My Mate is a Wolf (English)

"What to do, Father? I don't wanna die!"

Screams from the werewolves threw the situation into an even more chaotic phase. They were running, looking for a shelter, with parents putting their children's safety as the top priority.

North Land was originally a peaceful and quiet wolf island. There was never a conflict.

Until that unfortunate event occurred. The vampire race from Cadhia Averlands entered North Land by accident. Wreaking havoc everywhere.

"Wolf King, help us! Please solve this problem!" cried one of the palace guards.

The wolf king remained still. Seeing the chaos ensue in his country. Occasionally, he would glance at the wolf queen who couldn't do much.

"What do you think, My Queen? Can you come up with a solution? The safety of our kind needs to be ensured. How did those vampires enter the werewolf territory?" The wolf king asked.

For a moment, the queen was silent. She turned to face her personal maid. "There is nothing I can do, My Husband. Everything is out of control and too sudden. I can only hope for the help of the gods," she replied.

A loud bang on the table could be heard. The king was mad, thinking his wife was useless. His jaw clenched. With a piercing reddened gaze and sharp nails, the wolf king was about to pounce on his queen.

On high alert, the wolf queen hurriedly took cover behind her knight. "What are you intending to do, Your Majesty?"

"You are useless! As a queen, you should be able to come up with something! What will become of our people? Do you want the werewolf race to go extinct?!" The wolf king snapped, frightening his wife.

Selena immediately fell on her knees, begging for mercy. However, unfortunately, the king's emotions could no longer be controlled. He ordered his guards to drag Selena away to a certain room where she would be left alone without friends. Abandoned with no certainty.

Selena pleaded one last time. She was weakened, unable to withstand the immense strength of the king's guards. Of course! The king had stripped her of her internal power. She was now nothing more than an ordinary werewolf with no special abilities.

In the cramped room, Selena curled up in silence. Calling her mate's name in her heart. No, not the wolf king, but someone else.

Filled with determination, Selena shifted into a wolf and tried to squeeze through a very narrow gap. She nearly gave up, but upon remembering her mate's name, she refused to back down easily. She breathed a sigh of relief when she finally managed to escape.

"Oh, that hurts." Several wounds were visible on Selena's body, quite deep and surely painful. Paying no care, she immediately ran to find James in the midst of war.

Again and again, Selena was shot. Stones were being thrown in her direction. She even fell and was stepped on, but she managed to save herself. In her desperation, a man came and grabbed her hand, pulling her somewhere. At least, they may be safe from the war.

"James?! Is that you? Thank goodness, I thought you were dead-"

James pressed his index finger against Selena's lips. The couple hugged each other. They rarely met because the palace rules were very strict.

"I'm all right, Sweetheart, but what about you? Look, you've got so many wounds here. How did you leave the palace?" James' question made Selena's tears fall in an instant.

"The king locked me up in a room because I couldn't help him. He's so cruel, James. I hate him even more! He's selfish and he always hurts my heart," Selena answered.

"Heartless bastard! Could it be that he also seizes your internal power?" Selena nodded weakly, making James furious.

"Never mind, Dear. Forget about him. What matters is that we're together now. Instead, I'm happy, I'm finally free. We can get out of here and live happily ever after!" Selena's eyes twinkled as she spoke.

However, it wasn't the same with James. His expression looked solemn. He was worried about something.

"Stay here first. I'm going to fetch you some medicine. You're so weak because your internal power was taken away. Don't move around too much," James said in a cold tone.

Selena stared, a bit taken aback by the sudden change in her mate's attitude.

Not long after, James returned with herbs. Selena laid on her back. Her wounds were pretty deep. Blood kept flowing, and for a split second, James was held in panic. However, Selena assured him that it was only a small wound.

"I'm scared the wolf king might find you here. Our relationship would be discovered and there is no doubt you would be severely punished. I can't even imagine that. It's awful," James said, streaming out the worries deep down in his heart.

Selena snorted in response. Truth to be told, there was no longer any concern about the king. Such feelings didn't exist at all. What's left is only hatred and longing for separation, but the circumstances had never allowed her.

"This sin that I have committed is indeed serious, Dear. I cheat and play behind the king's back. My mate is an ordinary human. If one day this affair is discovered by him, I'm ready to accept all the consequences. What matters is we can be together in the meantime. Until then, I won't run away." Selena burst into tears again, making James didn't have the heart to see her in that state.

"You have sacrificed too much, Sweetheart. Don't do anything stupid again for our love. Go back to the palace and do your duty as a queen. Don't give up yourself for me," James whispered.

"What do you mean, Dear? I don't want to go back! I'd rather die than return as a queen." Selena refused harshly. There was too much trauma and suffering that she had endured.

Since childhood, Selena preferred a normal life like an ordinary human. Play, hunt, enjoying her life to the fullest without having to think much. Unfortunately, at her late father's request, she was forced to become the wolf queen. The current wolf king turned out to be a ruthless and heartless man.

That was why Selena had no offspring from the king. She always refused him.

"Okay, if that's what you want. I'll do everything I can to protect you. Don't let the palace find out. Come on, we're out of here. To my house," James said.

Both of them silently left, trying not to be noticed by anyone. James' house was quite a distance away. Selena felt exhausted and couldn't walk anymore. James then carried Selena until they reached his house in the middle of the forest.

Selena panted. Her wounds reopened. James ripped the fabric from his shirt and used it as a bandage.

"Wait here, okay? I'll go hunting for food." James excused himself. Selena didn't worry about being left alone since the place was definitely safe. She simply needed some rest.

"This is my oath, Your Majesty. I will never again set my foot in the palace. All this time you have always treated me as you please. I'd rather be an ordinary human without a title of nobility. I hate you, Your Majesty! I hope you die soon and be replaced by someone else!"

Rumbles of thunder echoed shortly after. Selena wondered because the weather was still very bright just now. She went outside and checked. It was raining blood.

"Is this the blood of my people?"

*

If it's really the blood of my people, then the werewolf population will decline. What should I do? Why is this happening so fast? Selena thought.

All by herself, Selena slept for a long time because she was so tired. She didn't even realize that James had returned from hunting. She was startled when James gently stroked her hair in an attempt to wake her up.

"Are you home, Dear?" Selena shifted despite the stinging pain from her wounds.

"How is it? Do you feel better now?" James replied with a concerned look that was locked on Selena's wounds.

"I saw-"

"You must think it's the blood of your people, don't you?" James stopped her mid-sentence.

Selena slowly nodded. "Tell me if I'm wrong."

James nodded in response to the wolf queen. "Yes, you are right. We are on the verge of extinction. Tell me what solution you have in mind," he replied sadly.

Selena gave him a faint smile, her eyes seemed tired.

"I can't let North Land exist without werewolves. As a queen, this is my greatest guilt, James. I have no idea who started it. The war keeps going. It's almost certain that the werewolf race will be wiped out soon," she said, now with a pair of burning eyes.

"Are you thinking of returning to the palace and carrying out your duties as a queen? I've been thinking about that for quite some time. It's the only way for me, you, and the werewolves to survive. At least we can think of a way out. Discuss it with the king," James enthusedly said.

Selena spat in disgust. She hated it when James mentioned the wolf king, a selfish werewolf who had never considered her feelings. "I have sworn that I will never go back! Stop talking about it!" she demanded.

"Then, what will you do?"

Selena grabbed James' shoulders and turned him to face her. As best she could, she challenged James' beautiful pupils with her seductive gaze. Many ideas crossed his mind about how to protect the werewolves, but he felt that he had no right to interfere. He was only a human.

"Marry me, James," Selena said with hope in her voice. She looked deeply into James' eyes until the man gulped. Did Selena really want this?

"What?" James stared, his eyes widening in shock as he heard Selena's request.

"I'm sorry, Sweetheart. It looks like I can't fulfill this request. You know yourself, the relationship between an ordinary human and a werewolf is forbidden. I'm scared of being punished," James said miserably.

Selena flashed him a dry smile. "Why are you scared? Wasn't it me who'd receive the punishment?" Selena asked in a weak voice.

James quickly shook his head, holding his mate's hands in a firm grip. "That's easy for you to say, Selena! I love you so much! How could I let you be sentenced to death? Don't be silly!"

Selena burst into tears. She was confused, not knowing what else to do.

"Even so, my status is still that of the wolf queen. I don't want North Land to come to an end. Can't you help me? Just this once. Please marry me and carry on this bloodline." Selena kept begging.

James averted his gaze, trying to persuade Selena to find another way. "Don't be like this, Selena. Please try to understand. You can marry a pure werewolf, not me! That's the only way," James stated.

Selena's eyes widened. She was disappointed upon hearing her mate's words just now. How easy for him to ask her to marry someone else.

Selena sobbed bitterly. "Do you not love me? Why does it feel like you want to get rid of me?" she questioned.

James swallowed hard. His heart rumbled. On one hand, he really wanted to be with this woman forever. On the other hand, he wished he could forget Selena right this instant. Not only was his safety at risk, but Selena's life was also in grave danger. Her punishment would be crueler than her mistake in escaping from the palace.

"Why don't you answer me, James?"

James took a deep breath. "I do love you, I love you so much, but ...."

"I'm worried sick about you, Selena," he whispered, "but I definitely can't marry you. Not only had I betrayed the king, but the gods might be furious as well."

Selena cried in her mate's arms. Her heart was shattered. She felt useless as a queen. She couldn't find any way out. What's the point of her still being alive?

"If only my parents weren't selfish. I want to live as a commoner. No pressure, no confusing tasks. I wanted to be free since I was a child. Playing with friends. But, my father insisted that I had to be the next queen. See now? The king is a tyrant! I can't take it anymore," Selena stated, recalling her past.

"It's fate, Sweetheart. You can't go against the gods' will."

"You're defending them, James? I'm suffering here! Where is your heart?" Selena snapped out of anger.

"No, Sweetheart, that's not what I mean. I'm simply telling the truth. We are not God, we are merely mortal beings. All fate is laid in God's hands," James coaxed, trying to make Selena understand. Selena, who was a little annoyed, turned her back on the man.

James couldn't be ignored. He came closer, kissed Selena's neck, and whispered something into her ear.

"You're serious?" Selena's expression suddenly changed.

"I'll think about it, Sweetheart. Please give me some time," James pleaded.

Selena pouted. "How long will I wait for you to decide? Don't take too long, James. Look at the bloodshed out there!"

"I don't know. I'll try as soon as possible," James replied, kissing Selena's forehead affectionately.

"Okay, I keep your promise," Selena said in cheerful tone.

"But-"

"I'm willing to die with you, James. Even if the wolf king and the gods punish me, I don't mind as long as I can bear our children. Descendants who will one day become the leaders of this nation," Selena cut him off.

"You are now nothing more than an ordinary werewolf. Your powers were taken away by the king. How can you withstand that punishment?" James inquired.

"Marry me." Again, those words slipped out of Selena's mouth.

"Oh, come on! I don't think that's the solution!"

James felt puzzled about what he should do next. He was afraid that Selena would be angry if he refused her request. However, on the other hand, the punishment of the gods awaited them both. What to do now?

"Fine, I'll marry you," James finally said.

"You're serious?" Selena's eyes twinkled. James hesitantly nodded, his heart tinged with doubt. Is this the best decision?

"I'll call the elders of the werewolf race to marry us off," James said.

Selena smiled. "I'm looking forward to it."

"Although this will be very different from the party you had when you married the king. Just a simple ceremony, nothing in comparison," he added.

"I'm fine, I'm prepared for it and I'm happier with you."

*

James reached for the hands of the woman in front of him. His gaze was intense and fixated on her stunning figure. There were only a few witnesses in the room.

"I choose you, Selena, to be my wife and the mother of my future children, and I promise to be faithful and accompany you in hardship and joy," James said firmly in one breath.

Selena casted a smile of happiness. "I also accept you, James, as my husband and the father of my future children. I promise to stand by your side in the good and the bad." Selena made the same vow.

*

On one night with James, Selena didn't know what was going on out there. Did the war end? No. Those vampires wouldn't be satisfied unless they had exterminated the entire werewolf race.

"How long has this war been going on, roughly, Dear? I'm scared to leave the house. Afraid of being targeted by the vampires," Selena asked.

"I don't know much about war, Sweetheart. Humans rarely engage themselves in war. Maybe we did in the past, but it is uncommon nowadays. We value peace," James replied softly.

"I'm sure vampires and werewolves don't like war either. Maybe it's just a misunderstanding." Selena took a deep breath.

"What are you afraid of, Selena? We're safe here. Away from the war and the palace. I'll take care of you as best I can," James asked in concern.

"Of course I'm worried, James. You and I are safe here, but what will happen to my people out there? As a queen, I'm terrible. I can't do anything. A loser." Selena cursed herself. James, who understood, then rubbed his wife's shoulder.

"What can you do? Your internal power has been removed. You are now like an ordinary human without power. What matters is that we are safe. The werewolf race won't simply disappear," James said, sounding positive.

Selena gave a sad look. She detested her fate. She despised being a queen and all the responsibilities that came with it. What good is it for her people to worship "long live the wolf queen"?

Selena didn't want it. She preferred to be treat as a frail commoner.

"Never mind, don't stress over it. You're still injured. Trust me, everything will be fine," James said soothingly.

"How long will this fear last, James? I can't hold it in anymore."

Out of concern at seeing Selena's constant worry, James planned to go to the battlefield and assess the situation there. He crept out of the house, looking for his own shortcut that's difficult for others to find.

***

Selena worried in silence. She feared that something bad would happen to her new husband. Vampires were infamous for being vicious and greedy. They preyed on anyone in their path, regardless of status or power.

However, upon hearing the squeaky sound of the door moving, Selena was a little relieved.

"I'm home, Sweetheart. Sorry, it took so long," James spoke as he brought the animal he hunted.

Selena immediately stood up, hugging James tightly for fear of him getting hurt.

"Hey, what is this? Never mind, I know you're worried about me. I'm not hurt at all. Great, isn't it? Using this camouflage ability, those two races are very easy to fool. Here, cook. Let me help," explained James.

"My husband is the best!"

***

Ever since living with James, Selena had felt as free as a commoner. There were no more any government rules to think about, nor were there any boring meetings that required Selena to be elegant.

I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I can't stand living with you anymore. I'm happier leading a simple life with James here. Look, we're married now. Soon we are going to have children. Unlike you, who doesn't even make me want to bear your child, Selena thought. The wolf king's attitude still lingered on her mind.

Since James was out hunting, she decided to clean the house. There were lots of trash, dust, and the remains of the hunted animals. Not to mention the rotten stench.

Two hours had passed, and from the moment she started cleaning the house, Selena had felt something strange. Though, she couldn't really comprehend what was strange about her body.

But then, suddenly Selena touched her stomach, which was forming a small bump behind the clothes she was wearing. "Have I been eating a lot lately? Till my stomach feels heavy like this?" Selena asked herself.

She shrugged nonchalantly and went to her room to iron their clothes.

Being engrossed in her own activities, Selena was startled by something suddenly kicking in her stomach. For a brief moment, Selena remained still as the kick in her stomach suddenly subsided. She wanted to be sure about her feelings.

"Maybe it's just my thought," Selena said, pushing aside the fear that just appeared in her mind.

The kick returned and this time twice in a row. Selena was rendered speechless.

She chose to sit down, pausing the work for a moment.

"Tired? Or could it be because my wound is still wet?" she muttered.

While she was lost in thought, she felt something moving inside her body.

"Am I pregnant? Why is there a kick in my stomach?" Selena asked and looked down, gently rubbing her belly.

Who would have thought that Selena's question would be answered by someone? The voice came from Selena's own stomach.

"Yes, Mom, I've grown inside your belly. I'm your child."

Selena's eyes were perfectly round. She didn't think that a baby was growing in her womb. She had no idea she'd be pregnant with James' child so soon.

Selena thought she wouldn't get pregnant quickly because of their racial differences. Even assuming that the two of them could not produce any offspring.

But it turned out to be the opposite. Only three days after Selena moved in with James, she became pregnant with his child.

"What should I do now?" Selena asked herself.

She was at a loss for what to do, because all this time, Selena had never expected that she would get pregnant this fast. Considering both the wife and the husband are of different races. Moreover, she had never seen a pregnant woman.

"It's James' child, what should I do? Will they be a wolf like me? Or a human like their father?" Selena asked herself. "Will they be a half werewolf?"

Selena shook her head. That wasn't what she was supposed to think about right now. She snorted in annoyance, didn't know what else to do.

Selena decided to wait for James to return home before finding a way out.

Selena resumed her activities. She got a little ticklish every now and then because something was moving in her stomach.

"Child, please calm down for a moment. I have to finish this chore," Selena said, rubbing her belly. "Be patient, Honey. After all the chores are finished, Mom will play with you," she added.

A short while later, there was no longer any movement in her stomach. Selena felt relieved. She could go back to focusing on her chores.

While waiting for James to return home, Selena was eager to tell him about the baby. She was happy to be able to give James a child and even more pleased because she could save the wolf's bloodline.

It seemed Selena had a lot to thank James for. She didn't know how to express her joy.

"What? You're pregnant? How can it be so fast?" James asked in surprise. He quickly reached for Selena's wrist and checked her pulse.

"Yeah, James. I'm confused as well." Serena casted a faint smile.

"You're right, Selena. The pulse indicates another life in your womb!" James, who was overjoyed, lifted his wife's body right away. They were just like any average husband and wife who had long wanted a baby.

*

Selena rubbed her growing belly with her palms, slowly following the rhythm of the heartbeat from the baby in her womb. She could sense their soul, even though they had not yet been born into this mortal world.

"I love you, Child," Selena whispered softly.

She could hear the baby's reply, gracing a smile on her lips.

The woman turned around and called her mate, "James! James!"

James immediately approached Selena. The man was running from the kitchen. "What is it?"

"I'm really pregnant, I can feel it for real!" Selena exclaims, almost squealing with delight. "I know they're talking to me too."

James knelt in front of Selena, his eyes welling up with tears. "Thank God. I'll take better care of you from now on."

"No need to overdo it," Selena giggled. "I'm pregnant and not dying, though wolves like me take longer to conceive. I simply ask for your patience."

"Anything for you, Sweetheart," James gently replied. He took Selena's hand and kissed her palm. The touch left a lingering tint of warmth in Selena's heart. Her lips couldn't stop smiling. "Selena, my love, I love you unconditionally. You have to remember it."

"Sure, I'll remember. James, I love you too," Selena said earnestly, fixing her loving gaze on him.

Selena realized she had risked her life just by loving James. The stakes were even higher when she became pregnant to carry on their lineage. Even so, this was her life choice. A decision that made her happy without any regrets.

"Tell me, what is our unborn child talking about?" James asked softly. He rubbed Selena's stomach with his rough palm.

Selena felt a movement in her belly. She closed her eyes and said, "They said, they love us and want to see us soon."

"I feel the same way," James responded, "I've loved them since they were in the womb."

"How kind." Selena switched her attention back to her mate's face. "I'm not wrong to fall in love with you. You will definitely make an excellent father."

"You'll become an excellent mom too, Selena."

The thought of them being a happy little family seemed so lovely. Now the situation was safe enough that they could dream about good things, but nothing was ever certain in the future.

"I hope so," Selena said, trying to enjoy the present without worrying about anything else.

***

A few days passed, and Selena's pregnancy had finally reached its advanced stage. She gained weight as the baby in her womb grew in size. The due date, which was drawing closer, was something she longed for. The woman repeatedly engaged her unborn child in a talk.

Until one day, when the sun was so bright and the air was hot, Selena felt very thirsty. She'd drank a lot of water, but it hadn't quenched her thirst. The woman desired something fresh. She wanted some deer blood. It had been a long time since she had tasted the blood of a deer. It must be delicious in such hot weather.

"James," Selena called, walking cautiously with her big belly to meet her husband in the yard.

James, who was chopping firewood, stopped his activity. He looked at Selena with a face drenched in sweat. "Yes?"

"Accompany me to hunt a deer," Selena said as she touched her belly with both hands. "I want to drink fresh blood."

"All right," James replied. He put the axe he used on the ground. "Wait a minute, I'll go prepare."

Selena nodded. She saw James going to the barn and soon returned with a bow and a bag of arrows. The man also changed his shoes to the ones with stronger leather for a hunt.

"Let's go," said James, who was fully armed with equipment. "If you feel tired on the way, please tell me immediately and we can rest."

"Okay." Selena agreed with a sweet smile. Both of them, a human and a werewolf, then rushed into the nearby forest which was close to their home.

Selena, who had not traveled for a long time due to her pregnancy, was overjoyed with this trip. The forest looked beautiful with its green trees. The air was a bit colder here than it was around their house. She danced a little with her legs, which appeared slim when compared to the size of her growing belly. James had to remind her to stop so she wouldn't get hurt or tripped over.

After a few minutes passed, they arrived at a much deeper part of the forest. From the distance, there were about five deer roaming around. James stepped behind a big tree, followed by Selena. They were only a few meters away from the deer, already within range of the hunting weapons.

James pulled out an arrow from the bag slung over his back. He set it on the bow, then pointed the arrow at one of the deer.

After focusing on his aim, James shot.

The arrow flew toward the body of the deer that James was aiming for, causing the herd of deer to panic and flee. The wounded deer that had been shot was left alone until it fell and died.

"James, you're the best!" Selena cheered. She hugged James and kissed his face.

James chuckled. He kissed Selena back. He was happy he could grant the woman's wish. "Thank you. Let's see the catch."

Then, James and Selena approached the deer which had been lying down with an arrow stabbed in its vitals. The man pulled the arrow out, and from that part flowed some fresh blood from the deer.

"Drink, My Love. Enjoy it," James said.

Selena nodded and slowly approached the deer, considering her pregnancy was already big. She then began to drink the blood of the defenseless deer, feeling every taste and drop of blood with her mouth to quench her thirst.

James stared at Selena, mesmerized by her even when she was doing things that would be unusual for a human like him. Love made James ignore every difference between them. All he wanted was to just stay by Selena's side for as long as he could.

"Is it good?" James asked, crouching next to Selena.

Selena only answered him with a mumble.

"Thank goodness. You can drink until you're full. I'll wait for you. We can go after another one if you still want it," James said caringly.

Again, Selena just responded him by muttering since she was too focused on satisfying her thirst with the flow of the deer blood.

A sweet smile was etched on James' lips. He's willing to do anything for the Selena he loved.

Maybe because it had been too long since she last had fresh blood, Selena seemed like she hadn't noticed anything else after that. She was enjoying it too much. It tasted so fresh as it ran down her throat. Plus, the atmosphere in the forest was perfect. Her body grew chilled from the breeze, driving the thirst away.

"Slow down, Sweetheart. Don't choke." James rubbed her shoulder. Only seconds after he said that, Selena immediately choked.

Selena cracked a small smile for a moment, laughing at herself. She felt intoxicated by the deer's blood. Selena stared at James with a look that implied he shouldn't worry too much.

"I'm sorry. It feels like I haven't enjoyed this in a long time," she said, her mouth was full of blood.

"Okay, I totally understand. Go on. Enjoy it to your heart's content."

James stepped back and let Selena enjoy the deer's blood. He watched the woman with gentle eyes, feeling happy to see Selena who looked like she had just gotten something very valuable. If he had known from the start that this was what Selena wanted, he might had hunted as many deer as he could before she asked.

"Do you think our child will also enjoy what you are enjoying now?" James asked as he continued to stare at Selena, never taking his gaze away from his mate.

Selena just nodded in response to the question. She was still enjoying the fresh blood. Until, a few seconds later, one by one, her body parts began to transform into her wolf form.

James fixed his eyes on Selena. He knew that this kind of sight was probably terrifying for an average human. However, the woman who turned into a wolf was the woman he loved. There're only beautiful things when it comes to Selena. Whatever happened to Selena, it could always make him happy.

You're so beautiful, Sweetheart. Even when you are a wolf, I'm still captivated. It's just that our fate isn't as good as any other couple's out there. How do I fall in love with a werewolf? James thought.

Starting from the legs, moving to the waist, and finally to the head, slowly the woman's entire body began to transform into a wolf. Selena buried her mouth in the deer's belly. She sucked up all the remaining blood. Not a single drop was left behind.

James turned his head. He looked around, hoping to see another deer. He thought that maybe Selena wouldn't be satisfied right away. He might be able to hunt another deer after this.

James looked back at the woman. Selena, who was still in her wolf form, now kept her mouth away from the deer. James tilted his head, taking a closer look at the deer. It turned out that Selena had sucked all the deer's blood until it was completely dry.

And just like before, Selena's body slowly returned to her human form. She felt content and wiped all the blood from her mouth with the back of her hand. Just now she looked like a child who got food all over her face while eating.

James, who saw this, could only gulp. His heart began to hammer at the sight. He was used to seeing Selena transform into a wolf. However, this was the first time he had seen the woman drink all of the deer's blood while casually wiping the blood from her mouth.

James could feel his body trembling slightly. The sight of the woman wiping the blood from her mouth somehow stirred something a little different in James' heart.

"Have you finished? Are you all right?" James carefully started to get up from his place and approached Selena. He could see that almost her entire face was covered in blood. One thing that again made him struggle to swallow his saliva and sent the hairs on his neck goosebumps.

"Well, I didn't think I'd be able to finish it all." Selena smiled at James, putting on the cutest face in the world. James simply smiled back and helped Selena get back on her feet.

Selena rubbed her stomach with affection. She was sure that her child enjoyed the deer's blood as much as she did. She could even feel the slight movement from her heart's angel.

"You want more?" James stroked the top of Selena's head while looking into her eyes. He raised his hand to clean the remaining blood on the corner of Selena's lips. "Look, you got your mouth dirty like this."

Selena chuckled before she reached for James' hand which was wiping her mouth and then kissed the man's small fingers. James smiled as he kissed Selena back on her forehead.

"Probably enough for one day. Thank you for catching this deer for me. I feel like I've rediscovered my old self," Selena said as she continued to rub her stomach. James also raised a hand to caress her belly. He smiled happily every time he imagined his child inside.

"I'm sure our child actually wanted this. You're probably going to want a lot because of them," James said.

"Yes, and when they're born, I'll tell them that no one else can fulfill their wish ever since they're in my womb other than you, which is none other but their father."

James flashed a content smile at Selena's words. He hugged her for a moment, then snaked an arm around her body. Together they went back to enjoy the forest's atmosphere. Selena felt her energy fully restored after drinking the deer's blood. She was pretty satisfied and got her energy back. What's more, James was always by her side until this day.

"If you want to drink a deer's blood or some other animal's, just tell me. I'll hunt them right away. You don't even have to tag along if you're feeling tired. Just stay at home and I'll bring you the deer." James hugged her waist, occasionally kissing her cheek affectionately.

"Thank you, James. I couldn't think about how my life would be without you. In fact, I might never meet a human like you again. Having you is such a blessing to me." Selena snaked her hand around James' arm.

Both of them walked back at a slow pace. They didn't feel like going straight home since they still wanted to enjoy the calming atmosphere in the forest. Such an atmosphere was also very missed by Selena.

She rubbed her belly, promising herself that when their baby was born she would immediately introduce them to nature. She couldn't wait to enjoy all those happy moments. Imagining the three of them laughing happily and exploring the forest. Surely, it would be a lot of fun and not easy to just let go. James, of course, expected all of that too.

*

After quenching his mate's thirst, James asked Selena to return to their home.

"Selena, the next time you want to hunt again, just say so. I'll definitely find you a deer, bigger and fatter."

James started a conversation as they walked.

"Wow, really? Thank you, James. You're the best." Selena clasped her hand on James' arm. "I love you even more," she paused. "Love you very, very much."

James, upon hearing Selena's sudden expression of love, was taken aback. His face reddened. He couldn't help but smile. The man then stroked Selena's head.

"I love you too, Selena. I really, really love you. Also-"

James cut his words mid-sentence as he halted. Selena also stopped walking. James then squatted in front of Selena then rubbed her big belly.

"I love you, Baby. My sweet baby who often starves their mother. Daddy loves you too. Did you hear, Baby?" James asked.

Surprisingly, the baby just kicked, not answering like when Selena was talking to them.

"Why don't they make a sound? You say they can talk, Sweetheart?" James had a confused look on his face.

Selena giggled. She then whispered, "Maybe they're just shy because their stiff father suddenly acts this way."

James couldn't help but smile, thinking it's cute.

"Oh ...."

His hand then reached out to caress Selena's stomach.

"But when you're born, don't be shy, Baby. I really like you. So, you don't have to be shy with Dad, understand?"

James gave the baby a kiss as a gift. Again, the baby simply responded to him by giving a kick. Unbeknownst to their parents, the reason for not making a sound and only doing it was because they were preparing to see the world.

Selena and James resumed their walk. They both felt happy. After all, the presence of their baby was like a miracle. Not just for the two of them, but for all the wolves who were on the verge of extinction.

Selena rubbed her stomach. "You are such a blessing in Mom's life, Child. So, please hold on. Whatever happens, Mom will protect you. And after you're born, your father here will protect you too."

Just as Selena said that, suddenly her lower stomach hurt. She even stopped on her track because the pain was getting worse and worse.

Sensing Selena's strange behavior, James halted.

"Why?"

James' worried expression couldn't be hidden.

Selena touched her lower stomach. "It hurts, James ...."

Cold sweat started dripping from Selena's forehead. However, she tried to smile.

"It seems that after getting a kiss from their father, they can't wait to go out and meet you," she said half-jokingly.

James immediately lost his strength. The arrow in his hand fell. He grabbed Selena's arm shakily. "You ... you want to give birth, Selena?"

He panicked.

Selena kept trying to smile and she nodded. "I guess so. Because it hurts so bad, James."

Her grip on James tightened.

James, facing this situation for the first time, was both confused and scared.

"Wha-what? How did it go so fast? Giving birth now? It's just you and me? Seriously! What to do, Selena ...." He said in a trembling voice. His eyes wouldn't calm.

Meanwhile, Selena was already breathing heavily from the pain.

"Don't panic, James. Don't panic. Please, just sit me down first."

James hurriedly did as Selena asked. He supported Selena until she could lean against a tree. Her stomach instantly tightened and something inside her down there kept moving, looking for a way out.

"Argh!"

Selena, who was starting to feel weak, screamed in the end.

James, who saw the blood running down between Selena's legs, panicked even more.

"Blood ... you're bleeding, Selena. The baby will definitely come out. What should I do?" James said, even more confused. "Oh, Baby ... you shouldn't have gone out now. I don't know what to do. What can I do to help you and your mother?"

James was getting more and more frustrated at the sight of Selena pulling on her own hair. He stood, looking left and right, hoping for a way out or someone he could turn to for help. However, there was nothing but grass and trees.

Yeah, how could a sane human go deep into a forest? That's impossible.

Seeing James keep panicking made Selena feel even more in pain.

"James, James ... come closer. No one will be here. Please pay attention and just help me, James. Argh!"

Hearing Selena's moans, James returned to his wife.

"I'm sorry, Selena. I really panicked. I'm sorry. If only I understood medical. What should I do?"

In pain, Selena glanced down at her feet. "Please, my lower part, James ... and cover me with your clothes so the baby can come out."

James rushed as he was told. Now he had covered Selena's stomach and bottom with his shirt and jacket. He also took off his undershirt to use it as a blanket so that when the baby came out they wouldn't get dirty.

At that time, James caught a glimpse of his child's hair.

"Selena, Selena ... I saw our baby's hair. He'll be out in a minute. Come on, Selena. Try pushing a little harder."

Hearing what James said, Selena became happy. She pushed once more.

Each time Selena did it, the pain in her center increased. However, she wanted to see her baby soon. Therefore, Selena tried to do her best alongside James, who was guiding her.

"Come on, again, Selena. When the head is out, it'll be easy afterwards. Come on, Selena!" James encouraged his woman. "Come on, Baby... you've got to get out soon as well. Don't keep your mom in pain for too long."

This time Selena tried harder than before. She pushed and kept pushing as the baby also tried to come out. Until an unbearable pain struck, she jolted and screamed as if something was tearing her apart.

At the point of pain that had been overcome, the sound of a small baby crying was immediately heard.

Along with the cry, James's tears also streamed down his face. He was touched.

The little baby covered in blood looked very beautiful and clean.

"My child ... I love you, Baby. I am proud that you were born into this world safely," he said as he pressed the baby's cheek to his.

James then looked at Selena.

"Selena, Selena, look ... our baby is beautiful and healthy, Selena. Thank you. Thank you for carrying and giving birth to such a beautiful baby, Selena."

James gave Selena a kiss on her brow.

The woman, who was still trying to control her breath, smiled with her eyes closed. It felt like the pain she had suffered a few minutes ago had disappeared.

"Let me carry her, James," Selena asked as she opened her eyes.

James then gave the tiny baby to her mother. Selena carried her daughter with mixed feelings.

"My daughter, after this, your responsibilities will be many and difficult. Sorry, I can't accompany you as you grow up. Be happy, Honey."

Selena looked at her daughter with eyes that harbored two sides of emotions, both joy and sadness, at the same time.