Dreams and Night Terrors

[Persephone]

Her orgasm flooded throughout her body, making her cry out and shake against Alek. She felt his arm wrap around her waist, holding her against him while she trembled. Panting out quick breaths, her mind was dizzy and she pulsed around his cock as he slowed his movements. His fingers continued to stroke her sex making her whimper at his touch.

"Oh God...Oh God..."

She repeated softly over and over again, her head rolling into the crook of his neck. His hips circled slowly, pushing into her sensitive and swollen sex making Persephone groan out as her body recovered from coming. Pressing her lips against his neck, she almost forgot that Alek hadn't come, or at least she hadn't felt him come during her own orgasm.

"Baby?..."

An open ended question whispered against his skin. She went to lift her head, still panting out heavy breaths when she felt Alek's body adjust under her and his grip around her waist tighten. Then he began to fuck her hard and fast, thrusting into her relentlessly and making her cry out with both shock, surprise, and all encompassing pleasure. She screamed his name, gripping his arm that was firm around her waist while her other hand held onto the chair for dear life. Her pussy was already overly sensitive that it didn't take long for her to buck back against him, screaming out as she surged with pleasure all over his cock; their legs slick with each collision.

"FUCK, baby....Shit...shit!"

Her cries filled the room, her body never given a moments reprieve; Alek fucking her through her orgasm and making her body absolutely lose all control.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

The way she called out, whimpered, moaned when they were together - it was so incredibly sexy. It made him want to make her come again and again, so he could feel her lose control, feel the pleasure take over her body. And right now, if he did say so himself, was a masterpiece. He felt her collapse against him after she came the first time, her head in the crook of his neck. His slow movements stroking her tender skin. But they never managed slow for long...

And he moved to fast like a light switch, fucking her hard and relentless. She clutched at him, and he grinned wickedly as he heard his name. Her back arched into him, his moans and grunts adding to her audible cries. She came again screaming, and he thrust hard upwards, spilling out into her hot and with an immense feeling of release.

He relaxed against the chair, his hand sliding up her body slick with sweat to her neck and then her face, turning her towards him so his mouth could take her the way his cock had moments before.

"Baby...oh baby..."

He kept kissing her, feeling the slickness of her thighs in his lap, the softness of her hair against his shoulder.

"I love you, Seph...I love you..."

 

[Persephone]

She was glad the kids were gone, because Persephone knew the screams she was making combined with the grunts and cries Alek was making, there was no way their sound proofing would have held up. Persephone collapsed against Alek, her body jerking and trembling in aftershocks as he came inside her. Audible pants of air could be heard coming from Persephone as she laid her head back against Alek's shoulder, both of their bodies melting into the chair. She felt his hand slid her body and to her neck, then finally her face, turning it to him so their lips met. Moaning into their kiss, Persephone lifted her hand up to Alek's face, breaking the kiss so she could catch her breath.

Alek: "Baby...oh baby..."

Their lips met again and she knew she was done for, her body becoming jello in his arms.

Alek: "I love you, Seph...I love you..."

Her eyes were closed as she laid her head on his shoulder, still gripping his face gently to hold him close to her.

"I love you too, baby..."

She whispered, her mind dizzy from him. From the love she could feel pouring from him. And probably the wine.

"Lets go to bed..."

She wanted to lay with him in his arms and relax, and that's exactly what they did. Alek carried her over to the bed [luckily because she probably couldn't walk after everything] and they stayed like that for a long while until making love again and again throughout the night as promised. And when morning came, they spent the better part of it making love before Demeter was to bring the kids back. Hopping out of the shower, Persephone slipped on a pair of simple jean shorts and a black tank top, her hair damp and clinging to her shoulders. Padding her way downstairs, she smiled seeing Alek in the kitchen preparing some snacks for Lily.

"Back to mommy and daddy mode, huh?"

Her smile broadened. She loved being with Alek all weekend, but damn did she miss her babies. It was a strange feeling getting freedom away from the kids then realizing how empty it was without them. But a break was always needed, and Persephone was so incredibly happy to have spent the weekend with Alek. A familiar sound began to fill the room and suddenly a tornado of lights appeared revealing Demeter holding Lucas in her arms and Lily's hand.

Lily: "MAMA! DADDY!"

Persephone's face immediately lit up, bending down to her knees and holding out her arms as Lily ran into them.

"Hello my beautiful girl! I missed you!"

Lily: "I missed you too mama!"

Lily hugged her tightly before pulling out of Persephone's arms and running over to Alek, leaping into his. Persephone smiled, dipping her head down so her eyes met with Lucas'. He immediately giggled, smiling at Persephone and reaching out his arms to her.

"My sweet boy! Hello! Oh, God I missed you so much!"

Taking him from Demeter's arms, Persephone hugged him close to her chest as she swayed with him, burying her face into his air and inhaling his baby scent.

"Was everything...?"

Demeter: "Everything was perfect. Lily was on her best behavior the rest of the weekend. And Lucas didn't fuss once. I'm telling you....you have the best children, my darling. So keep popping them out."

Persephone groaned.

"Mother."

Demeter smiled, holding her hands up playfully as if to say she was innocent. Alek was holding Lily and she turned to look at both Persephone and Demeter.

Lily: "You're having another baby, mama?"

Persephone immediately shook her head.

"No, no, no sweetheart. You and Lucas are more than enough for mommy, baby."

Although after the weekend she and Alek had, it wouldn't be that surprising if she were to have gotten pregnant again. Lily smiled brightly, hugging Alek tightly content with her answer. Persephone thanked Demeter for watching them, and in true Demeter form, she said a warm goodbye to Lucas, Lily, and Alek before disappearing. And it was pretty incredible just how similar Lucas and Lily were, because as soon as Lucas saw Demeter disappear, his big blue eyes filled with tears, wide and sad that she was no longer there. He began to cry in Persephone's arms just like Lily did the first time she had come back from visiting Olympus.

"Shh shh shh...it's okay my love..."

His little cries were adorable, and Persephone did miss hearing the little hiccups he made when he was upset between his crying.

Lily: "It's okay Lucas, grandma will come back soon."

Persephone smiled at Lily while bouncing Lucas in her arms, walking over to both her and Alek. Turning Lucas to face them both, she gently rubbed his back.

"Look Lucas, it's daddy!"

 

[Berserker]

Santorini

They spent the rest of the night as Seph had wanting, making love and then sleeping, then waking and doing it all over again. He still loved his wife as much as the day he married her - more, really. And he loved spending this time together, whether it was making love or just sleeping in each other's arms. But as much as one would think he would want their alone time to go on forever, as it got closer to when the children would return, he found himself getting excited for their return. It was hard to remember what they did all day - other than fuck - before they had kids to fill their time.

Seph had hopped into the shower, so Alek ran down to the kitchen to make some special snacks for Lily when she got home. He wanted to make sure she felt special and loved, after what had happened at the beginning of the weekend. There were open faced peanut butter sandwiches in the shape of bears and cut veggies with ranch dip. And of course chocolate milk. Because Seph wouldn't let her have it all the time because she said it was bad for her.

He heard her come up behind him in the kitchen.

"Back to mommy and daddy mode, huh?"

He smiled and turned around, taking her hand and pulling her towards him.

"Don't worry, I can juggle daddy and husband mode just fine."

But before things could get out of hand again, he heard a sound he was beginning to recognize, and Demeter appeared with Lily and Lucas.

Lily: "MAMA! DADDY!"

"There's my little flower."

He watched, smiling, as Lily ran into her mother's arms. He wasn't sure who was more excited, Lily or Seph. But then it was his turn, and he crouched down as Lily jumped into his arms. He stood up, hugging her tight and swinging her around.

"I missed you so much!"

He pulled back from the hug.

"Did you have fun with grandma?"

She nodded, giggling as he tickled her. He looked over and saw Seph holding Lucas, another perfect vision. Their family all together, it was something he hadn't known how much he missed, not just this past weekend, but his whole life really. Never having a real family around him that loved each other. Until now.

Demeter confirmed that there were no more incidents since Demeter had taken Lily back to Olympus, and looked down at Lily and smiled proudly.

"That's my little cub."

Demeter: "I'm telling you....you have the best children, my darling. So keep popping them out."

Seph groaned but he grinned over at his mother-in-law.

"I keep trying to convince her..."

But Seph groaned at this double team, and then Lily asked her mother if she was having another baby.

"No, no, no sweetheart. You and Lucas are more than enough for mommy, baby."

He hugged Lily tight, and felt her little arms squeeze around his neck. He kissed the top of her head. They said their goodbyes to Demeter, and when she disappeared from view, Lucas started to cry. Alek leaned down and whispered to Lily.

"You did the same thing the first time you came back from a visit with grandma."

Lily seemed pleased that Lucas was taking after her, and beamed.

Lily: "It's okay Lucas, grandma will come back soon."

Seph was trying to calm him, bringing him over to where they stood.

"Look Lucas, it's daddy!"

Alek started making his usual faces, which made Lily erupt in hysterical laughter but Lucas just stared at the two of them with wide eyes. Alek reached out to tickle Lucas, and finally he broke a smile.

"Are you hungry, sweetheart? There's a snack for you on the counter if you want it."

Then he turned to Seph.

"Do you want me to change him and put him down?"

 

[Persephone]

Finally her family was back together and it felt amazing. Demeter assured Persephone and Alek that Lily had been on her best behavior after a rocky start. Persephone looked over at her little girl and smiled proudly at her, happy that this little event involving her jealous with Lucas was put to rest. But of course, Demeter couldn't leave well enough alone and began to beam about how perfect her grandchildren were and when Persephone was going to have more.

"Mother..."

Alek: "I keep trying to convince her..."

Demeter smiled at that, giving Alek a very eager nod of encouragement. Persephone groaned out rolling her eyes. If it were up to her mother and Alek, she would be popping out children as soon as she was allowed to get pregnant again. And while the thought of having another baby wasn't out of the question, Persephone didn't want one now.

"You two are terrible together."

She quipped light heartedly before Lily asked if she was having a baby. Persephone quickly told her no, that Lucas and her were more than enough for now. And with that, Demeter left them to enjoy their reunion together. But of course, Lucas wasn't having any of it. He began to cry like Lily had when she was a baby, Persephone gently bouncing him trying to sooth him. Walking over to Alek and Lily, she turned Lucas to face Alek.

"Look Lucas, it's daddy."

Alek began to make his faces, causing Lily to laugh hysterically and Lucas to just look at them through tear filled eyes with a questionable and confused look. Persephone couldn't help but laugh at Lucas' expression, until he started crying again.

"Aww baby..."

But finally Alek tickled him and his cries became laughter, making Persephone's smile grow. Holding Lucas close to her chest, she sighed out in utter contentment, loving the feeling of her little boy in her arms.

Alek: "Are you hungry, sweetheart? There's a snack for you on the counter if you want it."

Lily's eyes got bright, nodding as eagerly as Demeter had earlier.

Lily: "Yeah! Thanks daddy!!"

Lily hopped out of Alek's arms and ran over to the barstools that lined the island. She climbed up onto the stool and began to giggle at the little bear peanut butter sandwich.

Lily: "It's so cute!"

She began to dig into the little veggies Alek had cut up, not wanting to eat the sandwich just yet because she loved how adorable it was.

Alek: "Do you want me to change him and put him down?"

Persephone looked a little guilty as she ran her hand down Lucas' light brown hair, holding his head against her chin.

"Do you mind if I do it? I missed him so much...."

A mother having their newborn away for a couple hours was hard enough, let alone a weekend. And even though Lucas had accelerated growth and didn't look like a newborn, to Persephone he still was. And that bond between baby and mother was just too strong for her to give him up just yet. She could see in Alek's eyes that he understood, and she smiled, leaning in and giving him a kiss.

"Thank you, baby."

Looking at Lucas, Persephone smiled.

"Say night night, daddy! Night night..."

She spoke in a sweet baby voice letting Alek say goodnight to Lucas.

"I'll be down soon."

Looking past Alek to see Lily happily eating her sandwich, she was already almost done her chocolate milk that Alek had given her.

"Lily, ease up on the chocolate milk...."

Lily: "But it's so goooood."

She said with a full mouth before smiling with big sandwich filled cheeks. Persephone laughed, shaking her head while walking to the stairs.

"I expect cuddles from both bears when I come back!"

She announced wanting to snuggle with Lily and Alek on he couch as soon as Lucas was settle down for his nap. Heading upstairs, she made her way into Lucas' nursery and over to the changing table.

"How's my big boy doing? Did you have fun on Olympus?"

She asked, opening up his onsie to change his diaper. Cleaning him all up and putting a fresh diaper on, Persephone snapped his onsie closed and picked him up, walking over to the glider next to his crib. Lucas cooed and made adorable baby noises as Persephone sat down. He lifted his hands up to her mouth and she pretended to eat his little fingers, smiling as he giggled. Then his little fists went to her shirt and she knew exactly what that meant.

"Like father like son."

She joked as she adjusted herself and Lucas to feed him. He immediately latched on, suckling for a long while before finally falling asleep in Persephone's arms. Brushing her hand back along his soft brown hair, she smiled down at him. Persephone just held him then, watching him sleep and getting lost in his innocents. She really did miss having a baby around, and Lucas would grow up so fast....maybe Alek and Demeter were right. Her ovaries were doing back flips as she stared down at her baby boy, wondering if having another baby wasn't such a bad idea after all.

"Alright sweetheart...."

Quietly standing from the glider, Persephone gently placed Lucas down in his crib. He stirred just a bit before settling soundly.

"There we go....Sleep well my love."

Persephone slipped out of Lucas' room and took the baby monitor with her. Heading back downstairs, she smiled seeing Lily and Alek still sitting at the kitchen counter together. They both looked guilty, making Persephone raise her eyebrow and a smile tug on the corners of her lips.

"Uh oh, what are you two plotting..."

 

[Berserker]

The Kitchen

He grinned broadly as Lily saw the surprise he'd made for her. He loved to hear her laugh and see her smile, light and innocence in her eyes. He turned to Seph and offered to take care of Lucas for her

"Do you mind if I do it? I missed him so much...."

He gave her a peck on the lips.

"Of course not baby. You change all the poopy diapers you want."

She thanked him and leaned in for another kiss. He closed his eyes, just taking the moment in. And then Seph was saying night night for Lucas, and he kissed the baby's forehead.

"Sleep well, little boy."

Seph went to take him upstairs, and he turned towards the kitchen counter, where Lily was having her snack. He grinned knowingly as Seph commented on the chocolate milk, and winked at Lily.

"Brown bears need chocolate milk to grow up big and strong. It's a brown thing."

"I expect cuddles from both bears when I come back!"

Lily laughed with a mouth full of food at that, and Alek went over and sat down next to her, stealing a piece of celery from her.

"I'm proud of you for being so good for grandma."

Lily beamed at him, crunching on a carrot and swinging her legs on the stool.

"We missed you - it was so boring around here without you."

Lily: "We should do something fun now that I'm back!"

"We should. What would you suggest?"

An amused smile played on his lips, wondering what she would say. He got up and brought the milk and chocolate syrup out of the fridge.

Lily: "Slumber party!"

Alek smiled, raising his eyebrows. He gave her a chocolate milk refill before sitting back down next to her.

Lily: "And maybe we could play some games up in your room before we watch the movie."

"I think that sounds like a fine idea, little cub."

Lily: "And if Lucas is awake, we can play with him too! Do you think Mama will want to?"

Alek leaned in to her conspiratorially.

"I think we can convince her."

"Uh oh, what are you two plotting..."

He turned to see Seph come from the stairs towards them.

"We have an idea."

He slid off the stool and went over to her, sliding his hands around her waist.

"How about after dinner we have a slumber party?"

Lily: "With games!"

"Yes, you're exactly right. With games before the movie. What do you say Mom?"

 

[Persephone]

Persephone came down the stairs and saw Alek and Lily whispering to each other over half eaten vegetables and sandwiches. Narrowing her eyes inquisitively, a smile tugged on her lips as she approached them.

"Uh oh, what are you two plotting..."

Alek: "We have an idea."

Persephone saw the chocolate syrup sitting on the counter with a fully refreshed glass of chocolate milk in front of Lily. She gave Alek a look.

"Does it have anything to do with cavity's?"

She joked before smiling, watching as Alek came over to her and slipped his hands around her waist. It must have been a very special idea if he was trying to butter her up.

Alek: "How about after dinner we have a slumber party?"

Lily: "With games!"

Alek: "Yes, you're exactly right. With games before the movie. What do you say Mom?"

Persephone looked at Alek, then over at Lily who was sitting up straight and leaning over the counter, waiting with anticipation at Persephone's answer.

"A sleepover?"

She said almost as if it was a horrible idea. Lily's face began to fall, her smile fading. Persephone cracked a smile.

"As long as we order pizza, i'm in!"

Immediately Lily's smile returned, her eyes bright and filled with excitement.

Lily: "YAY!!! Pizza?! Really?! Best night EVER!"

Persephone laughed as Lily slipped off the stool and ran over to them both, jumping up until Alek bent down and scooped her into his arms. Brushing back Lily's long chocolate hair, Persephone tucked it behind her ear and gave her a stern look.

"I still expect my bear cuddles."

Lily giggled, wrapping her arms around Persephone's neck in a hug. She gasped in with a smile.

"I get early bear hugs...what did I ever do to deserve this!"

She playfully asked while hugging Lily back.

Lily: "Being the best mommy ever."

Persephone wasn't expecting that, especially after the whole situation with Lucas the day before. Her face was filled with emotion as she looked at Alek, Persephone's brows furrowing with happiness.

"Aw baby....."

Lily: "AND the best daddy ever!"

Lily said excitedly, pulling back and hugging Alek around his neck now with a giggle, being a little rougher with Alek because that was just the nature of their relationship. Persephone lightly laughed, rubbing her hand up and down Alek's arm.

"Alright...well we better get this slumber party figured out!"

The day went on with them planning out the slumber party and what games they would be playing and movies they would be watching. They even went as far as to building a little blanket and pillow fort on Alek and Persephone's bed, boxing them all in in the middle of the bed like castle walls preventing anyone from leaving. The pizza was delivered and in true slumber party fashion, they all got into their pajamas and climbed into bed to eat the pizza and start with some movies. Persephone sat back against the headboard, propped up with some pillows and Lucas happily in her lap. She knew Lucas wouldn't last much longer before he had to be put down for the night, but he was being very well behaved and loved watching Life of Pets, which Lily eagerly asked to be the first movie they watched. Gently bouncing Lucas in her arms, Persephone took a bite of pizza and looked over at Alek with a smile.

Lily: "Mama..."

Lily's voice was a little unsure as she looked back at her with her mouth stained with pizza sauce.

Lily: "I was thinking.....with two girls and two boys now...I think that we should have a girls time and daddy and Lucas have boys time. Just sometimes! For fun..."

Lily quickly corrected as she looked over at Alek not wanting to hurt her daddy's feelings. Persephone smiled with a nod.

"I think that sounds like a great idea, baby. I know you're daddy has been wanting to have a little boys time with Lucas since mommy has been hogging him all up!"

She snuggled Lucas playfully making him giggle in her arms.

Lily: "We could do makeup! And play dress up!"

Ohh...ouch.

Persephone thought, knowing Alek would not like the idea of Lily wearing makeup. Looking over at him with a smirk, her hand gently rubbed his forearm reassuringly that his daughter wasn't growing up too fast, that this was completely normal.

 

[Berserker]

The Kitchen

Oops, he should have put the milk away. Busted.

"Does it have anything to do with cavity's?"

"No, because Lily is going to brush her teeth after she's done with her snack."

He looked at her and nodded, then slid off his stool and went over to Seph, putting his arms around her waist. He told her Lily's idea, and asked what she thought. Seph played it off like she was going to say no, but he knew she was going to say yes.

"As long as we order pizza, I'm in!"

Lily was nearly jumping up and down in her seat with excitement. And he was pretty sure it wasn't just the chocolate sauce.

Lily: "YAY!!! Pizza?! Really?! Best night EVER!"

And then she was running over to them, jumping up and down for real, and he scooped up the big ball of energy and held her up. Lily hugged Seph, and she hugged her tightly back. And then he thought Seph might burst into tears, because Lily told her she was the best mommy ever. He looked at her and smiled, leaning over to steal a kiss on her cheek.

"Best. Mommy. Ever."

Lily: "AND the best daddy ever!"

He arms came around his neck and he put on a gruff voice.

"Oh, well, thank you very much little girl!"

He tickled her and swayed her about a bit before letting her down. The three of them planned what they were going to do at the slumber party together, and when it was time they got into their PJ's, and into Seph & Alek's bed with the pizza, all four of them.

They settled in to watch the movie - another animal movie that had nothing to do with how animals actually behaved. What were they teaching the world's children with these things? But then Lily nervously started to ask her mother something.

Lily: "I was thinking.....with two girls and two boys now...I think that we should have a girls time and daddy and Lucas have boys time. Just sometimes! For fun..."

Lily glanced over at him, and he smiled at her so she would know it was okay to want to spend time with her mom. And Seph told her it was a great idea, which made her very happy.

Lily: "We could do makeup! And play dress up!"

Alek felt his blood pressure rise. Makeup. Makeup? She was only six! What did she need makeup for? Especially as she was the most beautiful girl he knew other than her mother. MAKEUP?!

Seph's hand was rubbing his arm, but he still felt like he was about to have a heart attack. Maybe he was having a heart attack. He took a deep breath.

"You know, sweetheart, that sounds great and all but maybe you and mommy would rather go have a visit with the puppies at the cabin instead? And do the makeup thing some other time."

Like in twenty years.

He knew puppies would trump anything else she could possibly come up with. He looked triumphantly at Seph.

"I can watch Lucas tomorrow if you want. We can do manly things while you're gone. Chop wood. Build things. Shave."

 

[Persephone]

And there it was. Alek's first taste of what it was going to be like having a daughter. Persephone felt really bad seeing Alek's cheeks flush red and his eyes widen at Lily mentioning wanting to play with makeup. Pressing her lips together in a hard line to try and keep from laughing, she gently rubbed Alek's forearm comfortingly and reassuringly, letting him know that this was all normal. Little girls wanted to be like their mommy's, and when Lily watched Persephone put on makeup, it was something that she was always fascinated by and asked questions about. Alek took a deep breath in and Persephone raised her eyebrows, anticipating just what he was about to say and do.

Alek: "You know, sweetheart, that sounds great and all but maybe you and mommy would rather go have a visit with the puppies at the cabin instead? And do the makeup thing some other time."

Oh, good save.

Lily's eyes immediately lit up as she quickly turned to Persephone asking her the silent question of if that was something they could do.

Lily: "Mama!?"

Her eyes shifted to Alek, giving his arm a playful pinch. He managed to navigate away from the makeup situation way better than she was secretly hoping he would. It gave her a bit of perverse pleasure to see him about to lose his mind at his gorgeous little girl done up with makeup.

Looking back at Lily, Persephone smiled.

"If that's what you want to do, we can absolutely go see the puppies."

Lily: "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Each yes emphasized with a happy bounce.

Alek: "I can watch Lucas tomorrow if you want. We can do manly things while you're gone. Chop wood. Build things. Shave."

That made her laugh, looking down at Lucas. Running her hand down his soft cheek, her smile grew.

"Shave huh?"

Lifting Lucas up into the air, he laughed as she zoomed him over to Alek to hold.

"I guess we have a date with the puppies tomorrow. And your brother has a date with....beard maintenance."

Lily was so excited she forgot about the pizza and came over to hug Persephone, staying curled up against her now that Lucas was sitting with Alek. She laid her head down on Persephone's chest, her arms clutched around her torso. Wrapping her arms around Lily, Persephone knew that this newfound need to be with her was definitely due to their talk the day before; Lily expressing how she didn't get to spend much time with Persephone since Lucas' birth. And Persephone didn't mind one bit, smiling as she kissed the top of Lily's head and looked over at Alek contently. Her boys and her girl all together. It was the perfect night.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

His triumphant look at Seph was met by a pinch on his arm.

"Don't be a hater, Seph," he whispered.

"If that's what you want to do, we can absolutely go see the puppies."

Lily: "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!"

"Yesssss."

Another comment under his breath. And the alpha male wins again. He made a joke about the manly things he and Lucas would do while the girls were out playing with wolves.

"Shave huh?"

"Yeah, but now that you mention it, playing with wolves sounds a lot more manly."

Seph handed Lucas to him and he set him in his lap, noticing the first very big yawn from a very little boy.

"I guess we have a date with the puppies tomorrow. And your brother has a date with....beard maintenance."

"It's never too early, Seph. The Hallbjorn men have a penchant for growing a fine bit of facial hair."

He winked at Lily and smiled at Seph. In truth, he thought he might take Lucas to the park or even walk him around the town, but he didn't want Lily to think she was missing out on anything. Lily curled up with Seph, and Lucas fell asleep on his chest. It was a picture postcard moment for him, the four of them piled among the blankets and pillows. He carefully carried Lucas into his room and put him down, then came back to the Master and pulled the pizza boxes off the bed before sliding in next to Seph, Lily's body curled up between them. He sighed - even Disney animal movies couldn't ruin this.

 

[Persephone]

Alek got off easy and Persephone gave him a playful pinch on the arm.

Alek: "Don't be a hater, Seph."

Narrowing her eyes, she couldn't help but smile. Then her smile grew to a grin and a laugh as Lily happily agreed to seeing the wolves and Alek matched her excitement with a yes of his own.

"You lucked out this time..."

She whispered lightheartedly before zooming Lucas over to Alek so he could sit with his daddy. Alek had big plans for the little man, making sure to teach him the art of shaving while he was young.

Alek: "It's never too early, Seph. The Hallbjorn men have a penchant for growing a fine bit of facial hair."

Persephone smirked, bringing her hand up to Alek's beard as she leaned into him.

"I know. One of the many things I love about you..."

Her voice low between them before she pressed her lips against his. It was one of the many reasons she found Alek so attractive...and if he ever shaved it off? Divorce.

Lily: "Ewwww...."

Breaking the kiss to look over at Lily, she wrinkled her nose in disgust making Persephone laugh.

"Come here, baby. I got kisses for you!'

Lily smiled big and scrambled up the bed and laid next to Persephone, hugging her tightly and resting her little head on her chest. Persephone kissed the top of Lily's head numerous time making her giggle before they both settled down to watch the movie. As time passed Lucas fell asleep in Alek's arms and he quietly put him down in his nursery before joining them back in bed. Alek laid next to Persephone, Lily snug between them. It was perfection. Interlinking their fingers together, Persephone smiled as she rested her head against his shoulder while her free hand gently brushed down Lily's silky brown hair until she fell asleep too.

The next morning was filled with excitement as Lily shoveled down her breakfast before running upstairs and packing her backpack full of things she wanted to bring with her to the cabin. Persephone picked Lucas up from his highchair as Alek cleaned up the dishes from the table.

"Is my big boy going to have a father/son day today?!"

Persephone asked sweetly making Lucas giggle and coo.

"Yes you are!"

Lucas screamed happily, holding his arms out as Persephone hugged him while laughing. Bouncing him in her arms, she turned to Alek as he approached her.

"If I come back and he has a girlfriend...."

She warned with a smile. If Lily couldn't do makeup, her baby boy couldn't scam on women.

"I know how you Hallbjorn men are."

Persephone pressed her lips against his, smiling against their kiss.

"No girlfriends for you either."

She joked with a little laugh before giving him one more peck on the lips. At that moment she heard Lily bounding down the stairs causing Persephone to hand Lucas over to Alek and walk over to her backpack she had packed with snacks and a few necessities.

Lily: "READY!"

"I can see that. Look at how beautiful you look!"

Lily had a grin from ear to ear having dressed herself in some blue jeans, a white sweater, her pink corduroy jacket, and flower rain boots. Lily swayed from side to side, showing herself off.

Lily: "I heard you and daddy said it might be cold so I prepareded."

Persephone laughed, scooping Lily up in her arms.

"It's always good to be prepareded."

Rubbing her nose against Lily's lovingly, Persephone grabbed her backpack before turning to Alek.

"Say goodbye to daddy and Lucas."

Lily: "Bye daddy! Bye Lucas!"

Lily gave Alek a kiss on the cheek, then kissed Lucas cheek as well making him laugh. Persephone leaned in and gave Alek a kiss, her lips staying close to his as she spoke.

"We'll be back in a few hours, baby."

Giving him one more kiss.

"I love you."

 

[Berserker]

The Kitchen

They had a usual hectic breakfast, with Lily so bursting with excitement he thought she might throw up. He laughed as she cleaned her plate in record time then slid off her chair and run upstairs to get ready. He picked up their plates and carried them over to the dishwasher.

"Is my big boy going to have a father/son day today?!"

"Yes I am, thanks for asking."

He grinned at Seph, while she held Lucas and talked to him, and it would be clear to any stranger that this was his mama because of the way he smiled and laughed at her.

"If I come back and he has a girlfriend....I know how you Hallbjorn men are."

His cheeky smile radiated from his face at that.

"I'm not making any promises. Look at that face. Women are going to just fall at his feet."

Seph gave him a kiss, smiling.

"No girlfriends for you either."

"As if I could find one as hot as my wife."

She gave him another peck on the lips before handing Lucas to him. He bounced him a little hearing Lily coming down the steps at a full run and announcing she was ready. Lily came over to kiss him goodbye, and Seph gave him a kiss too.

"We'll be back in a few hours, baby."

If he didn't know better, he would have thought she didn't trust him to handle one baby.

"Have fun mommy. I love you."

He held up Lucas' little hand and waved it goodbye as they disappeared.

"Well, Luke."

He turned Lucas around to face him.

"It's just us men now. Want a beer?"

He made some faces, making the baby laugh.

"Do you want to go for a ride in the car?"

He cursed himself for that high pitched voice he somehow always defaulted to when speaking to babies. He grabbed the diaper bag and slung it over his arm, and headed out to strap Lucas into his carseat.

 

[Persephone]

Persephone bounced Lucas in her arms, talking to him sweetly about his father/son day he was going to be having. She playfully warned Alek that he better not have any girlfriends when she gets back.

Alek: "I'm not making any promises. Look at that face. Women are going to just fall at his feet."

Persephone's smile grew as she looked down at Lucas' little face; his fists in his mouth sucking happily.

"He is pretty damn adorable."

Alek came over to her and she kissed him.

"No girlfriends for you either."

She teased before giving him another peck.

Alek: "As if I could find one as hot as my wife."

'Good answer."

Grinning she handed Lucas over to Alek as Lily came downstairs, more than ready to head out. Persephone held Lily in her arms, backpack slung over one shoulder, as she leaned down and gave Lucas a couple small kisses on the cheek.

"Be good for daddy. I love you, sweetheart."

She leaned up and gave Alek one more kiss goodbye before stepping back away from them. Alek cutely had Lucas wave goodbye and Persephone smiled.

Alek: "Have fun mommy. I love you."

And with that, Persephone and Lily disappeared in a tornado of winds and reappeared on the cabin porch. The sky was overcast and it had been raining; the air crisp and cold. But that didn't matter to Lily, she was way too excited to see the wolves.

Lily: "YAY!"

Lily immediately began to run down the vast green grass of the property toward the woods.

"Ellaria, wait for mommy."

Lily stopped running and began to jump in place as Persephone jogged over and took her hand. They began to walk to the woods, and sure enough, the Alpha and his family came trotting out happily coming up to them both. They played for a long while with the wolves, Lily running around, screaming, laughing, jumping, the works. Persephone could have sworn she wore out the puppies before Lily had gotten tired. It had been a couple of hours at that point and the puppies were laying on the grass passed out, the Alpha and Beta sitting with Persephone and Lily.

"We should let them go back to their den, sweetheart."

Lily pouted, not ready for the fun to be over.

Lily: "But mama...."

Persephone ran her hand down Lily's hair.

"Just like Lucas, baby wolves need their sleep to grow big and strong too. How about we go explore the other side of the property together for a little bit, then we'll come back and see if they're ready to play again?"

Lily conceded with a nod before finishing her last bite of her PB&J sandwich. The wolves headed back into the woods while Persephone and Lily began to walk in the other direction toward the other wooded area of their property for a little hike. Alek would be proud by how skilled Lily was navigating the fallen trees and terrain of the wilderness. She was hopping onto logs, running across them, leaping into the air, swinging off branches. She was a modern day female Tarzan. They were hiking around for about a half hour when Lily suddenly stopped.

Lily: "Mama...."

Persephone had already felt the wave over her.

"I feel it too, baby..."

Lily began to run toward the 'feeling', Persephone following close behind. And sure enough, about a hundred yards ahead, they both saw a beautiful white and grey wolf laying by a fallen tree, blood staining the grass below it. Lily's eyes went wide and Persephone immediately sighed out knowing Lily was going to be devastated by this.

Lily: "No! Mama! NO!"

Lily's voice cracked as she ran up to the wolf and fell to her knees, looking frantically down at it with tear filled eyes.

"Lily..."

Lily: "Mama do something! You can help her right?!"

Slowly approaching the wolf and Lily, Persephone looked crestfallen as she kneeled down next to her daughter who was now crying.

"Lily, baby....There's nothing I can do..."

The wolf had been shot in the shoulder, and unfortunately it looked like it had survived the initial wound and had slowly bled to death. Tears streamed down Lily's face as she gripped onto the fur of the wolf, hiccuping in a ragged breath.

Lily: "Please mama.....I just felt her...I just felt her scared..."

Persephone pulled Lily into a hug as she cried against her chest. They had both felt the wolf, scared and alone....but unfortunately by the time they got to her she had died. Or so they thought.

"Lily."

Persephone was so distracted by how upset Lily was, she didn't realize the scared and alone feeling she was sensing earlier wasn't the dying wolf....but her puppy. Lily was too young to be able to differentiate between the two, but now Persephone could sense the orphaned baby. Lily looked up from Persephone's arms, her eyes wet and cheeks matching. Looking over at the fallen log, Lily turned around to see what Persephone's eyes were trained on. A pure white wolf puppy, ears flat against its head, looking absolutely terrified. Lily gasped in.

Lily: "It's....it's....That's his mama..."

She said sadly as the puppy began to softly whine.

"Shhh...come here sweet boy....It's okay..."

Lily: "We won't hurt you puppy..."

Lily said just as soothingly as Persephone, sniffing in and wiping her tears away as she turned around. The puppy slowly walked over to them, his head dipped low to the ground and eyes filled with fear. Finally, as he reached Lily, she placed her hand out for the puppy to sniff and that was about all the wolf needed to realize he could trust them. Curling up and placing his head in Lily's lap, he softly whined as he looked over at his mother's body.

Lily: "We can't leave him, mama....He's all alone and scared....Can we take him to the wolf pack?!"

Persephone gently stroked down the white coat of the puppy and shook her head no.

"No baby....that's not how this works. They won't accept another wolf into their pack like that."

Lily's eyebrows furrowed.

Lily: "Can we take him home with us? I can take care of him! I can...I can make sure he's happy and be responsible and stuff. I'll feed him and play with him..."

Persephone smiled down at Lily, her eyes so filled with hope in that moment. Persephone hated to have to take a wild animal out of the wild, but she knew this pup wouldn't survive on it's own alone. And the thought of this poor baby dying like it's mother was heartbreaking. Paired that with how Lily would most likely never speak to her again if they did leave the puppy behind, Persephone nibbled her bottom lip already knowing the answer to Lily's question.

Alek's going to divorce me....

She thought with a sigh before nodding.

"We'll take him home."

Lily: "REALLY?!? Mama thank you! I swear! I swear i'll take such good care of him!"

Lily hugged Persephone tightly before leaning down and hugging the wolf. His ears perked up then, knowing that he was no longer alone in this world, and gave Lily a few licks on the cheek making her giggle.

"Your father's going to kill me..."

Persephone said lightly with a little laugh, although Lily could have cared less in that moment, happily hugging her new best friend.

 

[Berserker]

Town

Alek had parked right in town, then went around the back to put sunscreen and a little baseball cap which obviously Seph had picked out because the thing was blue and had bear ears. He talked to Lucas while he got the stroller out, then clicked Lucas' car seat into it. First they headed to the park, and took a nice walk around in the clear air. They didn't make much progress, though, because as promised, pretty much every woman they passed stopped to ooh and aah over his handsome little boy.

Exiting the park Alek decided to stop in at the toy store. He thought maybe Lucas could get something for Lily, the way she had bought him a bear when he was born. He went through the entire store before he saw the perfect thing: two little brown bears, the same except with one wearing a dress and the other shorts and a tee shirt. He brought them up to the counter and paid, then held out the boy bear to Lucas and made it dance around a little bit to giggles from the audience. He set the bear in Lucas' carrier and headed back to the car.

He wondered how Seph and Lily were doing. He hated missing out on any time with Lily (or Seph) but he was happy that the two of them were spending time together. He knew how much Lily was missing mommy-and-me time. Up until a few weeks ago, she had had Seph all to herself. And now there was someone else taking up her time. So he was happy to give them that time alone. And he didn't get much time by himself with Lucas, either.

They pulled in the driveway at home and he could already tell that getting Lucas to eat before he fell asleep was going to be a challenge. He brought everything inside, baby and all, and fetched a bottle from the fridge to warm up. Lucas let out a giant yawn as he picked him up out of his carrier and carried him over to the couch and sat down. He flipped on the soccer match, and started to feed Lucas. He drank about half his normal amount before he went to sleep, and then Alek held him against his chest, deciding not to take him upstairs just yet. But it wasn't long before Alek was snoring right along with Lucas.

 

[Persephone]

Persephone and Lily had made their way back to the cabin, new little wolf puppy in tow. He was already incredibly attached to Lily, following her around everywhere she went. Persephone was in the kitchen making hot chocolate while Lily giggled and rolled around in front of the roaring fireplace with the wolf puppy, playing happily.

Maybe I should warn Alek...

Persephone thought, debating on giving him a call before showing up with a new family member. BUT....then again....that would give him more opportunity to say no. Lily's big blue eyes would sway him, especially when she looked up at him and said daddy. Oh God, Persephone was evil.

"So, have you thought of a name yet, baby?"

The puppy was pulling Lily's shirt making her laugh and fall onto the carpet.

Lily: "What do you think daddy would like?"

Not a puppy.

"I'm probably not the best person to ask since he always makes fun of Angel's name."

Lily giggled at that knowing it was true. Walking over with a cup of hot coco, Persephone looked at the pup and mentally told him to lay down so Lily could drink it. The pup did as commanded and Lily climbed onto the couch and took the cup.

Lily: "Oh! Maybe Blizzard? Daddy loves the snow."

"Blizzard is a cute name. But what do you want to name him, sweetheart? He's your pup."

Lily took a sip of her drink, contemplating. She then smiled.

Lily: "I like Olympus. It's my favorite place and it sounds cool! And I don't think daddy would make fun of it because we came from there."

Persephone softly laughed loving how Lily was thinking of all scenarios when trying to name the puppy.

"Olympus it is!"

Lily smile grew as Olympus lifted his head as if he already knew that was his name. They spent about another hour getting warmed up inside and spending time together before Persephone told Lily it was time to head home. Gathering all of their items together, plus their new puppy, Persephone scooped Lily and Olympus up in her arms and they all disappeared in a tornado of winds, reappearing in the living room of their home.

Lily: "DADDY! LOOK!"

"Lily...shh....hold on--"

Persephone shut her eyes tightly in an oh shit manner as Lily screamed excitedly for Alek to look at Olympus. Persephone was kind of hoping to ease Alek into the prospect of them bringing home a puppy. Surprisingly when Lily yelled, Lucas didn't wake up....but Alek did. Persephone put down their back packs and lowered Olympus to the floor, Lily happily kneeling down next to him.

"Surprise...."

Although her tone sounded more guilty than excited.

Lily: "Isn't he cute, daddy! Mommy said we could bring him home with us! I named him Olympus!"

Persephone gave Alek a look of don't kill me, stay calm, and i'll explain. Lily smiled brightly at Alek as Olympus pounced on Alek's foot and licked his toes.

"Baby, why don't you go take Olympus outside by the pool and play while I talk to daddy? Stay away from the edge..."

Lily: "Okay! Common Oly!"

Lily ran to the french doors, Olympus bounding behind her, before they were both outside on the patio playing together. Persephone looked at Alek, holding up her hands trying to pacify his obvious shock. She was very happy he was holding a baby right now.

"I can explain..."

 

[Berserker]

The Living Room

Alek was dreaming about Seph sitting on a throne on top of a mountain with lightning and thunder all around, wearing an incredibly revealing black dress and matching crown, when he heard a tiny voice shouting.

Lily: "DADDY! LOOK!"

His eyes blinked open sleepily and he inhaled sharply, stretching his arms as much as he could whilst holding a sleeping baby.

"Hey, baby...and baby...how was the cabin?"

It took a second to register that something in Seph's arms was moving, and when she set it down it was furry. His eye popped open wide and he sat straight up, not fully awake.

"That's a wolf! Why is there a wolf in our living room?"

"Surprise...."

He looked down at the floor where his daughter knelt next to a wolf cub.

Lily: "Isn't he cute, daddy! Mommy said we could bring him home with us! I named him Olympus!"

His eyes slid over to Seph, as he tried to control his voice, while the wolf cub licked his feet.

"Mommy said. That's nice."

He drew out the nice.

Seph sent Lily outside with the wolf cub. A wolf cub! When the door shut behind her he stood up, holding Lucas, turning to face her. He gestured with one hand, making an undecipherable noise that pretty much equated to, What the fuck?

"I can explain..."

"Great, because I would love to hear this one."

He rocked Lucas so he wouldn't wake up, but now was really wishing he had put him in the nursery after he'd fallen asleep.

"You can't just bring a wolf cub home, Seph! We have a baby in the house! And isn't the pack, you know, going to miss him?"

 

[Persephone]

Lily shrieked out with excitement the second they arrived in the living room, calling out for Alek despite Persephone trying to shush her up. Lucas remained sleeping but Alek stirred awake, stretching. He didn't immediately see the puppy, but when he did, his eyes were as wide as saucers.

Alek: "That's a wolf! Why is there a wolf in our living room?"

"Surprise..."

Damn, she should have somehow figured out a way to surprise him with the puppy naked. At least then he would have been distracted and not as pissed. Maybe it wasn't too late....Lily unintentionally threw fuel into the fire telling Alek that mommy said I could bring him home. Biggest face palm of the century. She needed to teach her daughter the ways of manipulation and quick.

Alek: "Mommy said. That's nice."

Persephone gave him a half smile of guilt before quickly ushering Lily out into the patio before Alek blew up. She turned to him and held up her hands, wanting him to listen to her before freaking out.

"I can explain..."

Alek: "Great, because I would love to hear this one."

"Baby..."

Alek: "You can't just bring a wolf cub home, Seph!"

With a sigh.

"Alek, calm down..."

Alek: "We have a baby in the house! And isn't the pack, you know, going to miss him?"

"He wasn't apart of the pack. Lily and I were playing with them, then we went hiking on the other side of the property. That's where we found the puppy's mother shot dead."

Persephone's brows were furrowed remembering the poor wolf laying in a pool of it's own blood, lifeless. She walked up to Alek and gently took Lucas out of his arms.

"Lily started crying..."

Putting Lucas in the playpen, he didn't stir once and kept sleeping soundly. Persephone then looked back over at Alek.

"And that's when the puppy came out. I couldn't just leave him there, Alek....He would have died alone in the wilderness. And Lily was so upset....I said we could bring him home with us..."

Turning around to look out the french doors at Lily laughing and running around with Olympus, Persephone looked back at Alek.

"Look at her...she's so happy. And I wouldn't bring an animal into this house that would harm Lucas, you know that."

Sighing.

"I'm sorry...I should have asked, I just...I couldn't say no to her.."

 

[Berserker]

The Living Room

A wolf cub! What was she thinking?!

"Alek, calm down..."

“I'm calm!”

They had a baby in the house. And a wolf was a wild animal, as much as the women in this house wanted to pretend they were pets.

“Jesus, Seph, I never thought I'd see the day when I'd prefer it was makeup.”

He asked about the pack, envisioning his family slaughtered in their beds next time they were at the cabin when they came to get their pup back.

"He wasn't apart of the pack. Lily and I were playing with them, then we went hiking on the other side of the property. That's where we found the puppy's mother shot dead."

And now, he supposed, was when he got shit about hunting. Meanwhile he'd never kill a mother and he'd never just leave the body to rot. Seph came over and took Lucas, putting him down in the playpen.

"Lily started crying...And that's when the puppy came out. I couldn't just leave him there, Alek....He would have died alone in the wilderness. And Lily was so upset....I said we could bring him home with us..."

He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face, voice resigned.

“Animals die in the wild, Seph.”

"Look at her...she's so happy. And I wouldn't bring an animal into this house that would harm Lucas, you know that."

He sighed, and took his hand away from his face, to look outside at Lily playing with the pup like it was her best friend.

"At least it's not a cat."

He shivered, then pointed a finger at her.

”The second it does something out of control it goes to a zoo. Remember what happened to Siegfried. Or was it Roy?”

"I'm sorry...I should have asked, I just...I couldn't say no to her.."

“And I don’t want to hear another word about the chocolate milk.”

 

[Persephone]

Alek was pissed. And Persephone could understand why, but at the same time, she also didn't see what the big deal was. She told him to calm down.

Alek: “I'm calm!”

She opened her mouth to say something but he cut her off.

Alek: “Jesus, Seph, I never thought I'd see the day when I'd prefer it was makeup.”

Now Persephone was getting pissed. It's not like she brought in a full grown lion into their home. And even if she HAD, it wouldn't hurt them. Was he forgetting she could CONTROL animals.

"Alek. Please, just listen to me."

Her voice more stern than before. She told him about the mother being shot dead, and he rubbed his hands roughly down his face.

Alek: “Animals die in the wild, Seph.”

"I know they do, Alek. But when your six year old begs you to help it and you can't do anything about it, then starts to cry? Put yourself in MY position. It's a baby. Just like Lucas."

Persephone huffed out, as she turned around to look at Lily playing with the puppy.

"Look at her...she's so happy. And I wouldn't bring an animal into this house that would harm Lucas, you know that."

She understood he was mad that she had made this decision without him, but she would never have brought something into their home at the risk of her children. And frankly, she couldn't believe he thought that.

Alek: ”The second it does something out of control it goes to a zoo. Remember what happened to Siegfried. Or was it Roy?”

"Aleksander Hallbjorn....I SPEAK to them. I don't wrangle them for shows for Godsakes."

She snapped before shutting her eyes and taking in a calming breath. She didn't want to fight with him, but she was also not about to take this puppy away from Lily and bring it back to the wild to die. She finally looked at him, trying to placate the situation.

"I'm sorry...I should have asked, I just...I couldn't say no to her.."

Alek: “And I don’t want to hear another word about the chocolate milk.”

Persephone raised her eyebrows and looked at him indignantly with an oh really look, BEGGING him to keep pushing her, but Lily opened the doors laughing and out of breath, running into the living room with Olympus in tow. She could obviously feel the tension despite Persephone giving her a smile.

Lily: "Are you guys fighting?"

"No."

Her answer short, leaving no room for Lily to question it. But she looked from Persephone to Alek, her blue eyes going from happy to concerned and confused.

Lily: "Is....it because of Olympus?"

The puppy was sniffing the mesh lining of Lucas' playpen, pushing his nose against the material with curiosity. Lily looked over at Alek, her eyes becoming sad and glassy.

Lily: "Are you gonna make me take him back, daddy? I promise i'll take care of him! I'll walk him and feed him and play with him...."

"Baby, we're not taking him back."

She said firmly as she walked over to the playpen and gently pet Olympus before scooping Lucas up into her arms.

"Why don't you introduce him to your father."

Persephone gave Alek any icy look before brushing past him and up the stairs to put Lucas down in his crib for a proper nap.

 

[Berserker]

The Living Room

Seph was acting like this was just a puppy they'd brought home from the pet store. Animals died in the wild all the time - it was how nature worked.

"I know they do, Alek. But when your six year old begs you to help it and you can't do anything about it, then starts to cry? Put yourself in MY position. It's a baby. Just like Lucas."

"No, NOT like Lucas. It is not the same thing."

He knew he wasn't going to win at this, so he told her, the second the pup did something out of control, he was taking it to a zoo.

"Aleksander Hallbjorn....I SPEAK to them. I don't wrangle them for shows for Godsakes."

"But what happens when you aren't here?"

She gave him a hard time for spoiling Lily, for sneaking her things like chocolate milk. Well, he had better not hear about that every again after this. She looked at him like she was going to have something to say about that, but then Lily came back inside with the wolf and asked if they were fighting. Seph gave her a curt no.

Lily: "Is....it because of Olympus?"

But Alek was staring at the wolf cub, sniffing at Lucas' playpen. And remembering the day he and Seph had met the wolf pack, and he thought they were going to attack her.

Lily: "Are you gonna make me take him back, daddy? I promise I'll take care of him! I'll walk him and feed him and play with him...."

"Baby, we're not taking him back. Why don't you introduce him to your father."

The look Seph gave him was all Queen of the Underworld as she took Lucas upstairs. How was he the bad guy? For wanting to protect his family? For pointing out the ridiculousness of making a wild animal a pet? He sank down on the couch again. His head turned to Lily, who was scooping up the pup and holding it up to him, apparently taking Seph's last statement literally.

Lily: "See Daddy? This is Olympus. Olympus, this is Daddy."

The pup barked, making Lily giggle and hug him. She climbed up next to Alek on the couch, the pup in her lap. His tone was gentle with her, but she had to understand.

"He's a wild animal, sweetheart. They're not meant to live with people."

Lily rested her head against his arm, and the pup laid its head in Alek's lap.

Lily: "But but...you're a wild animal too. We're bears."

She let out a tiny growl. Oh, she got this one from her mother. Definitely. He put his arm around her.

"It's not the same thing, baby. And he's going to get big. Bigger than a regular sized dog."

Lily started to cry.

Lily: "But he has no one except me. And I- I love him!"

Somehow Alek flashed forward to a teenage Lily saying this about a boy. And then the image morphed to a giant wolf eating said boy. Hmm. He squeezed her tight a couple times.

"Okay, little flower, okay, don't cry."

She picked up her head and looked at him, and so did the pup. He put his hand on Lily's head.

"You stay here with Mommy, I have to go out for a little bit."

He went out to the car and drove into town, gone a good hour. When he came back, he brought a large box into the living room and set it down on the coffee table. Lily came running to see, the pup on her heels. Inside were dog things, a bed, collar, leash, toys.

Lily: "Does this mean I can keep him?!"

"As long as he doesn't try to hurt you or your brother, he can stay."

Lily wrapped her arms around him.

Lily: "Thank you Daddy! He'll be good, I promise!"

Lily dropped to the floor, showing Olympus one of his new toys. Alek looked over at the stairs, knowing what was to come was not going to be pleasant. He walked up the stairs to find Seph.