Chapter 13
Ethan stepped over the lifeless man’s body and exited the small, foul–smelling room. He settled into the back seat of his car, closing his eyes briefly. As the engine roared to life, he let out a sigh, relaxing into the seat as the car pulled away. His destination: the hangar where his private jet awaited. His corporation had expanded significantly, and his pack thrived; everything seemed perfect. In the country, Ethan Roberts was a formidable force, feared by many, but within himself, he harbored an unexplainable sadness, an emptiness.
Another sigh escaped his lips as the car came to a halt, and he stepped out into the crisp cold air. “Everything’s ready, boss,” someone said.
1
Ethan’s focus was on acquiring a new company, a top priority was transferring it to his country. He was leaving for a meeting with experts to finalize the purchase when his phone vibrated, displaying Bella’s name. “Bella,” he answered softly.
“Where are you?” she thundered, her annoyance evident. Ethan sighed, “Christopher just died. I don’t think throwing a party is suitable, wasn’t in the mood for one. Something came up. Am leaving the country.”
Bella’s frustration was palpable, “What was I supposed to do? With several dignitaries présent, I couldn’t just cancel on them because a pack member of a clan they know nothing about died! You know how important tonight is to me. Don’t you?”
Ethan sighed deeply, “We’re taking off in a while. I’ll call you once I land.”
“Really, Ethan?,” she replied from the other end.
“Fine!” She yelled into the phone, and the line went dead. Bella, now Bella Roberts, clutched the phone tightly, vibrating with anger. She was the wife of renowned Ethan Roberts, part of the Los Angeles power couple. Dressed in an elegant black dinner gown, she looked every bit the important, untouchable woman. This wasn’t the first time Ethan had left her hanging, but she was determined not to let him ruin her night. She had guests to attend to, and she sauntered down the steps of their lavish mansion.
“James,” she called to the butler, “The Alpha won’t be coming home. Don’t bother with the spare suit.” She walked away, heading for the expensive sleek car.
“Thank you,” she told James as he assisted her into the car. “You know, ma’am, the Alpha isn’t avoiding you. He’s just really busy. Don’t let this ruin your night. Enjoy your night, ma’am,” he said with a bow.
Bella nodded, settling into the car. “Drive,” she instructed.
****
“Let’s watch Buttercup Princess,” Daisy demanded, her eyes fixed on the TV. “Nooo, let’s watch Paw Patrol instead,” Liam suggested, crossing his arms defiantly.
Hazel’s children were embroiled in a morning argument. From the kitchen, Hazel glanced at them, a small smile playing on her lips. Daisy’s fever had reduced, and she was now better, having been discharged from the hospital. The delightful scent of breakfast wafted through the air, enveloping the family in its warmth. As a family of three, they had settled into their morning routine. The kids squabbled over which TV show to watch, a familiar morning ritual.
Hazel chose not to intervene, confident that they would eventually reach an agreement on their own. The bickering continued unabated.
12:10
“Fine, I’ll go help Mama in the kitchen. You watch for now, but once I’m back, I’m in charge of the remote. Okay?” Daisy declared in a bossy tone, stomping off to the kitchen.
“Are you making pancakes?” Daisy asked, her voice sweet and innocent.
“Yes, pebble,” Hazel replied, using the endearing nickname she had given her daughter due to her obsession with pebbles and her small, pebble–like nose. Daisy settled into one of the kitchen chairs, her eyes fixed on her mother’s culinary skills.
Liam walked in moments later, abandoning the TV. “Come back. We’ll watch Buttercup Princess,” he conceded, a small frown on his face. Watching TV shows with Daisy was one of his favorite activities.
Daisy nodded in agreement. “Ok,” she agreed.
“Mama, dough,” Liam demanded with a slight pout. Both kids loved to sneak bites of the dough from whatever Hazel was baking.
Hazel emptied the bowl and handed the spatula to Daisy, while Liam eagerly accepted the dough–filled bowl. The kids savored every bite.
“Mom,” Liam called between mouthfuls, “When we go to our new home, do I have to go to school there?”
“Of course, Hun. You have to go to kindergarten,” Hazel affirmed.
“Oh noooo,” he whined, sulking. “I don’t like kindergarten. It’s boring,” he declared, his eyes lighting up with hope. “I’ll stay at the hospital with Daisy.”
Liam disliked school, a sentiment not shared by his sister, who loved going to school.
Hazel leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. “Why don’t you like school?” she asked, attentive to his feelings.
“They all smell weird,” Liam replied soulfully, his sensitive werewolf nose making the experience less pleasant for him.
“Mom, do I get to say goodbye to Miss Mary?” Daisy inquired, her eyes filled with curiosity.
“Of course, sweetie. We’ll go to school tomorrow one last time so you can say goodbye to your friends,” Hazel replied with a reassuring smile.
“I don’t wanna leave,” Daisy said, her voice tinged with sadness.
“Mom, do I also have a dad?” Liam asked, his gaze thoughtful as he turned to Hazel.
Hazel’s attention shifted immediately to Liam, surprised by the unexpected question. “What?” she responded, her focus solely on her son.
“All the kids here, all my friends have a dad. But I don’t,” Liam explained, a hint of sadness in his voice.
Hazel gazed at Liam, realizing that the time had come for them to start asking about their father. “We have a dad. Don’t we, Mom? That’s why we’re moving; we’re going to meet Dad!” Daisy declared confidently.
Hazel was taken aback. “What? Who told you that?” she asked in a panicked tone.
“Well, I heard you tell Aunt Chloe that our dad is also there. And that you wouldn’t want to meet him,” Daisy explained further.
“Really?” Liam inquired.
Hazel tried to clarify the situation. “No, and Daisy, you shouldn’t be listening to grown–ups talk. You don’t have a dad. He’s not part of our lives.”
12:40
“Is Noah our dad?” Liam asked, referring to the man who had been a consistent presence in their lives, even after they had moved away.
“No, but he does love you guys. Your father… He…” Hazel paused, struggling to find the right
words.
She sighed heavily and decided to be honest with them. “Listen, my little ones, your dad is no longer with us. It’s just Mommy you have. Don’t you love Mommy anymore?” Hazel pouted and made a dramatic sad face.
“No! We love Mommy,” Daisy yelled, running to give her mother a hug.
“And I love you. You have me, Aunt Chloe, and Big Noah. And we love you very
“Is Noah in Los Angelos?” Liam asked”
“Los Angeles, not Angelos honey.” Hazelgently corrected
“And
yes,
he’s there. You’ll get to be with him,” Hazel assured them.
“Yay!” The twins cheered, dancing about happily.
much.”
Hazel watched her children with a mixture of pride and sadness. “But I’m gonna miss Tony and Mable and Christy,” Daisy suddenly realized, listing off her friends.
“Buy it’s for the best, sweetheart. Mama got a promotion, and also, we can finally have Daisy’s surgery,” Hazel encouraged.
Daisy fell silent, and then a look of fear washed over her. “The doctors are gonna cut me up,” she sobbed. “Are they gonna be more women like Amanda? With her white coat and injections?”
Hazel nodded, understanding Daisy’s description of a nurse at the hospital. She cradled her daughter in her arms. “Oh honey,” she murmured soothingly. “You’ll get all better, and afterward, you can go to school with Liam, play, go swimming–everything you love. Having surgery will make you better, and it won’t even hurt a bit. Mommy will be with you. every step of the way.”
Little Daisy wiped her eyes and looked up at her mother with puppy eyes.
“Really?” She asked hopefully.
“Yes. My little pebble.” Hazel replied squeezing her chubby cheeks.
“And Daddy Noah?” Daisy asked further her voice filled with curiosity and innocence. Hazel’s heart melted at her daughter’s cuteness.
“Yes, and Noah,” Hazel replied with a warm smile, leaning in to plant a gentle kiss on Daisy’s forehead.
“Now, kids, it’s getting late. Let’s eat,” Hazel announced a few moments later as they settled around the dining table.
“I wanna eat in front of the TV,” Liam demanded, his eyes filled with anticipation. “Okay, boss,” Hazel teased, playfully saluting her son. She quickly arranged a small table in front of the TV for the kids, allowing them to indulge in their favorite TV show during breakfast.
“Don’t worry, Daisy. I’ll hold your hand when you get the booboos, so it doesn’t hurt anymore,” Liam assured his sister between bites of food.
Daisy looked at him, her eyes filled with gratitude, and she gave him a heartwarming smile. The bond between the siblings was undeniable,
Hazel gazed at her children, her heart swelling with love. Life at this moment felt perfect, but beneath the surface, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of anxiety. In just a couple of months, Daisy’s life would undergo a significant change. The thought of her child not making it through the upcoming surgery crossed her mind, but she quickly pushed it away, reminding herself to stay positive.
“Positive thoughts, Hazel,” she whispered to herself, taking deep, calming breaths as she tried to banish her worries.
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