29.

Life was good within the pack. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of chirping birds created a symphony of nature. The babies, with their adorable giggles, brought a sense of joy and innocence to everyone. No one seemed to notice or care about Mimi's absence.

The babies, in their way, had sensed her loss and moved on, capturing the hearts of the pack members. The pack had transformed a corner of their territory into a perfect nursery for the little ones. Each day passed by in a blur of love and care for the babies. They were constantly cradled in someone's arms, even when they were inside the house where Mimi had once been.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Mimi had awoken and quietly moved away with her cubs. Number two and five, under Damon's permission, had entered the nursery to tend to the cubs. Oblivious to the fear and trauma of the older cubs huddled in the corner, they carried out their tasks as instructed by number one. Compelled by his influence, they administered drops, gave flanks, and took samples from the cubs. They even gave each cub a magical tattoo for identification in the future.

In their compelled state, they failed to notice Mimi's lifeless body lying on the floor, her throat ripped open, surrounded by a pool of blood. The cubs, deeply traumatized by the sight, hissed and growled, but their distress went unnoticed.

Number one, with no recollection of the three dead cubs he had consumed, felt a minor inconvenience of fullness in his stomach. Those cubs, though sick and frail, had provided him with a decent meal. They had been the size of four-week cubs, so not so tiny. His feline instincts had taken over, understanding the loss, but his connection to Mimi, being more jaguar than lion, was distant compared to his lioness, Mariella.

Life continued to move forward, with the sweet scent of baby powder filling the air. The absence of the alpha female held no significance for them. It was eight weeks later when Giselle paid a visit, her anger palpable as she discovered Mimi's absence. Confusion filled the room as they searched for any trace of her presence.

Giselle approached Mariella, her voice laced with frustration. "Those six won't enter the magic house unless their powers are bound. It's wonderful that you care for them, but we refuse to become their slaves."

Mariella's brows furrowed as she responded, "There are no powers to be bound. They are perfectly safe to enter the magic house when we decide, and that time has not yet come. They are simply too precious to let go of."

Giselle snorted dismissively, proclaiming, "You're weaker than I initially thought, a witch enslaved by these children. Take a Fodorian crystal and see for yourself. These brats are using their powers to bind the entire pack to worship them. Haven't you noticed that someone is missing? They've been gone for quite some time, and if you only knew..."

Damon interrupted, his expression darkening. "I don't appreciate you referring to my babies as brats. Think twice before entering my house and insulting them."

Giselle turned her gaze to Damon, demanding, "Tell me, where is Mimi? What is happening to her? If you had any idea, this pack wouldn't be able to handle it."

Mariella fell silent, realizing that Mimi was indeed missing, and had been for a while. However, when she tried to look into the past, Mimi's whereabouts remained elusive.

Giselle spoke again, her voice filled with certainty. "You could never understand what she had been through. I've seen her, and she is safe. Her five companions are with her, providing the support she needs. They are more of a pack to her than this group will ever be."

Mariella protested, "What do you mean? We are her pack, and she should be with us, not those five."

Mariella felt a sudden pang of jealousy, a sharp pang that pierced her heart. She couldn't pinpoint its origin, but the mere thought of Mimi, always surrounded by her devoted followers, irritated her to no end. The scent of frustration lingered in the air as Mariella remained oblivious to the telepathic abilities of her babies. Unbeknownst to her, her offspring had learned about Wulfe and others, potential sources of power and knowledge, and now they were on a quest to find them, to make them worship their existence. 

Damon turned to Giselle, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Where is she? What is she up to? It's been a few months since I last laid eyes on her, and she has already birthed several litters. How many has she produced?"

Giselle snorted in response, her nostrils flaring with a mix of disdain and recognition. She couldn't help but notice the telepathic influence the babies had on Mariella, sensing her weakness. The sight of this pack, once strong and independent, now under the thumb of Mariella's manipulations, left Giselle unimpressed and frankly surprised.

She could see through Mariella's schemes, how she reduced the cubs and wolves to mere cells for her gain, and how she managed to impregnate herself with babies who were now worshipped by the entire pack. 

Though Giselle considered Mariella a friend, she couldn't deny the manipulative nature lurking beneath her friendly facade. Despite their friendship, anger simmered within Giselle, fueled by the knowledge of the hardships Mimi had endured while the pack played pretend happy families. But as it was not her place to interfere, Giselle kept her thoughts about Mimi and the pack's submission to themselves. 

She just said to them, her voice filled with determination, "When you get bored, I mean when you want to be fucking for months, you need to bind those babies. We cannot bring those manipulative little creatures into the magic house. We need them to be bound for at least a week before entering, as others are susceptible to their powers."

The room fell silent as Mariella's words hung in the air, and the babies cried, sensing Giselle's resistance towards them. Giselle left, and the rest of the pack continued to care for the babies, but her words lingered in their minds.

Mariella pondered over the possibility that these babies possessed powers. She wondered if she could test it herself using a crystal, to prove that they were just innocent and beautiful. She recalled Giselle's bluntness and honesty, appreciating how she had encouraged her to stay in line and reminded her of her powers and responsibilities. Mariella had asked for this guidance to prevent past mistakes from repeating themselves.

After a little over two weeks, Mariella finally had the chance to get the crystal. Damon had kept her focused on the babies, making her forget about Giselle's words. But now, she wanted to know the truth.

She took the crystal in her hands and said to Damon, determination evident in her voice, "Let's see if Giselle was right. I doubt it, but now we have proof."

Damon snorted, still under the influence of the babies.

As Mariella brought the crystal closer to the babies, its color shifted to a deep crimson, revealing powerful abilities within them. Mariella and Damon felt foolish for underestimating their strength. The rest of the pack realized this revelation. It was time to bind these powers. The Salvatores began to resist the babies, causing them to cry. However, through telepathic communication and gentle teachings, the babies stopped crying. They did not want to be subdued, to be sedated by their "bad daddy."

After 24 hours, the power-binding potion was prepared, its aroma filling the room. The babies were powerless to stop them from administering it. Mariella had made it taste sweet, and the babies enjoyed the flavor as they drank the potion. Slowly, their eyelids grew heavy, and they fell into a peaceful slumber, their powers now bound. 

One week before the babies could move to the magic house, their powers had been bound. The pack noticed when those powers stopped influencing them, making it difficult to find Mimi. She had secured herself in a hidden place, which frustrated them. Mariella and the wolves became jealous, suspecting that Mimi was hiding with her five supporters. They did not know how many litters she had produced, and it aggravated them to see her playing the perfect alpha female once again, showing the pack that she didn't need them. 

As the babies prepared to move into the magic house, the pack delivered a message asking where Mimi was. Giselle revealed she was in Alaska, in her fortress. Damon couldn't help but curse out loud, frustrated that there was yet another house or castle where the pack had never set foot.

There Mimi was, with her five supporters, and the thought of Magnum being near her ignited jealousy in Damon. He wondered if she had been with all five of them, engaging in intimate acts. This thought compelled him to have a stern conversation with the five supporters, ensuring that Mimi belonged to him, not to them. Jealousy consumed both Damon and Mariella, and their emotions scattered because of the manipulation of the babies. 

Now, faced with this new challenge, it was time to confront Miss Perfect and reclaim her fortress as the pack's own. The idea of venturing to a remote place in Alaska was less than ideal, but they were prepared to take Mimi away from there and investigate the location. Perhaps they could even envision a future where they could breed cubs or babies in that sanctuary. Damon knew Mimi disliked it when the pack intruded on her sanctuaries, so it was time to make their presence known and establish their dominance.

They ventured into the vast wilderness of Alaska, but instead of stumbling upon a grandiose house or castle, they were met with nothing but ruins. As they tapped into their extraordinary powers, a surge of potent magic enveloped their senses.

Damon's voice echoed in my mind, his frustration palpable as he pleaded, "My beloved wife, please grant us entry. We want to see this Alaskan place, but bothersome magic bars our way. Allow us in, or I shall demolish it myself!"

Damon's words weighed heavily on my mind, and I sighed in exasperation. I relayed to Wulfe that we were expecting visitors. Having given birth just two days prior, I knew it was time to nourish the cubs. Left with little choice, I reluctantly removed the enchantment, granting them access to the fortress.

I braced myself for the impending chaos, instructing my five companions to avoid provoking an already furious Salvatore. Regardless of the outcome, I was grateful for the precious weeks we had shared. Still heavily pregnant, I knew I had to handle this situation and its consequences.

As Damon and his pack witnessed the lifting of the enchantment, they beheld an unsightly fortress. Crude and uninviting, it appeared to be poorly constructed, with drafty rooms that would surely be detrimental to the cubs' well-being. They expected to have a conversation with Mimi about these concerns.

However, as they stepped into the courtyard through the massive doors, their assumptions were shattered. The courtyard sprawled before them, adorned with lush green grass, vibrant blooms, and elegant marble benches. The air was filled with the pleasant scent of flowers, and the sound of trickling water from the various features added a soothing ambiance. One door beckoned them forward, and with cautious anticipation, they ventured inside. 

Inside, the grandeur of the place was overwhelming, resembling a magnificent Disney castle. The opulence was unmatched, with walls and floors adorned with luxurious rugs. Every piece of furniture was immaculate and antique, a testament to Mimi's wealth. The sight of it all only served to further irritate them.

As they walked through the halls, it became clear that this was Mimi's dominion. Mariella couldn't help but mentally list all the changes and relocations she would make, even spotting a few items she desired for her Irish castle. Their irritation clouded their judgment, and it was evident that a major confrontation was brewing.

Footsteps approached, accompanied by the sweet scent of strawberries. Mimi was coming. Surprisingly, she was still visibly pregnant, her round belly accentuated by a radiant expression and designer maternity dress. Despite her condition, she appeared healthy and serene. Damon couldn't help but count the months silently, realizing that she had likely given birth already. This only fueled their irritation and jealousy.

Mimi had achieved what Mariella could not - breeding and producing litter after litter, caring for them all. Meanwhile, Mariella had put the cubs to sleep, asserting her dominance over the pack. She knew she was not the true alpha female; that title belonged to Mimi. The realization only deepened her anger and envy.

In a sarcastic and irritated tone, Damon addressed Mimi, making his intentions clear. "I see you're still breeding. It seems I did quite a good job knocking you up, as you're still fertile. Perhaps it's time for me to meet my offspring."

As Damon spoke to me, his voice quivered with pent-up anger, ready to explode. The pack's astonishment was palpable as they laid eyes on my pregnant form. I could sense the waves of jealousy emanating from Mariella and the other wolves, their eyes burning with envy.

Keeping my expression neutral, I absorbed their seething rage and envy. I chose not to reveal what had truly happened and why I was here. It would be my burden to carry, allowing the pack to make assumptions and protecting them from the weight of the truth.

I turned away, my words dripping with a hint of mischief. "Well, let's venture outside. The cubs thrive in the open air from as young as two weeks, and I have plenty of help."

Damon snorted, clearly displeased. Traditionally, the cubs were to remain indoors until four weeks old, and Mimi's unorthodox methods only irritated them further.

We made our way through the grand lobby and into the corridor, where a set of doors beckoned us outside. Within the protective bubble, the weather was idyllic. The perfect haven for the cubs awaited us, with separate spaces for the smaller and larger ones. The yard sprawled out, vast and inviting.

Damon's gaze immediately fell upon Mimi's five supporters, including Magnum, Wulfe, and Dexter, alongside Murdock, who diligently tended to the cubs, fulfilling his duty.

Mariella's anger intensified as she noticed cheetah wizards, a breed she had never birthed nor associated with. Mimi, however, regularly included these enigmatic creatures in the upbringing of the cubs. They gracefully guided and played with the young ones, painting a picture of disgustingly perfect harmony. 

They walked outside, and Mariella's eyes widened as she saw the various ages of cubs frolicking about. They appeared happy and healthy, but they did not recognize Damon. Mimi, gracefully moving among them, engaged in conversation with the cubs and their mothers. Even Magnum and Dexter, the older males, interacted with her and the cubs. Mimi had found the perfect male models for these little ones.

In her mind, Mariella suggested to Damon, "I think it would be a good idea to perform a procedure on her, removing the remaining litters and placing these cubs in the magic house. We should move away from here until we can safely navigate this place. There are plenty of litters, and she has been here for at least ten weeks, possibly making 13 litters in total. It would be healthier for her to stop being a breeding machine, even though she excels at it. We can use her fertility later and have her breed within the pack, like this."

Damon snorted, his emotions swirling, but his rage clouded his judgment. He somehow knew that Mimi was not the enemy, but they were. He refused to let that thought surface. This place needed the pack, and they needed to uncover its secrets. They watched as Colin approached Mimi, engaging in conversation, and soon enough, Mimi turned and ventured inside.

Damon's curiosity got the better of him, and he whispered to Mariella, "You stay here and listen to the cubs. See what this is all about. I'll follow Mimi and Colin to see what they're up to."

Mariella nodded in agreement. Damon trailed behind Mimi and Colin as they made their way inside.

As Colin guided me towards the entrance, indicating it was time to feed the little ones, I felt a surge of readiness. We walked down a corridor, where we took off our shoes and donned gowns. Then, we slipped on special shoes for the cubs' room.

As we prepared ourselves, the snide voice of Salvatore caught me off guard. He asked, "What is all this about? Where are you going? Is there some infection or something?"

Colin replied, "Nope, it's just our protocol to minimize infections. We're going to feed the little ones."

Damon eyed him suspiciously, but he followed Colin's instructions, not fully understanding why such precautions were necessary to ensure the cubs' safety. He knew there had been some infections in the past, even among the little ones, if luck was against them. However, he had no clue why this rigorous process was needed to prevent any bugs from reaching them. 

 After carefully donning our soft gowns and slipping on our shoes, we diligently disinfected each pair, ensuring every germ was eradicated. As we entered the cub room, a tingling sensation filled the air, signifying the magical power of Wulfe at work, further arousing Damon's suspicion. However, his doubts were quickly dispelled when he noticed three litters eagerly awaiting their feedings.

Without hesitation, Damon inquired, "Why aren't you enlisting more help? Why just you and Colin?"

I calmly explained, "It's easier this way. We can efficiently complete the task while minimizing the risk of infection. They say knowledge brings more pain, and since Colin and I have become familiar with the germs that could harm these precious cubs, we want to ensure their safety."

Damon fell into silence as he tenderly picked up a cub, gently placing him or her on the bottle for nourishment, and meticulously wiping them clean afterwards. Meanwhile, I tended to the larger cubs, providing them with milk infused with a hint of meat, alongside the countless vampires in need of blood milk.

Once the bigger ones were fed, I retrieved the crystal and assessed who among them was ready to venture outside, and who had gained immortality.

Damon curiously questioned my actions, to which I replied, "Our cubs attain immortality at around two weeks old, as Giselle informed me. So, I'm just ensuring that those who are ready can explore the world beyond."

I had found 13 tiny cubs, their fur soft, eagerly waiting to venture outside. As I informed my cheetah wizards, their eyes sparkled with anticipation. With a wave of my hand, I teleported the cubs outside their pen, where the wizards stood, ready to assist.

The fresh air carried the scent of earth and freedom, bringing a sense of relief to my heart. Damon, my irritated and confused husband, gazed at me for a long moment, recognizing the relief on my face. Without saying a word, I understood his silent acknowledgment. He had no idea why I was relieved when those cubs got outside. 

After a little over an hour, we ensured everyone was fed and settled them down for sleep. We joined the cubs outside, embracing the tranquility of the night. Mariella and the wolves conversed with the cubs, their voices filled with warmth and care. Even Mimosa and Shadow, once envious, now eagerly embraced their role as teachers and pack members. 

Mariella wandered through the yard, her footsteps soft against the grass. She marveled at the vibrant colors of the plants, her fingers gently brushing against their delicate petals. Amongst the flowerbed, she discovered three freshly planted roses, their fragrance wafting through the air, filling her senses with their sweet aroma. They were very special roses, and their blooms were multicolored. They were fae roses and those are difficult to attain or cheap. Puzzled, she couldn't comprehend their presence.

One of the older cubs approached her, whispering, "They are in stars, watching over us. We don't want to join them there."

Perplexed by the cub's words, Mariella quietly resolved to request the roses be moved once the cubs were settled.

Suddenly, Mimi, Damon, and Colin emerged from the house.

Damon's voice echoed in Mariella's mind, "Soon, my love, I will attend to Mimi. Ensure the magic house is prepared. The young cubs live in a sterile environment, as they are not yet immortal. They require shelter and care. One young lady is about to take a nap and prepare herself for the end of this breeding season."

The weight of responsibility settled upon Mariella's shoulders as she absorbed Damon's words, understanding the significance of her role in this extraordinary journey.

Mariella stood at a distance, her eyes fixed on Damon as he approached Mimi, who was now strolling in the yard. The air was filled with the indistinct murmur of conversation as a few Salvatores conversed with Wulfe and others. Mariella had already called Giselle, instructing her to prepare for the relocation of the cubs to the magical house.

In one swift motion, Damon reached Mimi and forcefully injected a sedative into her lungs. Mimi's eyes rolled back, and she went limp in Damon's arms.

Witnessing this, one of the cubs, visibly worried, approached Mariella and asked, "Will mommy go up to the stars?"

Confused by the question, Mariella wondered if it was something the cheetah wizards had told the cubs.

Nevertheless, she reassured them, "No, Mommy is just sleeping. Daddy will take care of her. You guys get to go to the magical house, where there will be so much fun. Everything will be fine."

Mariella stepped inside the house as Damon carried the unconscious Mimi in his arms, teleporting them both into the medbay. The medbay was an impressive sight, not like anything she had seen before. Damon gently laid Mimi on the bed and administered another dose of medication, while another member of the pack got drugs from another house. Moving swiftly, they connected the medbay, upgrading its equipment to accommodate the procedure. Mimi was then transferred to the operating theater, where a cesarean section was performed.

Mimi's womb, filled with 60 litters, was meticulously emptied. Each cub was magically nurtured and energized before being moved to the magical house. The breeding season had come to an end, and Mariella couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy towards Mimi's fertility and the size of her litters. But now, she was relieved that Mimi's womb was small and insignificant, as her feelings of inadequacy as a less fertile female diminished. They had suppressed Mimi's hormones to prevent any further pregnancies.

Soon, it would be time for a holiday, followed by a life within the pack where Mimi would be an integral part. However, the rage that consumed them made them uncertain about the duration of this holiday. So much had fueled their jealousy and anger, so the holiday might be a lengthy one. It wouldn't be long before Mimi woke up and discovered what awaited her.

I woke up in the sterile medbay, the sharp scent of antiseptic filling the air. My head throbbed, a lingering reminder of the chaos that had unfolded. As my groggy mind pieced together the events, I remembered being ambushed by Number One in the yard. And then...blankness.

A sudden realization struck me like a bolt of lightning - I was no longer pregnant. The weight of that burden lifted, bringing a mix of relief and sadness. Damon approached me, Mariella standing silently by his side.

His voice dripped with cruelty and disdain as he spoke. "Sixty wombs, an impressive achievement. But your hormones are now bound, your wombs emptied. It's time for a holiday, though I haven't decided how long it will be. As for what happens afterward, we'll see. Just know that you won't repeat your actions. We're in Utah now, so get yourself up and running, and then we can finally enjoy the holiday we deserve."

I kept my expression neutral, masking the turmoil inside. His words confirmed the pack wanted nothing to do with me. So be it. I rose from the bed, feeling a hollow emptiness. Being pregnant had brought moments of joy, but I would endure.

My burden, my sorrow. I would always remember my three little ones, and the haunting memory of Damon consuming them. It was etched into my mind, hidden away in a secret part that no Salvatore had access to.

After a quick shower, I teleported to the dressing room, knowing exactly where it was in the pack's territory. I retrieved my clothes and made my way to the kitchen, where no one paid me any attention. Not a single Salvatore acknowledged my presence. Charles glanced at me with a hint of fear, a reminder of how I had attacked him. But I didn't bother explaining myself. I grabbed my food and continued to eat in silence.

Damon's voice cut through the air, his words laced with jealousy. "I've informed Alaric that your five supporters are now free. They'll be preoccupied, leaving you to fend for yourself. It seems you were too reliant on them."

I couldn't help but think that their jealousy was the driving force behind their actions. If only they knew the truth. But they would never know. I was always protecting them, even now.

I had a plan for this holiday, starting with a visit to the hospital and my clinic. I needed to uncover the truth behind these neonatal deaths, learn from them, and gain more knowledge. And being a trauma surgeon was exactly what I needed. So after the meal, when the rest of the pack just teleported out, I took out my phone, made a few phone calls, and prepared to be once again a healer, not a killer.