Mated To An Enemy

Once Axel and Alice had worked through the breakdown in their communication, their relationship grew stronger than ever before.

Free from the guilt and responsibility he felt toward Ashleigh and the pain she carried. Axel was able to enjoy the anticipation of becoming a father. He took care of Alice and her needs, as well as the things she claimed she didn’t need.

Alice complained that he was too fussy and overbearing, but she loved every moment.

As the due date drew near, Alice had a more challenging time getting around. She was tired, and she ached. There were moments when she felt such a lack of control over her body that she had nightmares of her time as a doll.

But during those moments, Axel would sit with her, gently stroking her hair and reminding her of their life and the bright future they still had to come.

When Bell and Galen arrived in Winter, Alice was not surprised that Ashleigh was not with them. And though he smiled and said he understood, she knew Axel was disappointed.

They talked, and he admitted that he had hoped Ashleigh would surprise them all and come to Winter for the birth of the twins. But he did understand why she hadn’t.

After Bell told them about her leaving, it settled him a little. Alice was surprised, thinking it might send him back into worry and fear for his sister. But instead, he told her of all the things Ashleigh had done and how she had reacted, this was the only one he truly understood.

He had no doubt about where she had gone or why. And though it was dangerous, he knew that sending anyone after her would only make it worse. This was something that Ashleigh needed to do on her own.

So long as she continued to check in with Fiona, he would let her be and not interfere.

Only three days after Bell and Galen arrived, Alice was taken to the hospital after showing signs of early labor.

“How are you feeling?” Axel asked as he kissed her forehead and then sat in the chair beside the bed.

Alice smiled weakly.

“I’m tired,” she whispered. “The pain comes and goes, but Bell said it will be tonight.”

Axel smiled at her and then reached his hand to her swollen belly.

“We are eager to meet you both, and we will all be together soon,” he whispered, “so go easy on your mom.”

Alice let out a soft laugh.

“I love you,” Axel whispered, leaning forward and kissing her head again.

“I love you,” Alice smiled.

It was a painful and exhausting delivery, but late into the night, under the bright shining light of a full moon, two healthy boys were born to the Alpha and reluctant Luna of Winter.

They stayed in the hospital for three days as Alice recovered from labor. Axel and the twins stayed by her side until they could all go home together.

“And what will you call these beautiful darlings?” Corrine asked with a soft coo as she held one of her three-day-old grandsons in her arms, bouncing him gently.

“Have you decided yet?” Bell asked, looking up from the baby in her arms at Axel and Alice.

“I’m more curious what you’ve called them the past three days if you haven’t decided,” Galen chuckled from the floor beside her, where he sat coloring with Ren. “Baby one, baby two?”

“Hush,” Bell said, hitting his shoulder gently.

Galen laughed to himself before returning to his crayons.

“We had their names picked out before they were born,” Alice replied with a smile, “we just didn’t know which set of names it would be until we met them.”

Alice looked up at Axel. She kissed his shoulder before laying her head against him.

“You do the honors,” she whispered.

Axel smiled and turned to his mother and Bell.

“We wanted to give them each a name that might help guide them in the future,” he said. “So, we chose names of people we knew, trusted, and want our sons to always know.”

Corrine looked at Bell and then turned back to Axel.

“Well, you’ve piqued my curiosity,” she laughed. “So, what are the names you’ve chosen?”

Axel turned to Bell.

“In your arms,” he said, “is Jonas.”

Bell smiled and looked down at the small boy in her arms.

“Hello, Jonas,” she whispered. “You’ve got a great strong name.”

Galen sat up, looking over her arm at the boy. He smiled.

“Hope you can live up to it,” he said. “One day, those Crag wolves will want you to prove you deserve it.”

“Landon already said as much,” Axel smiled.

Galen laughed.

“You told Landon before you told me?” Corrine asked with mock offense.

“I’m sorry,” he said with a chuckle and a slight bow. “But I wanted to ask Liara and Nessa for their blessing before we officially named him.”

Corrine smiled.

“Good boy,” she said. “I’m sure that meant a great deal to them.”

Axel smiled and nodded.

“So, what about the sweet angel in my arms,” Corrine said, looking back down at the little boy with a smile. “What is your name?”

Axel swallowed and took a soft breath.

“That,” Axel said, “is Wyatt.”

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“Wyatt?” she asked in a whisper.

Axel nodded, his eyes glistened, and Alice nuzzled against him, squeezing his arm gently to offer comfort.

Corrine took a deep breath and turned back to the baby. She smiled brightly.

“Hello, Wyatt,” she whispered. “Your grandfather would be honored and proud to know you share his name.”

Axel smiled, and Bell wiped a tear from her eye.

“Let’s just hope you have better listening and communication skills than your namesake,” Corrine sighed.

Bell and Axel could not refrain from laughing at the comment.

“You must always listen to your parents and grandmother,” Corrine continued.

“Great advice,” Axel said with a nod.

“Especially your grandmother,” Corrine whispered with a smile.