Lycan's Mate (His Claim) Chapter 97

Fiona's POV

The sound of someone clearing their throat made Blake turn to the left, his obsidian eyes turning a lighter shade before he nodded. Reluctantly, he pulled his arm away from my small form before planting a tender kiss on my forehead. With one last look in my direction, he stormed off with Westley close behind. As I watched their looming forms disappear around the corner, I looked to my left to find Marcus casually leaning against the wall with a red cup in his hand. He sent me a reassuring smile before taking a sip and looking over at someone standing in front of him.

I smiled before turning back to Linda who had a worrisome expression as she stared at something behind me, her eyes distant. Tapping her shoulder softly, I instantly captured her attention and her warm, friendly demeanor returned along with the usual bright smile she always wore

"Sorry about that dear. I'm sure they will sort out whatever seems to be the problem," she said, waving her hand dismissively in the air. Before I could even ask, she weaved her arm through mine and started pulling me through the house, avoiding collision with any furniture or pack member along the way. "Come on sweetie, there's someone who has been dying to see you."

"Who?" I asked, just before I caught the sight of a certain blonde who was chatting animatedly with Anthonio close to her side. They were both standing just outside the doubled doors leading out to the backyard with their arms wrapped around each other

Just then, Anthonio looked up with a knowing smile before he took a step back and nodded in my direction. The blonde stared at him in bewilderment before her bright green eyes landed on me. Recognition flashed through them before she shrieked excitedly. Untangling my arm from Linda's, I raced towards her, nearly crashing against Sara as I hugged her tightly. Her small giggles filled the air around us as she hugged me in return. I looked up to see Anthonio take a step towards us as his eyes raked over Sara's body worriedly, like if he was making sure that she wasn't hurt or anything. Wait, why was he-

"Fiona! I've missed you like crazy!" Sara mumbled against my hair before pulling away.

With Anthonio's expression momentarily pushed to the back of my mind, I smiled up at her.

"Me too! How have you been? I'm sorry I never called but…."

My voice trailed off as I stared at my dear friend. She hadn't changed one bit. Her luscious blonde hair still fell along her back in waves and her green eyes still shined brightly despite the low lighting of the backyard. But there was something different about her though. She seemed more bubbly than usual. And trust me, Sara is bubbly enough on her own. She always seemed to have this glow that surrounded her that automatically made you want to talk to her, but now….

My eyes slowly went down to her mid-section where I noticed she was wearing a loose fitted blouse that, despite it being big on her, still managed to press against her stomach that seemed….swollen?

It took me a few seconds to register what was standing in front of me before my eyes widened and my mouth fell open in shock. My eyes went from her face and back to her belly repeatedly, my mouth opening and closing as I tried to speak with no success. She giggled at my expression as I reached forward and placed a hand on her stomach, immediately feeling a kick under my fingertips

"You're pregnant?" I whispered, my eyes glued to her stomach as I massaged her belly, smiling every so often as I felt a few kicks here and there

She nodded, her smile broadening as Anthonio came behind her and wrapped his arms around her stomach, just above where my hands now lied. He kissed her lovingly on the side of her head as she leaned against him, her eyes never leaving me.

Suddenly, the tender atmosphere burst as I shrieked and began jumping up and down in the air, earning a few curious, yet amused stares in my direction. I clapped my hands excitedly together as I reached forward and hugged her once more, careful not to press my body against her too harshly as I brushed Anthonio off. He glared playfully in my direction but I simply stuck out my tongue at him in a childish manner

I looked back at Sara who was rubbing small circles around her stomach with wide eyes that were filled with nothing but love as she stared down at her unborn child inside of her

"Oh my goodness, when did this happen?" I asked, finding myself reaching out one more time

"Two and a half months ago, actually," she said excitedly, looking up at me with just that, excitement

"And your belly is already this big?" I asked, noticing now the size of her stomach and just how enormous it seemed

She chuckled, nodding her head as she spoke.

"Of course. But that's because we're having twins!"

My hand immediately stopped in midair before I slowly pulled back and stared at her in astonishment.

"Twins?" I asked slowly, looking back between the two who had wide grins on their faces

"Twins," Anthonio repeated as he wrapped his arms around her protectively once more.

"And we couldn't be happier," he murmured against her ear.

She giggled as she pulled away and kissed him quickly on the cheek before grabbing my hand and pulling me towards her. Sheesh, for a pregnant girl, she's still strong. Then again, those are the perks of being a werewolf I suppose.

"Now, if you'll excuse us, we have some catching up to do," she said with a sincere smile my way.

"And not to mention these heels are killing me for standing up for so long," she groaned, shifting her weight from foot to foot

Anthonio rolled his eyes as he shook his head.

"I told you to wear flats instead"

"Hey, just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I can't be fashionable anymore," she said, glaring at Anthonio. And there go the mood swings.

But I had to admit, she did look as beautiful as ever with a navy blue, strapless top that flowed elegantly around her and highlighted her stomach perfectly (which is saying something since no girl wants attention in that area). Along with the top she wore black leggings with a pair of black stockings. She wore her hair off to the side that cascaded down her shoulder as well as her back. I could tell from where I stood, she had allowed it to grow a few inches since I had last seen her. She looked like a freaking goddess next to me since I was not informed of this little get together and ended up coming here with a pair of slightly worn out jeans, a purple blouse that fell off my left shoulder, and a pair of converse. A perfect get together attire if you ask me (note the sarcasm).

Smiling at her sudden change in mood, I looked over at Anthonio who was staring down at the floor, his shoulders slumped and I couldn't help but compare him to a puppy who was caught doing something wrong. I had to admit, I felt bad for the guy. Then again, he wasn't the one carrying twins inside him

With one final look, Sara pulled me down a few steps and led me through a small amount of people who bowed in my direction. I simply smiled in return, getting used to the stares as we neared an empty table towards the back. She pulled out a chair for me and sat down directly beside me, never once releasing my hand

"So, where do we start? Can you believe it's been 2 years since you left? My, how time flies," she exclaimed, shaking her head with a small smile on her lips

I nodded, a guilt like feeling overwhelming me.

"Yeah, it does," I mumbled, pulling a few strands of hair behind my ears as I stared down at the white cloth that lied above the wooden table

I could feel her eyes on me then as she gave my hand a small squeeze.

"I really did miss you, Fiona," she whispered, her voice making me look up at her.

"It wasn't the same after you left."

I bit my bottom lip, letting out a soft sigh as I looked up at her.

"I'm really sorry, Sara. I never meant to hurt you. Any of you really"

She nodded, looking down at the table as she traced the small designs on the cloth with her free hand.

"I know. I actually understand why you left. I just wish….I just wish you could've come to me instead of just….leaving."

I felt a pang of pain pierce through my heart just then and I tried my best to prevent any tears from escaping as I stared down at our intertwined hands

"I'm really sorry," I repeated, my voice cracking as I released my hand from her own and leaned both elbows on the table, burying my face in my hands. I choked back a sob, the overwhelming feeling of guilt and sadness overcoming me

I felt a hand press against my shoulder, but I never once looked her way

"I forgive you," she said softly, making me freeze in my seat.I looked up at her slowly, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"You do?" I asked quietly, in which she nodded in response.

"Why?"

She smiled genuinely down at me and shrugged her shoulders.

"You're my best friend, Fiona. You mean a lot to me." Before I knew it, she had her arms wrapped around my shoulders, the mere action making me body tense before relaxing under her touch.

"All that matters is that you're here now"

"But I feel bad for hurting you. For hurting everyone." I paused, letting out a soft sigh as his face filled my mind.

"For hurting Blake."

She pulled back a few inches but left her hands on my shoulders as she stared down at me.

"Like I said, all that matters is that you're back home. Where you belong. Just do me a favor." I raised my eyebrow in question as she wiped my tears away with a small smile.

"Don't leave us again"