* * * *
After Arden dropped Remy off at work he returned home and ate, deciding to go for a run before he went out hunting. He also wanted to go see his mum. He knew she would be able to help him with what he needed. He wanted to do right by Remy and to do that he had to give her options. Arden wanted to keep her love. His wolf sat as placid as it had ever been since Remy said she loved him.
He walked into his parents’ house, grabbing some spare clothes they kept in the entry for any shifter guest. His parents had adopted two supernatural children, and they always had a bunch of other children in the house along with his younger sisters who had just turned eleven. Arden wasn’t keen on any of them seeing him naked.
His mum was in the kitchen with Grace and Sophie, the two girls they’d adopted. “Arden, I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Hi, Mum. Sorry I haven’t come to see you in a while. I haven’t been myself.”
His mother gave the mixing bowl to Grace and the spoon to Sophie and came around, embracing him in a bear hug only a mother can give. “I’m glad you’re back, my boy.”
“Me too, Mum.” He squeezed her tight. “Where’s Dad?”
“He’s taken over the job of training the shifter teenagers. Some of the paranormal kids have joined. He can’t say no to them now, thanks to Faith.”
“Faith became a pretty deadly foe thanks to our training. I’m sure she’s going to be even more grateful when little Kane starts walking.”
“Ah, yes, you and Remy were there when she gave birth to little Braydon.”
“Yes, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here to see you. Not about Faith’s baby, but children in general. Like how to prevent pregnancy, to stop heat, and so on.”
“Girls, I’ll be back in a moment. Don’t eat all the batter or there will be none left to make the cake.”
The girls were already covered in chocolate as they nodded and licked the spoon again.
His mother pulled him into the hall. “Why do you need to know this?”
“I want to give Remy options. She’s had so many taken away.”
She smiled and patted his hand. “I raised a good boy. I’d like more grandbabies, but do it when you’re ready. The secret is wolfsbane. I’ll go grab a vial and be right back.”
She dashed off toward the bedrooms and he stood staring after her. Who’d have thought it? Wolfsbane, the flower wolves stayed away from. His mother returned with a long purple vial in her hand.
“If she takes this either before the heat or after, it will prevent pregnancies, and you can take it safety up to four days, no longer. It will act as a morning-after pill. After those four days it’s too risky. All she needs is two teaspoons of this in a glass of water. If Remy ever has any questions about anything tell her to come and see me. I’d love to see her again.”
“Thanks, Mum. I really appreciate this.”
“No problem, you can come to me anytime, Arden. I love you more than anything in the world. Do you want to come and make a cake with us?”
He shook his head. “No thanks, Mum. I’m going to check on Griffen and then go hunting.”
“Okay, be safe.”
He hugged his mum again and left, walking home with the vial in his hand.
Chapter 7
The bar had been rowdy last night, and when Arden picked Remy up she was tired. She’d gone straight to bed, too tired to even shower. This morning Arden woke her with kisses, and she basked in the feeling of being loved.
She now sat across from him as he placed a cup and plate in front of her.
“Mmm, my favorite. I love vegemite on toast and hot chocolate. You sure know how to make a girl happy.”
He winked at her. “I aim to please.”
She snorted. “Argh, yeah, keep telling yourself that and I’ll have to push your big head through the door.”
“You like my big head.”
“Holey moley, did you just joke? Are you okay? You’re not sick or anything, are you?”
“Pixie, I know how to joke.”
“Wow, could have fooled me.” She grinned as Arden rolled his eyes heavenward.
“I wanted to talk to you about something this morning before we go over to Griffen’s house.”
She took a bite of her toast and said, “Sure, what?” She took another big bite and washed it down with her drink.
Arden placed a purple vial on the table. “That is wolfsbane. It stops pregnancy and acts as a morning-after pill. You can take it four days after heat but no more as it’s too risky. All it takes is two teaspoons in a glass of water. It’s here for you to take if you want. I will support you in whatever decision you make.”