Riley
I followed the direction of the voice to find my little bundle of joy with her tiny hands planted on top of her hips, her body slightly bent as she yelled our names.
"What's the matter, hun?" I made my way to her and cupped her cheeks, enjoying her little pout as she slipped her lower lip in between her teeth.
"You and Alpha Clinton were taking too much time. The boys and I are waiting for the surprise." She whined, obviously displeased.
Before I could reply, Clinton beat me to it. "My princess, your mom and I had a little impromptu business to sort out. Now where is my lively little girl?" He tugged on her cheeks, feeling the softness of her skin in his hand.
She giggled and moved a step away from him. "Your princess is here but we have to go now." With that she turned on her heels and ran back into the house.
I took a step after her but Clinton's hand on my shoulder stopped me. Heart racing, I paused, waiting to hear what he'd say.
"What are you going to do about that text?" His eyes searched my face, and I shook my head, drawing away from him.
"Not now, the children need us."
I didn't wait for him and went in. I found the kids waiting patiently in the living room upstairs. Shane was sprawled on the sofa, his left feet on top of his other leg while Sean just perched on the sofa. Sierra was the only one who was standing.
"I know you kids must be very tired," I began, but Sean and Sierra's loud shout cut me short.
"Mummy, we thought you were planning a party for us."
"No, mummy has a lot on her plate for a party this year. But I promise to make it up to you." The frown on their faces slowly disappeared. I went upstairs and returned with their gifts. I got Sean the new bicycle he wanted, Shane lots of novels and a guitar. My boy loves to play and sing. Lastly, I bought Sierra lots of pretty dresses and a mobile phone for the three of them. The last one came to mind because I would be traveling without them, so they could call me anytime they missed me. The kids were happy with their gifts and I had already forgotten about Alex's present for them when he called to wish them a happy birthday. I ran back to my room with his gift bag in my hand. He got them each pair of shoes, the boys lots of children toys and a very beautiful Barbie gown for Sierra.
The day easily passed with the kids cutting their cakes, and I distributed some to the pack members who were already waiting for their share. We have done that every year since the kids were born.
After dinner, we spent some quality time with the kids. All through our discussion and laughter, I could feel Clinton's hot stare on me. I turned and saw the questions in his eyes. Soon, I passed the message through our mind link.
Like we promised the kids the previous day, I allowed them to stay up late until I saw them becoming sleepy. Even I was tired and I couldn't be happier for the break, and longed for the comfort of a bed.
"Stop sleeping kids," I called gently, tapping them to bring them back to reality. "Mummy wants to have a word with you."
That seemed to have done its magic because they opened their eyes and yawned. I chuckled and I turned around to find Clinton sitting on the arm chair, close enough to offer support and yet far enough to give me some privacy.
"Mummy, is anything wrong?" Sean asked, batting his eyelashes.
I shook my head. "No, mummy is fine." I pause, not knowing how to go about this. All the words I memorized completely vanished. My mind felt blank and heat coursed through me even though the air conditioner was on. I heard Clinton shift and I didn't protest when he placed a hand on my shoulder. I relaxed, sending how grateful I was through the mind link.
'Breathe in. Hey, it's going to be alright. You'll be good and so will the kids.' Clinton comforted me through the mind link.
'You sure? I'm scared, what if this breaks them?'
'Nah, it won't. Just let it out already.'
I nodded, shutting my eyes and taking a deep breath. When I opened them, the kids had their attention on me, waiting patiently to hear what I'd say.
"Listen kids, mummy loves you okay? I, mummy will be transferring for now tomorrow and I need you to be on your best. Don't trouble your alpha a lot, and always talk to you if you need anything. Or you can call me."
My speech was met with silence. Shane's eyes widened but kept quiet and searched my face. Sean on the other hand wasn't too accepting, he was on his feet in an instant, walking towards me and standing in front of me. Sierra on the other hand, her mouth hung up in shock.
"Mummy, where are you leaving us?" My little soldier demanded, his face tipped in a frown.