"What did Trump say?" questioned Ricky. " Was it a human drug?"

She stated he was confused and blind. He was also passing out, Nancy said.

"What else? Human medications would be needed to knock out Carl. Rickey indicated he wouldn't shift if his captors were human. Except for a few Lycan allies, humans didn't know Lycan werewolf shifters were among them.

Since Nancy joined, an unknown force has attacked the Lycans. Five months ago, it was found that black blood magic-using magicians were responsible. Eileen wants to murder all Lycans. He wanted Nancy,. Nancy got pregnant with her True Mate child, making her immune to poison and other damage.

Eileen's initial plot foiled, he turned to Barbie, who descended from a strong witch family. He framed Barbie for a series of assaults to injure and rip apart the Lycans and to abduct her and mate her with his warlock protégé, Maple, so they might create strong wizards. Barbie was Rickey's True Mate and already pregnant. Before Eileen could murder Barbie, the Lycans rescued her with aid from her witch aunt and cousin.

Rickey sighed, "I feared that." "The magicians have presumably started their next plot."

Nancy responded, "We'll handle." "For now, focus on Carl."

After 30 min, they reached . The automobile followed the GPS to a Ginan-style home outside the town. She exited when the driver opened the door. She climbed gently, balancing her enormous tummy. After forever, she rang the doorbell. After hearing faint footsteps, the door burst open.

"Nancy! "Mamacita!" Ellen's eyes widened as she admired Nancy's expectant tummy. "You're enormous!" Apologies! You're pregnant? When?

"Yesterday," Nancy cynically answered, then grinned.

Ellen widens the door. "Enter!" SIT! Water? ...milk? "Food?" The other Lycan was shaken. "Sorry, I'm Italian. When they visit, we always feed them. Particularly pregnant!

She smiled. "We don't have enough food. She instantly stroked her stomach as she said this. Carl. First, I must see him."

She nodded. Ellen opened the guest bedroom's light.

"Carl!" Nancy shouted as she approached her brother. Carl was in bed, sheet over hips. Even chest rise and fall assured her he was alive.

Ellen said, "I'll leave you now." "I'll be in the kitchen; holler if you need anything."

Nancy thanked him without looking away. He felt warm, but not scorching, as she touched his forehead. He seemed to be sleeping deeply, fighting off whatever medication the magicians gave him. She brushed hair off his forehead and wiped perspiration with a towel Ellen must have put beside his bed. She kissed her brother on the forehead and left.

She located the kitchen quickly in the little dwelling. Ellen sat at the kitchen table as a guy - a Lycan, Nancy could tell - stirred a saucepan.

"That smells incredible!" Baby kicked and Nancy's stomach growled.

Ellen rushed to her side. "Please sit. My brother will make spaghetti soon."

Lycan male smiled at Nancy. Wiping his hand on his apron, he extended it. " Rio here. Hello!"

Nancy shook hands. "Same to you, Nancy," she said as she shook his hand. Their eyes were the most comparable characteristic she saw. Ellen saw that Rio's eyes were blue and green, but mirrored. Rio's eyes were the reverse of Ellen's.

Ellen pulled out a chair and said, "Sit." She had coffee and water waiting. "I didn't know what you wanted or had. I can brew coffee, but maybe not for you."

Nancy giggled and sat down. "Don't worry. When I owe you. Thank you for caring for Carl and sorry he trespassed."

Ellen said, "No worries." I assumed he didn't... OK? He couldn't speak or do anything-"

Rio coughed to hide a chuckle. Ellen warned him. Ellen continued: "He mumbled about being drugged. I...ran him over. He simply emerged and hit my hood. I don't believe he shattered anything, so he should be OK."

"Our doctor should be here soon," Nancy said.

Did you marry Timothy Vincent? I didn't receive a notification from the High Council. "Ellen?"

She laughed. "No! Timothy's adorable and all... "You've never met my spouse, but you know him...from the ball."

Ellen's eyes grew. She examined Nancy's stomach. "Wow! Bravo!

"Yeah, that narrative is more complicated. When our doctor comes, you'll meet Knox."

Rio apologized as he served Nancy. Pasta with a crimson sauce smelled great.

Nancy's gaze devoured the meal. Rio added fresh Parmesan. Was this yours? "Wow!"

Rio: "Family recipe" "We store much of it since we offer it at the restaurant. Eat up!"

"Thanks!" Nancy fork-fed herself noodles. She closed her eyes and chewed slowly. "Oh. God. She swallowed. "Amazing. I'll complete this!"

Ellen chuckled, "There's more."

She gestured to her tummy and grabbed another mouthful. "What's inside?"

Rio shakes his head and points. He grinned at the pregnant Lycan. "Come to the restaurant for more."

"Your game?" Nancy joked. "Free items to lure them back for more?"

She smiled. "You'll depart with a jar. You're welcome to dine at Brown's in New Stone Rock."

Nancy quipped, "Thank heavens, otherwise I'd beg to join your tribe." Afterwards- She faltered.

Three eyes scanned the kitchen door. Carl Baker stood at a doorway, eyes focused. "Where is this?"

Carl lost and regained consciousness as he swam.

His thoughts and vision were cloudy. His hands held cool, soft sheets, and the pillows still smelled like the olive cookies he loved as a child. He thought back to the way her full curves pressed against him, her soft lips, and that strong smell. When he put his fingers to his nose, the sweet smell of a woman teased him, and his cock stood up. His eyes shot open, and they slowly got used to the dim light. He looked around and saw a lamp next to the bed. He turned it on.

He temporarily couldn't see because of the light, so he shut his eyes and fell back on the bed.

His body felt weak, which was something he had never felt before.

It felt like he was getting better after being sick, and he could already feel his stronger Lycan immune system fighting whatever was making his body feel bad. He tried to remember what had happened by going through his memories. Andres. The girl. She threw something at him, a potion that made him pass out. But after that, all he could think about was how soft her body felt against his, how good she smelled, and how much he wanted to get inside her. Not the blonde, no. Who is it? He knew the smell, and it wasn't just because it took him back to his childhood. But he had smelled it before, but not sure when. He would have remembered meeting a Lycan woman whose scent was so hard to resist.

He slowly got to his feet after opening his eyes and taking a deep breath.

He thought they were for him since he was completely naked and they were hanging at the foot of the bed. Did I move? That made him feel even more lost.

After putting them on, he walked carefully out of the room and into the main hallway. He could still only see around the edges, but he could hear voices coming from one of the rooms inside. He followed the voices, which led him to the only lit room.

"...trick them with free stuff so they'll come back for more? If so, I will be in!"

Carl sat up when he heard a voice he knew. How did Nancy get here? He walked toward the room and held on to the door frame to keep his balance. He could now think and see clearly, but he was still a little weak. "B-Nancy?" he rasped, his voice rough and grating. "Where do we stand?"

She jumped to her feet. "Carl!"

Carl had a muscle cramp and grabbed his side. He braced himself against the frame, and another man ran over quickly to help him get up. "Carl, are you all right?" asked the young Lycan. He smelled like aroma and something else familiar.

"Yes, sorry, I'm just-" When he turned to look at the third person in the room, he stopped in his tracks. When he saw her, his mouth went dry and he couldn't turn away. Another beautiful woman was sitting next to his sister. She was looking up at him with a look of surprise on her face. Her pouty lips were parted, and her olive-colored skin was smooth. Her cheekbones were high, and her thick, dark eyebrows were arched in a delicate way.

Beautiful eyes that were a mix of blue and green were framed by long, dark, sweeping eyelashes. Even in the harsh light of the kitchen, they seemed to glow. He could smell the faint scent of almonds on her, or maybe it was just in the whole house.

He thought it was likely her house. Something in him jerked, and he heard a low, guttural sound in his chest. What was that all about?

"Hello?" Nancy put her hand up in front of Carl's face and waved it. "Are you feeling ok?"

Carl blinked twice and didn't notice that his sister had stood up and come over to him.

The younger man said, "Why don't I take Carl back to the guest room?"

"No, I'm fine." He looked at the Lycan and said, "Thanks, um..."

"Hi, Carl, my name is Rio," he said. Carl noticed that the younger man had the same face and eyes as the mysterious woman. This made him think that they were probably related. "This is my-"

The doorbell cut him off.

Nancy thought, "That looks like Knox and Dr. Brennan."

The other woman got out of her seat quickly. "I'll get the door then," she said as she rushed past him, careful not to touch him. His eyes kept on her as she walked away.

Nancy crossed her arms and told Carl, "If you feel weak, go back to the guest room." He tried to say something, but she raised her hand. "Uh-uh. You always tell me what to do, but now you're going to listen to me, all right?"

He grumbled, "I'm fine," and stood up straight. "Please don't help me." Rio and Nancy were right behind him as he turned around and walked back out into the hallway. As they got closer to the front of the house, he saw Knox and Dr. Brennan walk in while the mystery woman held open the door.

"Carl!" When Kimberly Mace saw Carl, he called her. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

"Well, that's one way to say it," he said as he rubbed his temples.

Knox gave him a pullover and said, "We have some clothes for you, Darian." He patted him on the shoulder and said, "Glad to see you're okay." Carl thanked him for the sweatshirt and took it, then put it on.

Carl noticed that the mystery woman was short when she stood next to Knox and Dr. Brennan. She was probably two or three inches shorter than her sister. He also couldn't help but notice how well her jeans and t-shirt fit her curvy body. He was slowly remembering everything. He remembered how she pulled him into bed with her soft hand, how her lips tasted, and how her body felt under him. Again, that strange feeling came back, and he felt it all over his body.

The older Lycan asked Carl, "Are you all right?" "Your eyes are still very big."

"Uh, I think I'm still getting better," he coughed.

Dr. Brennan turned to the woman and shook his head. "Donald, thanks for helping out. Would it be too much if we stayed a little longer so I could look at him?"

The back of Carl's head shot up in surprise. He thought to himself, "Donald." Oh, shucks. He felt like a horny fool, lusting after another man's wife and almost hitting her. He also said that another Carl was Donald. He remembered that she liked his kisses and touches, and that she even unbuttoned her jeans when his hands wouldn't work. It didn't matter any more. He never slept with married women, especially not the wives of other men named Carl.

She said, "Of course." "Please take your time, and don't worry, it's not a bother. I'm just glad. Carl isn't in too much pain. Come with me to the living room."

"Thank you, Mr. Trump." The doctor then looked at Carl. "Let's check you out."

Everyone went into the living room, where Carl sat on the soft, comfortable couch. Dr. Brennan got on his knees in front of him and opened his medical bag. He took out his flashlight and stethoscope.

He gave Carl a quick exaHilarytion and took some blood from his arm to put in a vial. "Well, whatever drug you were on seems to be being fought off by your body. "How do you feel?

He said, "Still a little weak, but much better." "Like I'm getting better from being sick."

Dr. Brennan put the small vial away after saying, "Good." "I hope we can find signs of whatever was in your body. In the morning, I'll send these to Dr. Shaw."

"Good," Carl got up and looked at Rio and the other person. "Uh, thank you. To you both and your group. By the way, where is your Carl? If he's around, I'd like to thank him in person."

Rio took a look at the woman and laughed. On the other hand, the woman crossed her arms and looked annoyed at him. "The Carl is right here," she snarled.

Carl looked around like he didn't understand what was going on.

Nancy said in a scolding tone, "Hey, you might still have those drugs in your body." "She is Carl. We are in New Stone Rock."

Carl's face went from looking confused to looking shocked. The woman's eyes got bigger and her face turned sour. "Then I'm sorry, Carl," he said to himself. "I'm. I just assumed."

"That I'm someone's wife named Carl? Because of what I'm called? Like I would just let a stranger-" She stopped and her face turned red.

Even though she was clearly angry, Carl couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was getting, especially when her blue-green eyes flashed. "It was because I was high on drugs. I didn't mean to hurt you, Carl. Not while I'm on your land. I'm Carl. Carl Baker. He put out his hand to say, "Carl, this is the Pretoria Clan."

She cocked her head and looked at his hand, not knowing what to do. "I..." she paused, then took his hand. She had a strong grip, and her skin was soft but a little rough. When she touched him, his arm went tingly, and he felt a strong desire to be with her. She said, "Ellen Brown, Carl to the New Stone Rock clan."

"Nice to meet you, Carl," Carl said as he held on to her hand and smiled his most charming smile. "Thank you for saving me and being so Katie-like."

"It was nothing," she said, pulling her hand away from him in a dismissive way.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Another man wearing a T-shirt and sweatpants walked into the living room. His hair was messed up in places, like he had just gotten out of bed, and his eyes were dark brown, like he was tired. All of the Lycans in the room, except Ellen and Rio, tensed up when they saw that he was definitely a human.

"Doris," Ellen greeted, her voice turning tender. "Sorry, did we wake you?"

He yawned and said, "It's okay, Ellen." "Hi, everyone! My name is Doris." He gave everyone a smile and then turned to Carl. "Hey, man, are you ok? Happy to see you up and about! Looks like Rio's sweats fit you ok. I wasn't sure, but I hoped that when I got them, they would."

"Thanks, Doris," Carl said with a nod. "And thanks for helping. I mean all of your help."

He looked around. "Cool, well..." He yawned again. "It looks like you guys are talking about important Lycan stuff," he said. "I'm going to let you do it. Good night, Ellen, and Rio. I'll see you in the morning. Before I go to work, I have to go home and take a shower." He did a U-turn and left.

"Who were they?" Nancy spoke up. "Is he a person?"

Ellen smiled at everyone and said, "Sorry." "That's Doris, my sister. I mean half-brother."

"Brother?" Dr. Brennan's eyebrows drew together. He looked back at Rio. "You are also her brother, right?"

He nodded.

"Donald, do you have two brothers?" Knox asked in an interested way.

Ellen shook her head and said, "No." "I have four siblings. Rio, Doris, his twin sister Katie, and Joan, who is our youngest. Except for me and Rio, all of them are human because their dad is human.

"Four of you...five of you?" Dr. Brennan seemed surprised. "That's.fascinating!"

"Why?" Rio inquired.

"Well, I'm sure you know...

Even when they are with humans, most Lycans don't have more than one child, if any at all. Your mother had five, though." Dr. Brennan gave a reason.

Ellen shrugged. "That's always been the case with us. Ma had five children, and her mother had four, but our mother was the only one who turned out to be a Lycan. Grandfather died soon after the family moved from Italy to the U.S.

"Still." Dr. Brennan took a break. "I'm sorry, Donald. As a man with a background in medicine and science, I do know that there are always people who are different from the norm. I just don't understand why we never hear about you or why the Lycan High Council didn't think it was important that you showed up

Ellen shrugged and said, "Don't worry about it." "Our clan isn't very big, and it's not even close to being as big as Pretoria. It's mostly made up of my family members and two or three families who moved here from other states, usually so their kids could go to better schools. We do what we have to do to keep the Lycan High Council informed about our numbers and any problems, but that's about it."

"How did you figure out to call Nancy?" Knox asked.

"Oh! I know the answer!" Nancy's eyes were shining. She was proud to say, "Ellen threatened to rip out another girl's throat when she insulted my mother in the bathroom at my welcome ball."

Ellen laughed. "

"You've met before?" Carl looked at his sister and then asked.

"Yes. "It was at the ball," Nancy said. "I hid in the bathroom stall. Carl, you did see her there, right? "She's the green-dressed woman!"

Carl said to Ellen, "I didn't see your face." "Unfortunately, my Liaison handles things like invitations and such."

"I didn't want to go, but Rio told me I had to," said the Donald. "To get along with the people next door."

"Well, I'm glad you went!" Nancy spoke up. "Carl did find his way to you. Who knows what would have happened if he had moved and gone somewhere else, like your neighbor's house?

Ellen's forehead wrinkled. "By the way, what happened? Did you get kidnapped or something?"

He gave a head shake. "I'm not sure. but it could be something going on inside."

"When we find out more, Donald, we'll let the High Council know," Dr. Brennan promised her.

"Of course," she replied with a shrug.

Nancy yawned and stood up, saying, "We should get going." The rest of the Pretoria Lycans agreed with her, citing the late hour.

"Hey Ellen, I got your number. Don't be a stranger, okay?" As they walked out onto the front porch, Nancy said.

Ellen smiled. "Of course. You should go to the restaurant. Maybe when you have your little one, you look like you're ready to pop!"

"I really hope so!" Nancy laughed and rubbed her stomach. "I'm ready to give this one a notice to leave! I just feel fat and out of place..."

"You look so pretty, honey," Knox put his arm around his wife and put his hand on her stomach.

Ellen said, "Well, I hope you have a safe birth and can't wait to meet the new member of your family."

Knox bowed and said, "Thank you, Donald." "We accept your blessing and wish happiness and good health to your clan."

Carl watched as his sister and Ellen talked and joked with each other so easily. He was glad that Ellen wasn't married or mated to another Carl, but he was surprised that she was the head of her clan. Not that he didn't think women could be Carls.

He was also surprised to find out that he had been so close to her at the ball all those months ago, even though they didn't get to meet.

"Carl?" Again, Dr. Brennan got his attention. "We should turn around. It's nearly 2 a.m."

He turned to Rio and Ellen and said, "Right." "Thank you, Carl and Rio, for being Katieros. Our clan owes you, so if you need help, don't be afraid to ask."

Ellen nodded. "Thank you very much, Carl," she said in a formal tone, avoiding his eyes.

Rio added, "We're glad we could help and that you're safe."

Ellen hugged Nancy. "I'll talk to you soon. You can always come to the restaurant."

"For sure! I'm so excited to try all of your food!"

The Pretoria Lycans said goodbye, and then they went back to their cars. Knox drove Dr. Brennan back in his car, and Carl got in the town car to go with Nancy. The driver opened the door, and Carl helped his sister get into the back seat and then sat down next to her. When the car door shut, Nancy crawled next to him.