Loving Luna - Stephan

Chapter Seven - Family Get Together

Stephan looked out of the office window and smiled. The family had just arrived, and he was excited to be seeing them all again. Although the pack was under threat, Andrea and George had invited everyone for the weekend. Stephan rushed out of the office and bumped into Emily.

“Bro!” she cried out as he pulled her to his chest in a tight hug.

“I’ve missed you, Emily,” he whispered in her ear. Although he hadn’t had much time before with each sibling, Emily was by far his favorite. Her soft, understanding nature made him feel comfortable.

“Missed you too Stephan,” she gave him a smile as they released each other. “How are you?” she asked him seriously.

“Doing good, but I am happy you are here,” they stood smiling at each other and Stephan was once again flooded with appreciation at finally having a family he had only ever dreamed about.

“Hey! Help!” Stephan looked over Emily’s shoulder to see Carl struggling with the twins. They had just turned four and it seemed as if they were hard to handle. Emily turned and hurried over to grab a pup.

“Behave yourself, Colin,” She scolded her son as Carl gripped Tina’s hand more firmly. Stephan walked over to them and held out his hand to Carl.

“Nice to see you again Carl,”

“Yeah, nice to see you again too,” Carl shook his hand and they made their way outside. George had arranged for a massive gazebo to be set up and already the seats where filled. Emily let go of Colin and Carl let go of Tina and the terrible twins started running around, giggling. Warrity, age three and Willow age two had been placed in a playpen.

“We should’ve brought one of those,” Emily complained as she looked over at Carl.

“They are super convenient,” Felicity commented as she sat down next to Warren. Sasha gently handed over Daniel, who was still in diapers, to Andrea.

“I can’t believe we are all together like this,” Sasha said as she smiled around at everyone.

“I just wish it was under better circumstances,” Felicity snapped harshly. Stephan held his breath as he waited for the fight to break out. Felicity didn’t have a guard over her mouth and everything that popped into her mind came out her mouth.

“Actually, I wish it was under different circumstances as well, however, this isn’t just a social visit,” George said, taking control of the situation before it got too heated.

“Jeffery told us about the situation and is prepared to send additional guards to help with extra security,” Carl offered. Stephan didn’t like Carl. The wolf got on his nerves. That and the fact that he always seemed to be trying to suck up to Emily and her family. Stephan was well aware of how he had treated Emily and had been surprised that she had forgiven him so easily. Then again, Stephan knew that it had taken a lot for Jewel to even leave her pack and be with him. Although, he hadn’t been a male w***e and slept around with some she-wolf.

“I appreciate the feedback Carl, Jeffery mentioned borrowing about ten wolves?” George questioned.

“That’s correct,” Carl looked smug and Stephan secretly rolled his eyes.

“I still think you should come to stay with us,” Emily said as she looked over at Andrea and George.

“We can’t leave the pack, dear,” Andrea said apologetically.

“We have more than enough soldiers to send you, just let me know how many and when you want them,” Warren stood as he spoke up. Stephan noticed Carl flinch and he smirked. He liked Warren. In fact, he liked Ayden too, it was just Carl that he didn’t like. Weird, he thought to himself. He liked Emily the most out of the three sisters but disliked her husband the most.

“Thank you, Warren, actually, all the help we can get would be appreciated,” Andrea said as she gave him a quick smile before giving her attention back to the pup in her arms.

“Well, in that case, we can send some helpers instead of warriors. I’m sure Warren will send hundreds of his jacked-up soldiers,” Ayden said as he threw a thumbs up to Warren, who just flipped him off.

“Hey! Our soldiers might be jacked up but its because they train the hardest and are built for war,” Felicity defended her pack and Stephan couldn’t help but join in on the friendly laughter.

“What war? There hasn’t been a war in years,” Sasha pointed out.

“Doesn’t matter, it never hurts to be prepared and look, if anyone of us needs help, we have the brute strength and numbers,” Felicity stated proudly. Stephan couldn’t blame her. What she said was true. He looked over at Jewel, who was sitting close to Andrea, watching her little nephew. Andrea seemed to understand and gently handed over the tiny pup to her. Stephan’s breath caught as he watched Jewel cuddle Daniel. She looked so perfect with a pup in her arms. Sensing his eyes on her, Jewel looked up and smiled at him. Stephan smiled back and then caught Emily’s eye and blushed.

“Anyway, we will send some helpers, nurses, cooks, cleaners, to help lighten the load,” Ayden announced as he got down on his knees and crawled over to the playpen. “Hey babe, this is something we definitely need to get for Daniel,” he looked over at Sasha and she nodded back at him.

“Any plans for more pups?” Felicity questioned Sasha.

“Who plans for that?” Sasha threw back at her.

“Not us, that’s for sure,” Felicity said sarcastically causing everyone to burst out laughing.

“If anyone plans to add to their family tree, its Felicity,” Sasha joked.

“You have no idea how right you are about that,” Warren said seriously. “She had a whole plan set up, then Willow came along unintentionally and the plan was thrown away,” more laughter at the small innocent confession, although by the look Felicity gave Warren, everyone knew he would be paying for his revealing comment later. Stephan noted that Ayden and Warren didn’t have any problem with each other but kept themselves separate from Carl. Ayden cooed at War and Willow before standing up.

“Let’s take a walk,” Ayden suggested to Stephan, who quickly looked over at Jewel before nodding. They walked away from the gazebo towards the forest. Ayden stopped just at the entrance. “How is Jewel doing?” Ayden asked once he was certain they couldn’t be overheard.

“She looks happy, I mean, I know it's not easy for her and now with the hunters, she’s been struggling but overall, I think she’s happy,” Stephan answered honestly.

“I agree that she looks happy, she hasn’t complained to me. She freaked out a bit about the hunters but then told me that you were there for her and she told you about our parents,”

“Yeah, she did,”

“I know that couldn’t have been easy for her and I wanted to thank you for being there for her and not being a d**k,”

“Look, I know I did you wrong, but I am in love with Jewel. I made a promise to her that I will always protect her and myself. I don’t want her to go through what Gloria and your father went through,” Stephan was careful when picking his words. He had hurt Ayden and his pack by taking revenge on Sasha. “You don’t need to thank me for being there for her because I will do everything in my power to be there for her whenever she needs me. As for being a d**k, we all have our moments and for that, I won’t apologize,” Ayden chuckled at my reasoning and lightly slapped my arm when I had finished my little speech.

“I’m a lot more accepting of you because of Sasha. However, I know Jewel still holds what you did against you, have you managed to change her mind?” Ayden had turned serious and Stephan knew that he was genuinely concerned for his sister.

“When we first got here, I think she panicked. She wanted to reject me but I begged for time, later, she did reject me, but I refused her rejection. Since then we have been taking things slow, but yes, I do believe that I’ve changed her mind. What I had done was a mistake. I have proven to her that I am not consumed by that and she's given me a second chance,”

“I’m happy to hear it,” Ayden smiled and then turned around, watching something. Stephan looked over and saw Warren making his way over to them.

“Hope I’m not interrupting?” Warren asked casually when he reached them.

“Nah bro, I was just checking in with Stephan about Jewel,” Ayden quickly explained. Warren glanced over at Stephan with a raised brow.

“She’s doing good,” Stephan answered the silent question and Warren nodded.

“Alright, well, you two can’t leave me alone with that nut case Carl,” Warren’s voice was bitter as they looked back at the family.

“He gives me the creeps,” Ayden admitted.

“He is the definition of creepy,” Stephan growled out. He really despised Carl. “I know I’m not perfect and I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but I’ve never cheated on my mate,” Stephan snarled out, disgusted.

“I agree man, my worst mistake was thinking Felicity was having Axel’s pup,”

“Mine was not wanting to accept Sasha as my mate,”

“Yet, she forgave him?” Stephan doubted everything between his sister and her mate.

“But did she though?” Ayden questioned.

“Must have, they’ve been together for what? Five, six years now?” Warren looked over at the twins that were running around wildly.

“Yeah, Sasha went to see Emily, about two weeks ago and when she came back, she had a lot to talk about,” Ayden was still looking at Carl and Emily.

“What she tell you?” Stephan asked curiously.

“Sasha said that Emily is in love with Carl, but she does think about how he treated her. Apparently, they still fight about Jenny. For some reason, Carl has put all the blame on his mother and is convinced she brainwashed him. Sasha isn’t buying it, and neither is Emily. However, Emily being Emily just shrugged it off and continues living her life,”

“Carl is a d**k,” Warren said firmly and the three chuckled at that. “Ah shoot, here he comes,” they watched in silence as Carl made his way over to them.

“Gentleman’s meeting?” he teased as he joined them.

“Nah, just talking about our girls,” Warren brushed it off as he turned and left them, heading back to the family.

“I don’t think he likes me very much,” Carl observed carefully. Stephan had no words and just shook his head.

“Maybe you should think about why he doesn’t like you,” Ayden barked out and then hurriedly walked away. Stephan stood there awkwardly as Carl glanced over at him.

“Do you hate me too?” Carl asked.

“Look, Carl, I don’t know you, all I know is what you did to Emily and for that, I don’t like you, but I don’t hate you. I can’t speak for everyone else but that’s how I feel,” Stephan wanted to walk away, the situation was not one he enjoyed being in. He silently cursed Warren and Ayden for leaving him alone. Although he could understand their feelings towards Carl a lot more since they were married to his sisters. Carl grabbed Stephan’s arm, stopping him from leaving.

“I know I’ve made mistakes, but I am trying every day to be good for Emily,”

“What do you mean?” Stephan was shocked by Carl’s words.

“What do you mean, what do I mean? I mean what I just said. I’m not stupid, I know I f****d up, but I am trying every day to be good for Emily,”

“Dude, why do you have to try to be good for her? Shouldn’t you be naturally good? I don’t understand what you are saying or implying? Does it mean you are a bad wolf trying to be good? Or does it mean you want to be bad but have to be good?” Stephan was getting angrier by the second.

“It means, I’m trying to show Emily that I love her and only her,” Carl argued. Stephan wasn’t buying into his s**t anymore.

-

Jewel watched the heated exchange that was happening between Carl and Stephan. Although she was too far away to hear what they were talking about, she could clearly see from Stephan’s body language that he was angry. She glanced over at the others and saw that no one was paying any attention to what was happening, all except Emily. Jewel noted that Emily was watching the scene just as intently as she was, although she had to admit that Emily looked concerned and she wasn't sure if she was concerned for her brother or her mate. Jewel thought it might be best for her to interrupt whatever was going on before something disastrous happened. Getting up, she hurried over to them and caught a bit of their conversation.

“I personally think you are a lying two-faced bastard who wants to continue f*****g around but has to put on a façade and act all noble and s**t,” Stephan spat out.

“f**k you man, who are you anyway? Her supposed baby brother? How do we know you really are Liam?” Jewel wasn’t happy with Carl’s rude comments. She could see that Stephan was going to fight and she quickly stepped between them, facing Stephan.

“Stan, he isn't worth it, so don't fight,” she whispered.

“Yeah Stan, listen to your mate,” Carl commented, and Jewel turned abruptly to face him.

“Back off asshole before I take over and cause a lot of problems,” Carl didn’t stay around to question Jewel’s threat, he turned and stalked off. Jewel turned back to Stephan and moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Breathe Stan, just breathe,” she rested her head against his chest and listened to his rapid heartbeat slow down. He pressed his lips against her forehead, and she pulled back to look up at him. “I’ve got your back,”

“Thank you, I was just about to rearrange his face,”

“I know, I saw, but he isn’t worth it and the last thing you want to do is make a scene,”

“True, but for my sister's honor, I would,” he said with heat and she smiled. He was definitely hot. Jewel shifted slightly and Stephan looked down at her with big eyes. “Are you horny right now?” he asked her softly, causing Jewel to blush a dark share of pink.

“Maybe,”

“Maybe?”

“Maybe I find it attractive that you will stand up for your family,” she admitted.

“Well, in that case, I will show you later just how much I can stand up,” she heard the seductive teasing in his voice and smiled shyly.

“I look forward to that, sir,” she whispered. Stephan growled out softly and pressed his lips against hers in a passionate kiss. Whistle’s filled the air and they quickly broke apart and made their way back to their family. Jewel blushed hard knowing that her brother had seen her be so intimate with Stephan but when she glanced over at Ayden, he smiled and gave her a nod. She knew what it meant, he approved and was happy for her. She saw Emily looking at her and she wanted to smile at her but couldn’t. Jewel didn’t think she was better than Emily, but she didn’t like the things Carl had said to her mate.

“Hey sis, you are doing ok?” Jewel turned and gave Sasha a smile.

“Yeah, I’m doing fine, is my brother still treating you right?” Jewel asked teasingly.

“Yeah, we are very happy,”

“Good, I’m glad to hear it,”

“What about you and my brother?” Sasha asked. Jewel looked over to where Warren, Ayden, Stephan, and George were standing and smiled. Stephan looked sexy standing at the grill, beer in one hand and a grill tong in the other.

“He makes me happy, sometimes I don’t want to be happy with him, but I’ve come to accept the fact that he made mistakes and forgiven him for it,”

“Good, I’m glad, he deserves happiness too,” Sasha told her. Jewel nodded, understanding that Sasha was just looking out for her brother.

“I mean, I want him to be happy and I want to be the one to make him happy,” Jewel defended herself. Between Sasha and Andrea, she was always made to feel guilty.

“No, don’t think that I am trying to be smart here, I want both of you to be happy. Both of you had a difficult upbringing, both of you have lived through loss and pain. Both of you deserve to be happy. It’s just that he made those mistakes and although he was wrong, I just don’t want it to be thrown in his face,” Jewel could hear that Sasha was irritated with her and she couldn’t understand why.

“Do you think that is what I do?” Jewel asked her softly.

“I don’t know, maybe, all I know is, no one is perfect, we all make mistakes. He recognizes his mistakes; he took ownership of it. He didn’t try and make excuses, he understands where he was wrong and all he is doing now is trying to prove himself to everyone,” Sasha spoke as if she knew a lot more than Jewel did and she wondered how it was possible. She glanced over at Andrea and thought that she was possibly putting things in Sasha’s head. “Whatever it is that you are thinking, stop,”

“What do you mean?”

“Stephan calls me at least three times a week,” Sasha admitted.

“I didn’t know,”

“I won’t break my brother's trust by revealing what we talk about, all I want to say to you is, give him a break, he is trying his damn hardest. With that being said, you are my sister in law and my husband’s sister and I love you and so, therefore, I am rooting for you both, I love you both, I want you both to be happy. Is that so wrong?”

“No, its not wrong. I love Stan and you don’t need to worry, I won’t hurt him,” Jewel was officially annoyed with Sasha. She was in fact in love with Stephan and she wouldn’t deliberately hurt him. If Sasha thought that she would, she was wrong.

“Ok, well, let’s enjoy our time together,” Sasha turned and walked away, leaving Jewel seething.

“She’s like a mini Felicity,” Andrea whispered in Jewel’s ear, causing her to shriek in surprise. “She just wants her brother to be happy. I could tell you were both getting on each other’s nerves and I wanted to tell you to ignore her. Once you and Stephan have solidified your relationship, she will be happy and at ease. Right now, she is concerned about the fact that you rejected him,” Jewel nodded in understanding and let go of her irritated anger.

“Yeah, I can understand your point. I would’ve been the same had she treated my brother in that way,”

“Exactly, so don’t be angry with her, her heart is in the right place even if her mouth isn’t,” Andrea giggled before heading over to Sasha, Felicity, and Emily. Jewel looked around and saw Carl running around with his pups. She had to hand it to him, he was a good father, if not a shitty mate. Shrugging, Jewel joined the females and sat next to Sasha. She didn’t want her to be upset with her, so she leaned in and whispered in her ear.

“I am sorry for earlier and I promise you I will make him happy,” Sasha pulled back and smiled at her.

“Thank you, Jewel,” Sasha whispered back. Jewel breathed out a sigh of relief and spotted Stephan watching her. She would keep her promise. She will make him happy.