Rune Wolf

The moon goddess, Nyx, stood in the center of a field bathed in moonlight. Wildflowers swayed in the cool breeze. Crickets sang in the unusually cool summer night. The stars sparkled like diamonds in the night sky. She placed a hand on her swollen belly. It was time for the life growing inside her to meet the world.

The last year she had spent on earth had been the most amazing experience of her never ending existence. Every hundred years or so she was able to live among her creations, the werewolves. This had been the first incarnation where she had fallen in love though. And now because of that love she knew the amazing gift of carrying life in her womb.

The first contraction washed over her in a wave of pain. She grunted and steadied herself on a boulder that lay in the middle of the field. Deposited there by an ancient rock slide. The cool stone helped steady her as the contraction subsided.

"Lira?" She heard the werewolf whom she loved speak the name she gave her corporal form.

"Yes my love?" She turned to face him trying to hide the pain in her voice.

Kieran, Alpha of the Opal pack, stood in the glowing light of the moon. His copper colored hair was cut close to his head. His face clean shaven with freckles dusting his cheeks. His pale green eyes looked on her with worry.

"It's late. You should come back to bed." He reached a hand out to her and she shook her head.

"No my love. It is time." She smiled at him. Knowing her bright yellow eyes betrayed her sadness.

"Then we need to get you the pack hospital now. It's not safe for you out here." He brushed a strand of her white blond hair away from her face.

"This is where I want to birth our pup. She is special and should be born under the glow of the moon." Another contraction slammed into her causing her to double over in pain.

"Lira!" Kieran caught her before she fell and gently lowered her onto the soft grass.

"The baby is coming." She panted heavily as more contractions ravaged her body.

Kieran removed his shirt and rolled it up to make a pillow for her. Lira laid back as the love of her life rolled the hem of her nightgown up above her knees.

"I see the head!" He exclaimed as Lira began to push.

It took another few moments and then bathed in pale moonlight Kieran held up their beautiful baby. He swiped his finger in the mouth and the baby let out a strangled cry.

"It's a girl! Oh Lira she is beautiful. Thank you." Kieran cried as he held his new born pup.

"Let me see her." She reached up and he placed the naked baby in her arms. She removed the shirt from under her head and wrapped their precious miracle in it to keep her warm.

"Hello little one." She kissed the top of her head and rocked her. A wave of sadness rushed over her as she held her baby. The worst part was yet to come and she hated that she had to put Kieran through it.

"She looks like you." He smiled as he touched the blond fuzz on top of their daughter head.

"What shall we name her?" Lira asked as she traced the feature of her daughters face.

"Kenna Rose" Kieran kissed the top of her head.

"That's perfect" Lira felt a sob catch in her throat and Kieran looked at her with concern. He wiped a tear from her face and frowned.

"Whats wrong my love?" He had concern in his voice.

She smiled and suddenly felt very weak. She handed him their daughter and kissed him gently.

"I'm afraid my time has come to leave this plain of existence." She smiled weakly as laid onto the cool earth.

"I'll fetch the pack doctor he can help you." He stood panicked and started to pull her up.

"No. My time has come. There is nothing to be done." She shook her head weakly and watched as Kieran's face fell.

"Please stay with me. I've never been afraid like this before." Lira felt the fear grip her like a vice around her throat. The thought of not being here to watch her daughter grow was too much for her.

"I won't leave you. I promise." The tears began to fall from Kieran's eyes as he held her hand.

Lira began to feel her mortal body grow cold and her eyes became heavy. She felt her breathing grow shallow. With the last bit of strength she had she smiled at them both and whispered "I love you". Then her mortal body gave out and and she was gone.

Kieran let out a guttural roar as the pain of losing the love of his life took over him. The little bundle in his arms let out a little sob and he looked down at her.

"Shh, it's ok. Daddy's here." He rocked her as tears blurred his vision and streamed down his face.

Nyx watched as he cradled their daughter and cried. Her mortal body slowly began to change into a small bed of red roses. Kieran jumped back as he realized what was happening next to him.

"Hello my love" he spun around at the sound of an otherworldly voice behind him.

A large white wolf stood before him. It was was not fully corporal. It shimmered like the moonlight as it's large yellow eyes held him in place.

"Lira?" He asked confused.

"Yes but my real name is Nyx." She paused before going on "please take care of our daughter. She has an important destiny to fulfill one day."

Kieran nodded speechless.

" I will always be watching over you. Never doubt my love for you both. I thank you for giving me the best year of my existence." She bowed her head and then faded into the night.

Kieran looked down at his daughter in disbelief. The goddess had gifted him this beautiful little girl and he would protect her with his life. He took a deep breath and slowly started his way back towards the pack house. He felt empty knowing Lira, or Nyx, would not be there with him. But he would persevere and raise their daughter with all the love she deserved.