My Name is NOT Cupcake

"Eli! Kennedy!" I yelled up the stairs before I wobbled back to the dining room. I was pregnant... again, and almost to full term. Kennedy came barreling down the stairs first and met me in the dining room. I was still setting up for dinner.

"I can help, mom," Kennedy said as she went to get more food from the kitchen. Kennedy-Estella was 14 years old now and every bit as beautiful as the day she was born. She had curly copper-red hair and clear, radiant blue-gray eyes. She was pale and inherited my freckles. She actually burned in the sun very easily too. She was every bit of me as we expected. She was a feisty diva, strong-willed, stubborn, and very athletic.

Kennedy finished setting the table as Elias strolled into the dining room. He held me gently and kissed me.

"Hi, cupcake," he smiled. I chuckled. He never stopped calling me that, but I learned to live with it.

"You said that ten minutes ago when you came down to check on me... again," I emphasized. Elias chuckled and shrugged. Oh yeah, his protectiveness never died down. In fact, he was even more protective over me because I was pregnant again and due any day now with our second child:

A baby boy.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Kennedy smiled and ran to the door.

"I got it!" she yelled. Elias and I exchanged a knowing look.

"Oh boy," Elias sighed. I chuckled and went to greet our guests.

"I wasn't expecting them to be back so soon," I admitted as we met up with everyone in the foyer.

"Oh, Nova, you look absolutely stunning!" Alexa gushed as she pulled me into a hug. I laughed as Mathias clapped his son on the back at the same time.

"I thought you guys would be gone for another week," Elias asked his parents. They looked at each other before they shrugged. Kennedy held onto Elias' hand as she practically bounced in place; her eyes darting everywhere.

"Jessie was getting home sick, and frankly, so were we. Plus, we didn't want to risk missing the birth of our second grandchild," Mathias explained with a laugh. Jessie was a boy who was the same age as Kennedy that we took into our home after his parents died when he was only four years old. Jessie had brown hair and green eyes. He was just as athletic as Kennedy. Jessie was a Lycan also. He actually shifted when he was 12 years old. Kennedy and Jessie have been inseparable since they met. They were best friends. Once a year, Alexa and Mathias would take Jessie on vacation and spoil him rotten. Alexa claimed it was to make him feel more apart of the whole family, but after their trip to Italy, I was convinced that Alexa just wanted an excuse to travel.

"Where is Jess?" Kennedy asked excitedly. Every time Jessie and Kennedy were separated, they got antsy and anxious until they were reunited again. I had a theory that they were mates, but we wouldn't know until they turned 18 years old.

"He's getting the bags out of the car," Mathias answered with a chuckle. Kennedy smiled before she darted out the front door. We all chuckled at her excitement.

she turned 14 years old almost a year ago now and... nothing. Of course, growing up with me as a mother, she knew about werewolves. I didn't care what the rules were. I told her when she was 8

gene, Nova,"

bloomer, is all," I defended. I firmly believed it, too. I just had a feeling. "She's strong... stronger than she should be. She's special, and I'm not just saying that because I'm

inside with the bags and sprinted straight up the stairs. Elias' parents, Elias, and I moved to the living room to talk

crossed her legs. Mathias' arm

an Alpha who is a shewolf is just asking for trouble," Mathias argued. I winced slightly. Kieowani was considered a mercy killing of a Lycan after said-Lycan's mate passed away. Some packs thought of it as a favor to rid the widow

era," Alexa countered. And as always, it was my mother-in-law who got the last word as the subject changed. As we were talking, a loud blood-curdling scream came from

It was Kennedy.

in a lot of pain. I jumped up and ran for the stairs with the others on my heels. Elias, however, held me back. I fought

a rush to try to get me to calm down. I elbowed him in the ribs in an attempt to get free. Before I could break free or say anything, Jessie was in front of us cradling Kennedy. She was whimpering and squirming. There was a cold sweat on her forehead

until a loud snapping noise filled the silence followed by another scream from Kennedy. The snapping was wet and strong... it was nauseating. I thought I was going to throw up right there on the spot. Her scream was loud enough to make my ears bleed, but I didn't care at the moment. Something was wrong with my daughter. I thought of taking her to the hospital but Mathias piped

Mathias announced. I was elated and worried at the same time. I was happy that I was right about Kennedy being a late bloomer, but I was also worried about the amount of pain she seemed to be in. No mother wants to see their child in pain.

grab her a set of spare clothes. Dad, I need you to get towels. All of you, meet me out at the small clearing when you have everything. Nova, I need you to stay here," Elias ordered. Everyone scampered

Elias

Please... just trust me and listen to me just this once. My dad, mom, and I have helped hundreds of wolves on their first shift and we know what we're doing. Please just trust me... She's going to be fine. She's in good hands," Elias said in a rush as he stopped on the gravel road in front of the house. I stopped on

Just this once.

to him as I gave in. Elias smiled softly and looked

before he ran off at werewolf speed to the nearby trees. He moved so fast that all I saw was a blur. I still wasn't used to that... even after 15 years of knowing what he was. I rested my hand of my enormous stomach and went back inside, locking the door behind me just in case. Bored, I went to our master bedroom on the fourth floor and called Nolan. He was doing well as Still Water's Beta. He also found his mate and they had a little boy together. I still talked to my twin brother, Mason, and my dad often.

answered on the

freaking out," I blurted as I began to pace in front of the foot of

Did you go into labor? Kerstie and I will meet you at the hospital," Nolan rambled. If I wasn't so worried about Kennedy, I probably would have laughed

is still cooking. it's about Kennedy. She's going through her first shift right now in the woods with Eli, his parents, and Jessie, and I'm stuck in the house," I

I rolled my eyes and stopped pacing as I rested my

no idea it would cause her to be in so much pain. I'm stuck in the house and my baby girl is suffering. Maybe I should go and check on her," I thought out

stay in the house. It's safer for you and your unborn child. Going out there would be suicide, and Stella would never forgive herself if she hurt either one of you and you know that. You don't have the capability to defend yourself if anything went wrong. Every Lycan