Unbreakable Bonds

Axel grew up in a small town adopted by human parents when his mother died during childbirth. He never needed to look for his birth father because his foster parents were all he needed. Kade and Laurel treated Axel like the son they always wanted. He was given everything a boy could want. When Axel shifted for the first time, he had no idea what was happening to him. His body got really hot and itchy. He had this pounding headache for days.

They lived on the forest side of town, so he decided to take a walk and get some fresh air, maybe take a swim in the river if that helped cool his aching itchy body.

He stumbled over rocks and tree roots, the smell of the trees becoming stronger, and he could hear everything. The wind in the trees, the heartbeats of rabbits running and the rushing river seemed to be so loud he covered his ears. He did his best to breathe through the pain he felt all over his body. He laid on the ground next to the river, waiting for the pain to stop. When all of a sudden, he felt a POP in his head like he had just burst a brain cell.

"DUDE!! Finally," Liam, his wolf, shouts in his head. Axel thought He heard voices. He sat up, looking around, but he was alone.

"Hey, Axel, you are not crazy. I am your other half. You are a werewolf, and I've been trying to break through the barrier in your mind since your birthday last week. You need my help to shift."

"Shift whats a shift?" Axel couldn't believe he was responding to himself in his mind.

"A shift is when you turn into a wolf. Trust me, I got you, man. It's my job to guide you through this process. Just let go of control. Stand up and breathe like you do when you do yoga. It's going to hurt like a bitch, but you got this. We got this." Axel took a breath he pushed everything out of his mind. He let his arms fall limp, and he just relaxed into the pain. He could feel his body become calm, and then more Liam radiated through his body as fur sprouted over his arms and legs and his clothes tore his body turned into a beautiful grey wolf with sliver tips and black ears. He was large for a werewolf, not that he had anything to compare it to. He thought he was human until 5 minutes ago. Liam took off into the woods running over logs and swimming in the river. He had to go tell Lucy. He knew she would accept him any way he was. First, he had to go home and get some clothes on because he shredded what he was wearing earlier.

After he had changed, he grabbed his bike and headed over to the bakery where Lucy worked.

"Hey, Ax!"

"Hey, Luc! Can I grab a coffee and donut?"

" of course, I'll bring it out to you."

Axel was nervous, really nervous. He was about to tell Lucy, his best friend and possible love of his life if she felt that way, that he turned into a wolf sometimes.

"Can you take a break? or are you almost done? I want to show you something." I asked her, more nervous than a jock like myself would like to admit.

"Ya, actually, I was about to take a break to do my homework. What's up?" Her beautiful blue eyes were always so kind and open, even though she had a pretty tough life so far.

"I'll help you with your homework, then can we go somewhere?"

"HAHA Axel Rose Monroe, when have you ever done homework in your entire life?" She laughed at me. I loved hearing her laugh. She made my world better. Even if she didn't love me like that, she was still the best friend I ever had.

"Okay, fair, but what I want to show you is super important."

"Well, Axel, let's go then. I can do my homework later."

"It's just extra credit, isn't it?"

"Haha, you know me so well." Her cheeks flushed a little, but I know she loved that I knew her so well.

We got on our bikes and headed to the river. There was a mountain biking trail we took all the time, and I knew the perfect spot where I could show her, and she could scream, and no one could hear her. That sounds creepier than I meant it.

*****

"Axel, why are you getting undressed? Please tell me you aren't showing me a rash that shameful shelly gave you." She giggled, but she wasn't kidding.

"I told you I didn't give her my V card; I just let her give me a blow job."

"Ewww Axel," she screamed at me and covered her ears.

"You will see, just remember I will never ever let anything happen to you. Do not be afraid of me, okay."

"Okay...." She eyed me thoughtfully. I finished undressing, took a deep breath and shifted, I thought it would hurt a lot like the first time, but it wasn't that bad. Uncomfortable but not as painful. I waited for the scream, but none came. I thought maybe she fainted or ran away, but I could still smell her vanilla raspberry shampoo. I turned, and she was just staring at me, not a single shred of fear in her eyes. She just watched me. I turned my head to the side, and she followed my movements. I underestimated her tolerance for crazy. She reached out her hand, moving it through the long fur around my neck. She stepped closer slowly. She whispered in my ear. You are still the same Axel Rose. I would recognize you anywhere. I crouched down, so my belly was brushing the earth, and my wolf Liam just purred he loved her as much as I did. She sat back and leaned into my side. I wish I could talk to her in wolf form. Ask her what she thought, but it would have to wait. I could feel her breathing slow, and then I heard a slight snore escape her mouth. She fell asleep. That is so weird. Why would she need to sleep now?

"It's me," Liam said.

"I have special calming abilities. I soothe her damaged soul. Her wolf has caused her a lot of pain." You will learn more later.

"Her what? she is like us?"

"Yes, she is, and her wolf is dangerous. You can't tell her. She needs to find out on her own."

"I can't keep something so big from her? We have zero secrets between us."

"You have to. it's for her protection." I ended the conversation and let Lucy sleep. The next big question was to tell my parents or not. My adoptive parents have been amazing. They love me, not like Lucy's foster parents, who don't even notice when she doesn't come home. I know my mother would have petitioned to keep Lucy if I asked her to, but Lucy liked her privacy, and even though we shared everything, I think she liked being invisible at home. My mom would ask her every day, how was school? How are you feeling? And berate her with questions every day.

AXEL

We left the packhouse, Alpha Killian, nowhere to be found. Maddox said he had pack business to deal with. I placed Lucy in the back seat, and buckled her in Laura Lucy's birth mother Slid in, and placed Lucy's head on her lap. Lanie, my Mate, with her feet on her lap. Maddox was driving, and I took shotgun. We had two warriors in front in an SUV and a warrior and Liza in the back in an SUV. Maddox said those were Killian's requests if Lucy, his Mate, came to the mountain moon pack. As we left on the dusty road, we saw a large black wolf standing on the mountain ledge. He let out a heartbreaking howl. I recognized the wolf as Diesel Killains wolf. He was hurting. I could not imagine letting Lanie leave for months, even if it was for her own good. They had been through so much. I was excited to get to Mountain Moon pack and start our family. Now that Lucy was coming with us to train with Liza, I felt like my family was whole. Even if it was only temporary. I really did think it was best for Lucy to be close to me while she healed. I really thought she had moved on from everything. It wasn't until we interrogated Jacob did I see how wrong I was.

**Flashback***

Jacob was the first to speak. He hung tied to the cellar wall. Killian stood in the corner, sharpening a kitchen knife, not saying a word, just sharpening and looking deranged.

"I didn't know any better back then. I was just a kid. I have tried for years to do penance for my part. I have worked undercover with the Academy to take them down from the inside."

"that's what you are going with? You poisoned and manipulated the sweetest girl that ever lived. You tied her up in your basement and experimented on her. That is not what decent people do!" Killian screamed, and it shook the cells.

"I have no excuse, I'm just sorry, and I want to help Lucy get back at the academy."

"you know she still has nightmares? They are so intense she shakes in her sleep, Screaming for anyone to help her. She didn't know anything about wolves. Her parents abandoned her as a small child. You and Axel were all she had, and you destroyed her. That's what you not having a backbone has done to my Mate."

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" Lucy screamed. I had never heard her yell before.

"Killian, I am not broken. I had a terrible, tragic thing happen to me. Yes, Jacob lied. He poisoned me and manipulated me, but he also was used, and I forgive him. Let him go.

"NO! I want him dead!!!" Lucy screamed? Or was it Astrid? I was holding my breath because I didn't know what to do. I watched in horror as Lucy and her wolf Astrid verbally fought. I have never witnessed something so terrible and heartbreaking. Two parts of one being at odds with each other.

"you are weak! You are pathetic! How did I get such a spineless human counterpart" Lucy or Astrid began to shake violently. I wanted to reach for her, but I was frozen in place. Killian was also not moving, but I could see the devastation on his face. He couldn't help his Mate: this was her battle to fight against herself. Lucy began to speak slow and confidently.

"I am not weak! I have spent my life trying to rein you in! You are weak. You act only on emotion. You have no self-control. You murder, you lie, you don't care who you hurt. You may think I am weak, but I am stronger, even human than you will ever be because you are selfish!" Lucy's eyes glowed red, and then she collapsed on the floor. Only then can Killian and I move to her, realizing Astrid used her telepathy to hold us in place.

****END FLASHBACK***

As we approached the pack territory, the mountains and lakes and small cottages came into view. It was a breathtaking place. The water was so calm it looked like glass. We passed by a small church and a cafe which was now closed due to it being past midnight.

"Wow, there it is... It feels strange to be back here after so many years." Laura spoke softly as if only to herself. Lanie reached over and squeezed her hand.

"it's okay, mom. You aren't alone anymore. We are here."

I had known Lucy most of my life it was still surreal to me that her sister turned out to be my Mate. As much as Lanie completes me, we are still learning each other. Lucy, on the other hand, is my real family. We would kill for each other and have. My first kill was protecting Lucy. I had no idea how strong and capable my wolf Liam would be.

We came to the same packhouse we had found Lucy at when Lanie was shot with wolfsbane. Lucy was right. It was Astrid who was weak. I never thought about it, but every bad thing Astrid did was a response, not an emotion she couldn't handle. All while Lucy remained calm and focused. If Astrid wasn't a blessed wolf I don't think she would gain control nearly as much as she does. I slid out of my seat and stretched my legs. I helped Lanie out of the car and up the steps to the packhouse. I kissed her on the forehead and went back to get Lucy. The sedation should be wearing off soon. I climbed the two flights of stairs and put Lucy in the bed in the guest room. I wish I knew how to help her. I turned on the ensuite bathroom light because Lucy is still afraid of the dark, and went to make Lanie a snack before bed.

once I figured out where everything was I made Lanie some apples with peanut butter and some salami slices. I brought her up her snacks and went back to the kitchen, I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd make some bread and biscuits. Baking always helped me clear my head. Lucy had taught me when she was working at the bakery. Felt like a lifetime ago, our simple life. I wish Lucy and Killian could have it as easy as Lanie and I. My train of thought was interrupted by Laura coming in for some tea.

"you can sleep either?" She asked.

"Not a wink... a lot on my mind. Lucy should be up soon and will be hungry. I made Shepard's pie, Lucy's favourite. What's your favourite food?"

"haha you know Lucy well, I'm glad she had you. You like cooking?"

"cooking is my love language as my mother would say. He get it from my dad he owned a restaurant my whole life and was always cooking and feeding everyone."

"it's a great love language to have." We laughed together then sat in silence. The shepherd's pie finished just in time for Lucy to walk into the kitchen.

"Ax.... you didn't have to do that." She laughed and shook her head but I knew this was her comfort food and she would need a lot of comforts to be away from Killian. I dished her up some food and made her some coffee since it was now 6 am we would be up for the day. I was a little nervous having Laura watch how we interacted. Since everyone always thought we were too close when we had mates.

AXEL

"Where are you taking me?" Lanie wined. In her defence, I made her trek through the backcountry while seven months pregnant.

"well, it's not my fault you got yourself knocked up." I loved teasing her, she got so wound up sometimes, and her face would get all pink and frustrated. I wanted some alone time with my beautiful mate, away from training and family bonding. Having one Bennet wolf was enough work but having four of them around all the time was a lot. What I learned so far is that all Benett wolves are moody! Lucy was just good at hiding it. Finally, we broke through the tree line and made it to the ridge. The trees were all changing colours, and the lakes looked like glass. I spread out a giant sleeping bag and started taking things out of my duffel bag. Thermos with hot chocolate, chocolate-covered strawberries, jelly-filled donuts. Thank you, Lucy, for making these. I looked over, and Lanie was all snuggled up in blankets and sleeping bags. She was grinning ear to ear.

"You warm enough?"

"Yes, it's rye perfect getaway. Now get over her and keep me warm," she ordered

"Yes, Luna! As you wish!" I snuggled in behind her, propping her up so she could still see the view. We stayed there laughing and joking about all the things losing was breaking during her training sessions. Lucy and Astrid, we're not on good terms lately, and it made things tense around the packhouse. Lanie yawned, and I knew we should get going. The sun was starting to set, and I packed up all our stuff. Lanie gazed down at the sun setting, spilling oranges, yellows, reds and pinks through the sky and over the lake. I got down on one knee in front of Lanie.

"Lanie Bennet, when I heard of the mate bond, I really didn't know what to expect. I had no idea my heart would stop and start with a simple glance in your direction. You not only complete me in every way, but you make me a better man. I can't wait to meet our babies! I know Wolves don't typically get married, but I grew up human. So Lanie, will you marry me!

"Oh No!" she gasped.

"Well, alright, I didn't quite expect that since we are mates. But I respect your decision." I kept mumbling to myself as Lanie spoke again.

"No, Axel, of course, I'll Marry you, but my water just broke, and these babies are coming now!"

"What? Now? But we are on the side of a mountain?" there is no way I could get her down on time. I was spiralling. I tried to mindlink anyone. When I opened my eyes, Lanie had her cell phone out and called for help. Right! Cellphones. I was going to be a terrible father. I was pulled from my thoughts when Lucy walked out of the treeline.

"How did you?" I didn't even finish my sentence?

"Get here so fast?" she mocked me.

"Ya that." I rolled my eyes at her ability to read my mind.

"I was out on patrol when Lanie called. I wasn't too far away. Doc is on the way. But in the meantime, Lanie lay down. I can help absorb some of your pain, so you don't put the babies in distress."

"Is that new?" Lanie asked, grabbing Lucy's hand to help herself to the ground on the blanket that was still laid out.

"Sort of. It's part of my healing abilities. I just didn't know how to channel it. I'm better, thanks to Liza."

I watched as Lucy's eyes started glowing their red colour. Lanie began to relax a bit. Doc showed up in wolf form carrying her medical bag in her mouth. She shifted back and threw on a maxi dress, and got to work. I turned my back because I was not ready to witness the destruction of my mate's lady bits.

"Axel, you seriously aren't going to look?" Lucy laughed at me. It was nice to see her smile. She had been missing Killian so much she just wore ger blank mask of indifference.

"I would like to keep the romance alive a little longer if I can." I was glad Lanie was okay with me just holding her hand. We defiantly didn't plan on giving birth on the side of the mountain.

Lucy POV

I tried my best to relax, Lanie. The truth was I was exhausted. I wasn't sleeping, I missed Killian more than Id like to admit, and training was kicking my ass. I pushed everything out of my mind and focused on Lanie, calming her, healing her, protecting those babies. Out of nowhere, I felt power coming from Lanie's body, a lot of power like when Ellen loses control and zaps us with her witchy woo stuff.

"let go of her hand, let them heal her," Astrid spoke to me, but it was so cold it felt like a stranger.

I let go of Lanie's hand, and she screamed out in pain.

"She is ready to push," Dr yelled at me to move and grab the clean towels. I did as I was told and watched the Dr. work. It was the most magical thing id ever seen. As I watched the birth of my niece and nephew, I was blown away by their power. They were so strong already. This could be so dangerous they are only babies.

"They will need to be strong for what is coming," Astrid warned.

"What's coming? What do you know?"

"All I will say is keep training. You are getting stronger, which makes us stronger. The stronger we are, the better this will end." With that, she retreated back into my mind blocking me from asking anything else.

"Do you want to hold your niece Lucy?" Dr asked me.

"Yes, please!"

"You can hold her while we ride back to the pack hospital." I didn't even see the jeep that had shown up. Axel carried Lanie into the front seat and held her close to him. The Dr. and I jumped into the back, keeping the babies close by. They were literally the cutest things id ever seen. I wondered if Killian would ever really forgive me for leaving and if we'd have a family one day. It was a bumpy ride down the mountain. I was surprised the babies weren't crying from all the jerking. When we got to the hospital, they took Lanie in and set her up in a bed with blood and IV fluids. I didn't know she lost that much blood when she had given birth, now that I noticed she did look terrible, pale and ghost-like. Axel took the babies to the nursery to be checked out and measured, and weighed. I sat down in the chair and fell asleep. I later woke up to Ellen shaking me, telling me we needed to talk. I had no idea how tired I actually was until I got up from the chair. We headed to the kitchen for coffee.

"So Lanie is going to be just fine. I gave her some herbs to help her dampen some of the twin's power. She needs to drink them every day. It will go in her milk, and it will help her keep them in control, and they are ready to be used. The female twin is a syphon. She will suck all the magic out of Lanie's wolf until she learns to control it. The male twin is half-wolf, half warlock a hybrid. He will be very powerful Ill need to spend a lot of time with them as they grow into themselves. Lanie and Axel will not know how to help them or stop them." I passed Ellen her cup of coffee and didn't say anything; I was really just taking it all in. Could we never have just a simple day?

I sat at the island staring into my coffee when I smelled the most delicious smell. I looked up, and there he was, those green eyes piercing my own. I swear he stares into my soul. Goddess was it possible that he got sexier in the few weeks I'd been away. It took everything in me not to run to him. He stopped looking at me, turned and grabbed a cup of coffee while he spoke to Axel and Maddox, who both entered the kitchen with him. I should leave get changed for training, but I was so tired I just stared at Killian while sipping my coffee. Killian opened the fridge and started pulling food out. I watched him make waffles and omelettes, whipping cream and bacon. I was in a trance; I could not take my eyes off of him. He placed a big pile of eggs, waffles and bacon in front of me.

"Axel said you've been training harder than ever and missing mealtimes. Don't move until you eat all of that, or I'll drag you home today." His voice was dripping with Alpha's aura and power. I could feel myself getting aroused just at his voice. I shovelled all the food in my mouth as fast as I could. He was defiantly mad, but I swear he did that on purpose to turn me on. I finished my food and ran to my room to get changed for training.