The Salvatore Saga, Part Four: My new Life

Mariella and Damon indulged in a passionate and intense encounter in bed. After 24 hours had passed, it was time to activate the base and prepare the potion. They swiftly got out of bed, showered, and dressed. As usual, Damon selected an outfit for Mariella, and together they made their way to the potion lab. The aroma of the potion filled the room as Mariella carefully measured out 32-milliliter portions into bottles. With a touch of their blood, they activated the potion, eliminating the need for Mimosa or Shadow's blood. Once the bottles were ready, they carried them to the kitchen where the babies were being fed.

The babies, equivalent to over six months old, were slower to develop than Mimi's babies, but their eagerness to eat was evident. It took some time to feed the eleven babies, but the joyous giggles and their surprising capabilities made it all worthwhile for the pack.

As each baby consumed the potion, they grew drowsy and fell asleep. Once they woke up, their powers would be bound, allowing the pack to return to Mimi. Damon pondered their plan of action, but Mariella beat him to it. She called everyone to the living room or one lounge and stood before them, her voice clear and commanding.

Mariella declared, "Alright, here's what we'll do when the babies wake up. First, you all will take them back to their nurseries, with the help of Mimosa and Shadow. We'll make the necessary measurements there as well. As for me, I will go see Mimi first. Not you, Damon."

She glanced at Damon, who was visibly displeased, but she quickly explained her rationale.

Speaking calmly yet assertively, Mariella reasoned, "I am the savior, so I need some time to observe and assess the situation. I might detect any unusual substances or clues, but I need the space to do so. Additionally, I need to comfort Mimi, who must be exhausted and anxious. And you, my love, you might be overly dominant in your current state. The last thing we want is for Mimi to feel threatened and inadvertently manifest her powers. We must proceed cautiously. When I deem it safe for you to join us, you may come."

Damon furrowed his brow, his gaze focused yet understanding.

He took charge and declared, "I will head to the medbay to ensure everything is in order. But first, we need to check on Lady herself. Giselle mentioned that adults can also be affected by these bugs. Mimi has been tirelessly caring for the babies in that germ-filled nursery, neglecting her protection, as she is not an energy creature. Even energy might not guarantee our safety. Hygiene is paramount. We must learn proper handwashing protocols when entering or exiting the nursery. It would be ideal if we could find another room for the babies and seal off the nursery to disinfect it at the time. We may also need to discard items, but money is not an issue. The only challenge will be Mimi's reaction to us disposing instead of cleaning."

He surveyed the group, and Mimosa chimed in, "I'm not sure if I'm a terrible mother, but perhaps it would be best to send our children to the magic house. We can inform them about the tests, allowing us to focus on the sick ones. These older children can keep us occupied all day long."

Mimosa glanced at Mariella, Shadow, and the men. Mariella responded, "I don't have any objections. It's a sensible plan, and you're not a terrible mother in the slightest. Once we nurse these babies back to health and have a brief break, we can try for another pregnancy. This time, we'll be more cautious, ensuring we vaccinate our babies and even develop our vaccinations. This way, we can protect them from any germs that may come their way."

Damon's voice echoed in the room, filled with determination.

"Fine, it is done," he said. "You get our babies settled and organize their moving into the magic house. I know it will take time, not just a matter of seconds, but we need to get that going so we can care for the sick ones. Now, I hope, I truly hope that Mimi is not sick, but at the same time, I am pretty sure my wish will not come true. So, let's prepare ourselves for having a very sick and stubborn alpha woman in our hands, with a strong caring instinct and lots of powers. Boys, better work on those flank sedatives. We will probably need lots of them, and she might break through them easily. Think hard, make them hard for her to chop or rip apart."

The men nodded, their brows furrowed as they tried to think of suitable formulas. Shushed murmurs filled the lounge as they pondered. Mariella, feeling a sense of urgency, checked her phone for any messages. There were none.

Just as she heard the first sounds coming from the temporary nursery, she spoke up. "Fine, it's time to go. I will inform Mimi that we are coming."

Damon, deep in conversation with number four, discussed how to make the flank even more effective for her. She had no flank organ, no way to subdue her, but just the original flank idea - needles into the lungs.

As I tried to calm Jake down, Mariella's voice entered my mind. It was as if she was speaking directly to me.

"Sorry," she said, "we know you have sick babies, and we were idiots. Our babies' powers are bound, and we're coming back to help you. So, what's the situation?"

I responded, feeling a sense of relief. "It's a nasty infection, probably a virus affecting both the boys and girls. I've taken blood samples from all of them, and the results are in the system. I'm not entirely familiar with our babies' reference ranges, but the infection is severe. The girls are struggling with stomach flu or something similar, while the boys are experiencing respiratory distress. I managed to get them to eat something, like ice cream or yogurt, but none of them had much of an appetite. The girls keep vomiting, and it's difficult to give them fluids through an IV. It upsets them greatly," I explained to Mariella.

"Alright, we'll be there soon. I'll come by and assess the situation using my rescue radar. Try not to worry; we'll help," she assured me.

I sighed in relief, grateful for their support.

I said to her, "Okay, just be aware that you might also catch this infection. According to Giselle and Colin, these things have to run their course. The babies will eventually recover, and they'll develop immunity. The boys might be sick for a month, so it's not a quick recovery, and the girls might take a few days or even longer."

Soon, I heard footsteps approaching, and a sweet scent of peach filled the air. Mariella was finally arriving to lend a helping hand.

As Mariella walked into the corridor and made her way to Mimi's nursery, she informed Damon about the blood tests, prompting him to go to the medbay to check them out. Mariella wanted to understand what was happening and, more importantly, she wanted to ask Mimi about what Giselle had mentioned. What terrible thing had happened to Mimi? Was it an old memory resurfacing? 

As she opened the nursery door, an overwhelming combination of smells hit Mariella's senses. The air was thick with the scent of vomit, sickness, sweat, babies, a peculiar potion, curdled milk, and the sickly odor emanating from Mimi. Mimi was sitting in a rocking chair, cradling one of her sons, while the baby struggled to cough. The weak, congested sound pierced Mariella's ears, and Mimi gently patted the baby's back, trying to soothe him. The baby whimpered softly, causing Mimi to shush him even more. 

Mariella felt a sharp pain in her teeth and her head throbbed, while her internal rescue radar screamed at her to take action. Suddenly, she heard another baby crying - it was little Mira. Mariella approached her, observing her curled-up position, her face red from crying. She picked Mira up, immediately noticing the intense heat radiating from the feverish baby, who clung tightly to her. 

Before Mariella could react, Mimi stood up, and the baby in her arms vomited. Thankfully, Mariella's hair, and clothes were spared, thanks to the well-placed kidney bowl. The baby retched a few more times before weakly fussing and eventually falling asleep, completely drained. Mimi disposed of the bowl in the trash without covering it, and Mariella couldn't help but imagine the virus particles floating in the air. Damon had taught her well about such precautions. 

Mariella spoke to Mimi, her voice strained, "Alright, we need to take action, and my teeth are aching, but first, I want to ask you something. I've sealed this room, and Damon won't be able to hear us. Giselle mentioned that you've been through something unimaginable. Do you have rotten memories or something else?"

I was exhausted, my body aching as I hurriedly placed a bowl under Mira just in the nick of time. Mariella had swooped in to pick her up when she was on the brink of vomiting.

The sound of her cry, familiar yet heart-wrenching, echoed in my ears. I knew it was best to wait for them to throw up rather than pick them up, even though it tore at my heart. The cribs were covered with temporary sheets, evidence of the sleepless nights I had endured.

Giselle had suggested I take care of myself, but sleep had eluded me. With seven little babies, it seemed like there was always someone awake and in need of my attention. I could feel the germs spreading through me, my labored breathing and feverish body reminding me of their presence. However, I masked my symptoms using my powers, determined to care for my precious babies.

Mariella approached me, her voice barely audible as she whispered, "Tell me, Damon will never know. I promise."

I glanced at her, my tired mind struggling to think clearly. Finally, I confessed, "Three of my cubs died, just before they could attain immortality. Damon, who doesn't remember, devoured them after he attacked me in front of our other cubs. That's why I left for Alaska."

Mariella fell silent, her face draining of color. Jake began to fuss, so I took him better in my arms and comforted him.

Mariella sank into a chair, her weak voice trembling as she asked, "But how? Why doesn't he remember? What happened? Why didn't you ask for help?"

A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I replied, "Look into the past. You were away in Ireland. I couldn't reach anyone. My instincts were in disarray, but my teeth knew what to do..."

My voice broke, unable to utter another word. Exhaustion washed over me, and I heard Rob's cries joining the chorus. I went to him, and picked him up too, skillfully carrying multiple babies in my arms. Mariella stood up, took Rob from me, and comforted him, her touch filled with concern.

I said to Mariella, my voice trembling, "I vividly remember the moment I smelled their blood, a metallic scent that filled the air. I quickly collected a dental substance and placed it into the analyzer, desperate for answers. The result was devastating. My teeth knew, deep within, that there was no saving those cubs. With a heavy heart, I had prepared the euthanizing agent for them. It was my only dental substance, a killing cocktail that offered no mercy. Despite their pleas to end their suffering, I couldn't bring myself to grant them a peaceful way out. I watched helplessly as they drew agonizing breath after breath."

My voice was quiet and tired, and I had no control over my actions as I told her what happened. 

"At that moment, you were going through some sort of crisis, and I had just lost my precious cubs. No one had come to my aid, and when the door opened, my alpha side had taken over. I had already transformed into my jaguar form, letting her say her last goodbyes. Charles, unaware of my pain, entered the room and I attacked him. In his eyes, I must have appeared feral, as he didn't see the lifeless bodies of my little ones. It was not for long. Just as the door opened again, Damon arrived in his lion form and launched himself at me. He tore my throat out, preventing me from healing and leaving me lying in a pool of blood. And then, to my horror, he devoured my dead cubs. They were only ten days old, not so small anymore. It took him time to consume them, and I died watching him feast on their innocent bodies, helpless to stop him from potentially eating the others who were still alive. When I woke up, all of my remaining cubs were shocked and scared of the beast he had become. Determined to protect them, I immediately took them and moved to Alaska. I shared the tragic events with Colin, my five, and Giselle, explaining what had happened."

Mariella remained silent, unable to find the right words to say. She had caught a fleeting glimpse of my past, witnessing the heartbreaking scene of those three dying in my arms. She couldn't bear to look for too long, only a few moments. Questions swirled in her mind, wondering why Damon had attacked her and consumed the cubs, and why he couldn't remember. Or if he did, why he chose not to say anything?

Finally finding her voice, Mariella asked the one question that plagued her, "Why? Why did he?."

I interrupted her gently, realizing she knew little about shifters. "You don't understand the depths of our nature, do you? You haven't seen the look I see in my own face, the look that reveals a shifter who has lost their cubs. I was foolishly arrogant, believing that our cubs could never die. They gain immortality at around two weeks old, but until then, they are vulnerable. Therefore, it's incredibly difficult for me to bear cubs, as I fear the same tragedy may befall them again. Neonatal deaths among shifters are alarmingly high, but the reasons remain elusive to us."

Mariella fell silent, absorbing the weight of my words.

After a moment, she exclaimed, her voice filled with hope, "Surely modern methods of studying scans and tests have revealed some reason."

I smiled, exhaustion was clear in my weary expression. "You see, Damon did nothing wrong when he devoured those cubs. It was his alpha instincts disposing of a potential source of infection. It's common for males to eliminate the deceased ones without testing," I explained to her. 

"I've convinced Colin to help me collect samples. I have contacted several packs and told them about my project of getting through of reason for the dead cubs, but I have so many other projects on my plate that I haven't even started yet. We have with Colin teach those packs how to get samples from the dead cubs before males eat them. And where to send them? I have many large packs in this program already. Maybe those samples hold the answers we seek, but Colin is too busy being king, and I have my responsibilities within the pack. I just had not had time to start going through what we have in our sample bank. Someday, we might find the answers we're looking for."

She looked at me, determined. "I won't tell Damon about this, not yet. But one day, he needs to know. He deserves to know," she insisted.

I hesitated, concerned for Damon's well-being. "Are you sure he can handle this? It might be too much for him. By not telling him, I'm protecting him. I'm willing to keep this secret for centuries, if necessary. He doesn't have to endure this pain. I can bear the burden myself."

Mariella gazed at me with understanding. "He can handle it, and you will tell him someday. But for now, my lady, you're also sick, and it's time to let the pack help you too."

I managed a smile, sinking into a chair with Jake still in my arms as Mariella attempted to soothe Rob's cough. Jake seemed calmer now, and I thought he might soon drink an electrolyte drink and rest.

I turned to Mariella. "I've created a baby velvet, a light blue concoction. it had worked so far fine. But Giselle warned me that the babies might chop it off. If you want, you can help me improve the formula."

Standing up, I gently placed Jake in a sitter and made my way to the table, grabbing a bottle.

Mariella removed her shield from the nursery and spoke to Damon. "Mimi is sick, but she's using her powers to boost herself. The babies... oh my god, I feel so helpless. If you're free, you can come, but be warned, it's not easy. I want to cuddle and protect these babies, but I have to try to think clinically."

Damon walked towards the nursery, immediately sensing the infection, the stench of vomit, and the overall sickness. He wanted to get them out of that room and into a clean one. As Mimi was unwell, she needed care too, and he needed to show her that the babies were being taken care of.

He entered the room, spotting Mimi preparing a bottle and filling it with water. He approached her, determined to support her.

As I reached for the electrolyte supplement bottle, a firm hand suddenly grabbed my wrist. I felt a gentle yet assertive grip as the bottle was plucked from my grasp.

In a low murmur, Damon whispered in my ear, "Baby, you're as sick as a dog. You need to go to the medbay to get checked. Don't worry, we'll take care of the babies. What is this bottle and what were you planning?"

I explained, "It's an electrolyte supplement given by Giselle. I was just about to make a bottle for Jake. Maybe he can have half of a portion of the drink if I'm lucky. I know I'm sick, but I'll get better. And let's not forget, that 11 healthy babies are waiting to be cuddled and cared for. We all need to pitch in."

Number two replied, "The healthy ones will be taken to the magic house as soon as possible. Our pack is ready to take care of them. Mimi, you really should go to the medbay."

Damon turned to Mariella and suggested, "Give Rob to number two. Go get some clean bottles and a bump collector. Then come back and help me donate. I have a hunch that a bump might do the trick. At least give them more than that a squirt what Mimi had planned to feed them."

Mariella teleported away, leaving Rob in the arms of number two. Jake was crying in his chair. I went to pick him up, knowing he was a real mommy's boy and just wanted to be held like most of the other babies. I settled into the rocking chair, soothing him in my arms.

Damon observed as Mimi, pale and thin, held the baby close, coughing against her. He could sense the germs lingering in the chair and knew it needed to be disposed of.

As Mimi continued to shush her son with a nasty-sounding cough, the baby coughed right in her face. It was no wonder she was sick. Damon patiently waited for Mariella to return, and when she did, she approached him.

She swiftly opened his jeans, exposing his cock, and began to pleasure him with her lips. The sensation sent shudders of pleasure through his body. He could feel her placing the collector in position as he climaxed, warm and thick cum flowing into the collection bag.

Mariella continued to stroke and lick him until, after 15 minutes, the bag was brimming full.

Mariella carefully took the collector out and handed a full bag of warm bumps to Damon. As he closed his jeans, he held the baby in his arms and gently took the clean baby bottle, its plastic cool against his fingertips. He filled it with fresh warm bumps, the sweet aroma filling the air.

With the baby back in his arms, he offered the bottle, its warmth radiating through the plastic, to the little girl. Her expression was initially one of surprise, her uncertain eyes unsure if she wanted to take it. But as she felt the nourishing liquid settle in her little tummy, a sense of contentment washed over her. Her feeding became more eager, her tiny lips forming a tight seal around the bottle's nipple.

Damon sighed, a mix of relief and worry gnawing at his soul. He couldn't help but worry about Mimi, his wife, and the other sick children. He had already prepared a temporary nursery, it had been done by numbers four and eight, wanting to get everyone out of the germ-filled room.

His priority was to ensure his babies were cared for, and Mimi, his alpha female, would be in the medbay, likely under anesthesia for her much-needed rest and recovery. The weight of her illness was clear in her frail figure and the way she used her powers to mask her symptoms, draining her energy.

Damon knew he had to come up with a plan of action. Mariella, loyal and ready to assist, would be by his side, and the rest of the pack would join in caring for these little ones.