My Feral Lady Chapter 9

Chapter 9

ZOOO are you zoo zoo, zoo zoo?

The line to enter the zoo wasn't much of a hassle; not that anything would ever seem like much of a hassle for the rest of the three’s lives after the nightmare redefining hellish experience that was parking. An hour. A whole damn hour of slugging their way through endless rows of cars, nearly getting into half a dozen accidents, and getting trapped in a jam lasting so long that Sam had to convince Alex not to simply throw the car into park and call the street her new favorite parking spot. Ruby, however, was gleefully preoccupied, practicing her Galaga game. By the end of the endless endeavor of parking peril Ruby was almost certain she was about ready to give Alex a good run for her money. She was actually a little disappointed to put her new game away, but that disappointment melted quickly after she got her first sight of the aviary not far from the entrance.

“What do you wanna do first kiddo?” 

“Yeah Rube? Where we headed?” Alex stole a map from the welcoming table.

“The birds look pretty!” Ruby gave a small gesture towards the large enclosure with several species of birds chirping and singing away

“Let's go then! I'm always down to see a pretty squawking bird. As long as you don't eat em!” Sam teased her daughter, scratching her back. 

“Hey, that only happened once! And it was during a…” Ruby knew well enough to be careful while out in public. 

“Ok, I need to hear this whole story another time!” Alex laughed.

“Somebody was really hungry that night.” Sam snorted. 

“Hey! It was just sitting there and I hadn't caught anything all night! I was so hungry!” 

“Well good thing you had breakfast then Rube.” 

“Yeah yeah.” Ruby brushed aside, running off towards the enclosure. 

“Watch out, or else she’ll nab one.” Alex teased her mate, taking her hand and kissing her cheek.

“Oh no! We gotta catch up babe.” Sam kissed back quickly before walking faster to catch up with Ruby and pulling Alex along. When they finally caught up, Ruby’s jaw had hit the floor, she was awestruck with all of the vibrant birds, some fluttering above her and others already in their preferred perch. The pup’s affinity for bright and beautiful colors surely extended far beyond just the video games. Her eyes glittered with all the unbridled wonder in the world. The mothers held to each other tighter, enjoying as Ruby hemmed and hawed over the variety of species. Sam especially got an extra dash of parental pride as Ruby rattled off the names she had learned in her science classes. Sixth-grade biology had been her favorite class and was certainly paying intellectual dividends. 

“So smart!” Sam hugged her daughter. “How the hell’d you go getting so smart baby girl?” 

“You said a bad word mommy.” Ruby chuckled, still captivated by the birds flying overhead. 

“Yeah, I guess I did. I’m just really proud.”

“Love you too mom.” Ruby smiled as her mother squeezed her one more time before letting go. 

“What about you love?” Sam spun around. “How you like the birds?” Sam asked before she could spot her mate. “Love?” Sam pulled a full three-sixty, still unable to see Alex. “Alex?” Sam sniffed, the odors of all the animals packed so tightly together making her attempts to sniff out Alex like trying to spy a sunspot with the naked eye. It scared her, no terrified! The overwhelming odor almost painful as she couldn't pick back up on her omega. 

“Mom?” Ruby’s attention broke from the birds. 

“Where’s Alex?” Sam’s distress a little too transparent.

“I don't know! She was with you! You were holding her hand.” Ruby’s wonder crashed and ignited in record speeds.

“S… stay by me love!” Sam grabbed Ruby’s hand with a grip the jaws of life couldn't open. 

“Mama!” Ruby called for the omega.

“Al! Baby.” Sam doubled back, all but dragging Ruby along with her. “Al!” Sam turned around a small one-room building within the large netted aviary. “ALEX!” 

“Sam?” Alex turned slowly to see the wolves damn near worked up into tears after only moments of having lost her. “Sam, Ruby, what's wrong?” Alex blinked, the life slowly filling back into her glassy eyes.

“What's wrong! What's wrong!” Sam worked herself into a huff, only curtailing herself for Ruby’s sake. “What the hell is wrong with you! Disappearing around a corner, and then not replying when we call for you!”

“A! Are you ok!” Ruby sniffled on the verge of tears. 

“Yes sweetheart, of course, I’m fine.” Alex smiled, color coming back to her face that neither of her girls realized she had been missing. “Disappearing? I didn't go around any corner, what are you talking about Sam? And… I… You two were calling for me? I’m sorry. I got distracted. I… I… I thought I heard something.” She lost a touch of her color all over again. 

“You are ok?” Sam focused on the good.

“Yeah, of course! I! I just thought I heard something. Sorry about scaring you two.” Alex closed the distance and hugged her girls in an effort to make them feel safe once more.

“Don't you pull that again!” Ruby warned with a loving nudge.

“Sorry Rube. I won't.” Alex assured. 

“Good.” 

“I’m just glad you are ok Love. You scared me something awful!” Sam squeezed Alex. 

“Yeah, I’m all good, just a little spacy I guess.” Alex chuckled to hide embarrassed confusion. 

“I know how to help!” Ruby slipped from the group hug, pulling her wallet out of her purse and running off into the small building. 

“What’s she doing?” 

“I have no idea.” Sam fidgeted, uncomfortable with the idea of having her pup out of sight. “You wanna explain what the hell happened?”

“I… I really don't know baby. I was with you, you were holding my hand and then... I heard something? Whispers… I thought it was my mom. I’m sorry I didn't hear you two calling out after me. I can't imagine how much it scared you.” 

“You did scare me. But if you are ok, then I’m ok. Plus Ruby seems to be not just ok, but really excited for something.” Sam hugged and kissed Alex as she watched their daughter emerge from the small building. 

“Ok! I got them!” Ruby cheered, four small shot glasses in her hands. 

“You got us alcohol? Ruby, You know I own a bar right?” Alex snickered. 

“No! It isn't alcohol! It is nectar! The birds love it! Here take one, each of you! I got four.” 

“Oh god! I remember now! We did this the first time we came here.” Sam lit up. “Ruby, these weren't cheap five years ago, you didn't have to get these yourself.” 

“Alex needed a pick-me-up, and she got me a game. So I wanted to return the favor, even if it is this is small.” Ruby explained, passing two of the little plastic shot glasses over to Alex and then one to her mother. “Here, come on! More will come check us out if we are in the center of the enclosure.” Ruby ushered her mothers back to where she had been standing before they realized Alex had wandered off. This time tho, Ruby refused to remove her eyes from her moms, a well-concealed part of her terrified that if she looked away for even a moment her parents would disappear. 

“Ok? So what do we do?” Alex tilted her head intrigued by all of Ruby’s excitement. 

“You just hold your arms out like this!” Ruby raised her hand up, offering the small cup of sweet nectar to any bird who was interested to check it out. “And wait.” She continued her demonstration, waiting patiently as one of the various birds with a vibrant green and red color fluttered down. “Hey there birdie!” Ruby whispered, cautious not to scare the bird off as it landed down on her wrist, leaning down and licking up the nectar.

“Aww!” Alex cooed.

“Just hold out your arms mama!” Ruby instructed, another bird gliding down and finding a perch on her hand. 

“Oh my god, they are so pretty up close.” 

“This was really nice of you hun.” Sam held out the nectar with one arm and patted Ruby on the shoulder with the other. 

“EEK!” Alex yelped at one of the birds landing on her hand. The bird immediately squawked in surprise and flew back off. “Aww.” Alex deflated.

Ruby covered her mouth and giggled, her birds still snacking away on her arm. “You can’t scare them off like that or they'll never stay on your arm. 

“Sorry, she just scared me a bit.” Alex sighed disappointed in herself for being so jumpy. 

“Umm!” Ruby hummed, stepping to Alex’s side. “Here mama” she lifted her hand so that one of her birds was right next to Alex’s cup.

“What are you doing?” Alex unintentionally pulled her hand away a little. 

“Just give it a moment.” Ruby followed Sam’s hand with her own. “Hold still!” 

“Yes ma’am.” Alex obeyed with a grin. 

The bird closer to Alex lifted its head, looking to the older wolf just before realizing that there was another shot of nectar in her hand, and that one wasn't even being bogarted by some other bastard bird. The foul pheasant greedily flopped over to Alex’s hand, flicking its tongue into the shot glass of nectar he now had all to his own bastard self. 

“Ohh! It's so cute!” Alex whispered, holding back squeals at the beautiful, seemingly saintlike bird lapping up the nectar from her hand. 

“See! They are so cute!” Ruby resisted the urge to dance in her place. 

“Ah! I got one too.” Sam lit up, a smaller bird gently landing on her index finger and sipping up the nectar. 

“And… If you are gentle enough, plus a bit of luck…” Ruby gently lifted her free hand, working her way closer to the bird still on her arm and petting it lightly. “It’s really soft.” Ruby’s eyes sparkled. 

“Thank you so much Ruby.” Alex timidly rose her hand towards the bird eating from her shot glass.

“This was so sweet of you.” Sam thanked prideful of her daughter. 

“Thanks for bringing me moms. I… I really love this place, and I really appreciate you two taking me here today.” 

“Aww, of course baby girl. We love you and we want you to be happy.” Alex knelt down and placed her spare shot of nectar on the ground while she hugged the young wolf. 

Sam joined in the hug, kissing the tops of their heads. “You are who and what matters most to us Ruby.” 

“I'm sorry for scaring you last night.” 

“You didn't mean to.” Ruby defended her mama. 

“But I did. We wanted to take you here so you would know everything is ok.” 

“You didn't have to do this.” 

“I know, we know.” Alex squeezed. 

“But you deserve a day for you after how tense everything with the pack and all has been.”  Sam offered, hoping to prevent her daughter from ever feeling like she was second fiddle to her under the pack. 

“Thanks.” Ruby cooed into their embrace. 

Suddenly a swoop of white, just a blur as the larger bird swept down, stealing the extra shot of nectar. “Whoops!” Sam laughed.

“Aww.”

“Oh no! Alex! Your other thing!” Ruby pouted and whimpered disheartened. 

“It's ok. Here, Alex, take mine.” Sam offered. “I'll go grab each of us another.” 

“Thanks mom!” 

“No problem baby.” Sam set off, getting them another round for the birds. 

The three spent almost a whole hour admiring the small aviary, watching on as the beautiful birds flew around and chowed down on multiple rounds of nectar. Sam got so close to being able to pet the bird, but she wasn't quite so timid a soul as her mate and daughter who took to the hesitant approach that didn't scare the birds away. Not to mention, repeated failure didn't make Sam’s approach any more restrained. Noticing her mother’s frustration rise, Ruby was the first to suggest they move on. 

“Well, where you wanna go next Rube? We got a whole zoo to see and a long day to see it in.”

“Uugh! They have an aquarium down in… That direction!” Alex pointed north. “Nope!” She immediately spun around, flipping the map on its side. “This…” Alex performed a double take in the direction she had just glossed over as she spun around. “... way…” 

“Al?” Sam pulled at the omega’s arm, trying to pull her back from whatever she was staring off at perplexed.

“Mama? You ok?” Ruby’s fear had settled slightly but the empty stare was enough to cloud her thoughts with worry all over again. “Mama? Please tell me you are ok!” 

“Huh?” Alex turned to the others. 

“Baby you spaced out again.” 

“Must just be tired.”

“You sure mama?”

“Yeah. It’s nothing, I’m all good, I promise Rube, I just thought I saw something; someone.” Alex mumbled. 

“Baby? Do I have to be worried?” Sam pulled Alex in close and whispered into her ear.

“I’m fine. I’m actually ok. Really I just thought I saw something.” 

“Something… Behind a curtain?” 

Alex gave an innocent smile. “I’m not sure. But I’ll be good no matter what.” Alex whispered back. “So! Ruby! Aquarium corner?”

“Yeah! They have a really cool touch tank!” Ruby cheered, attempting to partition away the fear; allowing it to fester in the back of her mind as the rest of her fought to focus, striving to stay in the moment and put on a happy face, honestly eager to enjoy her day with her mothers. 

“Touch tank it is!” Sam announced, pointing off in the direction Alex had decided it was in. 

Alex was wrong, both times. Her map deciphering abilities were truly astounding. Not necessarily astounding in a positive way, however astounding nevertheless. As it turned out, neither her first guess of north, nor her second of south were correct. The Aquarium was actually west of the entrance. With their daily step counter goals completed and then some the three had finally found their way and entered the aquarium building. Ruby was quick to gravitate to a medium sized tank holstering a series of vibrant tropical fish.

“God they are breathtaking.” Ruby sighed, eagerly walking up and down the side of the tank, eager to spot each and every different species there was. 

“Real pretty Rube.” Alex smiled looking over the tank's various nooks and crannies, ornamental rocks designed to make preferable hiding spots for fish trapped in the glass box. 

“Can we get a fish tank for back home?” Ruby blurted out randomly as she spotted a specific fish she fancied above all the others. 

“You want a fish tank?” 

“Wow your daughter really knows when to pick her moments doesn't she?” 

“She knows when I'm weak.” Sam whimpered sarcastically. “Wait! Wait! When did she just become my daughter again!?” 

Even though she knew it was a joke, Ruby's excitement evaporated hastily, fear igniting in its place. 

“When she got so adorable I couldn't handle it anymore.” Alex performed the best save she could, hugging the child tight from behind. “Course you're still my kid goofball.” The omega kissed Ruby's cheek and squeezed her. 

“So does that mean I get a fish tank?” Even in the residual fear, she was smart as a whip. 

“Your daughter knows exactly when to strike.” Sam returned the joke jovially.

“An evil little one she is.” Alex kissed Ruby's cheek again. 

“Hey! I’m not evil!” Ruby argued. “I’m just an opportunist!”

“Quite the little opportunist.” Sam observed. 

“Maybe your mom and I will talk about looking into it for Christmas?” 

Ruby smiled wide, feeling as if she had already won being that Christmas was so close. 

“Talk doesn't necessarily mean that it will happen tho.” Sam warned.

“Ok.” Ruby cooed triumphant. 

“But if we did.” Sam shot a look out the corner of her eye. “What type would you want anyway?” 

“There are always betas and classic goldfish?” 

Ruby shifted her mouth to one side thinking. “I… I think I’d want a starfish! Maybe like that one?” The pup pointed one out harmlessly.

“Well, We’ll think on it.” Sam offered, patting her daughter’s shoulder. “But, for now? Where’s that touch tank!” 

Ruby giggled, leading them off in the direction she remembered the tank being. Once they found the tank Ruby directed her mother's about which of the sea creatures she remembered, and why they were her favorites. Again, like the birds, the three spent what was probably much more time than they would ever have needed to get acquainted with the touch tank’s fish. Ruby’s affinity for animals extended even beyond that which most wolves experienced. Sam had always figured it was a side effect of being born a wolf; that having grown up with that deeper connection with nature was the reason the pup was so easily taken by the beautiful creatures the world held. Whatever the reason, Ruby’s mothers adored getting to watch their daughter fawn over the animals. As if the pup wasn't adorable enough already, getting to witness her face lit up again and again at each and every species was more than worth the price of admission. 

“Oof, somebody’s hungry.” The call of hunger coming from Ruby’s stomach garnered Alex’s attention after they finished exploring the aquarium, touch tank and all the other corners of the zoo’s west wing. 

“Nothing a churro wouldn't help.” Ruby suggested slyly. 

“Hows about we get you a real lunch and then maybe a churro?” Sam countered. 

Ruby paused, mulling her response over. “What type of lunch we talking about here?”

“I don't know, there is a cafeteria of a sorts we passed on the way here. Assuredly no Lena’s but I’m sure they have something?” Sam suggested with a half-hearted shrug. 

“I could go for a burger or a personal pizza or something.” Alex added. 

“Churro after?” 

“Churro after.” Sam huffed and giggled, rolling her eyes.

“We are weak.” Alex teased her mate.

“Incredibly so.” Sam agreed. 

“C’mon” Ruby urged them both, her stomach reminding her that she was hungry once again, Alex feeling a small tug at her hand. 

“Hey, you don't have to yank at me.” Alex frowned down at the pup.

Ruby tilted her head to the side, looking up to her mama.

“Ahh, babe?” 

Alex caught sight of something again in her peripherals, turning to see it, only to feel Ruby tug at her hand again. “Ruby, I know you are hungry, but stop yanking at my hand!” 

“Al.” Sam whispered, having watched what happened.

“Mama?” 

“I love you Rube, but you don't have to pull at my hand.”

“Alex! She didn't.”

“What?” Alex went white, losing all color to her face entirely, still looking backward, off into the distance, feeling like there was still something tugging at her, pulling her towards the east end of the zoo. 

“Baby, you need to sit down.”

“I… I… I’m fine.” Alex offhandedly dismissed.

“Mama, please. You are scaring me.” This time Ruby did grab her mother’s hand, hoping to help center or ground the wolf. 

“I… I’m ok sweetheart.” Alex felt herself shockingly short of breath as she finally felt her senses calming.

“You two are sitting down, I’ll get you two food.” Sam instructed, pulling Alex close and half assisting half dragging the omega towards the busy outdoor cafeteria.

“Alex… What's going on!” Ruby demanded impatient. 

“Nothing Rube.” Alex fought Sam’s caring however slightly forceful assistance, attempting to appear as if she was able to keep herself together on her own. 

“Stop lying!” Ruby fumed, following quickly after her mothers. 

“Ruby! Please!” Sam snapped, losing patience in her worry for Alex.

“What happened to ‘We wanted to take you here so you would know everything is ok’!” Ruby complained sharply. “When you two are so clearly hiding something it makes me feel like things are very much not ok!” 

Sam looked worriedly to her mate, entirely unsure what to tell Ruby or how to go about it as they arrived at the eatery’s seating. 

“I’ve got it. Just get us some food ok?” Alex held and squeezed Sam’s hand reassuringly as she sat down. 

Ruby continued steaming, anxious anger and frustration brewing. 

“Ok. Whatcha want Ruby?” 

“Answers!” The pup huffed. 

“Pizza it is.” Sam rolled her eyes, almost equally impatient as her daughter at this point. 

“I!” Ruby went to huff and pout but bit her tongue, anger getting the better of her even as her eyes plead for almost any different entree. 

“Chicken tenders?” Sam tried again, vying against her wolf to be more patient and remember that today was supposed to be for Ruby. Today was intended to make her feel better, and yielding to the irritable instincts of her wolf worried by her omega clearly not being in the best state would do nothing to assist Ruby. 

“With fries, ketchup, and mayo?” Ruby squeaked out.

“Ok hun.” Sam nodded, turning off towards the line to order food. 

“Rube?” 

“What!” Ruby’s irritable demeanor returned with haste as she remembered Alex had been lying to her about being ok only moments prior. 

“Ruby.” Alex’s tone shifted a tint more condescending than she had intended. 

Ruby pouted and looked away. 

“Sweetheart.” Alex placed her hand atop Ruby’s. 

She huffed, hurting and scared. 

“I am ok.”

“Sure.” Ruby pulled her hand away. 

“C’mon kiddo.” 

“I’m not going to talk if you are just going to lie. Maybe we should just go home.” 

Alex gripped to the table, her senses feeling overwhelmed, how could she be failing this pup, even when she was doing everything she could to try to care for her! This was the absolute last thing she wanted! Ruby deserved mothers who could care for her! Support her! Be there! Not some weak omega so overwhelmed with the spinning zoo, chatter of park patrons,  the simultaneously beautiful earthy and putrid scents that clung in the air, and the nagging feeling that she was missing something!

“Mom!” Ruby yelled, Sam out of earshot, already in the building and ordering. 

“I! I’m fine! Just!” Alex grunted.

“No, you aren't! That is more than clear to see!” Ruby growled. “Mom!” 

“Its! Just everything sounds… smells… feels too loud!” Alex took a deep breath through her nose, her head spinning faster, the sensory assault only growing stronger. 

Ruby’s hand landed on Alex’s, the same way as a moment earlier when the omega had attempted to offer her daughter some solace. “Through your mouth.”

“What?”

“Breath through your mouth.”

“What! Why?”

“This happens to some… wolfs… near the… turn…” Ruby whispered the words she would never normally dare say in public. 

Alex followed the instructions, her mind calming. 

“You actually are fine.” 

“I… how’d you know?”

“Like I said, It happens to ... near the … sometimes.” Ruby returned to not even speaking the words this time.

“It does?”

“Yeah. Have you been feeling… off since you turned? Weaker? Oversensitive?”

“I mean?”

“Like sounds and smells can be too much easily? You get dizzy easily?”

“Yeah.” Alex agreed with a nod.

“Yeah, that happens.”

“How’d you learn about this?” 

“Ally, One of Cat’s kids. She goes through this once a month. She has for years... You’ll be ok. You just need to focus on one thing at a time. You will be ok.” 

“Told you so.” Alex gave an exasperated sigh. 

“I… I’m sorry I didn't believe you.” 

“I’m sorry I scared you.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t believe you?” Ruby looked down to their hands guiltily. 

“Don't be…” Alex patted Ruby’s smaller hand. “If I am honest. The… turn, it has changed a lot about me, about what I can and can't do. And that has scared me a lot, I’ve been straining myself a little too hard to compensate.” Alex earned a frustrated look from the pup; she was clearly disheartened that there, in fact, had been things her mothers were hiding, but she was also relieved to see that Alex was being more open now. “But I am ok. Your mother would never let herself rest if that wasn't the case.”

“Mom can be pretty protective.” Ruby nodded along.

“I’m overwhelmed sometimes, but I am ok.” Alex reassured again.

“Good.” Ruby held her mama.

“And you were about to leave without even snagging one churro! Amature!” Alex kissed her daughter’s forehead.

“Shut up.” Ruby huffed into her mama. 

“Your gonna need to apologize to your mom for being so rude, especially when she was just trying to take care of me.”

“And she made sure I actually got the food I wanted.” 

“Yeah, that too.” Alex agreed, patting Ruby on the back.

“Well, well, well, hasn't the attitude changed over here while I was gone?” Sam plopped down one tray, then a second and a third just after. 

“Told you that I’d take care of it.” 

“That you did. Ruby, they had sweet potato fries, so I got you those. If you want, you can swap with mama or I. Al, I got you pizza, but if you prefer a burger, that is what I got myself. So I think we are all covered.”

“Mhmm, and what was it you wanted?” Alex looked up to her alpha judgingly as she let go of the hug she had Ruby in. 

“For my girls to be happy.” 

“Cut your burger in half, that way we can split the pizza and the burger.” Alex offered, passing the alpha a knife from her tray.

“Sounds great babe.” Sam smiled back. 

Ruby explained her theory as to what exactly was going on with Alex in between tenders covered in self-made fry sauce. Although more than just a theory; certainly more than a contributing factor as to what was going on with her newer mother, Sam was quick to put together that her daughter was also less than completely accurate. Alex’s eyes betrayed Ruby’s postulation, giving tell and confirmation for the alpha’s worried speculation. The treacherous eyes did however also plead with the alpha, begging her not to take away this last shred of comfort their daughter was clinging to. After all, eleven seemed a little too young an age to begin explaining away necromancy amongst other magical powers and their loss, even for a wolf pup. 

Sam wrestled with the counter her mind refused to let go of; Ruby was scared, and only wanted the truth! Neither of them were giving her the whole truth! Not even now, not even after Ruby had a small break down over the fear of this exact type of unknown! But none of that made for a solid argument that Alex’s pleading eyes were wrong. She was, in fact, correct, there was no right time or way to tell an eleven-year-old that her new mother was a necromancer who had recently lost her powers, but not really lost her powers because she was still hearing the dead! Was there ever even a correct age to hear that? Sam pondered deeper, slowly devouring away at her half hamburger and Alex’s pizza, pretending everything was perfect. All the while, circling back repeatedly returning to the thought that it had more than startled her, a full grown adult to witness and learn of the secret they had seemingly decided to keep from the youngin. 

Resigning themselves to the deceit, the two allowed themselves to enjoy their meal which slowly devolved into a family potluck, anyone’s meal up for grabs. That said, the first time Alex went to steal a tender, she almost lost a finger. Ruby could be quite the wolf at times when her food was threatened. But after seeing Alex’s face, the pup apologetically offered up the tender. The attitude of the table relaxed somewhat significantly after that, the tension soothing itself as their stomachs became full. Nearing the end of their meals, Sam snuck away under the pretext of a bathroom break. Instead, she returned a couple minutes later with two churros in hand, one for Ruby and one to split between Alex and herself. The alpha slipped down into the bench seat right next to her omega, sitting so close that she was almost on top of her lap. 

“Ohh! Churro!” Ruby cheered, grabbing the sugary sweet cinnamon treat her mother offered up. 

“And this one is for us.” Sam offered the end of the fried confection just adjacent to Alex’s mouth and kissed the omega’s cheek as she went in for a bite. 

Alex moaned approvingly at the taste, licking the crystalline sugar from her lips. 

“My good girl.” Sam whispered into Alex’s ear, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer. 

Alex’s back snapped straight upright, the alpha’s hand over her belly. “It’s… I! It’s good huh Rube!” Alex half stammered, trying to fight the blush that Sam’s lips and hot breath at her ear caused. 

“Yes! So good!” Ruby cheered, going in for a second bite of her treat.

“Yes, it's great.” Sam agreed, offering Alex another bite, still not having taken one for herself yet. 

“Mommy! You haven't even taken a bite yet!” Ruby giggled, ever vigilant, even while preoccupied with her treat. 

“Maybe not, but I am more than glad to see my girls enjoying themselves.” Sam’s eyes locked on the omega’s lips and how she timidly took to the churro the second time, all so aware that she was being watched.

Alex swiped her tongue back over her lips much quicker the second time, the alpha’s glare burning her in very improper ways for a day out at the zoo. “So Rube, what next?” Alex rushed to have something else to focus on other than her mate’s seemingly only growing proximity. 

Sam forfeited her game of flustering Alex, taking the churro back and having a bite or two of her own.

“Mhmm, I Don't know?” Ruby pondered. 

“I say, We go reptiles, then mammals. Maybe wrap it all up with another churro and head home? Movie night? I think it might be appropriate to end the day with a viewing of the lion king.”

“Ok wolf queen.” Alex teased, stealing another bite. 

“Really Ruby, whatcha think?” 

“Sounds like a great plan.” She stood, pointing an eager finger in the direction of the reptiles section of the establishment. 

“Good to go Rube?”  

“Yeah!” Ruby downed the last of her churro before stepping off in the direction she had been pointing in. 

Sam and Alex exchanged proud and gleeful glances for a moment, lingering on the bench before heading off after their daughter. Still lingering behind her, Sam spoke up, just quiet enough that Ruby wouldn't hear. “Wanna fill me in on the things you aren't filling her in on?”

“I don't know that I can.”

“How come love?”

“Because I don't quite know what is going on myself.” Alex huffed frustrated, holding her alpha’s hand. 

“Maybe now that things are calming down your powers are coming back? Reawakening or whatever?” 

“It has never been like this before. When my mom died… It was like a switch turned on. Just all of a sudden, I could feel, hell I could see her, her and everyone else in the damn family tree going back about four generations?”

“Four?”

“If you are counting me, then yes.” 

Sam hummed curiously, attempting to piece together any answers she could for her mate.

“I’ll be ok.” Alex wrapped her arms around Sam’s. 

“I know. I’m just glad that Ruby is not scared anymore. Little lie or not… It helped.” Sam rubbed her free hand over Alex’s arm. 

The reptile exhibit went smoothly, even if it was less exciting for Ruby. The young pup never had quite the kinship with reptiles that she had with most other animals, but that didn't stop her from enjoying the fauna. They all even got sidetracked into an adjacent insects section. This time, despite taking much longer between the two sizeable attractions, there were no paranormal perturbations plaguing the omega, and when in combination with the comparatively much laxer sensory stimulus of the reasonably quiet corners of the zoo, Alex actually got some significant relief. Whether or not she had lied to the pup, Ruby had been rather close in her suspicions of what was the cause of her faintness. The amplified senses which came along with a wolf were getting to her, especially at the zoo. 

Amidst the traversal back to the other end of the zoo, Alex had even decided to grab a small popcorn and souvenir drink cup for the three to split on the way back across the zoo towards the mammals' section. The salty popcorn made for a nice little treat after walking off the hefty lunch, and even better when combined with whatever overly sugary drink Alex had ordered them in the neon green cup covered in cartoon animals. 

“So, looks like it's formed in a small loop, we can either go Africa, Asia, Americas, or Americas, Asia, Africa.” Alex suggested looking over her map.

“So are we gonna start or end with the lions?” Sam interpreted for her daughter. 

“Huh?” Alex tilted her head Quisitive. 

“The lions, they are my favorite! Especially at this zoo.” Ruby explained.

“Oh? Well good to know?” Alex lingered confused. “It’s not wolves or anything?” 

“Pfft, no, The lions are way better!” Ruby assured in a huff. 

“She knows what she likes.” Sam shrugged. “Who am I to say anything otherwise.”

“Fair, fair.” Alex suddenly leaned into Sam, lightheaded as her eyes unwillingly tugged towards the entrance to the Africa exhibit. 

“Americas it is!” Sam urged in an attempt to redirect her daughter’s attention. 

“Yeah!” Ruby scurried off eagerly, unaware as Alex clung to Sam. 

“All good baby, I’m just adjusting to the thicker scent of this wing of the zoo.”

“Mhmm?” Sam doubted audibly as they sped up slowly to catch up to the pup already off and gawking at a black and brown bears enclosure. 

“Come on baby, we have to catch up to her.” Alex urged, feeling mildly better as she gained more distance from the Africa entrance. 

The mammals were easily Ruby’s favorite, so many furry and adorable creatures to get to observe as they meander around. Alex and Sam also got a chance to unwind, getting a good breath, event-free all the way through America, Asia, and almost all the way through Africa. Africa was easily Ruby’s favorite. Rhinos, hippos, leopards, and jaguars were all just an exciting opening act for her absolute favorite attraction. The lion pen was beautiful, more than beautiful, a gorgeous green patch, a number of rocks for sunbathing, and surrounded with an aqua green pseudo river for the fantastic felines to bathe in, or even just use to cool down in on a hot day. Ruby couldn't get enough, not that she ever could. But Sam and Alex did grow antsy after about twenty minutes of gawking at lions and lions alone.

“Getting ready to wrap up yet love?” Sam lead, able to sense that Alex was growing a touch weary, the long day on her feet plus the pulls from another realm getting to her after all the exertion. 

Ruby pouted and sighed. “Just a little longer?” 

“Make you a deal? We start heading home, and we can even make a stop at the gift shop. Maybe a lion keychain or something. MAYBE, no promises.” Sam clarified herself. 

“Hmm? Deal.” Ruby smiled, overly happy.

“Bribery huh?” Alex teased, the three moving on as the Africa exhibit exit attracted Ruby’s eye, prominent shirts covered in lions and other animals drawing her in with ease. 

“You got a better idea? You're about to keel over, and she could spend the next millinea enjoying those lions.” 

“Come on moms!” Ruby urged. 

“You go ahead baby.” Sam offered. “We will be right behind you.” The mothers slowed down, Alex quickly growing more disoriented, feeling more like a compass directly atop magnetic north than anything else. Spinning aimlessly back and forth, everything trying to pull her in every direction all at once. The overload of stimuli did nothing to aid the effects, her every sense was being battered, overwhelmed with input

“You ok Love?” Sam took the back of her hand to Alex’s forehead, attempting to check and see if the omega had a fever or anything else which could explain what might be happening. 

“Yeah. I think it is just all the scents. It's like it is impossible to sort anything out it is all so painfully loud.” 

“I know love. I was like that too. When I was first turned, hell imagine this plus being pregnant.” 

“Sam.”

“Ohh yeah, it was rough!” 

“Sam.”

“Come on guys! Catch up!” Ruby called. 

“We are coming! Just don't get too far ahead!” Sam called back.

“Sam!” 

“But it calmed down after I had Ruby. My senses are still sharpened around this time of the month, but.” 

“Sam!” Alex was no longer whispering the alpha’s name, and it was now more of a demand.

“Yeah love?” 

“Sam…”

“Yes?” 

“I’m…” Alex lingered on the word. 

“You’re what? We just got food, you can’t be hungry again yet… That said those pretzel stands did seem pretty great. With some fresh mustard.” Sam was a little too in her own head, more thinking aloud her fantasy of a mustard-covered hot salty pretzel than actually speaking to Alex.

“Sam, I’m late.”

“I thought you got someone to cover your shift at the bar?”

“Not that type of late babe.”

“But ummbtabth?” Samantha’s mind melted out of her ears.

“Yup.” Alex nodded.

“Bu- Bu-” Sam’s babbling somehow developed further. “With the- and the- like you are gonna - and with the having the-” 

“That’s normally what it means. Yeah Sam.” Alex agreed, her face visibly pale. 

“Hibbudauh.” Sam's head spun. 

“We are gonna need to make another stop on the way home.”

“Whaaa for!?” 

“To see if I am Sam.”

“Uugh!”

“Sam please talk to me. Are you ok? I!” Alex yelped, Sam’s arms squeezing her tighter.

“I am wonderful!” Sam steadied herself enough to speak with a wide smile.

“So good babbling?”

“Ideal. Perfect, heavenly, transcendent!” Sam picked Alex up in a tight hug and spun around with the omega up in the air.

“Sam!” 

“This is wonderful!” Sam went to put Alex down, but Alex planted her hands on Sam’s shoulders, keeping herself up off the ground by another three or so feet. “What's up babe?” Sam giggled, tilting her head up only to see Alex’s face, a mixture of horror and determination, a moment too late, her follow up sentence already halfway out of her mouth. “Other than you, and knocked?”

“Gayle.” The vampire caught sight of the wolf hoisted up off the ground just as the name left Alex’s lips.

“Gay- oof!” Sam went to ask, to clarify, attempt to ascertain what Alex meant, but before she could finish Alex had not only wriggled out of her grasp, but also knocked her over, and begun running across the Africa exhibit entrance. 

“Moms!” Ruby turned around, the commotion garnering her attention. 

“Ruby! Stay right there!” Sam’s eyes darted to find Alex running off in a direction she couldn't figure out amidst the daze of falling down so suddenly. “Uugh! No! Come here!” She changed her mind, suddenly fearing that Gayle might not be alone. 

“Where's mama going!” Ruby sprinted back over to her mother and helped her up to her feet.

“I…” Sam stammered to buy herself some time, her mind racing through potential answers and explanation. What if Gayle was alone? What if she got the better of the still under the weather omega? What if the rest of the vampires are here? Hadn't Gayle and the vampires had a truce? Why would Gayle come to the zoo other than to ambush the three, and if she had, then how could the vampire allow herself to be spotted so easily? Nothing about this makes sense? The only good reason to ambush them here would be the animals masking her scent! But to attack werewolves in the daylight? So close to the moon! There was nothing logical about this, no good explanation! And then Sam thought she had the answer. Gayle must have been killed? Right! She was killed and now she had been haunting the healing necromancer? It makes sense! The vampire would want to torture the woman now wolf who lead to her death? If she was dead? There were no simple answers, but either way, Sam knew she needed to be there for Alex.

“What is going on with mama?”

“I… I don't know, but I need to help her, whatever it is. But I’m not comfortable leaving you alone, so stay close ok? Please. I just need you to stay safe.”

“Mom.” Ruby whimpered, the two overhearing a scream from across the way.

“Goddamnit!” Alex’s voice could clearly be heard cursing distressed. 

“Mama!” Any protective warnings Sam had given the child went straight out of the window as soon as Ruby heard her mother scream. 

“Gayle!” Alex wriggled from the loving embrace of her mate. 

The vampire saw her, her eyes catching the wolf, and her feet moving in almost the same instant. 

“Damnit!” Alex stumbled on her feet, knocking Sam over accidentally as she hit the ground. Though the craziest thing happened, Gayle stumbled too. Alex gave less than enough thought to the coincidence, only thanking the luck of it all that the vampire would stumble and give her enough time to catch up. The wolf brushed past about a dozen pedestrians, fighting through what could be loosely defined as a crowd towards the vampire vying to her feet and beginning to catch some form of a rhythm in a limping stumble. “No you don't!” Alex snarled. 

The vampire’s eyes darted over her back, attempting to escape behind a door labeled employees only. 

“Hell no! You aren't getting away this time!” Alex snarled, picking up speed as she escaped the bulk of the patrons at the zoo. 

Gayle desperately threw things down in her path, knowing that Alex would follow her until she could find a good place to hide. To Alex's delight, the chaos of boxes of animal chow and chairs tossed along the hall once she entered the employees only area only served to give her a trail to track. To that effect, Alex forfeited her human form, shifting now that she was out of the sight of the regular humans. Once wolf, Alex bounced from wall to wall, easily evading any debris Gayle left in her wake. Up until that moment all of Alex’s attempts to maneuver while in her wolf form even the slightest had been some what of a one woman incarnation of a three stooges tape, but in the hunt? In the hunt she was a divine force fo a beast. Agile, nimble, and fast, catching the vampire would certainly be no change. 

“Fuck!” Gayle groaned, hearing the wolf close behind, and growing closer. 

Alex landed on all fours, catching sight of Gayle as she attempted to hide behind a corner. From there, it was but another moment before Alex was atop the vampire, paws pinning her to the ground as Alex snarled and showed her teeth.

“How! How did you find me! I was hiding! It was perfect! I had food, cover, and a place to hide at night!” 

“Hide! Hide from what?” Alex shifted back. 

“From the vampires! From you!”

“What?” 

“The vampires are out to kill me! I murdered one of Eve’s only spawn! She will never let me live if she finds me again!” 

Alex stayed silent.

“And more than obviously, you don't want me alive. Speaking of which… Why haven't you bit my throat out?”

“We need Jess back.”

Gayle laughed. 

“I can either gorge my wolf on vampire and leave your bones to the lions, or you can help us save our friend.” 

“Your friend?! Oh! That is precious!” Gayle would have laughed herself up to the point of tears in irony if it weren't for Alex shifting back to wolf and damn near biting her head off. “You wanna see her?”

“Of course! We want our friend back! Back and safe! Safe from that bitch.”

“Well aren't you one to talk Bitch!” Gayle spat back. 

“MAMA!” Ruby yelled, catching up to her mother  who was still busy pinning the vampire down. 

“Baby!” Sam followed just a moment behind. 

“Oh great the whole fuckin family is here!” 

Ruby's face contorted at the sound of the curse from the vile vampire. 

“Seriously! In front of my kid!” Sam complained, covering Ruby’s eyes. 

Alex snarled and shifted just her hands to dig her claws into Gayle's shoulders as a punishment for cursing in front of Ruby. 

“Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ok! Ok! Calm the… F! Down!” Gayle compromised. 

“You are coming back with us! I'm chaining you down in the bar again! And this time you won't escape!” 

“Uugh, baby. How exactly do you plan to do that? You are a little naked, and I don't have much of a plan as to lugging a prisoner back through a crowded zoo.”

“Well good luck.” Gayle teased with a smug smile. 

“Not to mention, we don't have all the time in the world, what happens when another employee comes by here and sees you two?”

“What can I do to help!?” Ruby asked eagerly. 

Sam’s face lit up. “You just did love! Al, how do you feel about a lion t-shirt and an elephant skirt?”

“Like I haven't worn animal print since I was fifteen?” Alex gave an unamused look.

“The style’s makin a comeback babe.” Sam gave a half smile. 

“Glorious day oh my.” Alex rolled her eyes. 

“Can you keep her down for just another ten minutes?” 

“If no one comes by? Yeah sure? But if I have half a dozen zoo employees on my ass, I'm screwed.” Alex sighed. “Sorry Rube.”

“We will be right back. If something bad happens, shift and howl.” 

“Ok.” Alex nodded back, clearly tense beyond belief, her mate and daughter heading off. 

“Why the zoo?”

“Why not? I can feed on the mammals without arousing suspicion, the scents here keep me hidden, It is a job, and they have lax enough security at night that I have a nice comfy place to sleep now that I’m a damn pariah amongst the vampires. It’s not like I could go home without getting meticulously tortured by the newly one-armed wonder of fury and righteous wrath.”

“Eve…” 

“Yes, Eve.” Gayle agreed. “You mind!” Gayle attempted to raise her arms in an exasperated gesture, only to service her own point. “Declawing me?” 

“Yes, In fact, I do mind, with my magic all but gone, and you being the woman who currently has the highest number of recorded threats against my family, I would mind declawing you, thanks.” Alex retorted. 

“Oh please, I won't hurt them!”

“Who the hell are you and what the hell did you do with Gayle? Not that I miss her much, but really. Who the hell are you?”

“A vampire who is more than aware of from where my bread gets buttered, or my blood gets poured.” 

“What?”

“You still have what ten gallons of relatively fresh? I can't imagine you've been getting frequented by your fanged regulars since you sided with the wolves. 

“I didn't side with them! I am a wolf!” Alex barked. “And what do you care for the blood I still have.” 

“I’ll take it that you have fifteen gallons from that look on your face.” Gayle’s eyebrows twitched up happily. 

“What do you want with it!” 

“Isn’t that abundantly fucking clear? I have been feeding off the damn horses and monkeys for the past month! Not necessarily delicious nutritious breakfast! But you, you have meals for half a year if I ration.” 

“And I’d share why exactly?”

“Cause it’s of no use to you.” Gayle almost immediately regretted shrugging as Alex’s claws cut into her deeper. 

“And?”

“And, I have knowledge that can help you. I might not be able to tell you exactly where Jess is. Not that you should even want her back.” Gayle warned under her breath. “But I do have ideas for where Eve would be. Wherever she is, Jess isn't far behind, however. I also have some much more important information.”

“Information good enough to buy you all my blood?” 

“I don't just want the blood. I want asylum.” 

“What are we looking for?” Ruby wandered aimlessly. 

“First? Anything that will fit Mama.” Sam answered, half breathless, fearful and stressed as she flicked through racks looking for a medium anything that would make the omega murder her in her sleep for the embarrassment. 

“This is cute.” Ruby pulled out something a little too heinously neon for anyone who was once a necromancer. 

“Maybe something else is a bit more mama’s style?” Sam denied politely, ushering the shirt back onto the rack. “This feels a bit more mama.” She pulled out a grey shirt with a hippopotamus on its front. 

“You wanna tell mama that she is a hippo rather than let her wear neon?” Ruby challenged. 

“We are in a time crunch kiddo. I'll hear about it when we get home, but for now, it will have to do.”

“Ok, Well you did say elephant print right?” Ruby pulled out a maxi skirt of Alex’s relative size. 

“Good, ok then, we can move on to the last thing.” Sam sighed. 

“What's that?” 

“Uugh, on second thought, if you are quick, you can grab anything you want.” Sam offered as a distraction, not wanting her daughter to see what she was about to do.

“You sure mom?” 

“Yes, just make it quick, and don't leave the gift shop, please!” Sam stressed. 

“Thanks mom!” Ruby cheered, running right off towards the stuffed animals and eagerly focusing on the lions in specific. 

Sam moved hastily over to the jewelry, eyeing all of the necklaces and simply starting with one of the long line of them and heading to the other end. She winced and hissed, her suspicions proving right in the most frustratingly underwhelming of ways. The first necklace only vaguely stung, the second, nothing, the third a nasty burn, but certainly not what she needed. The pattern repeated in a scatter plot of pain. None of the first half of the necklaces had a high enough concentration of even just silver plaiting to restrain a vampire like Gayle. “AHH!” 

“Ma’am are you alright!” The cashier questioned worriedly. 

“Yup! I’m great, got exactly what I need!” Sam called back pained, grabbing every copy of the penultimate necklace in the lineup off the shelf. She cupped them all in the fabric of the maxi skirt, looking down to her seared fingertips, wincing at her damn near charred skin. 

“Got it!” Ruby popped up behind Sam with a lion plushie roughly about a quarter of her own size. 

“You… really know when to go for it don't cha kid?” 

“You said anything!” Ruby protested. 

“Yes I did, and I think I can even see this huge thing helping out with the plan.” Sam smiled relieved, grabbing everything and heading towards the checkout counter. Just before she finished checking out, she grabbed a pair of gloves in an attempt to save her poor fingers any further abuse. 

“Asylum? You are insane!” Alex laughed out, the ideation so egregious that she didn't even care who heard or if she would attract employees. 

“For the information, I am offering? It is the bare minimum.”  

“Pfft! And what are you offering? Cause I can't possibly conceptualize something that would get me to grant you asylum, and much less to take you in, into my own bar! My home!” 

“That's the deal.”

“Well, what is it?” 

“I can save your whole pack. Even that pup you love so much.” 

“Sure.” Alex scoffed. 

“It's already happening isn't it?” 

“It? What the hell is it?!”

“The fighting?” 

“We are wolves, we are hot-headed. We fight all the time. That means nothing!” 

“Wow! It's been going on for a while now then huh?” 

“What the hell are you even talking about.” 

“Didn't think they would start it so fast!” 

“Answer!” Alex clawed deeper into Gayle. 

“Fine fine fine!” The vampire huffed. “I was just trying to build suspense and interest!” 

“Spill it!”  Alex threatened to rip Gayle open. “Or I spill your entrails!” 

“Fine!” Gayle yelled. “Your wolves begin to go feral yet?” 

“I!” 

“Yeah… they have been keeping that in their back pocket for a while now.” 

“How!” 

“No! That one is reserved for once you get me to safety! And blood! All of it!” 

Alex growled. “We can discuss this when you are at the bar chained, and I have both alphas and omegas to decide.” 

“Fine. Works for me. You are both my meal ticket and safety, for now, either way.” Gayle shrugged with her eyebrows as best she could. 

“Al! Al! Baby! How's it going?

“It's fine! No one came by, and she claims she won't fight us.” Alex grimaced, displaying just how little she trusted the vampire. 

“Yeah, I trust that like I trust a starved wolf to leave a raw steak alone.” Sam rolled her eyes, plopping the supersized plush lion down as a workbench, dawning the gloves and fashioning a silver chain from the necklaces.

“Aww don't get him dirty!” Ruby whispered to herself, realizing just how unimportant the stuffed animal was at the moment the words began to leave her lips. 

“Sorry, Rube.”

“Yeah. I'm sorry just need to make this into a silver chain right now sweetie. I'll give it back in just a moment.” 

“Do we really have to do the whole searingly painful silver chain thing?” Gayle quipped.

“Yes.” Alex and Sam ordered simultaneously. 

“Fine, fine, whatever, burning chains or whatever.” 

“Yes! Burning chains!” Alex emphasized. 

“Well, then can we get on with it. By the way, how exactly are we gonna escort me across the zoo while I’m chained up?”

“You will hold the lion, it will cover the chains.” Sam answered. 

“Well don't you just have an answer for everything?”

“Shut it!” Alex threatened. 

“And done!” Sam announced triumphant. “Alex, move just a little let me tie her up and then you can put on the clothes we got you. 

“Oh yay! I’m so excited.” Alex rolled her eyes. Opening up for Sam to tie the vampire up by her wrists.

“Got it, Rube, can you hand your mom the clothes?” 

“Here mama” 

“Hippo? Really? Hippo?” Alex glowered at her mate. “Message received.”

“It was the only thing that wasn't neon or leopard print!” 

“Mhmm.” Sam’s case wasn't helped in the slightest as Alex attempted to dawn the overly tight skirt, clearly a size or two too small, and only able to fit around her thanks to its elastic waist. 

“I’m, sorry!” Sam huffed before the four all went silent. 

“Hey, who's there!” A deep voice called from behind the corner.

“Pete?” Gayle called out from her place on the ground as Sam and Alex helped her up.

“Gayle! Gayle! What happened!” The innocent human guard ran around seeing the vampire cut into, covered in blood, and Alex so clearly red-handed. 

“Hey, Pete! I’m sorry, someone came back here and trashed the place! Even stabbed me. These are some of my friends and they helped save me!” 

“Oh god! I can't believe it! Are you alright!?” 

“Yeah Pete, I’m fine. I just need to go to the hospital. Thankfully my friends just happened to be at the zoo today!” Gayle played it off lightheartedly. 

“Are you sure? I can take you! You need to report this!” 

“No, no, it is ok, please, just let my friends help me out, I’ll be alright.”

The wolves all stood there dumbstruck, stuck in amazement that the vampire hadn't sold them all the way down the river in a heartbeat, and instead rushed to their defense. 

“Well, ok. But you three take care of my favorite coworker, ok? Especially you, little one!” The employee teased Ruby. 

“Thanks, Pete, I really appreciate it.” 

“No problem, just take care Gayle.” He requested kindly before returning to his work. 

“What the…” 

“Why did you?”

“Favorite coworker?!” That was the tidbit that rivaled everything else for that which shocked Alex the most! “I’ve only ever heard you reference humans as blood bags, and a litany of terms I simply wont say in front of Ruby! Since when do you make coworker friends?” 

“Who are you again?” Ruby rounded out the family’s dumbfounded questions. 

“Like I said, you are my meal ticket and my safety. You two get arrested and the vampires will be sure to hear of it, come find me, and kill me themselves.”

“Ixnay on the ilkay in front of the idkay!” Sam glared. 

“Yeah, yeah, sorry kid.” Gayle huffed. “Can we just get this over with and go home?”

“Home!” Alex raged at the idea of the vampire calling her bar home!

“Yeah, yeah, let's get going!”

Alex was still fuming as Sam shrugged to her. “You got any better ideas?”

End of Chapter 9