The next day was a busy day for us all.

Garry woke us up early next morning by beating on our door loudly. Connor almost approached him until I reminded him that he was naked.

When we let Garry in, the jokes and teasing were endless.

"Ooooh, I can smell the air. No wonder you all are so tired!" "How does it feel like sleeping with two wolves, Lyra?" "They say a dicking a day keeps the pain away! And you're getting twice the dosage if you know what I mean!"

By the time we had fully dressed and left the house, Connor was about ready to knock Garry's head in.

I can't say I found Garry to be annoying, but if I blushed anymore than I already had, I would've passed out eventually.

We spent the next few hours greeting those that the boys knew. Many thought that I was merely a friend, but the brothers made it absolutely known that I was bonded to them. It was a little embarrassing, as many of the elder males mentioned birthing and now small and frail I was.

I more I heard about it, the more I became concerned. What if I did get pregnant? What if I couldn't hold their children? What if the children were as frail as me?

I started to become scared, but I put it out of my mind after a minute.

I was more concerned about the young females who kept giving me strange looks. I didn't really understand it, but I felt assured whenever Xain or Connor squeezed my hand or kissed my cheek.

Everything was alright. That was what I kept telling myself. I was quite happy when several of the pups approached me, sniffing me and asking me if I was human.

They were so young and adorable, and they ended up dragging me away to kick a ball around. The children were jumpy and happy, howling with glee as I played with them. I couldn't help but laugh as well.

Sadly, it all ended too soon, as Connor and Xain pulled me away to go meet others. With a pout, I asked, "Do I have to?" Xain grinned, kissing my neck and grabbing my hand. "So childish," he teased, pulling me along as I waved to the children.

Connor simply walked, looking at peace with himself for the first time since yesterday.

I smiled, touching his shoulder gently. "You look happy."

He made the barest of smiles as he said, "I feel... Confused... But yes, happy. Especially with you around."

I blushed softly, grabbing Connor's hand with my free one, locking fingers with him. He smiled; his grip on my hand firm. Xain grinned, holding my hand just as strongly as we walked to our next destination.

I found that we were going to Jean's house to check on him, although I didn't know why. When we made it there, Jean was already outside, staring into oblivion so it seemed. Xain said, "Daydreamer then, daydreamer now, daydreamer forever. Good afternoon."

Jean glanced at the brothers before glancing at me. I impulsively clung to Xain's arm, causing him to chuckle. "It's alright, Darling. Jean's only wicked when he wants to be."

Connor rolled his eyes before patting Jean on the back. Jean gave a faint smile before looking up. "Emily turns seventeen today. What am I going to do with her?"

"Let her train to be a warrior?" Xain asked. "Out of the question," Connor replied flatly.

Jean nodded in agreement before stating, "She's too free-spirited for that. I rather her spirit stay strong than become broken." I blinked in confusion. Connor glanced at me and said, "Emily is his little sister. He may seem hard to the core, but she's the only one who gets under his skin."

I nodded, watching him. 'So Jean has a younger sister as well..' I frowned a little. 'Stop. Don't think about him.' I gripped Xain's arm tightly, my eyes dropping to the ground. 'Matthew....'

Xain placed his hand over mine. "Hey, love. You alright?"

I shook my head, not wanting to lie to them. "Actually... Can I just go back now?"

Connor said, "I don't know why you want to go back, but we have one more place to go to." I looked up at Connor, who didn't look very pleased with the fact. "But why?" I questioned.

Connor looked at me as if he just tasted something horrid before reverting back to his normal stone face. "The chief, this pack's leader, wants a word with us. We managed to avoid him yesterday, but he is the one my father placed as the next chief should he ever pass."

He then sighed. "He also wants to see the human we've towed in."

Xain snorted. "Looks like we need to make sure she looks claimed."

I frowned in confusion. "Um..." Xain looked at me and chuckled. "Bonding is as much to the body as the soul. However, there are ways a bond can break, and it doesn't have to be just death. Sometimes a witch or mage can separate mates, or if their heart has been broken enough. There are many rules to having a bond; most of which I'm unsure about."

Connor grunted, his face the same but his eyes burning in an unknown anger. "He won't be touching you, Lyra. Let's just go before I change my mind."

Jean glanced at Connor, shaking his head a little. "Females... are a force to be reckoned with. They drive us insane and make us do crazy things." He then glanced at me. "Be careful of the direction this one takes you."

I shrunk a little, averting my look again.

Xain laughed, shaking his head. "You're going to scare her! Quit being scary and cryptic. That doesn't work for you."

Jean merely shook his head, going inside of his house. Connor watched him for a moment before walking to me. I then gasped as Connor picked me up, carrying me bride style. I blushed, unable to look at those blue eyes of his.

"Hey now!" Xain protested, "Share, ya big brute!" "Technically, I'm thin," Connor replied flatly, "And you'll get your chance."

I giggled a little and said, "Sorry Xain! I can't do anything!"

After a moment of silence, he said, "You could try and kick him." I fell into a fit of giggles, leaning my head up against Connor's shoulder as he carried me. He glanced down at me for a moment before looking ahead, allowing a small smile to form on his face once again.

~*~

Connor had finally put me down at the front door, and a set of males in their wolf forms let us in; of course, not without giving us threatening growls.

I clung close to Connor this time, and Xain didn't seem to mind it all that much.

I felt as if I was meeting a king, and looked down at my attire. I was wearing a simple tan shirt and Xain's brown pants rolled up. My shoes were a pair of dark brown moccasins, and as usual, my hair was down.

Connor seemed to notice me looking at myself, as he said, "You look fine, Doll." I blushed at the nickname, nodding a little as I held onto his arm.

We had walked down a semi-long hall before making a right in what looked like a dining room fit for a large family.

"Welcome!" a tall man announced, standing up from a dining table. He had brown, luscious hair that stopped at the bottom of his neck. He had a goatee and a small mustache for facial hair, and his eyes were as brown as chocolate.

His presence seemed to demand respect and his smile wasn't very warm.

'Appearances can be deceiving,' I thought to myself, watching the man as he approached the brothers and me.

He held out his hand for Connor to shake, who did so rather reluctantly. "Connor and Xain Wilson. I've heard much about you two," he stated in a friendly tone. Xain then shook hands with him before saying, "Miles Grayson. I've heard you've done much for our tribe. It's nice to finally meet you."

Connor stayed quiet.

Miles beamed and said, "Well, it is always best to try and keep the clan safe above all else." He then looked at me. "And this is the human I've been hearing about." He held his hand out to me and I hesitated at first.

However, after a simple nudge from Xain, I placed my hand in his, expecting him to shake mine.

Instead, Miles kissed the top of my hand, causing me to blush hard. I swore I heard Connor growl, but it could've been my imagination.

He smiled at me and said, "May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" I looked away from his piercing gaze and said, "L-Lyra, Sir..."

He cupped my chin, tilting my head back up to where my eyes locked with his. "It's not polite to introduce yourself while looking elsewhere." Connor flinched beside me and I know that he was trying his best to behave.

I forced a soft smile as I said, "O-Of course." He grinned, removing his hands from my hand and chin before standing upright. He then locked eyes with Connor. "Your father was a good man, you know. I hope you do well to follow his footsteps."

"My father made many mistakes while he was living," Connor stated flatly, "I would rather not follow his footsteps." "As to say, he didn't really make wise choices before we joined tribes," Xain stated, obviously trying to ease the tension.

I looked up at Connor, who didn't look happy at all, and didn't even try to hide it.

Miles smiled regardless. "Yes, well we do learn from our mistakes. Would you all care for lunch?"

Connor was about to decline when my stomach betrayed me by gurgling. I quickly said, "Oh, please ignore that, I don't feel like eating right now!"

He chuckled and said, "Nonsense. If you don't eat, you won't grow nice and healthy." "I believe she said she wasn't hungry," Connor stated flatly. "But I am!" Xain exclaimed, grinning as he said, "These two will go forever without munching. If you're willing to provide, then we're willing to eat."

Miles clapped his hands together. "Great! Lunch is being made as we speak! I hope you don't mind; my daughter and two wives will be joining us."

I blinked. Two wives? 'Strange... But I guess no stranger than my situation.'

Miles then said, "Please have a seat." He then walked out of the room. After a minute, Connor exhaled sharply. "He touched you.." Xain glared at him and said, "Don't start problems with the chief, Connor. I don't care for him as much as you do, but we owe him our respects. Your father chose him for a reason."

The elder brother nodded, caressing my chin. I smiled warmly and said, "I'm fine. Let's behave okay?"

Connor shook his head, actually blushing slightly in the process. "Has anyone ever told you you're adorable?" I frowned, crossing my arms. Xain chuckled, nudging both of us towards the table. All three of us took seats; me ending up sitting between them.

I smiled, both of my hands reaching for theirs. They took mine immediately, warming my hands up. After a minute or two of silence, Connor started to speak again. "Lyra... Thank you for last night."

I looked at him in a confused manner. "What did I do?"

Connor frowned, opening his mouth a little and then closing it. He then said, "Well... I just-"

"Hello." My head shot up to the other side of the room, watching a pregnant woman walk with another female. She was, in short, absolutely beautiful. She looked graceful, inviting, and absolutely happy. She smiled softly towards me and asked, "Is everything alright?"

I didn't realize that my mouth was gaped open until that moment. I shut my jaw a little too quickly, biting my tongue.

Beside me, Xain was trying his hardest not to laugh, although his snickering was clear as day. The younger female beside the woman scowled at Xain, only to relax when the woman said, "I hope my presence didn't startle you."

I blushed, wiping my watering eyes from the tongue pain. "N-No, I apologize." She chuckled and said, "My name is Victoria. This lovely lady next to me is Faye. We are Miles' spouses."

Connor started at them in surprise all the while Xain's snickering stopped. I frowned, confused. Miles already stated he had two wives, so why were they shocked?

Connor glanced at me before looking at them. "You're both human."

This time I was the one surprised. Victoria smiled, taking a seat on the other side of the table. Faye quietly sat in a seat one chair over from her, so I assumed Miles would be sitting between them.

And right in front of me.

Victoria said, "Yes, we are. It's a long story, but it's not exactly a table discussion, if you don't mind." Connor said, "Forgive my curiosity." She chuckled and said, "None taken. I'm a little surprised with you three, however. It's not often one bonds to a human, let alone two wolves doing it. They must be a handful, dear."

I blushed a little and said, "Well, I'm actually the handful, ma'am. I keep getting hurt and they care for me a lot." She grinned and said, "I find that a little surprising. Well, regardless, I'm sure anyone would do that for someone they loved."

I smiled shyly, not having to look at the boys to know that they were staring me down.

I then glanced at her stomach and asked, "Um.. If you don't mind me asking... How does it feel to be pregnant?"

Victoria rubbed her stomach and said, "It's one of the most wonderful feelings in the world. You're scared and worried at first, wondering what you'd have to eat and drink to stay healthy for the little life inside you. I'm expecting next month, so I hope everything goes right."

I nodded a little and asked, "And it's his child?"

She nodded and smiled. "I just know he's going to be a great father."

I smiled a little and asked, "Faye, how do you feel about this?" Faye was caught off guard, not expecting me to say anything. She then smiled a little and said, "A new life being brought into the world seems like a scary experience. But I'm happy for her. I'm not jealous either because I know one day I'll be expecting as well."

I giggled a little and said, "I see. I don't mean to pry; I'm just curious."

Victoria gave me a sly smile as she said, "Grow a little more before having a child, alright? Pregnancy is dangerous business." I felt like she was talking to Connor and Xain more than me.

My hunch was right, as Xain said, "We'll do our best, Ma'am."

Victoria chuckled before looking at the doorway we came through. "Darling, what took you so long?"

"I had to make sure they weren't putting too much salt in your soup, my sweet," Miles replied, walking towards his wives and sitting between them.

Faye immediately placed her hand on his shoulder, her eyes lost in endless love for him it seemed. Victoria kissed his cheek lightly and said, "You spoil me. I'll be alright, love."

I smiled, watching them quietly until six females came in, setting plates and bowls of steaming food before us. I thanked the woman who gave me my plate, and got a wink in return. I ended up blushing hard and looking down at my lap while Xain laughed at me.

They were serving us bowls of cheesy potato soup it seemed, while on the platter was toasted bread with butter and boiled and seasoned veggies.

I looked up at Miles and said, "Thank you for lunch." He smiled at me and said, "Anytime."

I could feel Connor tensing up beside me, but ignored it and proceeded to dig in to the hot, delicious food. Xain smiled and followed suit.

Eventually, he dug in as well, once his food cooled down. I felt like he was using it as an excuse.

After a moment of silence, Miles said, "Oh, Connor. We need to talk after lunch." Connor glanced at him and asked, "About what?"

Miles didn't say anything for a moment. "It's about Lyra."

My stomach churned at the sound of my name. For some reason, I didn't like his tone.

My appetite left the moment it came.

~

0^0 I don't like Miles.

Hope you guys enjoy the update!

Until the next Update!

~ Nimo