Kitten in the Wolf's Den

One: Adoption and Family

*Marcelline, Age 2*

~Third Person P.O.V.~

Marcelline bounced in her highchair while smacking her hands against the attached table. Her hands mushed her cooked carrots each time they hit the table, making the food splatter all over herself and the floor. She kept screaming, "I done! I done! I done!" repeatedly, as loud as she possibly could. She was never a big fan of cooked carrots or any vegetables, for that matter. She did, however, love her fruits, and had already finished her berries and proteins that her caretaker fixed for her.

Abigail tried to ignore it, focusing on the two potential people who were looking to adopt a small child around Marcelline's age. "I have many children over the age of four, and only a few between the age of two and four. Our youngest orphan is a newborn but she already has a sweet lady lined up for her." She informed the couple while scanning over their paperwork in her hands. Her eyes read over each of their requests and after looking through it all she finally lifted her gaze back up at them. "I have two girls left that match your request. Clementine, and Marcelline."

The woman smiled up at her husband, finding this news to be excellent. He squeezed her hand lovingly and they focused their attention back on Abigail. "What are their personalities like? May we meet them?" She asked.

Abigail smiled at the sweet couple. In her mind she was silently praying for a miracle. A miracle that would rid herself of the crazy toddler currently making a mess in the back room. "Clementine is rather shy. She barely talks to anyone and only likes to play by herself. Marcelline, however, is different." Abigail paused for a second, deciding for herself the best way to describe what the crazy girl is like. "She's goofy, talkative, and persistent."

The couple shared a look between themselves. Their eyes held a secret conversation that only the two of them could understand. The woman nodded her head in agreement with her husband and they both looked back at Abigail at the same exact time. "We would like to meet Marcelline." They answered in unison.

"Amazing!" Abigail cheered as she clapped her hands together in excitement. Inside her mind she was doing way more than just clapping. She was dancing like a crazed lunatic singing 'Rejoice! Rejoice!’ inside her head. This was the greatest news to her. Marcelline had an appetite that none of the other girls shared. She was also louder and more opinionated than the rest. Abigail was getting tired of dealing with the young girl. She was ready for someone to come along and adopt her. "I will be right back with her!" She told the couple.

Abigail ran to the back room and unclasped the table from the high chair. She scooped up Marcelline in her arms and set her down on the ground before taking ahold of her hand. "Come on, Marcy. Let us get you cleaned up a bit, and into some fresh clothes." She spoke to the girl as she led her to the orphan changing room. She grabbed a fresh cloth from one of the cabinets and wet it with water from the sink before cleaning off Marcy's hands, face, and everywhere else that she had food on herself. Once the child was cleaned off, she undressed her and slid a fresh pull-up on her. Then she grabbed a cute frilly lace dress that was a light blue color and had dark blue sparkles all over it. She also slipped a pair of white sandals onto Marcelline's feet before finally picking her up and walking out to the front room where the couple were waiting.

"Ma'am, sir. May I introduce you to Miss Marcelline Sapphire." Abigail smiled at them as she placed Marcy down on the ground.

Marcy lifted up her head to get a good look at the couple and a small smile formed on her lips. She walked towards the tall man and poked his leg to get his attention. "Hi guy!" She called out to him.

He chuckled and kneeled down to be closer to her level and gave her a small wave. "Hi, pretty girl." He greeted her in a friendly voice. She blushed at his compliment and everyone chuckled at the cute red tint to her cheeks.

"Hi, Marcelline. My name is Seraphina." The woman introduced herself as she crouched in front of Marcy. She spoke in a gentler and kinder tone than her husband, and pulled out a chocolate bar from her purse. "Would you like this?" She asked the girl.

Marcy beamed up at Seraphine and ran towards her, snatching the chocolate from her hand without hesitation. "FINKS!" She giggled, running towards Abigail and looked up at her while holding up her chocolate bar. "May I have this? Ms. Abi?" She asked politely.

Abigail chuckled and nodded her head. "Sure Marcy, but please toss the wrapper away when you are done. Okay?"

"Yes, Ms. Abi!" Marcy agreed. Then she peeled open the chocolate bar and tossed the wrapper into the trash, nibbling on the chocolate. "FINKS, GUYS!" She thanked the couple.

The man laughed as he stood back up to his full height, and helped pull his wife up as well. "You are welcome, pretty girl."

Seraphina walked over to Abigail and took her hand in hers. She looked into Abi's eyes, smiling kindly at her. "We want to adopt her. Today, if possible." She whispered in a soft tone so that Marcelline would not overhear.

Abigail widened her eyes and she started to nod her head enthusiastically. "Yes! Yes! Of course you may." She whisper-yelled, trying to contain her joyous tone. This was the greatest news for her. She would finally be rid of the annoying child. "I will go get the adoption paperwork." Then she ran to her office, grabbed the necessary documents, and brought them back out to her. "Just fill these out and I will gather up her things. Once you are done filling that out you will be free to go!"

"Wonderful! Thank you so much." Seraphina smiled and she wrapped Abigail in a friendly hug. After a second of hugging, she released Abigail and stepped back. Then she took the paperwork and walked over, sitting down in one of the chairs as she filled out the documents.

Abigail left the room while the man played with Marcelline and, quickly, she started to pack up all of Marcy's belongings. It took her a good ten minutes to gather everything up before she shoved it all into Marcy's luggage. Then she picked up the luggage and carried it back out to the front room. Seraphina finished all the documents just as Abigail came out of the room with the luggage. She walked over and handed Abigail the paperwork before taking the luggage from her. Abigail quickly scanned over all the documents to ensure everything was legally correct before she shook hands with the couple, hugged Marcelline, and bid them all farewell. The couple carried Marcelline outside before placing her in their car and, finally, they left for their house.

After they were completely gone, Abigail pulled out her phone and dialed the number that she had been given on the day Marceline was dropped off. The phone rang twice before the person on the other end picked it up. "Hello?" She spoke into the phone, waiting for a response.

"Miss Abigail, is everything all right with the child?" The man on the other side asked. His voice sounded worried and a little tired to her ears.

She nodded her head before realizing the man could not see her. Then she answered back. "Yes sir, I was just calling to let you know that she was just adopted. A lady named Seraphina, and her husband."

"Good. I am glad to hear it." He replied with a smile. She noticed the way his voice relaxed and a small sigh sounded through the phone. "You'll send over their information at once, yes?"

"Oh. Yes. I will email you their application right away, sir." Abigail responded swiftly. She scooted her chair over to her computer, typing his email in and then forwarding the documents straight to his inbox. "Did you receive it, sir?" She questioned him and then waited for his reply.

The man cleared his throat after a minute and replied to her. "Yes. Thank you. That will be all." Then he ended the call.

^~*~^

*Marcelline, Age 10*

~Marcelline's P.O.V.~

"Momma? Where are you?" I shouted through the hallways, searching each room for her. Our house was quite big with a full basement, a main floor, two full upper floors, and a small storage attic. Due to the large size of our home, it was taking me some time to find her. "Momma?!" I hollered louder this time, hoping that wherever she might be she could hear me.

"I'm in the attic. Up here, little bit!" She called out to me from her location. Her voice sounded muffled like she was speaking into a wall, but I could hear her. For some reason, I have always had excellent hearing. Both of my parents are proud of my strong ears. It is funny considering I did not receive any DNA from them. Whomever my parents truly are, well, they gave me up. They did not want me and that was okay. If they had not given me up, I would not have been adopted by my momma. She is the best and my favorite person in my life. She is my rock! "Coming, momma!" I yelled back before jogging up the flights of stairs to reach her. I was on the main floor near the living room, so I only had two flights and a half of stairs to reach her. I smiled brightly as I spotted her in the back, hobbling around with two large boxes in her arms on top of each other. Her legs wobbled slightly and I quickly rushed towards her, catching the top box that tumbled off the stack. "Careful, momma. I would hate for you to get hurt." I told her while looking up into her kind olive green eyes.

She set her box down on the floor before cupping my chin in her palm. "Sweet girl, I am your momma. I should be worried about you. Not the other way around." She whispered as she stroked my cheek. "Look at you, my child. Six years old and already so strong." She chuckled, taking the box from my arms carefully.

I watched her struggle with it as if it weighed a ton, and she carried it towards the back of the attic before placing it down. I followed after her and blushed at her compliment. "Thank you, momma. How are you feeling? Papa said you woke up with a headache again. Are you dizzy? Tired? Light headed?" I asked her with anxiety slipping into my tone.

Momma rolled her eyes at my worried tone and walked back to the stairs that led out of the attic. She climbed back down and I hurried after her. "Sweet girl, your papa is overreacting. I am just fine. I think it is just dehydration." She answered me while walking down the flights of stairs and stopping on the main floor.

"Well, then let me get you some water." I offered as I took her hand in mine and pulled her to the kitchen. Once we reached our large kitchen, I gently pushed her down onto one of the chairs. Then I ran over to the cabinets that were positioned over the counters and grabbed a glass cup. I carried it to the refrigerator and filled it with crushed ice and cold water. After that, I carefully took it over and placed it in her hands. "Drink, please."

She laughed at me with a roll of her eyes. "How did I get so lucky?" She smiled at me, speaking in a teasing tone. Then she lifted the glass to her lips and swallowed the cold liquid down her throat.

I watched her to be sure that she finished every last drop before I took the cup from her hands and placed it in the sink. "Thank you, momma. You know Papa and I just worry," I told her in a soft tone.

Momma cupped my chin in her palm again before leaning down and planting a gentle kiss on my cheek. Then she stood back up and nodded her head. "I know, little bit. Now, come on, someone is waiting for you outside."

We clasped hands before running out the back door together and I scanned the tree line in the backyard. My eyes searched the yard looking for the 'someone' who I already knew was out there, waiting for me. Every month on the night of the full moon he always comes to visit me. Momma told me that I can trust him because he is a good man and keeps me from getting sick. I once asked her if he could help her too, but she said that her sickness is different from what he helped to prevent me from getting. I was sad at this news because momma has been sick for a good year now and was not getting any better. It did not matter how many times she tried to pretend she was okay. Both papa and I know she is getting worse as time moves forward.

A bush rustled towards the right side of the tree line and I watched as he stepped out from the tall bushes emerging from the forest like a handsome prince. His platinum blonde that is almost white as snow slicked back in a fancy style, mystical electric blue eyes staring at me with happiness, and his porcelain pale skin tone that reminded me of momma's glass cabinet full of dolls. He was dressed in a handsome navy blue suit with a black vest, white shirt, and dark red tie. It did not matter that he only came to visit me, he was always dressed like a handsome royal prince!

"Ty!" I squealed, rushing forward just as momma released my hand. He opened his arms and I ran into them giggling as I squeezed his muscular body as tight as I could. He did not wince like momma or papa do.

"Duckling! Look at you. Such a beauty! You look like a true princess, mica marea!" He spoke into my ear with his deep, smooth voice and cute accent that I love. It makes him seem even more like a prince!

"Do you like it?" I asked as I took a step backward to twirl around in my deep blue dress that sparkled under the shine of the moonlight. It was mostly deep blue but starts as a teal blue and blends into the deep blue at my waist with diamond sequins covering my waist like a band. Momma told me it was called a mermaid dress, and the color pattern is an ombre. "It is one of my favorites!" I beamed up at him.

Ty chuckled as he lifted me up in his strong arms and I wrapped my legs around his waist. His arm slid under my bottom to hoist me up and I planted a kiss on his cheek, making him smile. "You look perfect. Are you ready for our picnic of desserts?" He inquired, looking deeply into my eyes.

I grinned wider, nodding my head multiple times to show just how excited I truly was. "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Momma cleared her throat to grab our attention and we both looked over at her. "You bring her back to me, Typhon. Just as promised." She bossed him in a strict tone.

"Yes, ma'am. I promise to bring her right back." He agreed immediately after, sounding like a true gentleman. He was so kind!

"See you in a while, little bit!" She called out to me.

"Love you, momma! I'll be back soon!" I shouted back at her and blew her a few kisses.

Momma pretended to catch them in her hands and then acted like she was pressing them against her cheek. I smiled, watching her turn around and walk back into the house. Then I rested my head on Ty's shoulder as he turned us around and carried me into the forest. He never complained about carrying me once, even though it always took a good 20 minute walk back to our usual spot. A small clearing in the woods where a few trees had died years ago, and none ever grew back. The spot is filled with pretty flowers of all the colors of the rainbow and has a clear view of the night sky so we can watch for shooting stars and stare up at the moon. It is always one of my favorite things about his visits. Plus the yummy treats he brings with him for us to share!

We reached our spot and Ty carefully set me down on my feet. I looked around the gorgeous meadow of flowers and spotted a fluffy blanket spread out over some purple flowers. I could feel Ty's mystical eyes watching me as I ran over to the blanket. I jumped onto it and laughed, outstretching my arms while I made a blanket angel! It felt funny but it was a lot of fun. Plus, I could tell he was enjoying my extra goofiness. Ty has always told me that my happiness is contagious and it makes him feel better after our visits. I do not mind being silly if it means he will be happy!

Ty walked over, joining me on the blankets while grabbing his basket filled with goodies from inside a bush. He must have hidden it that way the animals could not find it and eat it all. He's very smart! He set the basket down beside us and opened it up. "What would you like to eat first, duckling?" He asked while pulling out some chocolate-covered strawberries, freshly sliced pineapples, vanilla cupcakes with whipped icing, and two slices of strawberry cheesecake. All of it looked so yummy!

"Cheesecake!" I cheered, holding out my hand as he laughed and placed it in my grasp. I giggled, holding the plate against my chest with one hand and used the other to grab ahold of my fork and scoop a bite into my mouth. "Mmm, this is amazing!"

Ty's eyes started to do the magical swirly thing where amber flames circled the blue part of his eyes. It's really fascinating but I'm too distracted by my food to watch. "Be careful, precious. You're tempting me." I heard him mumble in a low voice.

I giggled quietly to myself, scooping up another bite and placing it in my mouth. The cheese part of it dissolved in my mouth as the crust melted on my tongue and the strawberry sauce danced around my tastebuds. It was heaven! I finished my slice of cheesecake and glanced down at the rest of the desserts. "Hmm, how about the cupcakes?"

He laughed at me and picked one of them out of the container before placing it on my plate. "Here you go, duckling."

"Thank you." I smiled appreciatively and then dove right in, munching on it. The cake part was still moist and fluffy while the whipped icing was just the right amount of sweetness. I devoured the cupcake in an unladylike manner before I investigated the remaining treats.

Ty scooted closer to me and leaned forward. He lifted his hand and collected the icing off the corner of my lips with his thumb before sticking it in his mouth. I felt my face warm up, which meant a blush was appearing on my cheeks. Oh, gosh! Why did it look so cute? He chuckled seeing my flushed appearance and lightly kissed my cheek. "You are so precious, Marcy."

I felt my skin heat up even more and lowered my gaze to the ground bashfully. "Thank you, Ty." I mumbled.

We finished the rest of our cupcakes and our slices of pineapple. Then we took turns feeding each other the chocolate-covered strawberries until all the desserts were in our bellies. I helped him collect all the dishes and put them back into the basket before we laid down on the blanket and stared up at the moon. Ty held my hand while tracing light circles on my skin which made a little tingly feeling appear in my stomach. It felt like butterflies were fluttering around inside there. I tried not to giggle from the ticklish sensation.

"Marcelline..." Ty spoke up after a few minutes of us lying on the grass. He rolled onto his side and faced me. "Do you know why I come to visit you every month at least once?" Ty asked gently.

I shook my head. "No. Well...sort of. Momma said that you help me not get sick." I answered him.

He nodded his head and scooted closer until there was only a little space left between us. "Yes, but do you know why you would be sick if I did not come to see you?" He questioned me. Once again I shook my head. "Would you like to know?" I nodded my head and he continued. "It is because without my blood you would die, Marcy. You will get very sick, very fast. My blood is your miracle medicine, duckling."

"Then why can it not work for momma?" I pouted, feeling tears form in my eyes. A soft whimper escaped my lips as I tried hard to fight back the tears. Though, sadly, the dam broke loose and before I could stop it I started sobbing.

Ty pulled me against his chest swiftly and cradled me in his arms. He hugged me as tight as he could and rubbed soothing circles on my back. I clutched his suit jacket in my hand as sobs racked through my body and he used his other hand to run his fingers through my hair. "Shh, duckling. I've got you. Everything is going to be okay. Shh." He cooed in my ear tenderly. He continued whispering soothing words in my ear before I calmed down. Once I fully quieted my sobs, he kept me in his arms and kissed the top of my head. "Marcy, your mother.. She has an incurable sickness. Not even my blood can save her. Trust me, duckling, the doctors have tried using blood similar to mine to try and cure her type of sickness. It just made things worse."

I released a deep sigh and rested my head against his chest. My eyes stared up at the starry night sky and I immediately searched for the moon. "It's up to the heavens, the stars, and the great moon now. Huh?"

Ty smiled against my hair as he continued rubbing my back. "Yes, duckling. It sure is." He breathed out in response. We rested there together just watching the night sky for a little longer before he turned his head to look at me. "Are you ready to drink your miracle medicine, duckling?"

I blushed, looking back at him and slowly nodded my head. "Y-yes." My words came out in a nervous mumble, making him chuckle.

He pulled us up into a sitting position and then placed me onto his lap. My back leaned against his chest as I watched him puncture his wrist with one of his nails. He squeezed some blood out, and then held his wrist in front of me. "Here you go, precious. Drink up." He offered with a smile forming on his lips.

I took a deep breath and grabbed hold of his wrist. Then I slowly released my breath and glanced up at his handsome face again. His eyes flickered to his bleeding wrist in my hand, gesturing for me to go ahead. "Um, y-yeah...okay." I stuttered shyly as I slowly lifted his wrist to my lips. I opened my mouth and clamped my lips over his puncture wound. His cold coppery blood seeped into my mouth, spreading along my tongue and the fluttering in my tummy intensified as his iron-rich creamy blood exploded on my taste buds. His blood tasted like a cold brewed coffee with vanilla creme. Delicious!

"Mmm." I mumbled against his wrist, sucking harder on the wound to get more tasty blood in my mouth. It was a flavor I sure would not get tired of. Probably not ever!

Ty shuddered underneath me as my mouth suctioned to his wrist while I drank his blood. I heard him suck in a sharp breath as my lips made contact with his skin. He felt colder than momma and papa. His blood was cold too, but I did not mind it at all. It tasted more refreshing this way. More yummy! Even better than all the desserts that we just shared. I gripped his wrist tighter in my grasp and squeezed it between my hands, trying to get more blood to come out. Sadly, the wound closed up and his blood stopped coming out.

Ty pulled his hand away from my mouth and carefully lifted me off his lap. Then he placed me down on the blanket beside him before wrapping his arm over my shoulder. I felt slightly disappointed because I really wanted more of his blood. However, I definitely was not going to ask him for seconds when it comes to his vital fluids. That would be embarrassing, especially if he denied me. Instead, I snuggled up beside him while resting my head on his chest. He was not very warm but he sure felt comfortable.

"Typhon...um...I'm sleepy." I mumbled tiredly, feeling my eyes start to flutter close. My head was starting to feel really heavy so I relaxed all the way on the blankets.

Ty chuckled as he, too, relaxed on the blankets. He wrapped his arms around my waist and tugged me against his body. His large form acted like a back shield as he spooned me from behind. "Shh, go to sleep, duckling. I've got you." He cooed in my ear. I felt his cool breath on the top of my head and it blew a gentle breeze down my neck. It made me shiver while getting goosebumps all over my body and a small smile formed on my lips.

Soon I drifted into the wonderful land of dreams.