RILEY
➶
"Let's discuss things properly tomorrow after I manage to squeeze out time since its the kids' birthday." I said, changing into a black knicker and yellow top. He hummed in agreement. "I will hang up then."
I ended the call and made my way into the kitchen where Miss Gomez was already making preparations for dinner. She was old but didn't like us thinking she was, always reminding us about how strong she was. She had helped raise Clinton even when his mother was alive, and since I came to this pack she had taken up the duty of taking care of me until the children came along and it became her job. She took care of her like they were hers. Bless her.
"Greetings Miss Gomez." I said, walking towards her.
She turned and offered me a warm smile.
"Greetings dear, how was your day at work?" Her eyes were warm and filled with love and care.
I smiled, nodding. "It was tiring as usual but I'm good." My eyes swept over the beef, onion, tomatoes and other food stuffs before turning to look at her. "I actually planned on making tonight's dinner." I offered, pointing at the pot and foodstuffs.
Miss Gomez frowned. "But you had a tiring day at work today. Why don't you rest then eat when dinner is ready?"
I shook my head in refusal. "Actually, I want to cook for my children. I promised them their favorite dishes for dinner, and I'm never tired to the point not to cook for my kids."
"Alright, if you say so." She resigned. "But I already had the yam sliced. What should I do about it?"
I waved a hand, "Do your thing. Clinton and I will eat what you prepare while the kids will eat mine."
Soon dinner was ready. I prepared spaghetti for the kids just the way they liked it. Stir fried with lots of beef and hot dogs, chicken and enough pepper.
By the time dinner was over, I cleared the plates and returned to the sitting room. Sierra's head was resting on Alpha Clinton's shoulder, the rest of her body laying on the seat.
I had been wondering how to tell the kids that I was going to leave them for some time but nothing came to mind. My mind was as blank as a sheet of paper. Heaving a sigh, I went to sit beside my handsome Shane who tilted his head to look at me—making me gasp because it was the most prettiest damn thing I'd ever seen in a long while.
Wrapping an arm around his shoulder, I brought him closer. "How are you, hun?"
His smile widened. "I'm good mummy. But how about you?" He eyed me curiously. "I knew the moment you came home that you weren't okay. What's wrong?"
I shook my head, not wanting to worry him. He had always been the curious one amongst his siblings and the most reserved as well.
"I will tell you and your siblings tomorrow, alright?"
"Alright, mummy."
"So," I began, facing Shane and then Sierra, "It's your birthday tomorrow and I will come over to your school to pick you up early, that's after celebrating with your friends."
Sierra turned to meet my eye, "Does that mean we'll all be going out tomorrow like we requested?" Happiness laced her voice.
I did a little roll of the eyes then nodded.
"Yes, we'll be taking you out tomorrow. It's gonna be fun." I grinned.
She was fast on her feet, jumping into my arms with a squeak. "Thanks so much mummy." She peppered kisses on my face. "I love you so much."
Overwhelmed, I hugged her tight. "I love you more, love."
We talked more about tomorrow's plan. I told them to get all their things ready by 12 in the afternoon tomorrow, that Alpha Clinton and I would be picking them up. Sean wanted to know where, but Clinton said no, that it was a surprise and that got his mouth clamped shut. Then I went over their homework with them, loving the way Shane did all his work without help and doing it well. Sean was as brilliant as he was but Shane's IQ was higher. Their sister however took time in understanding some things, especially when it came to math. But she was good at learning languages and she was already fluent in 7 different languages which of course weren't taught at school. My daughter loved to learn all these on her own, especially Korean language because she was a big fan of the BTS members.
When all school work was done and the kids were ready to go to bed, my eyes caught Clinton's own. We both nod, confirming that I needed to tell the children about my leaving them soon even though it was for a while.
Tomorrow, I said through the mind-link we share. I don't want them to be sad when tomorrow is their birthday.
They will be sad you hid it from them, he reminded. Anyways, I understand and I will be there to make things easier.
I passed how grateful I was through the bond, and letting him know that he was the best. A beautiful smile cracked across his face at that.
Checking the time on the clock that hung on the wall, I gasped noting it was 9:30.
I turned to the kids. "Kids, it's time to go to bed. You need to be up early in the morning, so quickly get up and let's go."
"But no one's feeling sleepy yet." Sierra pouted, turning to Alpha Clinton who raised his hands up.
"Your mom's right and I can't help you hun." I could see how hard it was for him to deny her. "But we can make an exception for that tomorrow." He winked at her.
Sierra's eyes widened, "Do you really mean we can get to stay up tomorrow night?" She said eagerly.
Clinton nodded twice. "Yeah, as one of your birthday treats. And your mom wouldn't say no."
"Yaaah," she flung herself into his arms, making the man who was enjoying himself laugh. "Thank you so much Uncle Clinton. You are the best."
I clapped to get their attention.
"Now if you are done," I got up, extending a hand to Shane who accepted it with a smile, "Then do well to get up, let's head over to your room."
She let go of him and instead dashed ahead of us, shouting over how good and caring the alpha was. Sean however gathered all their books, putting them in each respective hangs, and juggling ahead of us.
Soon they were all tucked beneath their duvet, ready for what I call a family prayer. After I was done with prayer, I kissed them all good night but Sean held onto my hand, refusing to let go.
"Sleep with us tonight mom," he pleaded.
Sierra nodded. "Yes mom. I feel like things are going to change. I can't tell what it is, but I know soon there are going to be changes. So can you sleep with us for the night?"
My heart was racing faster than ever. I could see they felt something was wrong and I so much wanted to tell them the truth right now but I knew it was going to affect their big day tomorrow, so I swallowed down my words, shaking my head and offering a smile.
"Alright kids, mom's gonna sleep with you tonight." I saw a smile spread across Sean's face before it disappeared into a frown.
"What's wrong, love?"
He shrugged. "Nothing mom."
I wanted to question him more so that he could tell me the truth, but even I knew when to hold it in.
Sierra patted to the space between her and Shane, and I laid between them and soon fell asleep after I heard them dozing off.