange new people as well as some familiar faces. On top of that the messenger of the gods, Hermes, tells her of a trial that awaits her on this uncertain path. Where will her trial take her? Volume 4: Reunion. After Eugenia's long trial comes to an end, she returns to the side of Medusa who had suffered her punishment at the hands of Athena. As they try to find a new balance in their shared company on Sarpedon they are faced with many tumultuous emotions that wind down to the very cores of their souls. Secrets are uncovered, pasts revealed and Eugenia's feelings are put to the ultimate test. And amidst all this, a new intruder chooses to trespass onto the secluded isle to cause even more trouble. Aphrodite has set her sights on the Gorgon now.
8 121 - In Serial16 Chapters
Harry Potter and the Wallbanger
The story of Harry Potter moving into a new flat that seems perfect for him, only to be awakened nightly by his neighbor, the Wallbanger next door. LGBT M/M Romance This is based loosely off of the concept in Alice Clayton's book, Wallbanger. Harry - house renovatorDraco--rentboy Featuring - Powerful Harry Potter, Enemies to Lovers, and fluff with plot All Characters belong to the author of Harry Potter
8 154 - In Serial40 Chapters
The Blessed
SynopsisThe BlessedLing Jingxuan, a once world-renowned doctor and killer, who saved lives with one hand and killed with the other, was feared by both the government and the underworld gangs solely by his name. During an accident, he had transmigrated to become a man who had nothing but the bare walls in his house and two children who looked like 'buns'. 'Why does life always go through such ups and downs? Could this life be more miserable?', thought him while holding his forehead helplessly.Yan Shengrui, the only prince with a general title in the Qing Dynasty, suddenly changed his sexual orientation in an accident when carrying on a mission. A tough man turned into a wife-con. The royal clansmen all felt much regretful. But no one dared to straighten him, since his concubine was an expert both in medical skills and poison."What? Thirty copper coins? Why don't you just go robbing?"One day, Ling Jingxuan took the two 'buns' to the market for necessities purchase. Hearing the price, the five-year-old little bun blushed instantly with his small hands dragging the worn-out money bag. Ling Jingxuan felt too deep for tears. 'Son, we earn money to spend! Don't tell me you wanna save the money for your offspring.'The last of the last, they bought the cheapest goods with the worst quality among all the selection with the two taels of silver Ling Jingxuan had earned. Looking at the two little buns' filled with laughter, Ling Jingxuan vowed secretly that one day he would raise them into super stuffed meat buns, and the dandy rich second generation!
8 164 - In Serial33 Chapters
Alpha - Hell Rider's MC #2 -
~Updating every other Tuesday~ First book: Ripper - Hell Rider's MC #1 -~Note: Cannot be read as a stand alone book ~Bryan "Alpha" Taylor has had it rough in life. He found love early on, but that shattered around him the moment his old lady left. And finding out that he had a daughter who had been abused by said old lady, took a bigger toll on his mentality than what he showed others. And at the age of 43, he's losing hope of ever finding a special someone again. Scarlett Johnson is a fighter. Tossed out of her house at 15 by her parents, she was homeless until she found someone who was willing to take her in. Now, at the age of 35, her past is coming back to haunt her. The police won't interfere, and she needs somewhere to hide. What happens when her brother tells her about a motorcycle club he's in? Could the two save each other, before it's too late? WARNING: THIS BOOK WILL CONTAIN VIOLENCE, TALKS OF SEX, ABUSE, AND TORTURE. *Please do not judge the book too harshly based off of the description. I'm awful at writing them*
8 340 - In Serial17 Chapters
Wanting Mr.Pearson
EllaI've been lusting over one person I cannot have. He is a lawyer and twice my age And oh! He is also my step-fatherOur connection is wrong but it feels so right RickShe is sweet but wild Hot and sultry, she is the woman of my dreams She is my step daughter. I shouldn't want her, but I do and I am going to claim her. A forbidden love story between two people who shouldn't be together. (According to the society not me 😂😜) If you love taboo stories with loads of kinkThen, this one is for you. Enjoy :)Friendly note: I like writing small stories/books but I am warning you that I am a shitty writer, and I am not trying to be modest. If you want to criticize, there are polite ways to do it, no need of abusing or harassing me. Thank you 💙💙💙💙
8 95 - In Serial44 Chapters
Transmigrated Author: The Quiet Plum
[TATQP ©2019] Before being QQ, a novelist famous for her tragic works, she was first the world's most powerful weapon. Not a human but also not a robot. An existence that wasn't meant to be. But in this world, she was a plain author. That was what she believed. The author transmigrated in her own book. A premise that was done countless times. When the main leads got their happily ever after, what happens then? Will the so-called author live her life peacefully to the end of her days? Or will she regain all the memories of the past life she never wanted? — The younger brother: Jie, you can choose not to marry, I will support you! A certain fox: Don't touch my tail, you vile woman! Gentle General: That person seems familiar... Lovestruck Lieutenant: Will you still accept me? Cunning Emperor: I can use her to protect my nation! A nobody: Rest. You must be tired, Qiaoqiao. MC: Better run away now... Originally posted as experimental work. Still ongoing.
8 102

