Fifty-Four

Dedicated to BloodThirsty_Weirdo and Ana_Carbajal13!!!! Honestly the comments make me happier than so many things in life!!! I never thought people would stick by 54 chapters of my writing!!!!!!

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CoffeeAndABook6

P.S. I tried to add a few funny parts just for a good chuckle!! Hope they're good byt keepy our expectations low!! Haha

******

BLAKE'S POV

I slowly opened my eyes and rolled over. The bed was empty. I looked around and sat up instantly- I wasn't in either pack house.

Then it hit me, I was at the cabin.

But how and when I got here was not in my recollection of thoughts. I smelt Caden faintly in the air and more dominantly beside me and curled up to his pillow.

I was exhausted. Fifty hours with no sleep was past my limit. Not to mention seven months pregnant.

I refused to move as I stayed with my head on Caden's pillow, his scent filling my nose. The best smell ever. My eyes slowly closed before I heard him.

"Beautiful?"

I nodded and he laughed lightly.

"Still tired babe?"

I nodded, "Come join me. I miss you sexy."

I heard his low growl before his shadow fell upon my face. I turned and looked up at him and he smiled a goofy grin, "I miss you too Beautiful."

"What are you smiling about?"

"You look much less tired and stressed than yesterday."

I nodded, "Are you going to join me?"

His eyes scanned over the bed, "Are you going to make room for me?"

I pretended to think, I really was taking up most of the bed, before I turned and laid on my back. His eyes grew darker as he straddled my legs.

"Is this where you want me?"

I shook my head.

He moved higher up, his eyes darker again, "Here baby?"

I shook my head.

He moved higher up my legs, eyes dark, bulge against my core, "What about here?"

I shook my head before he bent down.

"Where do you want me?" He whispered lowly in my ear. I knew my eyes were shining emerald and I wanted him so bad. But I also wanted to tease him. Naturally.

I kissed up his neck, nibbling his earlobe, "In the kitchen frying bacon."

He froze before looking down at me. He suddenly burst out laughing and threw his head back. His laugh was contagious, coming right from his stomach, a deep, guttural laugh.

I tilted my head to the side and he ran a finger down the side of my face, "You're perfect."

I shook my head before we got off the bed.

"You're not supposed to leave this bed for three days Bee."

"Caden-"

"You didn't sleep for fifty hours straight."

"I'll catch up on sleep. I need food."

He chuckled, "I'll bring you breakfast in bed."

"I want to move around Caden."

He groaned, "We can get cardio in later." He winked and I shook my head.

"Nope. But I'll let you make breakfast for me."

He sighed and agreed, "Fine."

------

I finished washing the dishes when Caden wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his hands on my baby bump.

"I would've washed the dishes baby."

"There was two plates Caden, it took five minutes."

"Still." He paused, "I filled the tub for us."

"Did you?"

"Yeah," he kissed up the side of my neck. My body was buzzing from his touch.

I turned and he caught my lips with his. He pulled away a moment later and his eyes scanned my face again, "You still look tired."

"Don't worry Caden, I'll sleep later."

"That's what you said for the past two days baby." He kissed me so I couldn't argue, "As long as we go to bed early for the next few days I'll stop mentioning it, okay?"

I smiled, "Thank you."

He suddenly turned, his hand holding mine, "Bath time."

I laughed and followed him, seeing as his grip on my hand gave me no choice.

------

"So what do you want to do today beautiful?"

"I don't know. How long are we staying?"

"Not including last night, three days."

"What about the families? The survivors? Those who lost someone? Shouldn't we be there?"

"I told everyone to take a few days. We'll have a get together and get down to business then. Everyone needs family time Bee. Don't worry."

I nodded, but I wanted to see the three grieving families.

"Bee-"

"It's okay we'll stay, I'm not arguing Caden."

He paused and I looked up at him behind me. I was leaning on his chest, sitting between his legs. "Babe, it's not your fault."

I remained quiet. I asked them to go through this. I told them the doctors knew what they were doing. They took my word and went through all this pain, unimaginable pain, just to never see their mate again. Their kids again.

I held back my tears and tried to focus on Caden's heartbeat to calm me down, "Bee none of this was your fault."

A moment later he turned and looked at me from the side.

"Bee?"

I looked to find him staring at me worried. He moved to see me better and a second later his thumb swiped across my cheek, wiping away a tear I didn't know I let fall.

He moved and turned me so I straddled him. The fact that he could still move me so easily, seven months pregnant with twins, was crazy.

"Blake you're scaring me."

"Sorry-"

He held me to him and I breathed in his scent, letting him calm me. My breaths were soon even and he had his hand running through my still-damp hair.

"Don't apologize beautiful." He paused, "You do know it's not your fault right?"

I paused, "Caden I gave them my word and told them to do this so their kids could have fated mates... but now their kids have no father. They won't get to see their kids with their mates, their grandchildren, their-"

"It's not your fault."

"I asked them to go through this. I told them the doctors were sure about this. I did it. I started it."

"It's not your fault."

"But I-"

"It's not your fault."

"But it is-"

"It's not your fault."

"I asked them-"

"It's not your fault."

"I told their families-" He tilted my face up to look at him.

"No. It's not your fault." He said in a final tone.

"How can you say that?"

"It's the truth. We asked them to take the chance. We told them there were two outcomes and a ton of pain during the experiment. They knew the whole truth. We told them we trusted the doctors and asked them to take our word for it. We did not guarantee they would live." He paused, "I know it sounds mean Bee, but they knew they could die. They knew that was a chance, but they did it for their kids."

"Who are alone now."

"They took that chance. They died so their children could have fated mates."

"Caden-"

"I would die so our children could have what we have."

I looked up at him. His face was serious. As I thought about it, I knew I would die so our children could have what Caden and I have too, but I hated thinking about it. "Me too."

"Which is what they took a chance on. But they refused to let their mates do it. As would I. Bee they thought all of this through. That's why we gave them a night to think."

I hugged him, "I love you."

He looked at me weird, went to speak but I kissed him square on the mouth.

"You're going to be the best father ever."

"Can I ask whether you're changing topics or...?"

"You have so much patience. You'll sit here as long as you need to to convince me of something. I love that about you. Without it I would go insane with some of my thoughts."

He gave a sad smile, "I'm just glad I can convince you of some things."

"Caden?" There was something off about him.

"Yeah Bee?" His voice sounded... different.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Caden, don't close me off. Please?"

I could see his inner turmoil. He doesn't want to talk about it, but he knows I want him to be open. I see it often, but usually he opens up.

"If you don't want to tell me that's-"

I gasped as he picked me up. He walked across the small cabin and stood me in front of the mirror in the bathroom.

"Caden-"

"You're beautiful. You look at yourself in the mirror with such a biassed view. I don't even know how. I don't know how you don't see what I see." I was going to turn and ask him why he was saying this now when he continued, "When I first saw you I almost died. I literally couldn't breathe. You were, are, and will always take my breath away. Everything about you. From your long, tanned legs, to your emerald eyes. Even pregnant. You think your stretch marks define you as ugly, but I see them as proof that you're really blessing me with two little miracles. I've never been around kids, to be openly honest with you, I'm scared as fuck I'm going to mess up, but I know you'll keep by me. You'll be the best mother anyone could ask for. Your loving arms, beautiful smile, and honest words give comfort to everyone in every situation, and our pups will be so lucky. I'm so lucky. Hell, I cried and you still comforted me. Bee you are flawless inside and it's reflected outside. You're absolutely perfect. So gorgeous, and you do the sexiest little things out of nowhere... I would never change a thing about you, even if I could. The fact that you love me out of everyone is so crazy." He glanced down my body before his eyes met mine, "I've always thought you were beautiful, but your stubborn side has never allowed you to see it. I convinced you two minutes ago that the families don't blame you for a loss of a relative, but you won't believe me that you're the most beautiful person I've ever seen, and will ever see." He paused and looked down, "I just- I don't get it."

"Caden," I said softly and he looked up.

"I could talk until we both die but you would still not see yourself as I do. I don't know how to convince you. Why can I get you to believe anything except that?"

I looked down, "Do you think you're the most handsome guy I've ever seen? The hottest man? The sexiest guy I could imagine?"

He looked taken aback, "No. Not even close. You deserve so much better than me if that's what you're looking for-"

"But you are. Even back when I felt like a prisoner I thought so. You're the most handsome guy I've ever seen, and yet you still look hot and sexy as hell. How you pull off all three is a mystery to me. Even with your lumberjack beard." I added the last part lightly.

"Bee-"

"You don't believe me either." I said as I looked right into his eyes.

He looked down, "Blake-"

"There isn't a single guy who even compares to you, and yet you think I deserve someone who looks better? Not to mention that you put up with me and my hormones. And you're patient with me. You do everything for me. You're not perfect. Nor am I. But we're perfect for each other and that's all that matters. I don't want anyone else."

He pulled me close, "I love you Blake. More than I ever knew possible."

"I love you too Caden."

After a few seconds he pulled back, "I wouldn't complain if you believed you were beautiful though."

I shook my head and rolled my eyes, "It's a good thing we changed that punishment for swearing though. We would've spent these few days apart."

"That's what you think."

I laughed, "Can we leave the bathroom?"

"Do you believe you're beautiful?"

"I believe you see me that way."

He shook his head but lead me out of the room, "We'll get there. Come on beautiful."

------

We ended up deciding on a hike, so I went to the bedroom and changed. I looked in the mirror, standing in my bra and panties.

So many people look so much better. I shook my head and rubbed my tummy. But it was so worth it for these two.

I threw shorts and a loose shirt on and put my hair up in a ponytail, the front braided back.

Caden knocked at the door and I opened it. The moment it was open he chastely pressed his lips to my own.

He pulled back with a goofy grin, "Ready beautiful?"

I nodded, "Everything good Caden?"

He nodded, goofy grin still very present on his face.

"You're worrying me."

His smile dropped, "Why? What's wrong?"

"You're smiling-"

"And that worries you?" He chuckled, "I didn't think my smile was that rare."

"No it was just a weird smile."

Even I laughed at how that sounded, "So my smile is weird?"

"No Caden, just that one was. What was it about?"

He paused, "Nothing. Are you ready?"

I nodded slowly. Part of his mind was blocked again. I wasn't prying, but usually I don't have to. It was weird and unusual. "Everything okay Cade?"

"Of course beautiful." He said happily before pulling me into his side.

I felt like deja vu just occurred since the last time he blocked part of his mind and acted all happy afterwards too, when he did all that paperwork.

He stopped at the door and grabbed a small cooler.

"You packed a cooler?"

He looked at me with an of-course-I-did face.

"Why?"

"What's a hike without a picnic lunch?"

"A hike."

"Okay smartie, but it's a better hike with lunch."

"Whatever you say sexy."

He opened the door and motioned me through, "After you, my beautiful mate."

I shook my head and walked through.

An hour later he veered off the path and I followed along, having no idea where we were going. I had stopped paying attention a while ago as we laughed, talked and just forgot the rest of the world.

He turned and started walking backwards, facing me, "Hungry yet beautiful?"

"Not really, why?"

"Good."

Good? That's it? Why so mysterious today? Ugh.

"How about a swim?" I could hear the waterfall and got excited for a picnic by it.

"I didn't bring a bathing suit, " I said slowly.

"That's okay." He smirked.

I laughed and shook my head.

Ten minutes later we both jumped in the water.

Naked.

Caden won, needless to say.

I dunked underwater and held my breath for a while, clearing my mind of the last few days, before I was suddenly pulled to the surface.

"Bee!"

"What?" I asked looking around, feeling exposed.

He stared at me in shock, "You-I thought-"

"What Caden?"

He pulled me close, "I thought you were drowning. I was so scared Bee."

I laughed, "Caden I just dunked my head for a few seconds. It's calming. I used to do it with Grandpa. Just clear my mind and then go back up to the surface."

"Your mind went blank and you were underwater-"

"I'm sorry to scare you Caden. I didn't think about it."

He nuzzled my neck, he let out a huge breath and seemed to shake off his past scare. I felt guilty over that. "Let's swim," he said a moment later and I nodded before following him over to be nearer to the waterfall. It was beautiful.

A natural wonder.

Like you, Caden said.

I let it go and enjoyed the feel of the water over my skin.

------

The last few days flew by, mainly because we had spent so much time asleep. Caden's fault.

"I don't want to leave Caden. I feel like we just got here."

"We can stay another day-"

"No, I should comfort the families and you should-"

"One day won't hurt."

I shook my head and we put our suitcase in the car.

He opened my door and I climbed in before he jogged back to the house.

Caden?

Just a second babe, I forgot to shut the water off.**

I turned the key on to get the radio to play and rolled my window down.

I froze as part of his mind blanked again. Two minutes later he came out of the cabin again, with his weird smile faint on his face.

It was starting to worry me, was everything okay?

He climbed in and turned the car on.

"Everything okay Cade?"

"Yeah, why?"

I glanced at him before telling myself to just forget it, he would tell me if anything was wrong, "Nothing. Nevermind."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah." I stared out the window and tried to rid my mind of everything except Caden beside me. As long as he was okay then everything else would be too.

We reached the pack house all too soon and immediately got to work. I entered the office as Caden brought our stuff upstairs. He had insisted on doing it alone-again weird- so I figured I would start on funeral arrangements.

I had been sitting for about an hour and Caden had not joined me in the office yet. I had probably gotten about twenty minutes of work done and the rest I was just worried about Caden.

He seemed to believe me that I would not be disgusted with him "interrogating" anyone. I assumed his blackouts would be done after that passed, but even now he was holding something back. I trusted Caden, more than anyone, I wasn't worried about him hiding anything bad or something. I was worried about him. I didn't want him to go through anything alone. Whatever this was was clearly bothering him, and he hasn't said anything to me.

I looked down and sighed. I slowly opened my eyes and couldn't stop the smile that crossed my face. The engagement ring sparkled in the light from the lamp. He was going to be mine in every way. I just wish he knew he didn't have to hide anything or go through anything alone without me. I wish he knew I was here for him. Always.

And then he gets those incredibly happy smiles for seemingly no reason. I sighed. I needed to trust him more. He knew I was here for him, if he wanted to talk he would.

I rubbed my face and picked up the phone, I was contacting the families to start preparing funeral arrangements. I should've been done by now but I was worried about Caden. He said he was just dropping our stuff off upstairs. What was taking so long? And a large part of his mind was blocked.

I had decided to let it all go and started dialling.

I was about to type the last number when Caden walked in. I put the phone down. He had that overly happy smile.

I rubbed my tummy as the pups kicked and I swear his smile got wider.

I stood up and he raised an eyebrow at me, "Bee?"

I slowly brought my arms around his waist, I hope he knew just how much faith I had in him, how much trust I had in him, and how much I loved him. I rested my cheek on his chest and listened to his heartbeat.

"Bee?"

His voice rumbled through his chest and I smiled, "I love you Caden. More than i even knew was possible. I will always be here for you."

He pulled back and held my face, "What's wrong?"

I gave a small smile, then shrugged, "I just think you need to hear it. I don't tell you enough."

"You tell me everyday in everything you do beautiful." He rubbed my tummy gently, "But I love you more."

I shook my head slightly, "Did you unpack everything too?"

"No, would you like me to?"

"No, no, no, I just- nevermind."

"Bee? Is everything okay?"

"It just took you a while to bring our stuff upstairs. Everything okay?"

"Yeah baby. Everything is fine." He said with a weird smile. There seemed like there was more to that comment but what? I felt clueless.

I nodded. Gosh I hope he opens up because I'm going crazy with worry.

I turned and rested my hands on my tummy as I walked towards the desk but he put his hands on mine stopping me.

He interlaced our fingers briefly before he played with my ring finger, more specifically my engagement ring.

"Thank you for those few days Caden, you always make time so I'm not too stressed."

"Don't thank me beautiful. Everyone needed time."

"Yes but I would not have thought of going to the cabin, a picnic by the waterfall, hanging candles by the hammock-"

"That's why we're together. We fill in each other's gaps in thinking."

I laughed before turning to peck his cheek, "Then you definitely drew the short straw, I have a lot of gaps."

He shook his head and we decided to work.

*****

I got some of the best comments on the last chapter!!! I'm still so happy!! I updated just because of them!!! Love y'all!!!

CoffeeAndABook6