While Gaia rested, the rest of the gods and Titans watched over the sleeping wolves. They all slept peacefully and did not seem to feel anything as the changes occurred in their bodies. After ensuring everyone was handling the deep sleep with no adverse reactions, Zeus and everyone else waited in the pack library for Gaia to return. Crius was curious about the mated wolves and how they were handling the deep sleep and being parted from each other for so long.
Cronos guessed, "I would say that mother thought of the bond and did not want to cause them any pain or damage to the bond. She probably did something to make it so they felt the bond with each other as they slept.
Rhea asked, "Do any of you know what changes they are going through? Will they look different when they awake?"
Zeus was the one to give her answer, "Gaia has not said exactly what type of changes are happening to them. I would think they will still look like themselves. Whatever the change is, I think it has something to do with the wolf side."
"She is not taking their wolves, is she?" Hera inquired worriedly.
"No, sweetheart. Gaia would not do something like that. I believe she has done something to strengthen their wolves." Zeus calmed her with his answer and the circles he rubbed on her back, and they waited.
Crius growled low as he spoke again, "Why was my son not allowed to choose like the angels?"
Cronos looked at his brother to let him know he needed to control his feelings: "Brother, Kane is mated to a white wolf and is half-wolf himself. He needs to be part of the prophecy to protect the last of the white wolves from those who want them for their nefarious plans."
Crius just stared at his brother for a few moments before finally nodding his head. Still, he did not like not knowing what was being done to his son and how it would affect his titan genes. He would watch how his son reacts when he awakes and find out what the changes are.
Gaia appeared, saying, "My boy, I would not harm any of my grandchildren or children. This prophecy is the best thing to happen to this species and its creators. You shall see." Sitting on a lounge chair in the reading area, she instructed Zeus, "I have decided I will speak with the witches first." Zeus gave a slight nod, and Demon went to fetch the witches. "Grandmother, will you speak with Demon?" Zeus questioned.
Gaia smiled and rubbed her pregnant belly as she considered the question and then answered, "Yes. Demon deserves to have a chance at a life he wants."
"What about Hades? He will not let the Demon go that easily." Theia said.
Gaia waved her hand at them to let them know she was not worried about Hades and his wants or feelings. The Demon was born as such. He had not lived a terrible life as a wolf or human and was sent to live in the underworld. Living there serving the punishment given for the wrongs committed turned one into a horrible, grotesque version of themselves. A demon. Those demons were disgusting and vicious. They did not understand why they were being punished and constantly tried to escape the underworld. Hades ensured the punishment those sent to him for eternity fit the crimes committed while they lived. He had no mercy for any of them. Gaia often wondered what he was like when he was with Lucifer's mother. He had kept Demeter locked away from everyone. When he came along, he did not care to share her with anyone, including his son. They constantly battled over the boy, and finally, she asked for sanctuary for herself and her son on Mt Olympus. The only person who sees her is Lucifer. She allows no one else to visit her; they have all tried.
Finally, Demon returned with the three witches in tow. The women looked around at the gods and goddesses; the three went to Cronos' side. He smiled at them, letting them know everything was alright and they had nothing to fear. Evelynn sat beside her mate and waved hello to Rhea, the ex. Rhea smiled and waved back. Rose stood with Gammy on the other side of Cronos. Gammy took a deep breath and announced, "Great mother, we thank you for thinking of us and wanting to give us a choice in what is happening. We have discussed this thoroughly and decided not to be part of the changes taking place in the others. My daughters are powerful witches, and we do not know how their powers would be affected. My Evelynn is mated to a god, and my Roselynn is mated to a wolf. They are happy with their lives, and we wish to help with what is happening but remain as we are."
Gaia nodded, "What of young Leo?"
Cronos took up the reigns, answering, "Mother, I wish for Leo to remain as he is. With my blood running through his veins and Evelynn's blood enhancing his powers, he will be the greatest warlock ever."
Gaia understood their reasoning and imparted, "I agree with everything you say except I will make one change to all of you. You will not have to be put into deep sleep for this change. I will grant you all a long life, meaning you will live as long as your mate does. If something should happen to either mate, the other will cease to exist."
The women gasped, hearing what they had been granted. They would live as long as their mate. Their mates would not have to watch them die of old age and live on without them, just as they would not have to live without their mates. Gammy gave a huge grin and exclaimed, "Do you think you could put a word into the moon goddess about a second chance mate for me?" Everyone chuckled, and Gaia smirked, "Done Gammy." Gammy beamed at them and took her daughter's hand to leave. Cronos excused himself to walk the women back to their rooms.
"Well, that was easy," Hera exclaimed.
"I believe the next one will be just as easy." Gaia confided. She turned to Zeus, who was already in conversation with Sir Demon. Demon left to fetch the next person, and Zeus returned to his seat on the floor beside Hera. A few moments later, Sir Demon entered the library again with Bob, the vampire at his side. Gaia smiled at the vampire and greeted him, "Come in and have a seat, Bob. Please forgive me for not getting up. I am heavy with this life, and it is hard to stand and sit again."
Sitting across from Gaia, Bob responded with a broad grin, " No worries, my lady. It is a pleasure to witness the growth of life. It is something I will never experience. It was taken from me when I was turned. If you know what I mean, ma'am, I cannot feel and experience those emotions and bodily functions."
Gaia understood precisely what he was telling her. As a vampire, Bob could not procreate because he was no longer able to function sexually. Vampires were made, not born, and they could not turn a minor. It was against vampire law. Gaia was curious to see if these issues would play into Bob's decision tonight.
"I understand, Bob, and I have something to discuss with you. As you know I have put these wolves of Night Whispers pack into a deep sleep. I have done this because the prophecy is being fulfilled, and changes are happening to their bodies." she paused to let what she had said sink in. Bob sat watching her and glancing at everyone else in the room. He wondered what she wanted to discuss with him. He could not do anything to help; he was a vampire still learning how to be who he was. But he was curious to see what she had to say. After giving him a few more minutes, Gaia began again, "Bob, I would like to know if you would like to become a werewolf and go through the changes as the others are. I have the power to do this for you."
Bob was shocked at what she had just asked him and could not believe his ears. "I would be living and breathing? I would be warm and have a heartbeat?"
Gaia nodded her head yes and waited for him to think things through. He closed his eyes briefly, thinking about what had brought him to where he was now. He had come to this pack looking for sanctuary and found much more. He had found competence and a family. He knew there were others like him, confused with no one to teach them the way, no one to show them compassion and understanding. He lived now, just in a different way, and he wanted to help those like him. Those careless vampires did not stick around to help them understand what they had become. He looked back at Gaia and addressed her in his quiet way, " Ma'am, I am honored that you would offer me something so monumental. However, I regret that I must decline your offer."
Hyperion whispered to his mate, "I did not see that coming." Theia shushed him so she could hear what else would be said.
Gaia smiled knowingly at the young vampire and declared, "Then you will remain the vampire you are with some minor adjustments that only you may pass on to your mate and children. I will grant you the functions of your body. You will also be able to have children with your consort or mate. Your mate will be granted the same when you find her, and you will begin a new vampire race. You and your family will live in the light and be able to eat food. However, you will still need blood to remain strong."
Bob could not believe what he was hearing. How could he be this lucky? He owed these people his life and would remain with them until he could no longer walk this earth. This made him think of another question: "My lady Gaia, would there be a way I can be killed or die?"
Gaia leaned forward and took his hand in hers while telling him, "Everyone dies someday, Bob. So, of course, you will end too someday. You can be killed by a stab to your heart, decapitation, and so on. You will live for many centuries, and so will those you call family. You all have much to accomplish, which will take many centuries."
"That is fine, my lady. I did not want to live forever," he told her. He continued, "I am your service as well as the alphas and lunas. This is my home, and they are my family now. Please let me help with watching over them while they sleep."
She nodded and told him he could go. Gaia told him about the monitoring room, where he could watch over them all. Bob kissed her cheek and followed Demon to the room she spoke of.
Gaia yawned and announced she was returning home and would have the last meeting in the morning.