11 Leadership (11)

This pregnancy was so much smoother. I was able to attend my college classes, run the pack and have a family. I would graduate from college before the pup was born. I was excited to finish school. I was ready to teach. Everything was running smoothly for our pack, business was good and members were happy.

Both Michael and I took the lead. It helped to have a mate that understood the inner workings of the pack. Beginning my second trimester I received another note from Juliet. Bri, was the only thing on the outside of the envelope. I knew who it was from right away. I opened the envelope to find a note that said I'll see you soon. Juliet.

I wasn't sure when to expect her and I wasn't sure how it would affect the pup. Would she send for me again or would she come to me since I was with pup. l tried to be calm but I was nervous about why this meeting was called.

I was taking a nap in my room one afternoon when I heard a soft hissing noise. I knew she was here yet I couldn't see her yet. "Hi Mom, I hope you are well.", I spoke to the empty room. "I am well pleased to see that your pregnancy is coming along so well Daughter. I'm here because of the pup. I know that you don't want to know the sex of the child until birth but I need you to know that there might be an issue in the future. Keep this in mind. You and my son will be able to help the pup with the issue as long as you know about it. I don't want you to worry only to be aware. I love you all. Take care daughter. ", Juliet spoke in my mind.

I told Michael about the visit. He was surprised but not completely in shock. He knew that something was different about my relationship with my mom, he felt like it could have a link to his own mom. He always felt connected to her somehow.

I tried to pay close attention to every doctor's appointment, making sure I followed everything to a T. Michael would rub my tummy and talk to this pup. He spent so much time doting on me that I felt like something was wrong. I would ask if we were having twins. If the pup kicked hard I would say he must be a quarterback. I never got a clue. I tried to be sneaky and say the nurse let it slip it was a girl. He would only wag a finger no at me.

Everything in the nursery was the same. I loved the room and didn't change a thing. Levi was moved to his big boy room. He was so happy to be big. He too rubbed my tummy. He spoke and sang to his sibling. When I had asked Levi what he wanted his room to look like, he said, "Like a Big Bad Wolf room."

So I hired a painter to create a forest, the bed was in a cave, and his room looked like a fairytale. He was so happy to have his wolf den. He even loved the stars on the ceiling. "Mommy, Daddy, look it's a real cave. It's even got stars. Now I am a Big Werewolf he chanted. " I was a very happy mom. Michael stayed behind to play with Levi while I went to rest. I was almost due now and I wanted everything to be smooth.

Graduation was held 2 days later. I finally had my teaching degree. I could officially start teaching after the summer. I was so excited to pass the GA Praxis test. I was offical. We celebrated with dinner home as I was to close to delivery.

I awoke that morning feeling very grouchy. When Michael touched me I practically jumped down his throat. Marguerite came over with mom but I requested that they leave because the child was too loud. I was angry at everyone. Zafiro said, "It's time Bri.". That's when everything clicked. I was in labor. I called Dad to come drive me. I text Michael to meet us. Mom took Levi with her.

When the doctor came in the room he said "Thunder Cats Hoooooo!" My dad was laughing but I didn't understand anything the men were saying. I only understood the word "PUSH!". Michael made it just in time to cut the cord. "Alpha and Luno meet your lovely daughter.", the doctor held her up. Michael was grinning and dad was grinning. I just cried. She was the most beautiful pup I'd ever seen.

Where Levi had a nice brown skin and deep gray eyes with tight chocolate curls...Our daughter had soft light brown skin, black soft curly hair, and the softest blue eyes you ever saw. She looked like an angel.

We had been going over names for weeks but when I saw her I threw them all out. She was a Royal pup who needed a Royal name. "Michael what do you think about Anastasia?", I asked looking in her eyes. He shook his head yes. Tears were in his eyes. Anastasia Clarice Brown.

Mom brought Levi to see his sister. "Mommy she is a doll. Can I hold her?" , Levi asked. Michael put Levi on the chair and Anastasia in his lap. Levi held her gently while speaking to her, "Ana I will love and protect you always. I am your BIG brother Levi. I will fight for you because I am a warrior and you are an angel. " We were all crying.

She was perfect. Her sweet little sounds pulled on every heart. I looked at her and understood the warning Momma Jules had given. Ana was 1/4 snake. What if she couldn't give birth? Would she have a mate? Would she be strong like her brother? What did this mean for her?

"Michael ?", I looked at him. He looked down at me and Ana while she was nursing. "What will her snake heritage mean for her?", I asked. He spoke so softly I almost didn't hear it, "I don't know Bri but I will find out! I won't let our daughter suffer at all." He kissed her forehead and then kissed me gently.