Текст книги "Twins for the Wild Orc"

Автор книги: Michele Mills

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Текущая страница: 2 (всего у книги 7 страниц)

Chapter 2

Drew

“What?” I gasp in horror. “I’m not dropping off my babies and leaving them behind for good. Bran and Owen are mine. I’m their mother. I’m here to let Whelan know he has two sons and…and…well, I need to talk to him in private.”

The taller of the two orcs stomps forward. “My name is Urdan Overly, the head of security at this commune. And as I already explained, he isn’t here.”

“Where is he?”

“Whelan is on a hunting trip and isn’t scheduled to return until late this evening.”

I cross my arms and flash a determined glance at all three green orcs in the vicinity. I’ve never met or confronted this many orc males in my entire life, and they are certainly big and a tiny bit scary but I’m not backing down. No way. No how. “Then I will wait until he returns. I need to talk to him.”

They each stare at me in confusion, then look at each other.

“You’re not here to drop the babies off? You want to stay?”

“Yes. I’m staying.”

The head of security crosses his arms. “Did you originally leave Whelan because he tried to harm you?”

I rear back. “No, he didn’t hurt me. But he did call me his Bride and he growled and talked of kidnapping me. I was uncomfortable. That’s why I left.”

“He threatened to kidnap you and bring you to the commune?”

“No, he was half asleep, mumbling about kidnapping me. I felt unsafe hearing of his secret plans.”

“Whelan is a Wild Orc,” Rogan Overlook ways with a thoughtful look on his harsh features. “My son is not from a modern tribe. His blood runs with Overlook family traits. He’s wilder than me or any of his closest relatives. And you need to know that he’s not in his right mind at this moment after being separated from his Bride and offspring for the past year. When an orc male mates with a human female the outcome is always pregnancy. This is how it is with our species. He mated to breed you and his intention was to stay at your side so he could attend to you during pregnancy and hopefully convince you to remain with him as his Bride for the rest of your lives. But you ran away. This has happened to orcs since ancient times and the outcome is always tragic. He assumed you would never return and that it was possible you’d terminated the pregnancy.”

And now the guilt is debilitating. “Whelan knew this entire time I was pregnant?”

“Yes. You were unaware that human birth control doesn’t work on orcs?”

“No. I’ve never heard that in my life.”

“Heh, I thought that was common knowledge.”

“Yes,” Urdan nods. “I’m certain Whelan thought you knew what you were getting into. He thought you knew you were being bred.”

And now my face heats up because I can’t believe I’m having this discussion with Whelan’s dad and two other orcs who might also be his family. Embarrassing.

“When he sees you again, my son might become dangerous and unable to stop his wild instincts to roughly reclaim his Bride. You cannot stay. Leave the twins behind with us and go back to your human community and never return.”

I clench my fists. “That isn’t happening. Listen, I’m not an orc baby-making machine. I’m a person with feelings, a life and career. When I met Whelan, I wasn’t planning on marriage or kids. I mean maybe, if I found the right person, sometime in the distant future.” I wave a hand at the wooden fence of the commune… “And after I met Whelan and he growled at me and called me his Bride and spoke of how he wanted to kidnap me, I was afraid because I didn’t know if I was ready for any of this.”

I pause to gauge their reactions and find they are all staring at me in silence.

Ugh.

“I thought I was coming here today,” I continue, “to surprise him with the fact that he has sons. After a year of deep thought throughout the pregnancy and then having a hard time raising orcs alone, I knew Bran and Owen needed other orcs. And…well, I discovered I was missing Whelan too. I sometimes wonder if I left too quickly. I’m here to speak to him because I’m willing to have a do over and give this a real chance if that’s what he wants too.”

“Wait, you missed Whelan?” Rogan questions. “You are here not just to drop off the babies and leave, you want to try and become his Bride?”

I clench my jaw and give a curt nod.

“Well, that changes things.”

“He must not have entirely mistreated you?”

“No. No, like I said he was growling and said those things while half asleep. But I figured that was him admitting his plans, so I got out of here as soon as he fell asleep. But now I wonder…”

Rogan grunts, “I raised my son to not kidnap. All of us at this commune refuse to kidnap. But sometimes our baser instincts, especially in the dark of winter, get in the way. It is a constant battle, which is why the majority of us live in this remote location. You met him in the early fall so you were safe. But I can easily see him mumbling about kidnapping while asleep because he’s constantly fighting against his wild side.”

“Does this mean I can come inside the commune and wait for Whelan to return so I can speak to him?”

The third orc steps closer. “I’m Whelan’s cousin, Kelt Overholt. I also consider him my best friend. He’ll be surprised to learn he has two sons. But I’m still not sure of his ability to remain rational when he sees his Bride again. This could easily turn into a shitshow.”

Rogan’s grin turns to a frown. “Female, we understand your initial reasons for leaving Whelan. Human females have the right to decide if they want a claiming or not. At this commune we do our best to follow modern laws, despite our baser instincts. We do not kidnap human females as orcs commonly did in the ways of old. We are pleased to hear that you are not simply here to drop off your sons but want to reunite with my son. This bodes well and makes me pleased that he managed to remain calm enough and treat you well enough for you to want to return.”

“She’s lucky she didn’t meet him in the dark of winter,” Kelt snorts. “That would’ve gone bad. The locals would’ve had to call the police to take him down so no harm came to her.”

They all laugh at the joke, which I don’t find particularly funny.

“But the fact remains that Whelan is an orc and was traumatized by your actions, no matter how you felt them necessary. When you left, he slowly went mad,” Rogan explains. “He’s only recently returned to the community fires, sitting on the edge.”

I throw my hands up. “I couldn’t drop everything and let an orc I barely knew drag me off to his lair.”

“I know, female. No one says you had to. But the bottom line is that Whelan is not going to react well to your return. He might try and roughly claim you. It is our duty to keep you safe. You need to drop the babies off here at the gate and leave immediately. I know you wanted to speak to him to try and start over, but you must see that is not possible with a Wild Orc who was separated from his mate for over a year. You can live in peace amongst the humans knowing you left Bran and Owen in good care.”

“I’m not leaving without my babies!” I shout and march over and stand next to Bran’s open window. “Where they go, I go.”

Rogan shakes his head. “I say this for your own safety, female. We are experts at taking care of orc infants who are left behind. You need to leave the twins and we will alert you later if you can return.”

“And when will this be? One week from now? Six months from now? Never? No,” I repeat. “I will not be separated from my children. They are mine. I am their mother.”

A growl rumbles in Urdan’s chest. “If you stay, I cannot confirm your safety when you are alone with Whelan. He will not harm his offspring, but orcs who have been separated from their Brides in the past have been known to be overly aggressive upon their mate’s return and cause harm. Sometimes they have to be knocked out and thrown in the pit until their rage passes.”

I lift my chin. “He will not hurt me.”

“But you didn’t think that way a year ago. You left originally because you considered him unsafe.”

“I’ve already explained that I might’ve been too hasty. Also, I was unfamiliar with orc lore and culture.”

Urdan shakes his head. “I am the head of security for the compound, I say no. Female, do you see how strongly you feel about your infants and how the thought of leaving them behind causes you great distress? That was exactly how Whelan felt for the last twelve months. He’s still on edge. Again, I say no.”

“I am the leader of the Commune,” Rogan points out. “I have a say in this.”

“And I am part of Whelan’s family and his best friend,” Kelt says. “I have a say in this too.”

I cross my arms. “I am the mother and possibly Whelan’s Bride,” I say, using my fingers to create quotation marks around the word Bride, “and I’m the one most affected by this decision, so I have final say. I understand the lack of safety and what could happen, and I agree to the risk involved.”

All three of them let out snorts and then walk away to huddle out of earshot and have a private meeting. I watch as the three orcs argue amongst themselves, point at me and then at the babies, appearing very animated as they talk it out. I’m fascinated, watching the flash of their horns and their tusks. At least I know these three are thinking this through, mainly seeming to be worried about my safety, which is nice.

And they understand I’m not kidding when I say I’m not leaving without my babies.

I gaze down at my boys in amazement, stunned as they quietly sit in the backseat, kicking their little sock-covered feet, sucking at their fingers while I talk with the orcs. They aren’t crying or immediately needing to be fed. Although I am certainly ready to feed them again, my breasts feeling heavy and sore.

“How are my big guys?” I question through the open window.

Both babies quietly coo up at me, looking so freaking adorable. Even though they are so small I can easily tell them apart. Amelia, the Nanny, and the medical staff couldn’t tell them apart, but Bran has bigger horns than Owen and Owen’s cry is higher pitched.

“I love you two so much,” I whisper. “And I’m so happy I brought you here. It was the right thing, wasn’t it? You already look happier and we aren’t even inside yet. Don’t worry. We’re here with your family now and soon you’ll see your daddy too. And I’m not leaving you behind, okay? Not leaving. You’ll still have me too.”

Whelan’s father returns. “You can stay,” he announces. “I assume my son would want to speak to you before you leave. We will give him this opportunity. It’s also possible that not having the ability to speak to you would also be detrimental to his mental health. None of us approve of the risk you are taking, meeting him alone, but we will deliver the three of you to Whelan’s cabin and will leave you there to await his return. At that point the two of you can decide on your future. Know this, female, no matter what happens, these babies are staying on the commune. You can decide to stay with them here, which would be ideal. We always want human mothers and mates to remain with us, for their entire lives if they want. But if you choose to leave, you will be leaving these babies behind. As so many other females have also chosen to do since the dawn of time.”

“Where the babies go, I go,” I repeat. “I’m not leaving without them. I will not be separated from my children.”

He shrugs.

“Guards will remain in the woods around the cabin and watch you both from afar but give you privacy,” the orc head of security says. “If you need help just shout for assistance and we will take Whelan down. You understand the danger involved and still accept the risk?”

I swallow against the lump in my throat. “Yes, I do.”

“Good.”

Urdan marches over and opens the front metal gate.

I move toward the driver’s side door, readying to start the large, shiny SUV and drive it through the gate.

“Wait,” Kelt says. “Your car must be left outside in the garage. There are no cars allowed within the commune. We walk or use electric-powered utility vehicles. We will help you transport the babies to Whelan’s cabin.”

I blink, entirely surprised at this turn of events. “Sorry,” I say. “I’m from California. We drive everywhere. Even if it’s just up the street.”

Rogan and Kelt chuckle and direct me to park in an enormous metal garage I didn’t see before outside the gate, hidden behind trees. There are a few other trucks and SUVs inside, all of which look newer and in perfect working order, along with a row of smaller utility vehicles.

“These vehicles are left here for communal use,” Rogan explains. “If any of us need to leave the community to visit the nearby human settlements to shop or for Doctor appointments, or for any reason, we just check in and a car is readied.”

“Oh, that’s nice.”

I get out and pop open the back of my SUV. Then I walk around and open a side door in the back, readying to start taking out the babies.

“What is all of this?” Kelt laughs, gesturing to all the items I’ve managed to shove into the back of my large SUV.

“You have a lot of suitcases,” Rogan agrees. “And bags, and…I don’t know what most of this is.”

I take Bran out, hold him in my arms and walk over. I hand him off to Rogan, who beams with pride as he holds his grandson in his arms for the first time. Then I walk around to Owen’s side, while I explain, “I wanted to make sure the babies have all they need. There’s a double stroller and that box holds a crib. And I brought all their clothes and mine too.”

“And this?” Kelt laughs. He lifts a bag of Halloween costumes and treats that I hope haven’t melted.

“Halloween is soon and it’s my favorite holiday. I was hoping to take the babies trick or treating for the first time. Don’t you do that here?”

“No.”

“Do you at least have a Halloween party?”

They shake their heads.

“Nothing?” I put my hands on my hips. “That’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“You are funny, human,” Kelt says. “I’m going to enjoy watching you deal with Whelan. I have a feeling you are going to be a good match.”

“If Whelan doesn’t scare her away first,” Urdan growls.

Chapter 3

Drew

Urdan walks over, unplugs a vehicle, and pulls it up alongside the SUV. It looks like a large, new electric golf cart with two rows of seats up front and a bed in the back to haul large items.

I’m holding Owen. His diaper feels dry and smells fresh.

Rogan continues to stare, entranced, at Bran in his arms.

Both of my boys are calm and happy, which is a minor miracle.

The other two orcs quickly take out my heavy luggage and set it on the ground first, I suppose looking to see what we’ve got. Kelt rummages through the items I brought.

I’m strangely jovial in the company of these three orcs. My initial fear over their tall horns and snarls is long gone and I’m comfortable in their presence. It helps that they obviously love the twins, so we have much in common. Getting to know Whelan’s father, his best friend, and the head of security makes me feel closer to the orc who fathered my twins. He’s becoming less of a stranger and more like a male I can built a relationship with—which is my goal. And I also love the idea that I’ve brought the boys to their roots since I don’t have any family of my own back home—no siblings, parents, grandparents, nothing. This closeness with Bran and Owen’s family gives me the warm fuzzies.

I wander over to examine the golf cart, surprised at how high tech it looks. “This is electric?”

“You’re surprised?” Urdan answers.

“I was told that Orc Communes were…”

“Primitive?”

I nod.

“We used to be primitive, in the same way that humans used to be primitive. There are other communes farther out in the wilderness that are indeed still living in entirely ancient ways. But we are a commune on the edge of civilization and often our males eventually mate with humans and stay in human communities. But sometimes they return with their females here. And there are many unmated males here, like me, who choose to live here their whole lives, not wanting to mingle more than necessary with human communities. But we’re a commune that has added modern conveniences because we’re on the edge of the wilderness and communicate more with humans. We have direct satellite internet, solar with battery capacity, wind power and backup generators.”

“Oh, thank god.”

They chuckle and continue to unload.

I see they forgot something important, so I point out the double stroller. “Can you please pull that out? I use it all the time. It’s important. I brought that with us checked on the airplane.”

Kelt shakes his head. “Some of this furniture and supplies you won’t need.”

“I need all of this. Especially my Keurig.”

“Cure-ig? What’s that?”

“It’s the best coffee maker ever invented.”

“Wait for the rest of it until you see the cabin. Then you will know better what you need or don’t need. We can always return later to bring more from the SUV.”

“Okay,” I huff, certain we will be coming back immediately. Whelan lives in a tiny bachelor cabin in the middle of nowhere and I’ve already learned he hunts a lot. I’ll probably need to travel back to town in the next few days to purchase more supplies. I love the idea of trying to build a relationship with this orc, but I also refuse to live without my morning cups of dark roast. “Can I please have my coffee maker?”

Kelt laughs and puts my brand-new silver Keurig in the cart.

The suitcases, Halloween bags and the most important baby items and supplies are in the back. I double-check that my all-important backpack with my MacBook and tech equipment is with us too. And they bring along the box for the crib. The rest is left behind for now.

I close the SUV and lock it up. My purse is on my shoulder, and I still hold Owen in my arms. I take the back seat of the golf cart. Rogan slides in beside me, still holding Bran. Urdan takes the driver seat and Kelt sits next to him up front.

My cooing babies still seem completely content. “You know they’re never like this,” I try to explain. “The boys are deceptively cute right now. Normally Owen would be reasonably happy because he’s in my arms, but Bran would be screaming.”

“They know they’re home,” Rogan agrees. “They can scent us, and it fills their lungs and brings peace.”

The cart starts and we’re soon leaving behind the garage.

“Another reason I left behind my life in California,” I admit, “was because of all the stares and looks of horror at my green, horned babies. Most of the people in that part of the country had never seen an orc in real life before. People always tried to act as if the babies were cute, and they meant well, but it was as if my boys were darling stuffed animals and not sentient beings to be treated as equals.” Tears spring up in my eyes as I bend down to kiss Owen’s precious forehead. This is the first time I’ve been able to admit this feeling to anyone, especially to someone who I feel can truly commiserate.

Rogan’s arms tighten around Bran. “You did the right thing, coming here,” he agrees.

After a quick pause to lock up, we’re soon on the road, passing the guard station. The front gate opens again, and we drive inside along a well-kept path. I gasp with surprise because I feel like I’m driving into a nice mountain resort which isn’t at all what I expected. Cabins are far enough apart from each other, allowing each orc to live in privacy, but still have community. Everything appears rough-hewn, as if built from hand, but this makes it all quaint. There’s a large communal lodge with an enormous fire pit in a center square. “It’s beautiful,” I exclaim.

“Yes, we spend a lot of time keeping our commune up to date and in good working order.”

We drive down a wide gravel path to our left. Male orcs of all shapes and sizes, young and old, walk alongside the path, going about their daily life, sometimes yelling out greetings. It never ceases to amaze me how there are only male orcs and how they must mate with human women to procreate. A whole species that is entirely male.

Rogan’s chest puffs with pride as we drive through the community with his grandson in his arms. Orcs yell out in greeting and give me strange looks, probably wondering what I’m doing here.

A few different groups of human women, of all ages and ethnicities, turn and wave and smile at me as we pass by. It comforts me, seeing them dressed entirely “normal,” as if we were out in the regular world. They look pleased to see me. I wave at them in return, happy to see other women freely choosing to live here.

“If you decide to stay, I’m certain the females will quickly come by to greet you,” Rogan offers. “They are a tight group with deep friendships.”

I nod, loving the idea of having a group of women who also have orc husbands and children to hang out with and commiserate. It would be lovely to talk with women who are going through the exact same thing I’m going through.

Now we reach a part of the commune where the cabins seem farther apart with less people around. Tall, thin trees and greenery abound everywhere. I can’t get over how green and lush Maine is compared to California.

We turn and start on a wide path that seems to lead into the forest again. “Where are we going?”

“My son lives on the outskirts of the community. He prefers more privacy because of his wild instincts.”

I look around and notice that it’s true that there aren’t any neighbors in this section. “This area looks empty, like we’re just in the surrounding forest again. The fence is still out there?”

“Yes, it’s just too far away to see.”

“That’s a lot of fencing.”

“We’ve built it up over centuries because in old times we needed safety from human mobs. But now that Brides in this commune are here with their own consent, we are left alone.”

“Oh, that’s good… You really did kidnap women against their will and drag them off to your lair and keep them against their will?”

“Sadly, yes. Ancient Orcs considered this part of orc culture and the only way to mate. Humans and orcs used to never communicate except through warfare. The kidnapping often turned violent with many humans killed during kidnappings, especially in the dark of winter, and the female traumatized. In the past, no one ever thought human females would freely want to remain with an orc and it was considered the way to find a mate. But that hasn’t happened within this commune in centuries. We have changed our ways and you are safe here. Remember, the three of us didn’t want you to stay. You are here of your own free will, accepting the risk.”

I nod in agreement.

“But we will still do our best to keep you safe,” Urdan shouts from up front.

And then he parks in front of a cabin that stands all by itself and I’m pleasantly surprised. I’d been expecting something one step above a lean-to or an older RV and instead it’s a small log home with large glass windows and an expansive porch. It’s almost nicer than any of the other cabins in the center of the community.

“Wow, this is nice,” I comment.

“It should be,” Kelt grunts. “He’s been fixing his cabin up for you since the moment he returned from his mission in Bangor.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really, female.”

All three orcs exit the vehicle. Urdan strides forward, up the front steps, onto the porch and boldly opens the front door without knocking or using a key.

Oh wow.

I follow behind the orcs and step inside behind them, still amazed at how much I like this little cabin. I spin circles with Bran in my arms. There’s a little kitchen with an actual oven and stovetop and even a small fridge. The chairs and couches look bigger than normal for huge orc bodies. The ceilings are tall I’m sure to accommodate their horns. But everything is very tidy, and the cabin smells good. I see the perfect spot to set up my coffee maker. In the front living space is a new-looking flat screen TV. “Oh my gosh, I can watch Netflix here?”

“Yes,” Kelt laughs.

I stride down the short hallway because I’m nosy. And that’s when I see the nursery. I walk in. There’s a crib and a changing table and…and… Tears instantly form behind my eyes. I stumble into the room and wander around, more tears falling. “Did he build this crib?”

“Yes, with his own hands. It’s an orc tradition.”

It hits me hard then that Whelan Overlook really did know the whole time I was pregnant, and he wanted his babies as much as I did. And I kept them from him on the other side of the country. I sit down heavily in a rocker in the corner. I look down at Bran’s precious green features, reminding myself that they are only three months old.

I can fix this.

Whelan can have all the time he wants, being with them, giving them bottles, getting them washed and dressed and changing their diapers and holding them in his arms. He wasn’t able to be there to watch me carry them or for their birth, but he can still be with them now, when they are still small. And he’ll have his sons by his side always to watch their growth for the rest of their lives.

Rogan stands patiently beside me, holding Owen, his other hand on my shoulder as I cry. “My son did a good job with this nursery,” he comments. “The only problem is that Whelan thought you were carrying one child. He didn’t account for twins.”

I use the back of my hand to swipe at my tears. “Good thing I brought along that crib. We will really need it.”

“Yes, we will.”

Kelt and Urdan unload the cart. Then they put together the extra crib and push it right next to the other one. The rest of my luggage and everything else we brought is placed in the front room. I place Bran in a bouncer so I can walk around, set up my Keurig and start moving luggage to the correct spaces and unpacking supplies.

“Are you sure you want to do that so soon? Maybe you should wait to fully unpack until you meet again with Whelan?” Kelt questions.

“Nope,” I insist. “I will start as I plan to go forward.”

He chuckles and leaves me alone.

The sun starts to set outside, leaving shadows and beams of golden light. “Kelt and I leaving,” Urdan finally announces. “There’s much for us to ready prior to Whelan’s arrival. Don’t forget that this whole night there will be many of us hiding outside, ready to take him down if he turns feral.”

I fish out two bags of Halloween treats and give one to each orc. “Thank you for all your help today. I really appreciate you putting together the crib.” I give Urban and Kelt each a big hug. They duck their heads because I suspect they are blushing. Finally, the two orcs drive away in the utility cart.

Rogan stays behind with me for another hour. I suspect it’s because he wants to make sure I’m a good mother before he leaves me alone with the babies in Whelan’s cabin. I should be angry at this lack of trust, but instead I admire the fact that he’s looking out for his grandsons.

We sit on opposite couches and I relax, with a blanket over my torso, nursing the twins while we chat. My breasts are heavy and I’m happy to be able to feed them. Maybe I’ll be able to start giving them that extra milk I always pump and bottle, just in case. I express enough breast milk for these two to feed an army, that’s another reason why I feel they haven’t been thriving, because they’ve been rejecting all the extra milk I produce.

I realize I feel comfortable around this huge orc because he looks very much like his son and therefore my babies look like him too. He hands me a glass of water and makes me a turkey and cheese sandwich which is surprisingly tasty, and I gladly eat every bite.

“Is Whelan’s mother here too?” I suddenly question.

“No,” Rogan answers gruffly. “Whelan’s mother came with me to the commune after she discovered she was pregnant in order hide her pregnancy from the prying eyes of the wider world, but she left the both of us soon after she recovered from his birth. She wanted nothing to do with this lifestyle or raising an orc son. She was embarrassed of us. As far as I know she went back to her normal life, never telling anyone about me or our son.”

“Oh no. I’m so sorry.”

“The good news is that I was lucky enough to meet a second Bride whom I love and who loves me in return. Miranda chose to live here with me. She enjoys our life on the commune.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful. Does Whelan have a brother?”

“Yes, my younger son, Even, is only eleven years old.”

“I’d like to meet her and your other son.”

“If you choose to stay after meeting again with Whelan, I will bring them over.”

Fair enough.

After both the boys are fed and burped, Rogan and I both stand and head with them to the nursery. He helps me change their diapers, then he places a sleepy Bran down in his crib. I place Owen in the opposite crib. Both of them are bundled and propped for sleep.

He looks down at his grandsons with love shining in his dark eyes. “Thank you for this,” he rasps.

Then he strides out of the nursery and heads for the front door of the cabin. He pauses in the dark doorway. “Whatever you do, don’t run,” Rogan tells me. “Whelan might scare you at first with his aggression, but if you run it will simply reignite his need to chase and he will instantly devolve into ancient instincts. Remain still and let him scent you. Let him bury his nose in your hair and your neck and let him get his fill. This will be your best bet for keeping him calm and reasonable. And remember, he would never hurt my grandsons. Orcs do not harm their sons, or any other orc children. It is not within our species. We have so few offspring that each orc child is treated with care and attention.”

And then the door shuts and I’m alone with the babies.

I grin and rush to the primary bedroom and click on a light, ready to snoop. There is indeed only one small hall bathroom in the cabin. This room has no attached bath or closet but there’s a dresser. I already checked out the hall bathroom earlier, placing my items alongside Whelan’s next to the sink and in the shower. This was nice. It felt right.

I’ve never in my life had a live-in boyfriend. There were a few boyfriends who were serious, but we never got to the point of moving in together or speaking of marriage.

I pull my suitcase in from the hallway and start fully unpacking. I didn’t bring a carry on—this is a big suitcase that I checked along with the double stroller. I managed to fit all my toiletries, shoes and the clothes I wear the most for fall and winter.