Caleb watched Stella get into a routine.

She set up their herbs and other salves in what looked to be her own little apothecary.

"Oh, baby, you're going to be the best nurse."

"And you? What are your dreams and desires?"

"Besides being with you and Astrid? Being a cobbler."

"A shoemaker? How exciting!"

Caleb admired her momentarily.

"Do you think so?"

"Why wouldn't I? Shoes are wonderful creations. I mean, we don't wear them when we shift, but...oh my gods! What if we did?"

Caleb laughed heartily.

"You're still hurt."

Caleb smiled, "You can tell?"

"I haven't forgotten falling over cascading waters, mate."

"Is Astrid alright?"

"Tell me what she looks like, Caleb."

Caleb finished unpacking another box of books provided by Sarai, "Like you."

Stella smiled, "Tell me you've always wanted children, alpha.."

"No..." Caleb shook his head, "Not always. I thought I'd make a terrible father."

"And now?"

"Now I can't wait to have a million pups!"

Stella laughed. She couldn't very well see herself having a million children, but having a tiny brood tickled her.

Caleb made some tea as they settled in by the fireplace.

"Lonnie did an excellent job at turning this cave into a real home."

"And it's all ours!"

"Did you see this old camera?"

Caleb handed his wife an old Polaroid and smiled when she snapped a picture.

"Wow! It works!"

Caleb watched as the picture faded into view.

"I look,-"

"So damn handsome!"

Caleb pulled her closer, "We should get a picture together. Too bad we have no photos of our wedding."

Stella smiled, "I have a good memory."

Snapping the photo, they both jumped as a knock came at the door.

"It's Sven!"

Caleb looked outside and then nodded for Stella to open the door.

Sven entered, followed Sarai.

"We're just bringing more essentials anf weapons."

"Weapons..." Stella shuddered, "Things are heating up."

"Yes," Sven nodded, "Lonnie is on it. Won't be too long, but I'll say we want you to have the best honeymoon ever. We're keeping people away, including ourselves. Use the amulets!"

They didn't stay long.

Watching them go, Stella picked up their photo off the floor and grinned.

"We make a good team."

Caleb checked the weapons and locked the door. They had no windows, but that made him wary.

"I don't like not seeing what's coming. "

Stella nodded, "Don't forget the backup plan. We exit through the closet."

The closet was an outlet to another cave and to safety tunnels.

"Let me deal with your wounds."

"So pushy..." Caleb teased as he pulled off his shirt, "I like this side of you."

"Oh?"

"Most women have always been intimidated by me."

"I'm not most women."

"No, and I'm so damn happy about that."

Stella tended to him as they settled in front of the fire again, talking about Astrid and what the future held.

"Tell me you love me again.."

Caleb smiled, "I love you."

"I will never grow tired of hearing that."

"I'll say it every second of every day then."