The Last Shifter’s Baby

He chuckled softly. “No, they don’t exist.” “Oh,” she said. “What about werewolves?” “No, those were myths inspired by shifters. It’s easier to change into a wolf because they have those all around the world. Not in every country, of course, but in a lot more than lions.” “So is there anything out there that’s real? Fairies? Witches? Leprechauns?” She asked. “I can’t really say. My father died when I was young and my mother not long after. I didn’t have anyone to talk to about these things so I really couldn’t tell you.” He said, fingers combing through her hair.

“Then how do you know about vampires and werewolves?” She asked. “When I was eight they were playing Stephen King movies on Halloween,” he began to explain. “I saw Salem’s Lot and The Silver Bullet and was terrified out of my mind. I had nightmares for a week until my dad sat me down and explained those things didn’t actually exist.” He kissed her softly, cutting off her next question. “Shouldn’t we get to sleep? We have a three hour drive tomorrow.” “Don’t remind me.” She said, then groaned. “I forgot to pack.” “Don’t worry, I’ll help you.” He murmured, already drifting off to sleep.

In the morning, she was pleasantly surprised to a breakfast of toast and coffee and in bed. She kissed Luke’s cheek in thanks after she was done eating and directed him what to pack in her duffel as she got dressed. She glanced around her little house as she did her morning routine. “You know, I think I’m actually going to miss this place when I’m gone.” She said and Luke’s hands faltered as he put her sweater into her travel bag. “You don’t have to go.” He said finally. “The sanctuary could really use another full-time zoologist.” “Oh, I already know that. I already talked to Maggie about applying for a long-term position. I just assumed I’d end up at your house.” She said, offering his a cheeky smile and his answering grin was blinding. “I’d love for you to move in. I just didn’t think you’d want too so soon. I wanted to give you your space.” He said and as soon as he did she was laughing at him. “You practically live in my pocket,” she said. “But I love it.” She finished quickly, seeing his worried expression. “I love you.” She finished. He walked towards her, pecking her lips. “I love you too.” Later that day, walking up to her sister’s house hand in hand, Rebecca wondered what the future was going to be like for her and Luke. Thinking back to the unused tampons at the bottom of her dresser and the bright red X that was circled on her calendar two weeks ago, she thought may have some idea.

*****

Rebecca smiled as she looked out the kitchen window, reflecting back on the last ten years of her life as the soft light of the summer sun glinted across the water of the creek. The bubbling water curved a path through their yard and continued twisting down the mountain valley. Luke’s home really was beautiful. The picturesque two-story log home, nestled within the sloping hills of the mountain was like something out of a fairy tale. Once they had moved into together, she knew this was the place where she wanted to raise their children. It was an added bonus that it was so close to the sanctuary. She was pulled from her thoughts as a little hand clutched her shirt, tugging for her attention. She looked down at the sweet face of her daughter and felt warmth spread in her chest. The little girl had inherited her dark curls but even at the age of five, Rebecca could tell her eyes would stay the bright amber of her father’s. “Mommy, Jack won’t let me watch my show!”

At the mention of her son, Rebecca sighed. The nine-year-old had recently discovered the wonders of video games from a friend at school and Rebecca was finding it nearly impossible to keep him off of the TV. At any given time she could walk in the living room and catch him, blue eyes locked on the screen of whatever game he was currently playing. “Cara, why don’t you tell your brother to come see me in the kitchen?” “I have a better idea,” Luke said, leaning on the door frame that led to the back porch. “That doe and her two fawns are back. Why don’t you go get your brother and the two of you can help me feed them some apple slices?” “Can I pet the babies?” She asked and squealed when Luke nodded. “Thank you! Thank you!” She ran off towards the living room and Rebecca knew that if there was anything that could get Jack off of the TV, it was the prospect of baby animals. He had definitely inherited his parent’s love of animals. That’s not the only thing he inherited, she thought, recalling the day she watched, heart in her throat, as Luke guided him through his first transformation. She smiled as Luke walked over to her, large hands holding her waist as he pressed a sweet kiss to her lips. “I love you,” he murmured. “So much.” “I love you too.” She told him, patting his arm as their children stampeded into the kitchen. “You’re needed now, love.” She said and he led them out to the back porch. She watched out the window as Jack fed slices of apple to the doe, who had her head pressed between the bars of their porch railing. Luke lifted Cara by the waist so she could reach the identical spotted fawns below and tilted his head so he could smile at her in the window. Her heart soared as she took in the picture that was her family. Before meeting Luke, she had never imagined this being a possibility, but here it was, all hers.

The end.