Chapter 13

I pulled into the parking spot that was available right out front. I loved the fall, there were leaves of all colors blowing in the streets. The breeze today was chilly, there is a cold front that is moving through towards the end of the week. I made a mental note to speak with Kilian and Lex about the wolves at the camp, they shouldn’t need to suffer any more than necessary.

          Kristen was smiling wide when I walked in. “Good Morning Astrid!” She hugged me tight. “Your… relative…. Arrived a few minuets ago, he is at opposite corner by the window this morning.” Took a step back and started to head in his direction. “Sylvi asked me to help out this week with the new baby! I am so excited I could burst. I wonder if she will let me babysit! I swear if I didn’t want to travel and see the world I would already be settled down on another baby.” She laughed at the end.

          “Well I for one am glad you are taking your time. Enjoy yourself for a little and experience life, I didn’t get a chance to do that and I really want it for you.” I gave her my warm smile as I sat at the table. She nodded her head and headed to clear a table that was just vacated.

          “Good Morning, how has your visit been?” I asked facing my non-relative.

          “You are as beautiful as the full moon,” He took my hand and kissed it. I stopped my recoil. “My visit was and experience. But I am ready to move on.” He said confusing me.

          “I hope we will get to see you before you head back out of the county?” I questioned as the server set my coffee down.

          “Of course, nothing will keep me away for long.” It sounded like a threat with a hint of flirtation in his voice.

          We both ordered our food and made idle conversation. Sylvi approached me with Mason and an overflowing bag. She apologized to Joseph multiple times for interrupting our breakfast. I was glad to have the little guy as a distraction even though he fell asleep in his car seat moments after she walked away.

Joseph asked about my youth and experiences growing up. He told me a story about his mother in Norway. To be honest, I didn’t sense any truth in any of it. The food was out by the end of our conversation and we ate in silence. Mason stirred at one point but stayed sleeping.

After I finished eating, I wrote down a couple addresses from distant relatives on my mother’s side of the family. I hadn’t spoken to them in a while, but I figured that would make him believe I was following his story. I would send an email after warning them of his call or appearance. I wanted to know if he showed up anywhere else I could track.

We stood together as he was leaving, and he kissed me on each cheek before saying he would make sure to send a message with dates when he would return. I offered to possibly let him stay with us if we had the room. Secretly hoping I would have warning next time he showed up.

          Sylvi came over to the table and sat down on the other side. She was staring at her new son with pure happiness in her eyes. I took a moment to appreciate the life she was entrusted with.      

          “He really is the best you know.” I said meeting her eyes. “You are already a better mom than I ever had.”

          “Words cannot express how grateful I am the goddess gave me this chance.” She replied.

          “He is getting hungry.” She stated as she pulled the bag to her lap. She set the bottle, formula container, and water bottle onto the table. “Do you remember how this works?” She said with a grin.

          “Are you kidding me? It’s like riding a bicycle.” I laughed as I took the various objects and made the bottle. “I know you just got him and all, but if you want I can take him back to the house with me for a few hours so you can get some work done. I wouldn’t mind getting to know my god-son’s personality a little more.”

          I took the bottle and placed it to Mason’s mouth before he started sucking hungrily. This boy was already big for being only 4 months old, eating will not be a problem.

          “Really? That would be amazing! I feel like I am already failing at being a mother. I don’t know how you have managed to do this with 3 kids all these years.” She said frustrated.

          “They say it takes a village…” I said with a sweet smile. “You will always have my support, ALWAYS. Just head over to my house whenever your done.” I sniffed the air and scrunched my nose. “However, you are still here now so I will let you take care of the bomb that just went off in that diaper.” I passed her Mason and the diaper changing supplies.

          “You sound like Luke when he did this last night.” She laughed and went to her office.

          “You know seeing you with a baby out the window like that makes me want to try…” A deep husky voice said behind me. I jumped slightly at the closeness.

          “Well that ship will not be coming back to the port in this lifetime.” I laughed. “But I am always willing to practice.” I turned my head up to see Lex towering over me.       “Are you ready princess? All clear, he went straight out of town. There were 3 others we were following the last couple days, they jumped on his six. 1 more we were unsure of has left as well. If anyone stayed behind they are human and will be harder to track.

          “Almost, I offered to take Mason for a few hours so Sylvi can get somethings organized around here. You don’t mind right? I figured you were going to leave me at the house and do whatever you do when you’re not with me.” I shrugged trying to be understanding.

          “Actually, I think that is a great idea. If you ever want to know what I am doing, just ask. Rudolph will be meeting us back at your house in a few hours. I already planned on spending the day with you while Kilian is out of town, our god-son joining just makes it a party.” He said flashing his million-dollar smile.

          “Wait, who is Rudolph?” I questioned realizing the name didn’t ring a bell.

          “He is my brother, you know, from another mother?” He chuckled at his corny joke and continued. “He is my best friend; he has been doing some traveling for me lately so I could remain here as much as possible. There was an attack on his sister, her mate was killed protecting her. His sacrifice saved her, but she has been a mess. He is going to bring her back to the camp and we are going to try to give her some support.” He was not able to hide the worry in his words or his face.

          “How old is she?” I asked as the wheels in my head were beginning to turn.

          “I think she is around 35, she only had one child when she was around 17 and he joined the warriors 8 months ago.” Lex answered.

          “Hmmm, okay. I will figure something out at the house. There is no reason for her to stay at the camp, if we need to support her, she will do better at the house with everyone.” I stated not willing to budge.

          “Whatever you say princess.” He agreed before taking Mason from Sylvi.

           We arrived back at the house and settled in with Mason. I had a pack-n-play that I always kept on hand. I played while Lex struggled to get the sides to snap into place. After about 10 minutes giggling to myself while he cursed under his breath, I stood handing him Mason and snapping the sides into place before laying the mat down in the middle.

          “Whatever you have practice.” He grumbled setting Mason down for his nap.

          “It took me all 3 kids to be able to do that, I have put the time in.” I smiled at him as I collapsed into his lap on the couch.

          He tilted my head up to press his lips to mine. I grabbed the back of his head pulling him into a deeper kiss. He lifted me by my hips and set me down straddling him. My hands were searching for the bottom of his shirt when the doorbell rang.

          “Don’t make any noises they will go away.” I said moving my lips to his neck tugging his shirt upward.

          “Princess…” he protested before pushing his lips to mine again.

          “I am not against kicking the door down while you two do it on the couch!” The voice yelled from the door.

          I jumped up blushing and completely flustered. I had no idea whose voice that was or why they just threatened to kick down the door. I instinctively stepped in between the door and Mason.

          “Careful man, she’s got a sleeping baby in here, not to mention she could probably kill you before you even make contact with the door again.” Lex was saying as he opened the door.

          “Apologies princess,” The voice said stepping inside, “I just needed to give this man a hard time.” He grabbed Lex’s shoulder and shook him a little.

          Lex grabbed the man’s shoulder. He was bigger than Lex. He must be almost 7 foot tall. He was extremely muscular with sandy brown hair and green eyes. He had a dark green button up shirt on with kaki cargo pants. His boots reminded me of tactical wear more than comfort.

          “My name is Randolph. I have been cursed with this one as a best friend for most of my life.” He said motioning his thumb in Lex’s direction.

         

“Astrid, nice to meet you finally.” I said with a warm smile. “Can you do me a favor and reach up to grab that light bulb quick? Sorry I am strange but your right there and it went out last night.” I laughed.

          “I know I am tall; I get comments all the time.” He smiled and stepped forward.

          “No, I am actually serious.” I said with a smile. “Anyone else would need the step stool because of the high ceiling, but you should be able to reach!” I said excitedly.

          “Sorry man, she is a strange one.” Lex laughed walking towards the kitchen. “Do you both want coffee? Or are you more in a tea mood princess?”

          “Tea please, I am tense enough right now.” I chirped following him with the light bulb in my hand. 

“Weren’t there supposed to be two of you arriving today?” I directed my question towards Randolph.

          “Yes, my sister wanted to go for a quick run, it was a drive. She will be here soon; I will make sure there is a tea ready for her too.” He replied.

          As we were sitting down in the living room there was a knock on the door. Randolph motioned for me to stay seated and he went to show his sister in.

          “Thank you for understanding I needed to stretch my legs.” She said reaching her arm out to shake mine. “My name is Florence, but you can call me Flo. I know my parents were horrible to me.” She smiled taking my arm into hers. She had long black hair that reminded me of dark water under the new moon sky. Her eyes were a stunning blue that caused me to stare for a moment. Her beautiful tan skin made me think of the Amazon women in the movies. She was taller than I was about 5’8 and extremely fit. I admired her hourglass shape and the way she carried herself. She is a strong woman.

          “Not a problem, Astrid.” I shook her hand. “Welcome to my home, it seems to be getting a little busy these days, but anything here is yours if you need it. We can give you the tour in a little bit, but the bathroom is down that way.” I pointed down the hall.    

          “On that note I will be right back.” She said excusing herself. I could tell that we would become great friends. I thought about the details of her life that Lex shared with me. I hope she gets a chance to be happy, it would be a waste for such a good person to have a hard life all for nothing.