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𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒔

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She sat on the plush couch, twiddling her thumbs as she looked around the living space awkwardly. They had been gone for a while, about two hours or so. Long enough for her to grow worried, it wasn't like Welma to leave the wolves for so long. Her leg began to bounce anxiously before she got up and went over to the back window to check again: nothing. She let out a sigh and went to sit back on the couch when the bells on the main entrance door jingled.

Finding it in her best interest to investigate who had come in, she went out to greet them, a smile on her lips.

Upon not seeing anyone she squinted her eyes and furrowed her brows in wonder as she called out, "hello?"

"Hello," she jumped from the deep voice coming from behind her. She turned around to see two men standing at the main desk, how had she not noticed them? They were both handsome and looked eerily familiar to her. Her curious gaze wandered to the photos on the wall behind the desk. One held a picture of a young Welma cradling an infant while her late husband, Samuel, had a ten-year-old boy perched on his right leg. Her gaze then drifted the two pictures on either side of the photo. Each photo held her respective sons's families captured in each. So that's who they were, her sons. The shorter of the two looked exactly like the young Samuel while the taller one had more features resembling the young Welma, only more masculine and prominent. Both had Welma's tan complexion.

"You're Welma's sons," Syretia commented dumbly, receiving a smile from each of the men. The shorter of the two was the first to speak, "and you must be Syretia. Our mom talks about you all the time over the phone. I'm Solomon and this is my brother--"

"Darrin," the taller man introduced himself, evoking an eye roll from his brother at the rude interruption.

"Nice to meet you both."

"Likewise. Is our mother around?" She pondered her response for a moment, did she tell them their 70-year-old mother was out in the medical shed dealing with a demonic skinwalker and have them berate her or be bland? She decided with the latter hoping it wouldn't end up biting her in the ass.

"She should be somewhere around here. She told me to go inside and deal with any visitors while she dealt with something. I'm sure she'll be back here shortly. Let's go wait in the living area." They accepted her response and followed her into the living area. 

ETTORE

"I don't think my mother was a werewolf."

"What do you think she might be?"

"I'm not sure. But whenever relatives on her side would come over they lacked the scent too."

"Were they all good looking like her?"

"Yeah."

"Do you think she might be a..." Welma trailed off not wanting to be dumb by suggesting such an absurd thing.

"A what?"

"A lycan."

"A lycan?" Welma nodded. "How else would she be mated to a werewolf king if she were just a human or something of lower caliber. Could she shift?"

"She rarely did. But it was always with my father if he had enough time. She didn't feel safe being alone even though my father would joke that she could take on more enemies than he could. But maybe it wasn't a joke after all. Lycans can't control who their mates are right? So it wouldn't matter that my father wasn't a lycan. Maybe he didn't want to be one like her..." He trailed off. "Welma." He startled her from her deep thoughts.

"Hm?"

"Do I smell like werewolves do?" Welma took a deep inhale.

"What smell do you smell when there's a werewolf around?"

"It's like a pine scent mixed with something else, some kind of herb."

"All I can smell is fresh rain with a very small hint of rose." Ettore began to think and question his whole life. "Ettore... not to pry or anything but was there anyone that was around your mother a lot?"

"What do you mean? Like maids?" Ettore gave her a quizzical look.

"No, someone of the male gender." Ettore pulled his mouth into a thin line before jumping off of the rock staring daggers at the old woman perched on a boulder watching him calmly.

"And just what are you insinuating?" He growled, offended.

"Was there a man around your mother a lot that wasn't your father?" She calmly repeated knowing that the Ettore wouldn't harm her.

"My parents had a good friend, Salvatore Cane. He was always around. He mostly talked to my mother... " He trailed off. "He was banished from the kingdom around the same time I was sent away."

"What did Salvatore Cane look like?" He clenched his fists.

"Very tall, he has the build of a warrior. His face was strong with sharp features. He had pitch-black hair and a tan complexion. Like my mother, his looks were always commented on and he didn't carry the scent that werewolves do."

"Do you think maybe he.."

"No. There's no way that man is my father. Or else I'd be what he and my mother possibly are. I'd be a purebred lycan. And I'm just an average werewolf just like my parents are-" He ground out, before adding a possible correction under his breath, "-could be."

"But honey, what you described. You look just like that, apart from hair color, and it would make sense why you claim Syretia is your--," she was cut off by a loud snarl.

"Drop it, Welma, before I do something I regret." He shifted and bolted off into the trees. Welma let out a sigh before shifting into her wolf and running back to the sanctuary to check on Syretia. 

SYRETIA

Solomon was just about to tell her about his mate and children when both men sat up straighter and sniffed at the air. Her nose crinkled at the sight, it was so odd to see humans partake in such a primal behavior. She figured that it was safe to assume that Welma had told them that she knew about what they were and that was why they weren't hiding their wolfish behavior.

"Our mother is here," Solomon explained as they both got up and walked outside. Syretia followed in suit, watching as Welma's gorgeous white wolf ran towards them. The breeze rippled through her long fur, it was mesmerizing and enchanting. Syretia knew that such a sight would never grow normal to her. She let out a surprised squeal as both Darrin and Solomon stripped down and shifted into their wolf forms in a matter of seconds. She could feel her face burning and knew that it undoubtedly looked like a tomato. She had not been expecting that. She took in a deep breath and averted her eyes to the gate Welma had run through moments prior. Ettore was nowhere. She didn't even understand why she looking for him let alone why she felt a pit in her stomach when he wasn't there.

Instead, she went back to watching Welma's exchange with Darrin and Solomon. Both of them had light gray, nearly white wolves, their fur was shorter than Welma's, she figured they had inherited that trait from their father. Both sons licked their mother's face and nuzzled their faces against her neck. Syretia felt she was intruding, but she also wanted to do something she knew Welma would forever love and cherish.

She went inside and fetched Welma's Canon camera that she used to take pictures of the various wolves. She went back outside and focused the lens on the trio and snapped a few pictures.She took the camera back inside and hooked it up to the computer. She let the devices sync up while she went to Welma's storage closet that she knew held a few extra frames.

By the time she came back, the photos were on the computer and all she had to do was select the perfect one and print it out. Once she chose the perfect one she watched as Welma's fancy printer printed the image on photo paper. Once it was done, she let it sit for a few minutes to let the ink dry. She proceeded to trim off the excess paper and stuck the photo in the frame. Smiling, she carried it into Welma's living area and placed in on her coffee table so it'd be a nice surprise for her later.

"Syretia," startled, she jumped before turning to look at the doorway where Darrin stood, arms crossed over his chest. "What are you doing?" His head tilted in curiosity.

"I took this for Welma, I thought it'd be a nice gift for her," she handed him the framed picture.

"I look like such a pup," he let out a sigh as he shook his head. His eyes were trained on his wolf that had big goo-goo eyes and his tongue lulled out as he looked at his mother.

"Well, you are her pup. Plus, it's adorable. So I know that your mom will love it," Syretia grinned as Darrin rolled his eyes.

"Solomon looks like a grown wolf," he murmured with a pout, pointing at Solomon's wolf that had a content look on his face as he rested his head on top of Welma's.

"He is older, isn't he?" Darrin let out a huff of air.

"He never lets me forget it," he grumbled as he passed back to photo before making his way to Welma's bedroom. He came out momentarily with a small pile of clothes. "We'll be back in a minute." How had she not noticed that he had been naked during that entire exchange! She couldn't be that daft, could she?

"A-alright," she managed to choke out as she returned her focus back on the photo as she set it back onto the coffee table.

"How are the Zola and Kara, I haven't seen them in a while," Welma's voice drifted into the room.

"Zola is... well, it varies. So many mood swings nowadays," Solomon joked.

"Well, that's what happens when you're pregnant -- especially with baby number three," Welma chided with a laugh. "Send her my best regards. How are the kiddos?"

"Zeke lost his first tooth so he was excited about the tooth fairy. And Sam is starting to get more adventurous."

"Just like his grandpa," Welma sighed, before adding a joke. "It will never pass. In fact, it'll only get worse."

"Wonderful," Solomon sighed.

"And Darrin, how is Kara? I know it's been hard since Wendy..."

"Kara is happy as a clam. And I've got this single dad thing down..." His voice trailed off. "Mom, why do you still have that picture with her still hanging on the wall?"

"It's the only picture I could find with you and Kara smiling, usually you both have the same angry pout. Send me a new one and I'll replace it. I'm sorry honey, I can scratch her face out if you want."

"Might as well burn it. That bitch deserves to be in hell," Solomon butted in. "After all she's done to Darrin. The only good that came because of her is Kara."

"I'm fine, we're fine," Darrin insisted. "It's been four years since Wendy left me for that petulant alpha. Had I known she was so power-hungry I never would've even gone out with her in the first place. But I don't regret it. My Kara was worth all the pain and trouble."

Silence filtered in before Welma spoke up.

"Well have you met Syretia?"

"Yes, we have," Solomon stated. "She's just like you describe her. Cute and sweet."

"Well let's head into the living area so she doesn't feel excluded." Syretia heard their approaching footsteps and hurried into the bathroom. She quickly glanced around the bathroom thinking of what to do when her eyes landed on the toilet. She surged forward and flushed it before running the faucet for a minute and then stepping out a few moments after she heard them enter.

"AW! Look at this!" Welma gushed as she picked up the framed photo Syretia left on the coffee table. "My babies are so adorable!" She set it down before pinching Darrin and Solomon's cheeks with each hand before letting go the moment her gaze landed on Syretia. "Syretia, I love it! Thank you for being so thoughtful and on the spot like that too."

"You're welcome, Welma," Welma made a frantic motion with her hands imploring for Syretia to come over to her as she opened her arms. She drew Syretia in and hugged her tightly. Syretia hugged her back gently, even if she was a werewolf, Syretia was still scared that she might hurt her.

"How long are you boys staying?"

"We were just driving through and decided to stop in and say hello. I gotta get back soon, Zola needs me."

"I think I'll stick around for a couple of days," Darrin said before turning to Solomon. "Do you think you could watch Kara?"

"Of course. It'll be good practice for when the baby comes," Solomon nodded with a smile before adding, "it will put into perspective how hectic it'll be." Solomon's phone began to ring.

"Hey baby," he greeted. "You want what? That's a little gross." He pulled his phone away from his ear as the caller began to scream. "Zola, honey, calm down. I'll get you plenty of peanut butter to dip your dill pickles into." Syretia couldn't help but scrunch her nose at the thought of that disgusting combination. "Alright, alright. I love you too. Mom do you want to talk to Zola?" Welma nodded before snatching his phone making Syretia giggle at the exchange.

"Hi darling," she said softly. "How are you doing? I hope my son is being the best mate he can be and caters to your every demand with a smile on his face. He is? Good. Or else I'd have to give him a whooping. How's the baby? Did you find out the gender? OH, MY GODDESS! It is? Does Solomon know? He doesn't?" Welma had a wicked, sly grin on her face at the new information. "Don't worry, I won't tell him, honey. Let me know if you ever need anything or if you just want Solomon to leave the house, I'll feign a disease." Syretia let out a loud laugh before slapping her hand over her mouth when Darrin looked her way. Welma was too much sometimes. "I'll let you go. Mhm, bye sweetie, love you too." She walked back over and handed the phone back to Solomon.

"She told you the gender?"

"Of course she did, I'm practically her mother," Welma stated matter-of-factly as she planted her hands on her hips. "And I won't tell you."

"But I'm your pup," he picked up the picture on the table with a puppy-dog look on his face, bottom lip puckered out and everything. "See?"

"I know you're my pup, I spent ten hours trying to squeeze your big, fat head and overly broad shoulders out." Darrin snorted before composing himself as Solomon glared at him.

"Whatever, I need to go home." Solomon pouted.

"Wait, honey, before you leave," Welma said before heading into the kitchen area, she dug around in the pantry before walking back over and handing him a jar of peanut butter. "Now you can leave. I love you."

"Love you too," he muttered. "C'mon Darrin. You can get your stuff and come back later." Darrin rolled his eyes before following his older brother.

"I'll see you in a couple of hours," Darrin called over his shoulder.

"Alright, honey, see you later!" Welma replied cheerfully.

The moment they left, Syretia couldn't contain her curiosity any longer.

"What took you and Ettore so long? And where is he?"

"We had a nice talk well until it got a little too... personal. He got upset and ran off to burn off some steam," Welma hesitated as she dug around the kitchen some more.

"Do you think he'll come back?" Syretia walked over and found Welma crouched down and shoulder's deep in a cabinet.

"If you're here he will."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Syretia's face scrunched up, taken aback.

"Nothing dear, just a slip of the tongue. My old muscles are always making me say things." Syretia gave her a skeptical look but decided not to press any further. "What did you think of my boys?" Welma changed the subject.

"They seem nice. Very comical. They look a lot like Samuel, especially Solomon."

"Yeah, they do. It helps me remember that Samuel wasn't just a dream. Sometimes it feels as though my life before Samuel passed was just a dream -- everything was perfect and happy. It was surreal." Syretia wasn't sure what to say, she had never experienced anything like that. So, instead, she just nodded to show she was listening. "I better prep the extra room for Darrin. Can you go and feed the wolves for me?"

"Of course," Syretia excused herself, leaving Welma to her own tasks. Syretia slipped on a pair of gloves and walked out to the meat shed and pulled out the thawed slabs of meat. She proceeded to chop them up and put them into buckets. She carried two buckets at a time, speeding up the feeding process.

Finally, she reached the last two and headed over to Sidca and Oaklee's pen. They were play fighting and she whistled to catch their attention. They came bounding down the hill, Oaklee being the clumsy boy he was, tripped over his own feet, and tumbled down partway. She stifled a laugh as they neared. She pulled out a metal trough and dumped the meat in before pulling out another a few feet away and dumping the other bucket of meat in.

Syretia waited patiently for them to finish before she entered the pen. They began to happily jump and wag their tails. She sat down and allowed them to sniff and lick her hands and face. Giggling, she covered her face to stop them from licking it anymore. They stopped what they were doing and began to growl. She quickly stood up not sure what was going on until she saw what was on the other side of the fence.

Ettore.

His wolf's ears were flattened back against his head as he glared at Sidca and Oaklee. He was sizing the males up, jealousy rippling in his eyes. "It's okay guys, he's a friend," Syretia said to Sidca and Oaklee, scratching them behind the ears. This earned a growl from Ettore, she quirked a brow, lifting her hands from Sidca and Oaklee.

"The last time I tried to pet you, you snapped at me," Syretia chided as she neared the gate. Oaklee and Sidca barked at her in warning, she gave them a smile before opening the gate. Instantly, they bound up to the fence growling again the moment she shut and locked the gate. She took a few timid steps eventually closing the distance between Ettore's massive wolf and her. Releasing a breath of air, she slowly lifted her hand, her palm facing Ettore's wolf. The wolf stepped forward pressing his wet, black nose against it, his breathing shallow. She watched wide-eyed as his tongue darted out and licked her palm before he bent his neck and pressed the top of his head against it. Relaxing, she ran her hand down the length of his wolf's body. His fur was the softest thing she had ever felt. His wolf curled around her, sitting down so his body was behind her while his neck was wrapped around so she could scratch behind his ear. She shook her head with a laugh when she looked down to see his tail thumping on the ground.

What happened