Riley
I clapped my hands loudly to get the kids' attention, calling out their names over the noise of the classroom.
I spotted a long wavy black hair, exactly like my own, chatting and laughing with two girls and I immediately knew she was Sierra.
"Sierra, come here!"
She looked around until her eyes fell on me, the corners of her lips immediately lifting into a smile. She muttered something to the girls who turned and waved at me. I offered them a smile and I watched as Sierra hugged the girls before walking towards me with her school bag slung on her back.
"Where are the boys?" I asked immediately she stood before me.
She grinned and wrapped her arms around me. "The football coach made Sean their team captain, and he needed to speak to his team."
I inhaled her sweet rose scent and sighed.
"You need to go call—"
My sentence was cut short when my two bundles of joy came running towards me, their loud streaks of joy drawing the other kids attention.
"Mummy is here!"
I giggled as they joined in the hug. I waved at the kids who were beaming at us, and bobbed my head up and down towards the teacher who just entered.
"How was class today?" I smiled as they released me.
Sierra chuckled. "It was fun. Everyone enjoyed your snacks including our teachers."
"I'm glad you guys had fun. Now, let's go already. Alpha Clinton is waiting outside."
The kids bade goodbye to their friends before we finally exited the classroom. Alpha Clinton had his back leaning against the the car, a bright smile appearing on his handsome face once he saw us. He spread out his arms and the kids went flying into them.
"Yah, birthday kids." He carried Sierra up, moving her from side to side as she giggled. "How was school today?"
"We had fun, our friends were all over us, gushing about how cool the snacks were and joking about us having another birthday this year." Sean offered with a roll of his eyes.
I chuckled and started to shoo them inside the car. "You can all continue in the car, it's time to leave now."
Soon we were in the car, Clinton driving us to the amusement park. That was one of the places we were taking the kids to. I had so many plans for them today, and I couldn't help but think about what their fathers would get for them if we were together. Would they take us on a vacation? Would they have bought special presents for the kids and taken us to a treat?
Oh come on Riley, quit thinking about them, I chided myself.
What they would have done would forever remain a mystery because they already lost their places in the kids' lives.
"Mummy, we are here."
Maybe they already had kids with their mates.
"Mummy!"
They might all be a happy family.
"Mummy! Can you hear us!"
I jolted back to reality, my eyes roaming around as I spotted my kids and Clinton watching me with worried expressions.
I blinked, "Yeah, I'm coming down right now." I climbed down from the car to realize we had already reached our destination.
A tiny hand clasped mine, drawing my attention. "I can tell something is wrong. Care to share, mummy?" The tenderness in Shane's eyes made my eyes water, but I blinked the tears back, shaking my head and offering him a smile.
"Mummy is fine, alright?" I leaned down and placed a wet kiss on his nose. "Now, let's go have fun."
My hold on his hand was tight, and as I looked up, I caught Clinton's gaze and I quickly averted my eyes. He could tell I was bothered and the last thing I needed was for him to try and convince me about changing my mind.
I turned my attention on Sean and Sierra, who were already staring around. I chuckled and assured my girl that I was fine before she finally believed me.
As we entered the amusement park, the kids' eyes widened with excitement. Sierra tugged at my hand, her eagerness palpable.
"Mummy, can we go on the roller coaster first?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
I glanced at Clinton, who nodded with a grin. "Sure thing, Sierra. Let's make it an adventure!"
We walked through the colorful pathways, passing by stalls selling cotton candy, popcorn, and balloons. The air was alive with laughter and the sound of thrill-seekers enjoying the rides.
Approaching the roller coaster, Sean jumped up and down, his enthusiasm contagious. "This is going to be epic!"
We boarded the coaster, the kids sandwiched between Clinton and me. As the ride climbed to its peak, Sierra squeezed my hand tightly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
The coaster plummeted down, sending us hurtling through loops and twists. The kids laughed and screamed with delight, their joy infectious. Even I couldn't help but let out a scream as we zoomed through the exhilarating ride.
After the roller coaster, we explored the park further, trying out different rides and attractions. We rode the ferris wheel, enjoying the breathtaking view from the top. We spun around on the teacup ride, giggling like children ourselves.
As the day wore on, we indulged in sweet treats and played carnival games, winning stuffed animals and prizes. The kids ran from ride to ride, their laughter echoing through the park.
As the sun began to set, we gathered near the park's fountain, watching the colorful lights dance across the water. The kids snuggled close, tired but happy, their faces glowing with contentment.
As we made our way back to the car, I couldn't help but feel grateful for moments like these, surrounded by the ones I loved. And as I glanced at Clinton, his smile warm and genuine, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together as a family.
Or so I'd thought.
A message from the pack's beta once we made it back to the pack house had my heart racing with fear.