"What are you doing here, dear?" Nervously, I scratched my neck as I made my approach.
Asher proudly unveiled his offerings: a perfectly ripe avocado, its creamy green flesh contrasting with the rough, golden crust of a slice of whole wheat bread. "Can you feed me, mom?"
"Of course." I nodded in agreement, a warm smile on my face, and gracefully picked up the plate to offer him his favorite meal. "Has Sawyer had his dinner yet or is he still waiting for his delicious meal?"
"He's already asleep because he did what Mr. Frost told him to do!" Asher opened his mouth eagerly as I gently spooned the warm, homemade meal into his waiting mouth. His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he savored each bite, a small smile forming on his face.
"Mr. Fork?" I raised my right eyebrow, finding that name quite odd. It was a peculiar moment, as if the universe had momentarily shifted off its axis.
I heard Timothee's chuckle behind me, a light and muffled sound that hinted at him trying to suppress an outburst of laughter. "It's Frost, pumpkin. Not Fork."
"Ah, children often twist someone's name if they have trouble pronouncing it." I let out an exasperated sigh and rolled my eyes in response.
Asher chuckled at that, amused by the unexpected twist, but then he turned to Timothee with a curious expression, wondering what thoughts were brewing in his friend's mind. "Dad?"
My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest as Asher called Timothee "Dad." Simultaneously, his face turned a shade of crimson, tears forming in his eyes - was it from being deeply moved or perhaps something more? Every detail was vivid before my eyes. I could see the tender way Timothee's hand grazed Asher's cheek, the tears glistening in his eyes as he held back his own emotions. In that moment, we were a family - imperfect and flawed, but deeply connected by love and acceptance.
As I watched this scene unfold before me, it dawned on me how much our lives had changed. I realized I was genuinely selfish when I distanced myself from Timothee. It was easier to stay away and protect myself from potential heartache, but in doing so, I also missed out on the possibility of true happiness. As Asher finished his meal and gave me a satisfied smile, I knew that this was the beginning of a new conversation.
"Why are Mom and Dad never together?" Asher gazed at both of us with a puzzled expression, his furrowed brow hinting at a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, as if trying to decipher the unspoken words hanging in the air between us. "Why do we live in different houses?"
I was stunned, my heart heavy with guilt and sadness. How could I explain the complexities of adult relationships to a child? But then again, Asher was wise beyond his years. He deserved an honest answer.
Taking a deep breath, I knelt down to his level and gently took his small hands in mine.
"Sweetie," I started to speak, my heart heavy with emotions, as tears welled up, on the verge of cascading down my cheeks. "Mom and Dad adore you immensely. Even though we're no longer under the same roof, that love remains unchanged."
Asher's gaze locked with mine, silently encouraging me to press on.
"Sometimes adults have disagreements and it's best for them to spend some time apart," I continued. "But no matter what, Mom and Dad will always be your parents."
"Have you stopped loving each other? If you part ways, will you forget about us?" Asher asked, innocence written all over his face.
"Why do you think that, Asher?" Timothee crouched in front of Asher, gently touching his rosy cheek.
"A lot of my school buddies, you know, they don't have both parents around. Their parents split up and now each has a new family," Asher explained.
I rubbed my temples, feeling a little lightheaded and taken aback. This subject is quite weighty for kids as young as Asher and Sawyer. What do you say?
Just then, Asher's tender voice broke the silence. "But they're not my mom and dad like you and Dad are my parents."
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I enveloped Asher in a tight hug, comforting him with every ounce of love that filled my heart.
"No matter what happens, we will always be here"
"Everything will be fine, we are all here." I stood up and placed the plate on the table.
"But—"
"Your mom is right, dear. We are all here, we won't separate again. I promise that." Timothee squeezed Asher's hand.
"Don't promise something you can't keep, Timmy. You promised the kids." I grumbled.
"I never lie to kids," Timothee sighed softly, a hint of weariness evident in his expression as he folded his hands across his chest, gazing off into the distance lost in thought.
"I know, darling. But sometimes little lies are inevitable," I replied with a warm smile, my eyes crinkling at the corners as I conveyed my response.
Timothee nodded slowly, his thoughtful expression hinting at a deep contemplation of the situation before him, "That's true, but we should always be honest with them. But you're not honest with me, you love me, don't you?"
"Oh, come on, don't start." I grumbled. "Asher, it's bedtime - snuggle up with Sawyer now."
Asher's expression darkened, yet I gently caressed his chin. "Tomorrow marks the beginning of your training journey, my dear. Make sure to rest well tonight."
"Why do we have to train?" Asher asked, arms folded defiantly.
"Being a Lycan changes everything," Timothee whispered mysteriously.
"What does it mean?" Asher asked, intrigued.
"You'll uncover it soon, my dear," Timothee reassured, gently tousling Asher's hair. "How about a bedtime tale tonight?"
Asher beamed with joy as he nodded. Once they left the Chamber, I shook my head and cleared Asher's empty plate. But just as I was about to exit the Chamber, the glass window in the lobby exploded into pieces, and a sharp object struck my arm with a jolt.
I glimpse something wrapped in bloodstained paper. With shaking hands, I reach for it.
"If you wish to survive, bring Barbara back to us!"
I unraveled the bloodstained paper, my heart pounding in my ears, dread coiling in my stomach like a snake ready to strike.
Who's the sender? And why me?
As I turned, a pair of glowing eyes met mine, and I knew... the hunt had begun.