The Prophecy Of The Wolves I - The Beginning
~ Chapter Thirty ~

Martin frowned as he looked around the barren wasteland. “Why are we here?” He questioned as he looked at Atlas.

Atlas chuckled. “This is where Zeus bound the giants in Tartarus. We’re going to set them free.”

Martin looked at him like he was insane. “We can’t do that. They’re not loyal to anyone.”

Atlas scoffed. “They’ll be loyal to me because I’m the one setting them free.”

Martin sighed as he took a few steps away from Atlas.

Atlas used every ounce of his strength as he dug up the earth above the giant prison.

With his four arms and superior strength, he revealed the giants within two hours.

Atlas stood up and brushed his hands off as he looked down at the seven beings that could help him defeat Liliana and win the war.

Atlas smirked as he looked down at the imprisoned giants. Zeus had imprisoned them in Tartarus after they had helped Atlas in the first titan rebellion. Now he would set them free.

“My brothers!” He shouted as he stood above them. “I’ve arrived to set you free!”

The giants roared as they looked up at him.

“Together, we will destroy the gods and those who help them!” Atlas raised his arms over his head. “Join me, brothers! Join me and rule this world by my side!”

The giants roared in agreement as Atlas used all four arms and his superhuman strength to break the chains that kept the giants bound in Tartarus.

The giants let out shouts of joy as they climbed out of the pit in Tartarus and stood in front of Atlas.

Atlas’s grin was wicked as he turned around and started leading the giants toward his palace. “Let’s go take over the world and destroy the gods!”

As they returned to his castle, Atlas could only think of the giants destroying Liliana’s army and then utterly obliterating the gods.

The giants, with their inhuman strength and scaly skin, would be undefeatable. With their javelins and spiked tails, they’d be a devastating force on the battlefield.

Liliana and her army wouldn’t stand a chance, and he would be victorious.

Liliana huffed in annoyance as she tried to get out of bed. Over the last month, her stomach had grown so much that she felt as big as a house. She could no longer see her feet and always needed help sitting and standing up.

Cayden walked into the room with a breakfast tray and chuckled as he looked at Liliana. He quickly set the tray on her nightstand and helped her out of bed. “Where are you trying to go, little dove?’ He asked as he rubbed her belly.

Liliana grumbled as she ran a hand through her hair. “I have to go to the bathroom, and I wanted to wash my face.”

Cayden pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Go on then. Be careful, though.”

Liliana giggled as she rolled her eyes. “As always.”

Liliana quickly took care of her business before walking back to bed. Or, as Cayden liked to say, waddled back to bed.

Liliana couldn’t move that fast as she finally got to their bed. “I hate being this big,” she mumbled as she sat on the edge of the bed.

Cayden chuckled and kissed her lips. “You look as beautiful as ever, my dove.”

Liliana smiled as Cayden helped her get comfortable against the headboard. Once he was sure she was comfortable enough, he set the tray full of food in front of her. “You’re sharing this with me, right?” She asked as she looked at the massive pile of food.

Cayden scoffed. “If there’s anything left.”

Liliana playfully glared at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?” She questioned with a knowing smile.

Cayden let a small smile slip onto his lips as he shook his head. “Oh, my dove,” he said in adoration. “You eat more than you think you do, is all.”

Liliana sighed as she shoved her long hair out of her face. “I swear this is such a pain in the ass,” she mumbled as she started eating. “I knew all about pregnancy from Evelyn but damn. I want these twins to be born already,” she said as she held a bite of food out to him.

Cayden leaned forward and took it without hesitation. He knew she would only argue with him if he refused. “Nathan says they’ll be here soon. So you have to be patient.”

Liliana groaned as she took another bite of food. “I know.”

Cayden chuckled and reached forward to rub her stomach. “I can’t wait for them to be here, dove,” he whispered.

Liliana smiled with teary eyes. “You’re going to be such a wonderful father,” she said softly.

Cayden grinned and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “Finish eating, dove.”

Liliana made quick work of her breakfast, occasionally giving him bites as she ate. Once she polished off the last of her food, Cayden took the tray from her and set it aside. He moved closer to her and rubbed her belly. “How are you feeling, dove?” He asked.

Liliana shrugged. “Same as yesterday. Exhausted and emotional but also ready for them to be here.”

Cayden kissed her belly. “They’ll be here soon enough, dove.”

Liliana lovingly ran her fingers through his hair. “So, who will spend the day with me today?” She asked as she continued stroking his hair.

“Um,” Cayden tilted his head slightly to the side as he thought for a minute. “Evelyn and Mason went back to their pack last night to spend time with Ryan. So, my mom will be with you for a couple of hours, and Jacques will take over until I finish the day.”

Liliana frowned. “Is Jacques okay? For the last month, he’s been with me for the entire day,” she scoffed. “He’s been at our door every morning since we found out I’m due so soon.”

Cayden shrugged. “I’m not sure, dove. He said that there was something he had to do before he came over. So, he asked my mom to stay with you for two hours.”

Liliana’s forehead creased in concern, but she sagged into the pillows. “Okay,” she mumbled as she felt herself falling asleep.

Cayden chuckled in adoration as he helped her lay down and get comfortable. He pulled the blanket over her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her temple. “I’ll tell my mom you’re taking a nap, but she’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”

Liliana nodded drowsily. “Thank you, love,” she whispered.

Cayden kissed her forehead again and left her to rest.

Cayden went downstairs and found his mother in the kitchen. “Morning, mom,” he said as he set the tray on the counter next to the sink.

Cayden started cleaning everything up as Autumn got some coffee. “Hey, sweetie. How’s she doing?” She asked as she looked toward the stairs.

Cayden sighed heavily. “She’s exhausted. She slept so much last night, and yet she’s up there sleeping again,” he shook his head as he turned off the water and dried his hands. “She was awake only long enough to eat, and then she went back to sleep.”

“Maybe we should get Nathan to come and check on her,” Autumn suggested as she rested a hand on his arm.

Cayden exhaled as he looked at the ceiling. “I think we just might do that,” he clicked his tongue. “I don’t know much about pregnancies, but I don’t think she should be that worn out.”

Autumn shook her head. “No, she shouldn’t be. Sure, there’s bound to be exhaustion. She’s growing two beautiful children inside her womb, but it shouldn’t be that bad. I’ve never heard of that.”

Cayden nodded. “I’ll get Nathan over here. I have some things I need to take care of, but please call me as soon as he’s done.”

Autumn nodded and pulled him into a loving hug. “I’ll take care of her. I promise.”

Cayden kissed her cheek. “Thanks, mom.”

Cayden left the house to take care of some more recruiting problems they had been having. Then, while going to the pack house to meet Kaine, he mind-linked Nathan to check on Liliana.

When he got to the pack house, he found Kaine in no time. “Are you ready, Kaine?” He asked as he walked up to him and the small group he was with.

Kaine scoffed as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Of course. You demanded we all be here so early in the morning.”

Cayden shook his head. “The sooner I get this handled, the sooner I can get back to Lily.”

Kaine huffed. “Oh, alright. I can’t be mad about that.”

Cayden rolled his eyes but said. “Shall we then? I’m sure this is going to be another rough talk.”

Kaine grimaced as every who was going made sure that they were touching. “Yeah, let’s get this over with.”

Kaine teleported them to an island where the cyclops lived. Kaine and Cayden let the small group lead them to the cyclops, that would be willing to join them in the war. It didn’t take them long to get to a mountainous cave. “What do we do now?” Cayden questioned as he continuously scanned their surroundings. Finally, one of the werewolves shrugged. “We wait,” he said.

So they waited. They waited for about forty minutes before they felt the ground shaking. They watched the cave entrance and stood in awe as five cyclops emerged. The cyclops stopped just inside the cave entrance. “Their leaders Arges,” another wolf whispered to Cayden. “He’s right in the middle there.”

Cayden bowed slightly to the other wolf before taking a step forward. “Hello, Arges,” he respectfully said as he lowered his head.

Arges scoffed. “There’s no need for that,” he grumbled. He looked around. “I was told this chosen was a female wolf-witch hybrid.”

Cayden sighed. “Yes, my beloved mate is the chosen one, but she cannot attend this meeting,” he said calmly.

Arges frowned. “Why?” He demanded. “Are we unworthy of her time?”

Cayden shook his head. “That’s not it at all,” he said, keeping his voice as calm as possible. “My beloved is currently on bed rest. She is due to have our children any day now.”

Arges straightened at that. “The chosen one is with child?” He questioned in shock.

Cayden gave him a single nod. “Yes, but she is more than willing to speak with you on the phone to confront any concerns you may have.”

Arges shrugged. “Alright. Get her on the phone then.”

Cayden pulled out his cell phone and called his mom. “Hey, is she awake?” He questioned.

Autumn sighed through the phone. “Barely. Nathan woke her up, and he just left.”

As much as Cayden wanted to know what had happened, he knew it would have to wait until he finished the cyclops. “Okay. Please bring the phone to her. Arges, the cyclops leader, wants to speak with her.”

Autumn groaned. “You’re going to owe her for this, you know,” she grumbled as she made her way upstairs. She scoffed. “You’re going to owe me something nice for me having to possibly wake her up if she’s fallen asleep since I left her.”

Cayden chuckled. “I’ll take care of both of you.”

Autumn quietly went into the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed next to Liliana. “Sweetheart, it’s Cayden. He says that the cyclops want to speak with you.”

Cayden chuckled as Liliana swore and struggled to move through the phone. “Fine, but he should know I am miserable about being awake right now.”

Autumn giggled. “Oh, trust me. He knows.”

Cayden heard some more grumbling before Liliana’s voice came through the phone. “What’s wrong, beloved?” She asked in a tired voice.

“Arges wants to speak with you,” he said softly. “I’m sorry for keeping you from resting, but this shouldn’t take long.”

Liliana groaned but agreed. “Okay.”

Cayden put the phone on speaker and was thankful that it was loud enough to reach the cyclops. “Hello, Arges,” Liliana said through the phone, her voice clearly expressing how exhausted she was.

“You know what my name is, chosen one, but I’m afraid I do not know yours,” Arges said as he knelt closer to the phone.

“My name is Liliana,” she said softly. “I am truly sorry I cannot be there in person.”

“Worry not, young Liliana. Your mate has told us why you were unable to attend. I only wished to speak with you,” Arges said gently.

“Of course, Arges. Feel free to ask anything,” Liliana said politely.

Before he could respond, Liliana groaned as a contraction tore through her body. Autumn was by her side and holding her hand. “Here’s some water,” Autumn said softly.

Liliana moaned again as she took a sip of water. Liliana took several deep breaths and drank half the water bottle before returning to her call with Arges. “Apologies for that. It seems the twins are getting ready to join the world.”

“It’s alright,” Arges said softly. “Are you alright?” He asked in concern.

Cayden was surprised at how quickly the cyclops came to worry about his beloved. “I’m okay,” she said quietly. “Thank you for your concern.”

Arges cleared his throat. “Right. I’ll make this quick then,” he clicked his tongue and smiled at Cayden and the others behind him. “We’re at your service, my lady.”

Liliana sighed in relief. “Thank you so much for this, Arges. We truly appreciate it. It will be an honor to fight with you on the battlefield.”

Arges chuckled. “The honor is ours, my lady. We shall see you soon.”

Cayden took her off speakerphone and walked away from the group. “Are you indeed alright, my dove?” He asked in a hushed voice.

Liliana smiled and softly said. “Yes, love. I’m alright. Just tired, and the twins are getting ready to join us in our beautiful yet cruel world.”

Cayden sighed heavily. “What did Nathan say about the exhaustion?” He questioned quietly.

Liliana cleared her throat. “Nathan said it could be many things. The twins could be absorbing some of my energy to protect themselves better. It could be my body simply getting ready for labor. He wasn’t sure. He said he was going to do some research but would like to have Kaine give me a quick checkup when you guys get back, and he’s rested from teleporting so many people.”

“Okay,” Cayden said as he heard someone call his name. “We’ll be back soon.”

“I love you, my dearly beloved,” she whispered. “So much.”

Cayden grinned. “I love you too, my little dove.”

Cayden hung up and went back to the group. He looked up at Arges. “Kaine will teleport us home and come back for you guys. You should have time to pack up anything you may need to bring.”

Kaine nodded along. “I have to teleport both groups separately,” he chuckled. “Unlike our amazingly fearless leader, I cannot teleport all of us at once. I’m strong, but not that strong. Only she can do that.”

Arges nodded. “We’ll grab the few things we need and be waiting for you here.”

Kaine bowed slightly and turned to the group he had arrived with. “Everyone ready?” He asked.

Everyone nodded and ensured they were touching, and Kaine teleported them home. As soon as they were at the pack house, Cayden clapped Kaine on the back. “Thanks, Kaine. I’m going to run and check on Lily,” he cleared his throat. “Kaine, one other thing before you leave. When you return with the cyclops and have rested a bit, Nathan would like you to check on Lily. She’s been exhausted, and Nathan isn’t sure why.”

Kaine nodded in understanding. “It’ll take me an hour after I return, but I’ll be there.”

“Thank you, Kaine.”

Kaine shook his head with a slight smile on his face. “She’s like a niece to me. I’d do anything for her.”

Cayden rushed to his house and made it there in no time. He stayed by Liliana’s side until Kaine and Jacques arrived.

Liliana groaned as she rolled onto her side and tried to get comfortable. She was exhausted, but more than that, a twinge of pain radiated through her lower abdomen and back. She held her swollen belly as she squeezed her eyes shut.

Liliana heard the door open before several footsteps walked over to the bed. “Are you okay, my dove?” Cayden asked in concern.

Liliana shook her head. “I don’t know,” she whispered.

Kaine rushed to her side and quickly did a magical check-up on her and the twins. Then, his eyes snapped open, and he looked at Cayden. “I think you should get Nathan here as quickly as possible,” he said with furrowed eyebrows.

Cayden frowned. “Why? Is she okay?” He demanded. Kaine nodded. “She’s in labor.”

“Shit,” Cayden swore as he quickly mind-linked Nathan to get to his house as soon as possible. Then he looked at Kaine. “Do you think you could teleport and get Ryan, Evelyn, and Mason?” He asked. “She would want them here for this.”

Kaine quickly did as Cayden asked. Within five minutes, Ryan and Evelyn were in the room with them. “Where’s baby Mason?” Liliana asked through a moan of pain.

“He’s being well cared for by Sharon,” Evelyn soothingly said as she caressed Liliana’s hair.

Liliana nodded slightly and ground her teeth together as another wave of pain crashed through her. She frowned as she felt something wet between her legs. “Oh, gods and goddesses,” she whispered as she looked down.

Evelyn followed her eyes and nodded. “It’s time, Lily. Your twins are coming.”

Liliana moaned again as she reached for Cayden. He took her hand in his and caressed her face. “I’m right here, dove,” he said softly. “I’m right here.”

Liliana whimpered as another wave of pain went through her. Cayden moved her hair out of her face just as Nathan came in with several nurses to help him. “What do we have?” He asked as he rushed to Cayden’s side.

“Her water broke about five minutes ago, and her contractions are now seconds apart,” Evelyn explained softly.

Nathan nodded and looked at Cayden. “We need to get her pants off and move her to the end of the bed.”

Cayden was gentle and quick as he took Liliana’s pants off and helped her move to the end of the bed. “Feel free to sit behind her alpha. She’s going to need the support,’ Nathan said as he got everything set up.

As Nathan set up his equipment, Cayden quickly sat behind her and supported her upper body. “Okay, Luna,” Nathan said as he looked up at her. “You’re ready. When the next contraction hits, I need you to push as hard as possible. Can you do that for me?” He asked in that gentle, soothing tone he always used to keep his patients calm.

Liliana nodded. “Yes,” she managed to get out just before another contraction coursed through her lower body.

Liliana didn’t hold back as she gripped Cayden’s hands and pushed with a loud cry. Once the contraction passed, she sagged against Cayden as she tried to catch her breath. She was in pain but would be strong for her twins and her beloved.

Liliana only had a moment’s reprieve before another contraction hit. She let out a cry as she pushed again. It went on like that for several hours, with a brief pause between the twins. It was only a couple of minutes between them, but it was enough for her to gain the strength and energy to push out their daughter.

As soon as they heard that second cry, Liliana started sobbing in joy. “Go to the twins, my beloved,” she whispered to Cayden as she sagged against him.

Cayden looked down at her with tears in his eyes. “You’re sure?” He asked softly.

Liliana nodded with a tired but loving smile. “Go to them,” she whispered again.

Cayden carefully laid Liliana back against some pillows before going over to the cribs the twins would be in once they were cleaned up. Their son was already in his crib, having been cleaned up by Evelyn and one of the nurses. Once their daughter was brought over, Cayden couldn’t hold himself together. He slowly lowered himself to his knees in front of the cribs and let the tears slide down his cheeks.

Cayden felt someone stand behind him; he knew it was his mom. But, unfortunately, he didn’t have time to fully enjoy the moment because he heard the one thing he never wanted to hear. “Shit,” Nathan cursed as the nurses rushed to his side. “She’s crashing.”

Cayden scrambled to his feet and rushed to Liliana’s side. He fell to his knees next to her and firmly but lovingly gripped her hand in his. “Please help her, Nathan,” he whispered as tears of fear and panic flowed down his cheek.

Nathan nodded and went to work. It took him over an hour, but he finally managed to get Liliana stable. “She’s okay,” Nathan said. “We have her stabilized, but it may take a bit of time for her to wake up,” he said, voice full of regret and sadness.

Cayden looked up at Nathan with despair in his eyes. “How long?” He demanded.

Nathan sighed heavily. “It could be hours or weeks. I’m not sure. This pregnancy wasn’t like any pregnancy I’ve ever dealt with, so we can only hope for the best right now,” he said apologetically.

Cayden let his head fall onto the bed beside Liliana’s sleeping form. He stayed like that for a few minutes before he looked around the room. Their family all stood around the room with sorrow practically radiating from them. He cleared his throat a couple of times before quietly speaking. “Mom. Evelyn. Could you take care of the twins for a little bit?” He asked in a rough voice. “I want to care for Liliana and get everything cleaned up.”

“Of course,” Autumn said softly. “We’ll take care of them until you’re ready.”

Cayden shook his head. “It’ll only be for a couple of hours at the most. I know Liliana would want them here with us. But, honestly, I need them close right now as well.”

Autumn nodded and picked up Cayden’s son while Evelyn grabbed his daughter. Then, everyone left the room so Cayden could care for his beloved. Cayden gave her a quick bath and laid her on the couch once he was done. Then, he quickly changed the sheets and blankets on their bed. When he was finished, Cayden laid Liliana in their bed. He sat on the edge of the bed as he watched her. Nathan said he would be back to put her on an IV if she didn’t wake up within twenty-four hours.

Cayden decided to push the two cribs for their twins right up against the bed on her side. He was hoping that by hearing the twins, she would wake up. He made sure their cribs were perfect before messaging Autumn that they could bring the twins back upstairs.

Cayden held the door open for them as they carefully brought the twins in and put them in their cribs. “Thank you,” he whispered to Autumn and Evelyn.

They both hugged him as they walked past him. “Ryan and I have to get back to Mason, but we’re only a phone call away,” Evelyn whispered so she didn’t wake up the twins. “Please keep us updated on how she’s doing.”

Cayden hugged her again. “Thank you.”

Evelyn went downstairs to replace Ryan and Kaine so they could go home.

Autumn sighed. “I’m going to stay in the guest room tonight. If you need help with the twins, mind-link me.”

Cayden pressed a kiss to Autumn’s temple. “Thank you, mom.”

Autumn kissed his cheek before going to the guest room down the hall.

Cayden sighed as he closed the door and went to stand over his twins. He looked down at them and felt nothing but awe, love, and adoration. His entire world was lying around him, and he would do everything he could to keep them safe.